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NIAAA Director's
Report on Institute Activities September 14, 2000 Contents
The House and Senate are re-convening on September 5th and 6th, 2000. As of September 5th the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and other Related Agencies FY 2001 conference levels had not been resolved therefore a conference report has not been filed. The discretionary spending caps are again one of the primary hurdles facing the appropriations committee -- they must be lifted to support the President's requests and any funding above that request. The NIH more than likely will be working under a continuing resolution (CR) through the first few weeks of the fiscal year. A CR usually funds the Institutes at the prior year's budget level until Congress establishes the current year budget levels. New items added to the Website include:
Dr. Joanne Fertig, NIAAA Division of Clinical and Prevention Research, has been working on the planning committee for a Trans-NIH/HHS workshop entitled, "The Science of the Placebo: Toward an Interdisciplinary Research Agenda." The meeting, which will be held in the Natcher Conference Center on the NIH Campus November 19-21, 2000, will bring together researchers from a wide range of disciplines to examine the biological, behavioral, social, cultural, and ethical aspects related to the placebo effect. Perspectives on the necessity for including a placebo in randomized clinical trials also will be examined. To provide a scholarly assessment of the state-of-the-art, biologists, behavioral and social scientists, epidemiologists, and biostatisticians have been commissioned to write background papers. Manuscripts will be provided to workshop participants in advance of the meeting and will be summarized in plenary sessions to be held on the first one and one-half days of the meeting. Topics covered at the meeting will include: Definition and History of the Field, Biological Aspects, Behavioral Aspects, Social/Cultural Aspects, Ethical Aspects, Statistical and Regulatory Issues Related to Use of the Placebo in Clinical Trials. These presentations will serve as the basis for discussions in breakout sessions scheduled for the final day of the meeting. In these smaller meetings, participants will develop recommendations for a future interdisciplinary research agenda. Information regarding the meeting, the agenda, and registration forms is posted at http://placebo.nih.gov or may be obtained by contacting Maria Smith at TASCON, Inc. at placebo@tascon.com or 301/315-9000.
Background Dr. Gordis decided it was time to review the current Institute structure and current assigned functions and responsibilities in view of the following major events since the last Institute reorganization in 1986 (in ADAMHA) which established the Division of Clinical and Prevention Research (DCPR):
Organizational Study Approach The Organizational Study was defined into two areas-Organizational Issues and Program Issues -as outlined below: Organizational Issues
Program Issues
Summary of Major Organizational Changes Significant Organizational Changes
Other Organizational Changes In addition to the above significant organizational changes, a number of changes in functions and/or responsibilities will be occurring which are summarized below: Certificates of Confidentiality This function is being reassigned from the Division of Biometry and Epidemiology (DBE) to the OSA in order to avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest by retaining the function in an extramural grant awarding Division. Over the last two years, the volume of requests for Certificates has nearly doubled. Further, consistent with growing public and scientific attention to human subjects concerns the complexity of the review process has sharply increased. Only about half of NIAAA grantees whose research involves human subjects currently seek a Certificate. As alcohol research increasingly involves longitudinal designs, collection of biological samples which permit genotyping, and linkage of publicly available data bases with information gathered directly from research subjects (e.g., on alcohol consumption and psychiatric symptoms), NIAAA's interest in proactively encouraging investigators to seek a Certificate will increase as well creating a further increase in work volume in this area. Development of Grant Pay Plans This function is being assigned from the Office of Scientific Affairs to the Planning and Financial Management Branch (PFMB) of the Office of Planning and Resource Management (OPRM) because of potential "check and balance" concerns by having both the grant review process and the grant award selection process in the same office. Pending Issues Several other organizational issues are still pending. Council will be informed as decisions on these issues are made. Monograph
on Research Perspectives on Alcohol Craving Emanating from the NIAAA-funded workshop on "Treatment and Alcohol Craving: Expanding the Paradigm," held in October 1997, is a monograph that comprises 18 review articles on alcohol craving, most of which represent updates of papers presented at the workshop and a few of which are invited articles. The monograph has been published as Supplement 2 to the Volume 95, August 2000 issue of Addiction. The Supplement's Guest Editors are D. Colin Drummond, M.D. (St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London), and NIAAA's Cherry Lowman, Ph.D. Raye Z. Litten, Ph.D. (Division of Clinical and Prevention Research) and Walter A. Hunt, Ph.D. (Division of Basic Research). The supplement has three major objectives. The first objective is to familiarize readers with the variety of theoretical models, drawn from both animal and human research, that are relevant to craving and the definitions of craving generated by them. These include phenomenological models, classical and operant conditioning models, the incentive-sensitization theory, a tonic-phasic model of dopamine system regulation, cognitive social learning theory and the cognitive processing theory of craving. The second objective of the supplement is to provide methodological critiques to guide development of more reliable and valid measurement of craving, both verbal and non-verbal. The final objective is to provide a broad overview of models that may be useful in the construction of transdisciplinary models of alcohol craving that may better elucidate its role in the complex biobehavioral process known as addiction.
During the development of the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's national plan for health services research, crucial gaps were identified in our knowledge about the needs of women with alcohol problems. In order to begin to address these gaps, NIAAA appointed a panel of experts in 1998 to evaluate the existing literature on alcohol problems in women as well as the available information on "gender specific" or "gender sensitive" treatments for these women. Panelists included experts on issues related to women's access to care, the impact of changes in public funding on treatment for women, sub-populations of women that are particularly vulnerable to alcohol abuse, and problems experienced by alcohol abusing women. The work of the panel included a set of commissioned papers and formal critiques by discussants. These papers comprise a special section in the August issue of the journal: Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. The introductory paper for this special section was written by Wendy B. Smith, Ph.D. of NIAAA and Constance Weisner, DPH (Smith, W. and Weisner, C. "Women and Alcohol Problems: A Critical Analysis of the Literature and Unanswered Questions," Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, in press). The June 2000 issue of Frontlines, the Health Services Research newsletter published by NIAAA in conjunction with the Association for Health Services Research, also focused on alcohol problems in women and the importance of gender-specific research. This issue included articles by some of the same authors who participated in the expert panel on women noted above and who authored articles for the special section in the Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. The commentary and overview on alcohol problems in women, "Alcohol Problems in Women: Making the Case for Gender-Specific Research" was written by Wendy B. Smith, Ph.D. of NIAAA and Constance Weisner, DPH.
