Subject: 9/2l/90 NIH Guide
From: Dot Baker <[email-masked]>
To: [email-masked]
Date: Wed, 19 Sep 90 16:28 EST

Hi Again,
   Please post this to the NIH Listserver as:
      NIHGUIDE.092190
           Thanks.
                  Dottie
 ---------------------------- Text of forwarded message -----------------------
 
X-comment: NIH Guide (including TOC) contained 7 pages (560 lines)
X-comment: RFAs described:  AA-91-01, CA-90-21

 

 
NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 34, September 21, 1990

                   NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs AND RFAs)

COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH ON THE PREVENTION OF ALCOHOL-RELATED
PROBLEMS (RFA AA-91-01) ...........................(84/251, 564/1936)........ 1
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Office for Substance Abuse Prevention
Index:  ALCOHOL ABUSE, ALCOHOLISM, SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION

DIGITAL IMAGING OF CHEST X-RAY (RFA CA-90-21) .....(254/318, 1939/2235)...... 3
National Cancer Institute
Index:  CANCER

                        ONGOING PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF SKELETAL MUSCLE ASSEMBLY AND FUNCTION (PA-90-34) ....... 4
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Index:  ARTHRITIS, MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES, SKIN DISEASES   (324/484)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   NOTICES OF AVAILABILITY (RFPs AND RFAs)

COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH ON THE PREVENTION OF ALCOHOL-RELATED PROBLEMS
 
RFA AVAILABLE:  AA-91-01
 
P.T. 34; K.W. 0404003, 0745027, 0403004, 0404000
 
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Office for Substance Abuse Prevention
 
Application Receipt Date:  February 12, 1991
 
PURPOSE
 
The primary purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to encourage
long-term, controlled experimentation to test community-based intervention
programs for the prevention of alcohol-related problems.
 
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
 
The research envisioned will investigate prevention strategies applied to
entire communities as the basic units of analysis.  The prevention strategies
should be targeted at entire sectors of the community (e.g., automobile
drivers, pregnant women).
 
The chief interventions should be based on environmental factors such as:
 
  o  normative factors (e.g., standards of behavior, attitudes and
     beliefs regarding alcohol, mass media effects);
 
  o  legal elements (e.g., alcohol beverage control laws, laws regarding
     drunk driving, minimum purchase age laws, zoning);
 
  o  economic factors (e.g., pricing, factors that affect the cost of
     consumption).
 
The research may include interventions that are not considered environmental
(e.g., educational programs) to determine whether they interact with
environmental ones to enhance their own effectiveness or that of the
environmental factors.
 
The targeted outcomes of the interventions should be changes in the behaviors
that contribute to the existence of alcohol-related problems or changes in the
incidence or prevalence of the problems themselves.  Examples of the former
include the consumption of alcoholic beverages by pregnant women, binge
drinking, driving while intoxicated, and experimental drinking by young
people.  Examples of target problems are alcohol-related traffic crashes,
violence, and birth defects; morbidity and mortality from alcohol-caused
cirrhosis, some cancers, and alcohol dependency.  The target groups must
include youth and/or young adults, but need not be limited to these
populations.  Three distinct community-based research alternatives are
described below:
 
  1. Testing a prevention program implementing a combination of
     community-based interventions that are expected to have a
     substantial long-term effect.  The focus here is on the total
     effect of the interventions.  The application should provide a
     rationale for the selection of the interventions and an estimate of
     the magnitude of effects expected.
 
  2. Determining whether an integrated set of community-based
     interventions will have a joint effect different from the sum of
     the effects of the separate interventions.  It is important to know
     whether the interventions interfere with each other or act to
     enhance their separate effects.
 
  3. Determining the effect of community involvement in the planning and
     delivery of interventions on the effectiveness of the
     interventions.  Community involvement is regarded as an essential
     facilitator of program effects in community-based research.  The
     strategy here is to treat community involvement as an experimental
     variable in a controlled experimental design.
 
Applications that do not address at least one of these objectives will be
regarded as non-responsive and will be returned to the applicant.

           NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 34, September 21, 1990 - Page 1
METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES
 
Community-based intervention trials are field experiments testing particular
intervention strategies and, as such, have to satisfy criteria relating to
internal validity.  Applicants are urged to employ randomized assignment of
communities to interventions.  Where randomization is not feasible, the
research may employ quasi-experimental designs and time-series analyses as
alternatives.  Efforts should be made to select study communities that are
similar on cogent characteristics.
 
The research plan must include formative, procedural, and evaluative
components.
 
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
 
Applicants may request up to 5 years of support (renewable for subsequent
periods).  It is estimated that $2,000,000 will be available for two to three
research grant awards for the first year of funding, including direct and
indirect costs.  Awards will be made as soon as possible after the final
review in September of 1991.
 