To address the complex issue of alcohol abuse among college students in a comprehensive, scientific manner, NIAAA's National Advisory Council created a Subcommittee on College Drinking in February 1998. Comprised of college presidents and alcohol researchers, the Subcommittee provides expertise and guidance to NIAAA based upon this unique dialogue among the administrators and scientists. The Subcommittee is co-chaired by Rev. Edward A. Malloy, President of the University of Notre Dame and Dr. Mark Goldman, Distinguished Research Professor, University of South Florida. Subcommittee activities are coordinated by Stephen Long, Fred Donodeo, Vivian Faden, and Gayle Boyd. The long-term goal of the Subcommittee is to advise NIAAA on research gaps that need to be explored in order to improve campus prevention and treatment programs. A short-term goal is to provide college presidents and researchers with reliable information on the overall quality and effectiveness of current interventions. The final Subcommittee report will be presented to the National Advisory Council at the February 2001 meeting and, ultimately, to Dr. Gordis. Recent activities in support of the Subcommittee have focused on setting up an infrastructure to share information about the Subcommittee with our colleagues and the public. This infrastructure includes developing a dedicated section of the NIAAA Website for the college issue and organizing periodic meetings of key personnel in various federal agencies concerned with the college drinking issue to provide updates to ensure that we all remain well-informed and avoid duplicative efforts. For more details concerning the Subcommittee on College Drinking, please see the February Director's Report at http://silk.nih.gov/silk/niaaa1/about/dirept2-00.htm.
Since the June Council meeting, Ms. Judy O'Bannon, the First Lady of Indiana, has joined the initiative, bringing the total number of participating Governors' spouses to 28. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (the initiative's primary co-funder with NIAAA) has officially agreed to continue its support with funding of $3 million for Phase II. The Justice Department's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has become a partner, with funding of $1.1 million over the next three years. It has already provided a link on its Website to the initiative's statistics booklet, "How Does Alcohol Affect the World of a Child?" on the NIAAA Website. Discussions are underway with Mr. Roger Hartman, Ex Officio Coucil member for the Department of Defense, to determine what involvement in the initiative might be appropriate for the Department of Defense. The Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is also considering some type of participation. During the transition period between Phase I, which ended in June, and Phase II, which will begin in October, activities to strengthen the alliance among the Governors' spouses and advance the goals of the "Leadership" initiative are continuing. Two regional meetings of Governors' spouses will be held in September to broaden their understanding of the scientific and environmental issues surrounding the impact of alcohol on children. The first meeting will be hosted by Vicky Cayetano, First Lady of Hawaii, on September 19-20 in San Francisco. The second meeting, to be hosted by Hope Taft, First Lady of Ohio and one of four Co-Chairs of the Leadership Committee of Governors' Spouses, will be held on September 27-28 in Columbus, Ohio. In the meantime, several Governors' spouses have been elevating the issue of youth alcohol use both nationally and within their states. Michele Ridge, First Lady of Pennsylvania and one of the initiative's co-chairs, will make a brief videotaped introduction for OJJDP's quarterly satellite teleconference which will focus on underage drinking. The teleconference will to be held on September 22. On October 11, Mrs. Ridge will discuss NIAAA's leadership in developing the initiative at this year's meeting of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. This group is convened annually by the Attorney General and includes the secretaries of Health and Human Services, Labor, Education, Housing and Urban Development, Defense, Transportation, and Agriculture, as well as the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service. We are very pleased to have this opportunity to showcase the project at the highest levels of the Federal government. Participating spouses are also writing op-ed pieces for their state newspapers, creating public service announcements, and convening directors of state agencies to enhance state-wide coordination of alcohol prevention and treatment services. Director NIH Budget Retreat NIAAA Director Enoch Gordis, M.D. participated, in an NIH "2000 Budget Retreat, June15-16. The retreat, which involved NIH Senior Staff and Institute and Center Directors, is held annually to focus on science and other issues in preparation for presenting the FY 2000 NIH budget. During this year's retreat, participants focused on topics including the NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan; stem cell application to human disease; the President's initiative on vaccines; genetic modifiers of single gene disorders; global diseases research program; youth violence, presented jointly by Drs. Hyman (NIMH), Gordis, and Leshner (NIDA); and neurodegeneration. Deputy Director 43rd ICAA International Institute on the Prevention and Treatment of Dependencies Institute Deputy Director, Mary C. Dufour, M.D., M.P.H. represented NIAAA at the 43rd ICAA International Institute on the Prevention and Treatment of Dependencies held September 3-7 in Bahrain. This year's meeting focused on both the objective review of existing demand reduction programs and on future planning of world-wide demand reduction activities. Demand reduction includes prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation as an integral part of a balanced strategy to contain, combat, and curtail the harmful effects of addictions. Scientific Advisor NIH Workshop on Essential Fats in Foods W.E.M. Lands co-chaired the NIH workshop on "Essential Fats in Foods" to discuss essential fatty acids and eicosanoids in human health and the impact of voluntary food choices. Also featured was an interactive computer-aided personal food choice software program that combines complex biomedical information on essential fats and eicosanoids and interprets and displays it in terms of personal food choice decisions understandable by the general public. The workshop lecture videocasts and the interactive software are accessible at the URL: http://intramural.niaaa.nih.gov/eicosanoids/. Publications W.E.M. Lands, Peptide signaling paths related to intoxication, memory, and addiction. Addiction Biology 2000; 5: 245-260. W.E.M. Lands, Stories about acyl chains. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 2000; 1483: 1-15. W.E.M.Lands, Alcohol: The balancing act. In "Primary and Secondary Preventive Nutrition" (eds. A. Bendich and R. Deckelbaum), 2000, Humana Press, New York. The mission of the Office of Collaborative Research Activities (OCRA) is to: foster collaboration activities with other NIH Institutes, governmental agencies, and other organizations interested in alcohol research; provide momentum and guidance to projects in collaboration with appropriate program administrators or subject matter experts in other NIAAA offices or divisions; coordinate and administer collaborative international research programs and scientific exchanges; and develop and coordinate science education projects and initiatives. Domestic Collaborative Research Activities Interagency Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - An Update Currently, the Interagency Coordinating Committee (ICC FAS) on FAS convened by the NIAAA consists of representatives from ten government organizations, agencies, and Institutes. Three cabinet departments are represented: Health and Human Services, Education and Justice. Dr. Diedra Roach, a new Medical Officer with OCRA, is working with member organizations to develop a five year strategic plan. The group will meet in Executive Session in late September to review progress and the develop realistic action items. NIH Birth Defects and Teratology Interest Group The Birth Defects and Teratology Special Interest Group was honored by the selection of its nominee, Christine E. Seidman, M.D., a 1999 American Heart Association Basic Research Prize Recipient, as one of the chosen speakers for the prestigious NIH Wednesday Afternoon Lecture. Dr. Seidman is Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Physician and Director, Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston. She is recognized for her ingenious applications of molecular genetics to elucidate the genetic basis for cardiomyopathies and congenital cardiac malformations. Dr. Seidman's presentation, "Gene Mutations that Model the Heart, is scheduled for December 20, 2000, 3 PM. On January 18, Dr. Michael Charness, and NIAAA grantee, will discuss his research on alcohol's teratogenic effects on cellular adhesion molecules, which are important in the fetal central nervous system development. Presentation on FAS to Medical Students For a second year the OCRA staff presented a session for Georgetown University medical students at the invitation of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS). The session included presentations by Dr. Megan Adamson on NIAAA-supported research, Ms. Dorothea DeZafra on the instructional booklets for prenatal and pediatric health care professionals on FAS, and Ms. Peggy Murray on the medical student curriculum that she and Dr. Michael Fleming have developed for instructional use in international and national medical school education. NOFAS invited these speakers to present again next year. Collaborative Curriculum Development Project with the NIH Office of Science Education for Middle Schools--An Update The NIAAA proposal to develop a science education project is one of nine funded to date in the NIH Curriculum Supplement Series. The first three supplements are all designed for the high school level, are published and available. Information about the series is online at http://science-education.nih.gov/ supplements. Products resulting from the third development cycle, which includes the NIAAA supplement, will be available in 2001. Overall objectives for the series include promoting the visibility and missions of the NIH and respective Institutes, improving the quality of science teaching nationwide, deepening students' understanding of the importance of research to advances in medicine and health, and providing students with grade-appropriate opportunities to learn and apply inquiry and critical-thinking skills to discover solutions to a wide range of problems. The NIAAA supplement, titled "Understanding Alcohol: Separating Fact from Fiction", will be designed for grades seven and eight, with adaptation potential for grades six and nine. Instruction will be centered around a print component, with an Internet component serving as a rich interactive element of the instructional experience. The supplements are distributed free of charge, but, because teachers have a crowded syllabus, the supplements must integrate well into required science education coursework while focusing on unique features: i.e., medical topics relevant to students' lives, and inquiry-based instruction. A recent planning workshop brought together three scientific advisors, a consulting curriculum specialist, a seventh-grade master teacher, and staff from OSE, NIAAA, and an experienced education contractor to develop a logical sequence of five class periods and to outline the scientific and pedagogic content of each.. Dorothea De Zafra, NIAAA Science Education Program Coordinator, provides leadership to this project. The three alcohol research science advisors who are participating in the development of the curriculum materials were all very enthusiastic and proposed leadership roles for themselves, the Alcohol Research Centers, and the Research Society on Alcoholism in teacher-training and implementation promotion when the curriculum supplement is ready for release. The three advisors are: Dr. Gene Erwin, the University of Colorado Alcohol Research Center; Dr. Robert Zucker, Director, University of Michigan Alcohol Research Center, and Dr. Robert Voas , The Pacific Research Institute. International Research and Training Program Research Society on Alcoholism Presentations
ISBRA NIAAA supported an international symposium on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome at the biannual meeting of the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism (ISBRA) held in Yokohama, Japan. The symposium featured presenters from FAS studies in South Africa, Russia, Japan, and Germany. The panel was co-chaired by Drs. Faye Calhoun and Kenneth Warren. Japan NIAAA, together with the Japanese National Institute of Alcoholism, ISBRA, the University of Connecticut School of Medicine , and Kaio University School of Medicine, hosted a one-day workshop in Yokohama, Japan in July. The meeting, "Towards a Comprehensive Approach to International Alcohol Research: Design and Dissemination Issues," was attended by 80 junior to mid-level Japanese investigators who wanted to improve skills in alcohol epidemiology research. In addition, an afternoon interactive session focused on strategies for improving acceptance rates for research articles submitted to English journals. Taiwan Drs. Faye Calhoun and Kenneth Warren chaired scientific sessions at the international symposium, "Recent Advances in Biomedical Research on Alcoholism: Genetics, Neurobiology, Behavior and Disease" which was held in Taipei in July. This symposium was by the Taiwanese National Health Research Institutes and the National Science Council. Collaborations with Outside Organizations NIAAA maintains a broad range of formal and informal collaborative activities and contacts between the Institute and its constituent organizations. Informal collaborations includes regular information sharing with the over 400 outside groups which comprise the liaison representatives to the National Advisory Council and informal meetings between liaison representatives and NIAAA Director Enoch Gordis following the adjournment of Council meetings. In addition to liaison activities NIAAA maintains a program of specific, formal collaborations with outside groups. Collaborative activities are described below. Symposium: Alcohol Use And Mental Disorders: A Behavioral Science Perspective Continuing a long-standing tradition, OPLPL once again arranged a one-day symposium in conjunction with the national conference of the American Psychological Society (APS). This year's symposium, entitled, "Alcohol Use and Mental Disorders: A Behavioral Science Perspective," was developed and moderated by Dr. Ken Sher. Participants found the information to be very informative and Dr. Sher is currently preparing a summary article for the APS newsletter, The Observer. Selected Upcoming Activities In FY 2001
Research-to-Practice Activities New York Collaboration, Phase II NIAAA continues its work with the New York State Office of Substance Abuse Services, the Association of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York, and CSAT on moving ahead on Phase II of this project - the Researcher in Residence Program. Dr. Mike Hilton of DCPR has the programmatic lead on this project, and has been working with the programs and researchers as they have developed and implemented their specific efforts. Dr. Hilton has visited all of the sites and has written a report summarizing the project overall and how successfully each program was able to implement its chosen "intervention." North Carolina Collaboration, Phase II As with the New York State project, NIAAA and CSAT are moving ahead, in conjunction with our North Carolina colleagues, to Phase II of the research to practice effort. Discussions are underway to determine the exact nature of the Phase II activities, and expectations are that a process similar to that underway in New York will be implemented in North Carolina. Activities for the balance of FY 2001 will be detailed in the February 2001 Director's Report. Council Subcommittee Treatment Portfolio Report The Report of the NIAAA Council Subcommittee for the Review of the Treatment Portfolio was accepted by Council at its June 2000 meeting and is now available online at http://silk.nih.gov/silk/niaaa1/ grants/treatmentrpt.htm Extramural Project Review Branch
The remaining 87 applications were not responding to any special initiatives and were reviewed in the Institute's standing review committees.
The outcome of these evaluations will be presented at the February 2001 Council meeting: Scientific Communications Branch Alcohol Research & Health The AR&H issue focusing on highlights from the 10th Special Report to the U.S. Congress on Alcohol and Health has been sent to the printers. Work continues on issues focusing on animal models in the study of alcohol problems, alcohol and tobacco, alcohol and violence, and chronobiology. In addition, concept papers are being developed on FAS and alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders and on alcohol and prevention. The full text of all AR&H issues dating back to 1996 are now available on NIAAA's web site and can be accessed at http://www.niaaa.nih.gov.
Alcohol Alert The issue of Alcohol Alert "From Genes to Geography-The Cutting Edge of Alcohol Research" has been sent to the printers. Work has begun on the next issue which will be an update on treatment research.
Report to Congress on Alcohol and Health Since the last Council meeting, the 30-page subject index of the Tenth Special Report to the U. S. Congress on Alcohol and Health was completed. Secretary Shalala approved the Report on June 22 and submitted the Report to Congress. Full text of the Report is available on NIAAA's web site. Hard copies also are being printed. Other Publications
Public Service Announcements NIAAA in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is developing two television and two radio public service announcements on underage drinking. Materials to be used in the focus groups have been developed. Eight focus groups will be held during September in Phoenix, Arizona; Baltimore, Maryland; and Minneapolis, Minnesota. SAMHSA has provided additional funds to develop collateral materials including posters and print ads. Public Education Campaign on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Campaign messages and "taglines" for posters, public service announcements, and transit displays are being tested. These materials will be used in this public education campaign targeting African-American women of childbearing age in Washington, DC. Plans are to launch the campaign during Spring 2001. As part of the campaign, we will be conducting pre- and post-surveys. An OMB package including the justification for collecting the data and the instrument was prepared and submitted to NIH to be forwarded to OMB. Media Activities Since the last Council meeting, NIAAA has issued the following three news advisories:
Neuroscience Initiative on Alcoholism Drs. Antonio Noronha, Ellen Witt, Robert Karp, and Walter Hunt are developing an "Integrative Neuroscience Initiative on Alcoholism" (INIA). The purpose of the INIA is to integrate molecular, cellular, neurocircuitry, neural network, and whole-animal levels of analysis to study various aspects of neuroadaptive responses to excessive alcohol consumption. The ultimate goal is to foster development of highly integrated, multi-investigator teams pursuing focused, hypothesis-driven research related to the neuroadaptive changes that occur with repeated alcohol exposure. INIA will provide the opportunity for collaboration between prominent scientists in the alcohol field and prominent investigators from other fields, resulting in the application of new ideas and technology to the study of neuroadaptation to alcohol. Workshops "Cognitive Rehabilitation in Chronic Alcoholics and Children at Risk" Drs. Ellen Witt, Antonio Noronha, Michael Eckardt, and Herbert Weingartner are co-organizing a workshop titled to be held October 19-20, 2000 at the Georgetown Holiday Inn, Washington, D.C. Experts from the alcohol field, cognitive/developmental neuroscientists, and clinical neuropsychologists/neurologists with expertise in assessment and remediation of a variety of neurobehavioral disorders will discuss whether current theories in cognitive neuroscience can be applied to remediating the cognitive deficits in alcoholic patients and in children who are at high risk for developing alcoholism. Robert W. Karp, Ph.D., Program Director for Genetics, is organizing a Workshop on to be held in the Rockville/Bethesda area on November 30 - December 1, 2000. The workshop will bring together about 20 of NIAAA's QTL-mapping researchers with experts who have identified QTL influencing such complex traits as diabetes and lung tumor susceptibility in mice, brain nucleus neuron number in mice, sensory bristle number in Drosophila, and fruit quality in tomatoes, to deliberate strategies for molecular identification of QTL influencing alcohol-related behavioral traits. Staff Activities
Publications Lowman, C., Hunt, W.A., Litten, R.Z. & Drummond, C.D. (2000) Research Perspectives on Alcohol Craving: An Overview. Addiction 95 (Supplement 2), S45-S54. Drummond, D. Colin, Litten, R.Z., Lowman, C. & Hunt, W.A. (2000) Craving Research: Future Directions. Addiction 95 (Supplement 2) S247-S255. Isaki L, Kresina TF. Directions for Biomedical Research in Alcohol and HIV: Where Are We Now and Where Can We Go? AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2000 Sep;16(13):1197-1207. Annual AEDS Data Directory The AEDS Data Directory has been updated for the year 2000. It will be available in the near future on NIAAA's Website. Abstracts The following abstracts were accepted by the American Public Health Association (APHA) for presentation on the APHA conference in November: Saadatmand, F. and Faden, V.B. Effects of dose-response during pregnancy and birth outcomes. Hanna, E.Z.; Dufour, M.C.; Yi, H.; and Whitmore, C.C. Drinking, health and health-related behaviors among youth aged 12-16: Findings from the NHANES III. Yi, H.; Stinson, F.S.; Hanna, E.Z.; and Whitmore, C.C. Work schedule and alcohol use disorder. Whitmore, C.C.; Hanna, E.Z.; Yi, H.; and Dufour, M.C. An examination of alcohol consumption at diverse states of union formation: Findings from the NLAES 92. Office of the Director Presentations
Publications Allen, J.P., Litten, R.Z., Fertig, J.B. & Sillanaukee, P. (2000). Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase and Macrocytic Volume as Biomarkers of Alcohol Problems in Women. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 24(4), 492-496. Treatment Research Branch Presentations
Publications Lowman, C., Hunt, W.A., Litten, R.Z. & Drummond, C.D. (2000) Research Perspectives on Alcohol Craving: An Overview. Addiction 95 (Supplement 2), S45-S54. Drummond, D. Colin, Litten, R.Z., Lowman, C. & Hunt, W.A. (2000) Craving Research: Future Directions. Addiction 95 (Supplement 2) S247-S255. Prevention Research Branch Minority-focused Technical Assistance
Collaborative Funding of Grants The NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research (OBSSR) selected two PRB grants for collaborative funding: "Sexual Assault Perpetration: Misperception and Alcohol" (R01 AA11996-03, Antonia Abbey, PI) received $50,000 in direct costs, $74,500 in total costs); and "NYS Family Study: Problem Alcohol Use and Problem Behavior" (R01 AA11949-01, Delbert Elliott, PI,) received $150,000 for its innovative study on violence. Workshop on the Prevention of Alcohol Problems Among College Students On July 17-18, Dr. Boyd chaired a working group of NIAAA grantees who are conducting research on the prevention of alcohol problems among college students. The meeting was held in Washington, D.C., and was attended by representatives from 17 NIAAA-supported research projects on college drinking. These included the five projects funded under the 1999 RFA on this topic, which was issued jointly with the Department of Education and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. The meeting provided an opportunity for investigators to share research designs, data and methodologies, exchange measurement instruments, and discuss both theoretical and practical issues in prevention research among college populations. Support for this working group was provided by the Safe and Drug Free Schools Program at the Department of Education. Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences Beginning in FY 2001, Dr. Jan Howard will be managing a new contract that helps support a special prevention initiative at the, a free-standing "think tank" located in Stanford California, near Stanford University. A small select group of fellows will spend up to 12 months at the Center exploring the causes, consequences, and prevention of youth behavioral problems associated with drug, tobacco, and alcohol abuse. This effort is also being supported by other NIH Institutes and Offices (NIDA, NCI, the Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research, and the Office of AIDS Research) as well as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Liaison Activities
Presentations
Health Services Research Branch Grantee Presentations The Health Services Research Branch hosted presentations at NIAAA from two of our grantees:
Staff Activities Dr. Harold I. Perl served on the faculty of the NIH Regional Seminar on Grants Administration on July 13 and 14 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, making presentations in the areas of, Research Project Monitoring, Research Administration for Faculty, and Developing Institute Program Research Initiatives. Presentations
Significant Events New Laboratory Established As a result of Dr. Kunos' appointment as Scientific Director, NIAAA, a new Laboratory of Physiologic Studies has been established. The new Laboratory will comprise two Sections: Neuroendocrinology with Dr. Kunos as Chief; and Liver Biology with Dr. Bin Gao as Acting Chief. Other appointments associated with the new laboratory are listed under Staffing Update below. New CRADA On 27 July 2000, a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) was established between the Section of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, LMBB, and Martek Biosciences to develop inexpensive 30-40 percent deuterium-labeled DHA, with a chemical purity of 50-98 percent, in quantities of 10-100g. The product will be used for in vivo biochemical studies of polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism and biophysical investigations of the interaction of DHA-containing lipids with neural receptor proteins. Synthesis of partially deuterated DHA, using dinoflagellate cultures grown in deuterated water, will be conducted in Martek's aerated fomenters. Efficient strategies of DHA enrichment will be developed. NIH Summer Research Program Sixty-three percent (12 of 19) of DICBR's Summer Interns in Biomedical Research participated in the NIH Summer Research Program Poster Day held on 3 August 2000. The annual event is a valuable training ground where students showcase their research and learn to effectively communicate findings to peers and the scientific community at-large. We are proud of these young scientists' accomplishments and have included a list of their presentations below. DICBR-Sponsored Seminars
Staff Activities August 3 - NIH Summer Research Program Poster Day
Laboratory of Clinical Studies
Laboratory of Neurogenetics
Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics
Other Presentations Made or Meetings Attended
Articles/Reviews Burgdorf J, Knutson B, Panksepp J: Anticipation of rewarding electrical brain stimulation evokes ultrasonic vocalization in rats. Behavioral Neuroscience 2000;114(2):320-7 Cascante M, Centelles JJ, Veech RL, Lee WNP, Boros LG: Role of thiamin (vitamin B-1) and transketolase in tumor cell proliferation. Nutrition And Cancer-An International Journal 2000;36(2):150-4 (Review) Fahlke C, Lorenz JG, Long J, Champoux M, Suomi SJ, Higley JD: Rearing experiences and stress-induced plasma cortisol as early risk factors for excessive alcohol consumption in nonhuman primates. Alcoholism-Clinical & Experimental Research 2000;24(5):644-50 George DT, Hibbeln JR, Ragan PW, Umhau JC, Phillips MJ, Doty L, Hommer D, Rawlings RR: Lactate-induced rage and panic in a select group of subjects who perpetrate acts of domestic violence. Biological Psychiatry 2000;47(9):804-12 Habib KE, Weld KP, Rice KC, Pushkas J, Champoux M, Listwak S, Webster EL, Atkinson AJ, Schulkin J, Contoreggi C, Chrousos GP, McCann SM, Suomi SJ, Higley JD, Gold PW: Oral administration of a corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist significantly attenuates behavioral, neuroendocrine, and autonomic responses to stress in primates. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 2000;97(11):6079-84 Huster D, Arnold K, Gawrisch K: Strength of Ca2+ binding to retinal lipid membranes: Consequences for lipid organization. Biophysical Journal 2000;78(6):3011-8 Iwata N, Virkkunen M, Goldman D: Identification of a naturally occurring Pro385-Ser385 substitution in the GABA(A) receptor alpha 6 subunit gene in alcoholics and healthy volunteers. Molecular Psychiatry 2000;5(3): 316-9 Jeong KS, Song BJ, Keck-Waggoner CL, Huh CG, Popescu NC: Assignment of the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (Aldh2) to mouse chromosome 5 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Cytogenetics and Cell Genetics 2000;89(1-2):54-5 Kashiwaya Y, Takeshima T, Mori N, Nakashima K, Clarke K, Veech RL: D-beta-hydroxybutyrate protects neurons in models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. . Proceedings of the National Academy of Science USA 2000;97(10):5440-4 Kaye WH, Lilenfeld LR, Berrettini WH, Strober M, Devlin B, Klump KL, Goldman D, Bulik CM, Halmi KA, Fichter MM, Kaplan A, Woodside DB, Treasure J, Plotnicov KH, Polllice C, Rao R, McConaha CW: A search for susceptibility loci for anorexia nervosa: Methods and sample description. Biological Psychiatry 2000;47(9):794-803 Knutson B, Westdorp A, Kaiser E, Hommer D: fMRI visualization of brain activity during a monetary incentive delay task. Neuroimage 2000;12(1):20-7 Ryu SY, Jeong KS, Yoon WK, Park SJ, Kang BN, Kim SH, Park BK, Cho SW: Somatostatin and substance P induced in vivo by lipopolysaccharide and in peritoneal macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or interferon-gamma have differential effects on murine cytokine production. Neuroimmunomodulation 2000;8(1):25-30 Torrey EF, Miller J, Rawlings R, Yolken RH: Seasonal birth patterns of neurological disorders. Neuroepidemiology 2000;19(4):177-85 Vanakoski J, Mazzanti C, Naukkarinen H, Virkkunen M, Goldman D: An abundant proneurotensin polymorphism, 479A>G, and a test of its association with alcohol dependence in a Finnish population. Alcoholism-Clinical & Experimental Research 2000;24(6):762-5 Williams RC, Long JC, Hanson RL, Sievers ML, Knowler WC: Individual estimates of European genetic admixture associated with lower body-mass index, plasma glucose, and prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Pima Indians. American Journal of Human Genetics 2000;66(2):527-38 Published Abstracts Bae MA, Soh Y, Pie JE, Song BJ: Selective activation or the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase pathway during acetaminophen-induced apoptosis. FASEB J 2000;14(8):A1516 Catalan J, Moriguchi T, Slotnick B, et al: Cognitive deficits in rats with low brain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) assessed using olfaction. Pediatr Res 2000;47(4):285A (Part 2 Suppl. S) Gerald MS, Habib KE, Weld KP, et al: Effects of acute and chronic social stress on levels of CSF corticotropin-releasing hormone. Biol Psychiat 2000;47(8):71S (Suppl. S) Goldman D, Cravchik A: Genetic variation in dopamine and serotonin function. Biol Psychiat 2000;47(8):117S-8S (Suppl. S) Goldman D, Tsuang MT, Knowles JA, et al: Molecular genetics of substance abuse: Analyzing complex traits. Biol Psychiat 2000;47(8):56S-7S (Suppl. S) Higley JD, Bennett AJ, Heils A, et al: Early rearing & genotypic influences on CNS serotonin & behavior in nonhuman primates. BIOL PSYCHIAT 2000;47(8):11S (Suppl. S) Iwata N, Ozaki N, Inada T, et al: An association of a 5-HT5A receptor polymorphism, Pro15Ser, to Japanese schizophrenia. Biol Psychiat 2000;47(8):132S (Suppl. S) Malhotra AK, Goldman D: Reverse pharmacogenetics: A new approach to rapid relapse in schizophrenia? Biol Psychiat 2000;47(8):16S (Suppl. S) Roca CA, Harlow BL, Davis CL, et al: Role of polymorphisms in serotonin genes in PMDD. Biol Psychiat 2000;47(8):132S (Suppl. S) Uauy R, Rojas CV, Fuenzalida L, et al: Effect of n-3 fatty acid deficiency on peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor PPAR alpha and beta gene expression in rat liver brain and retina. Pediatr Res 2000;47(4):298A (Part 2 Suppl. S) Westergaard GC, Suomi SJ, Higley JD: CSF5-HIAA and aggression in primates: Species and interindividual differences. Biol Psychiat 2000;47(8):146S (Suppl. S) Wan J, Shoaf SE: Chlorzoxazone metabolism is increased in fasted Sprague-Dawley rats. FASEB J 2000;14(8):A1436
Office of the Director I am pleased to announce the promotion of NIAAA Deputy Director Mary C. Dufour, M.D., M.P.H. to the rank of Assistant Surgeon General (ASG) in the Commissioned Corps of the U. S. Public Health Service (PHS). Equivalent Navy ranks [Rear Admiral (lower half)] are often used when referring to Corps officers. The uniform of the Corps is identical to that of the Navy with the exception of the insignia. The Commissioned Corps of the PHS is an all officer organization comprised entirely of health professionals. As of March 2000, the active duty strength of the Corps was 5712 officers. The Corps is one of the seven Uniformed Services of the U.S., the others being the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The mission of the Corps is to provide highly trained and mobile health professionals who carry out programs to promote the health of the Nation. Admiral Dufour joined the PHS Commisioned Corps in 1985 as a Lieutenant Commander. During her tenure she has been very active in many Corps activities, including serving on numerous committees, and selection, promotion and medical boards. Office Of Collaborative Research Activities Diedra Roach, M.D. joins the Office of Collaborative Research Activities as a medical officer. Dr. Roach is an internist and was formerly Administrator of the Addiction Prevention and Recovery Administration of the District of Columbia. Office of Policy, Legislation, And Public Liaison Kelly Green Kahn, has joined the permanent OPLPL staff as a Program Analyst. Kelly has spent the last two years as a National Institutes of Health Presidential Management Intern (PMI), with rotations as a Minority Health Specialist at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a Program and Policy Analyst with NIAAA, a Congressional Fellow with Senator Dodd (D-CT), a Grants Management Specialist with the National Center for Research Resources, a Budget Analyst for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and a Legislative Analyst for the Assistant Secretary for Legislation, Department of Health and Human Services. Kelly received her Masters Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Rutgers University. Amy Matush joins OPLPL as an incoming PMI. Unlike some of our other PMI colleagues whom you have met over the past few years, Amy is "designated" to NIAAA. In other words, she is an NIAAA employee. Amy recently graduated from West Virginia University's School of Medicine with a MS in Community Health Education. She has spent the past year with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as part of a cooperative agreement between NHTSA and WVU. While at NHTSA Amy's two major projects were to develop a Community Action Kit entitled "Getting to School Safely" (to be released early September) and to plan and organize the "Bicycle Safety Conference 2000" (held July 2000). Office of Scientific Affairs Mary Westcott, Ph.D.has joined the Office of Scientific Affairs and will be participating in planning and evaluation activities. Dr. Westcott has a doctorate in sociology, with an emphasis in social psychology, mental health, and the family. She has worked in the substance abuse and mental health areas for more than 12 years. Her most recent appointment has been for eight years with the Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA; she has also worked at NIDA and the General Accounting Office. Division of Basic Research Dr. Roger Sorensen has been appointed as a "designated" PMI within the Division of Basic Research. Dr. Sorensen received a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Indiana University, Bloomington, and recently completed a MPA in Healthcare Management and Policy from Rutgers University, Camden, NJ. He has held post-doctoral positions at Texas Christian University, Ft. Worth and the University of Maryland at Baltimore (UMAB) and faculty positions at both UMAB and Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. Dr. Sorensen's scientific research interests include the structure and function of the nervous system. Specifically, Roger has pursued the molecular characterization of neuronal proteins including the identification, subcellular localization and biochemical characterization of Ca and cAMP-dependent protein kinases, and of ATPases, as well as characterization of the effects of phencyclidine (PCP), snake venom toxins (dendrotoxins) and ethanol, on neuronal and cardiac voltage-dependent K and Ca channels. During his PMI appointment, Dr. Sorensen will oversee primarily the neurophysiology research portfolio, including the effects of ethanol on ion channels and electrical conductances within the nervous system, and the identification of neural circuitries underlying neuroadaptation to alcohol. Division of Clinical and Prevention Research Harold I. Perl, Ph.D., an NIAAA employee since 1989, was appointed Chief of the Health Services Research Branch, Division of Clinical and Prevention Research, on August 28, 2000. Dr. Perl earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester in 1974 and his Masters and Doctoral degrees in Clinical/Community Psychology from the University of Maryland in 1981 and 1987 respectively. Dr. Perl is a licensed psychologist in the state of Maryland. While at NIAAA, Dr. Perl has focused his efforts on treatment effectiveness and outcomes research, brief interventions across diverse settings, alcohol problems among homeless persons, and alcohol services research methodology. Dr. Perl has recently organized and co-edited a special supplement to the journal Addiction on health services research methodology, co-authoring two of the articles in it. The supplement will be published in November 2000. Wendy B. Smith, Ph.D., Program Director, Research on Women and Special Populations, Division of Clinical and Prevention Research has left NIAAA to join the Office of the Director, National Cancer Institute. As Manager of the new Research Development and Support Program in the Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Dr. Smith will lead the development of the Clinical Trials Program in alternative medicine for the NCI. Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research Candidate Sought The Office of the Director, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research (DICBR), is seeking a candidate to "establish a multidisciplinary research program to assess the role of particular molecular targets of alcohol in the central nervous system in acute intoxication and alcohol seeking behavior." The successful candidate will become Chief of a new laboratory within the DICBR-the Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience. New Laboratory of Physiologic Studies Laboratory Appointments Section on Neuroendocrinology Sandor Batkai, M.D., was appointed as a Special Volunteer (6/01/00 - 5/31/01). Dr. Batkai received his M.D. (1994) from Semmelweis University of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary. In November 1999, Dr. Batkai joined the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, MCV/VCU as a post-doctoral associate conducting research in vascular biology under the mentorship of Dr. Kunos. During his Special Volunteer appointment within the DICBR, Dr. Batkai will continue to be sponsored by the MCV/VCU, supported under a Martin Rodbell Fellowship. His research will focus on the interaction of endogenous cannabinoids and ethanol on vascular tone. He will also continue to characterize a novel endothelial receptor that mediates the vasodilator action of the endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, and to explore the distribution of this receptor in the vascular bed of various organs. Section on Liver Biology Bin Gao, M.D., Ph.D., was appointed as an Investigator (Tenure-Track), effective 30 July 2000. Dr. Gao received his M.D. (1986) from the Wannan Medical College, China and his Ph.D. (1991) in Immunology from the Norman Bethume University of Medical Science, China. Prior to joining the NIAAA, he held a tenure-track post of Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, MCV/VCU, Richmond. In recognition of his contribution to the field, Dr. Gao was recently presented the Young Investigator Award of the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism. In his current appointment as Acting Chief, Section on Liver Biology, Dr. Gao plans to develop a state-of-the-art program that will enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of a wide variety of disorders caused by ethanol consumption, with particular emphasis on the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. This pathway has been implicated in a variety of cellular functions in the hematopoietic, immune, neuronal and hepatic systems. Ethanol inhibition of JAK-STAT activation may be a mechanism by which a wide variety of disorders are caused. Thus, this research could prove beneficial in the design of novel drugs with therapeutic potential. Feng Hong, M.D., was appointed as a Visiting Fellow (9/01/00 - 8/31/02). Dr. Hong received his M.D., (1998) from Shandong Medical University and his BA (1982) in Medicine from Jining Medical College, China. Between 1982-1992, he served as Chief Resident Physician and taught the undergraduate course "Digestive System Diseases" at the first teaching hospital of Jining Medical College in addition to conducting research on DNA/RNA detection, oncogenic virus, neoplastic gene diagnosis and therapy and Chinese herb inhibition growth of carcinoma cells. He served as a Post-doctoral Fellow (1998-99) at Vrije University, Belgium, prior to accepting a fellowship at MCV/VCU (1999), under the mentorship of Dr. Gao, on a project to identify the critical proinflammatory cytokines involved in alcoholic liver disease. During this appointment, Dr. Hong will continue to investigate and attempt to identify cytokines that control liver regeneration and protect against alcoholic liver injury. Won Ho Kim, Ph.D., was appointed as a Visiting Fellow (9/01/00 - 8/31/02). Dr. Kim received his Ph.D. (1999) and MS (1995) in Molecular Biology with a major concentration in Biochemistry from the University of Chung-Ang, Korea. He holds a BS (1990) in Biology from the National University of Kyung Sang. From 1990-99, Dr. Kim served as a Research Associate in the Department of Life Science, University of Chung-Aug, culminating with his thesis titled "Regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis induced by ceramide and naphthoquinone derivative in human hepatocarcinoma cells." The findings of research in which Dr. Kim participated are reported in seven publications, three of which he is the principal author. While with the DICBR, under the mentorship of Dr. Gao, Dr. Kim's post-doctoral training will focus on research that will explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in liver regeneration and their role as potential targets for alcohol-induced liver disease. Jie Liu, M.D., Ph.D., was appointed as a Visiting Fellow (8/01/00 - 7/31/02). Dr. Liu received her MD (1990) from Shandong Medical University and her PhD (1997) in Immunology from Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences where she served as Assistant Professor, Cancer Biotherapy Center from 1997-98. Prior to joining the DICBR, Dr. Liu was a Post-doctoral Fellow in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, MCV/VCU. During her current appointment, Dr. Liu will conduct research on the effects of ethanol and cannabinoids on vascular endothelial function. She will continue to investigate promising preliminary findings on the ability of ethanol to activate anti-apoptotic signaling in cultured vascular endothelial cells, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of moderate ethanol consumption in ischemic heart disease. Fushan Wang, Ph.D., was appointed as a Visiting Fellow (9/01/00 - 8/31/02). Dr. Wang received his DSc (1995) in Virology & Molecular Biology from the Institute of Virology, Wuhan University, and holds a MS (1988) and BS (1985) in Genetics from Sichuan University, PRC. Dr. Wang has held post-doctoral fellowships in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Beijing Medical University, the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania and most recently in the Department of Dermatology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia PA, where his research focused on adenovirus-mediated skin gene therapy. Under the mentorship of Dr. Gao, Dr. Wang's research will focus on critical cytokines in liver diseases, not only in an effort to understand the molecular mechanism involved in alcoholic liver diseases, but also to look for therapeutic potential in alcohol-related disorders. Lei Wang, M.D., was appointed as a part-time Research Fellow (Visiting Program) (8/16/00 - 8/15/01). Dr. Wang received his M.D. (1990) from Shandong Medical University, Jinan Shandong, PRC. He performed his residency (1990-95) in the Department of Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital where he later became Physician-in-Charge of the department (1995-98). Prior to joining the DICBR, Dr. Wang was a Post-doctoral Fellow in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, MCV/VCU, where he conducted research on the regulation of hypotension and food intake by cannabinoid receptor. Preliminary findings indicate that endocannabinoids in the hypothalamus are part of the leptin-regulated circuitry that controls food intake. During his current appointment, Dr. Wang will conduct studies in rats and mice to explore the role of endocannabinoids in the central neural control of food and ethanol intake. Other DICBR Term Appointments James M. Bjork, Ph.D., was appointed as a Post-Doctoral IRTA Fellow (7/31/00 - 7/30/02) in the Laboratory of Clinical Studies, Section on Brain Electrophysiology & Imaging. Dr. Bjork received his Ph.D. (1999) in Neurosciences from the University of Texas-Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS). He received his BA (Cum Laude) in Biology & Music from St. Olaf College, Northfield MN, in 1990. From 1994-99, Dr. Bjork served as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center. Prior to joining the LCS, Dr. Bjork served as a Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the Harris County Psychiatric Center, Houston. Honors received by Dr. Bjork include the Texas RSA John P. McGovern Award (1997), Special Commendation (1997) and Presidential Fellowship Award (1998) from the Presidential Scholar Review Committee of past & current GSBS faculty presidents, and the RSA Student Merit Award (1999). In addition to numerous meeting abstracts and presentations, Dr. Bjork's bibliography cites 18 published or in press articles, 7 on which he is the principal author. While with LCS, Dr. Bjork will receive training in the use of functional MR imaging. This will allow him to use the cognitive methods he has developed to study impulsive and aggressive behavior among adolescent alcoholics in an imaging setting. His goal will be to study the functional neuroanatomy of impulsive and risk taking behavior. Pascale V. Guillot, Ph.D., was appointed as a Visiting Fellow (6/05/00 - 6/04/02) in the Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Section of Human Neurogenetics. Dr. Guillot received her Ph.D. (1995) in Neuroscience from Sorbonne University, Paris. She also received a MA in Psychology (Psychophysiology specialty) and MSc in Neuroscience from the same institution in 1992. Dr. Guillot served as a Research Fellow in Genetics (1996-97) under the supervision of Dr. Mary Lyon, Harwell UK, where she worked on a project to map and characterize mouse mutants arising in mutagenesis experiments, particularly potential models of human diseases. From 1998-2000 she served first as a Research Fellow in Vascular Biology, Harvard Medical School, where she studied transcription regulation of endothelial cell-specific genes using in vitro approach and transgenic mice analysis, followed by an appointment in Immunology were her focus was to study the basis of type I diabetes autoimmune disease. While with LNG, Dr. Guillot will receive training in high throughput SNP detection and genotyping, statistical methods for mapping via linkage disequilibrium, and potentially in vitro functional analyses of candidate alleles. She will apply this training to follow-up studies on LNG's recently reported haplotype association of the Y-chromosome to antisocial behavior and alcoholism. She may also pursue parallel Y-chromosome gene/behavior studies using mouse and primate (rhesus macaque) genetic resources available within the laboratory. Sam Zakhari, Ph.D., Director, Division of Basic Research is the recipient of the 13th Annual Research Society on Alcoholism's Seixas Award for Service. Dr. Zakhari was presented with this prestigious award during the annual RSA meeting in Denver, Colorado, June 24-29. Dr. Norman Salem Jr., Chief, LMBB, and former Acting Scientific Director, NIAAA, was elected Vice-President of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) for the term March 2000 - 2003. ISSFAL is an international society of scientists, health professionals, administrators, educators and communicators from more than 40 countries, all with an interest in the health effects of dietary fats. Established in March 1991 by Alexander Leaf, M.D., Massachusetts General Hospital, the purpose of the Society is to increase understanding through research and education of the role of dietary fatty acids and lipids in health and disease. Jan Howard, Ph.D., Chief, Prevention Research Branch, Division of Clinical and Prevention Research, received a Lifetime Achievement Award on June 6, 2000, from the National Prevention Network (NPN). This award, which was announced at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD)and NPN, honors and recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions and provided exemplary service to the field of substance abuse prevention over their career. The award to Dr. Howard states that it is "For outstanding accomplishment in the field of substance abuse prevention research." Gayle Boyd, Ph.D., Prevention Research Branch, Division of Clinical and Prevention Research received an award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving "in appreciation for dedicated service as a member of MADD's College Commission addressing the impact of alcohol on America's College Campuses." The award was received in June 2000. |
Posted: October 19, 2000
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