ELIGIBILITY
 
Applications may be submitted by public or private nonprofit organizations
such as universities, colleges, research institutions and organizations,
hospitals, units of state or local governments, and eligible agencies of the
Federal Government.  Women and minority investigators are encouraged to apply.
 
REVIEW PROCEDURES
 
The Division of Research Grants, NIH, serves as the central point for receipt
of applications under this RFA.  Applications received will be assigned to the
Initial Review Group (IRG) in accordance with established Public Health
Service Referral Guidelines.  The IRG, primarily of non-Federal scientific and
technical experts will review applications for scientific and technical merit.
Notification of the review recommendations will be sent to the applicant after
the initial review.  Applications will receive a second-level review by the
National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the Advisory
Committee on Substance Abuse Prevention, where reviews may be based on policy
considerations as well as scientific considerations.  Only applications
recommended for approval by these bodies may be considered for funding.
 
Applications submitted in response to this announcement are not subject to the
intergovernmental requirements of Executive Order 12372, as implemented
through the Department of Health and Human Services regulations at 45 CFR Part
100, and are not subject to Health Systems Agency review.
 
INCLUSION OF MINORITIES IN STUDY POPULATIONS
 
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the Office
for Substance Abuse Prevention (OSAP) requires that applicants consider the
inclusion of minorities in study populations.  If minorities are not included
in a given study, a clear rationale for their exclusion should be provided.
 
INCLUSION OF WOMEN IN STUDY POPULATIONS
 
NIAAA/OSAP requires that applicants consider the inclusion of women in the
study populations.  Gender differences should be noted and evaluated.  If
women are not included in a given study, a clear rationale for their exclusion
should be provided.
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
 
Applicants should use the standard research grant application form PHS 398
(revised 10/88).  Application kits containing the necessary forms and
instruction may be obtained from business offices or offices of sponsored
research at most universities, colleges, medical schools, and other major
research facilities, or from the following office:
 
National Clearing House for Alcohol and Drug Information
Post Office Box 2345
Rockville, MD  20852
Telephone:  (301) 468-2600

 

 
           NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 34, September 21, 1990 - Page 2
INQUIRIES
 
For a copy of the complete RFA and preapplication consultation, contact:
 
S. Frank Camilleri, Ph.D.
Prevention Research Branch
Division of Clinical and Prevention Research
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 13C-23
Rockville, MD  20857
Telephone:  (301) 443-1677

DIGITAL IMAGING OF CHEST X-RAY
 
RFA AVAILABLE:  CA-90-21
 
P.T. 34; K.W. 0715035, 0715165, 0706030
 
National Cancer Institute
 
Application Receipt Date:  December 11, 1990
 
The Radiation Research Program (RRP), Division of Cancer Treatment (DCT), of
the National Cancer Institute (NCI) announces the availability of a Request
For Applications (RFA) on the above program.  The objective of this RFA is to
support meritorious research in the application of digital chest radiography
in the detection and characterization of the solitary lesions often associated
with lung cancer.
 
Radiographic examination of the chest is the most commonly performed study in
diagnostic radiology.  Despite the advent of new imaging techniques and the
highly sophisticated technology, such as computed tomography (CT),
ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance (MRI/MRS), chest x-ray remains the
mainstay of thoracic imaging.  Chest radiography has not appreciably benefited
from the diagnostic imaging evolution of the last decade.  Digitization of the
chest radiograph is technically difficult.
 
It requires high spatial resolution to capture the fine details of the
vessels, bronchi, and to detect small lesions.  No universally acceptable
digital chest system has been developed; but as systems improve, more
sophisticated processing options will arise.  More advanced algorithms will
open digital chest radiography to quantitative analysis, particularly
concerning application of dual energy techniques.
 
The complexity of chest radiography and lack of standardized chest technique
make the digitization of chest x-ray a formidable task.  This RFA is designed
to advance all aspects of x-ray digitization and to stimulate research leading
to the improvement of chest radiography that may potentially result in earlier
cancer diagnosis and treatment.
 
The objective of this RFA is to support meritorious research in the
application of digital chest radiography in the detection and characterization
of the solitary lesions often associated with lung cancer.  The ultimate goal
of digital radiography is to enhance diagnostic imaging, improve image
communication, archiving, reduce cost of patient care, and improve cancer
detection.
 
Approximately $600,000 in total costs per year for three years will be
committed specifically to fund applications which are submitted in response to
this RFA.  It is anticipated that approximately three or possibly four
scientifically meritorious applications will be funded.
 
The label available with the 10/88 revision of application Form 398 must be
affixed the bottom of the face page.  Failure to use this label could result
in delayed processing of your application such that it may not reach the
review committee in time for review.
 
Request for copies of the complete RFA should be addressed to:
 
Dr. Matti Al-Aish, Program Director
Diagnostic Imaging Research Branch
Radiation Research Program
National Cancer Institute
National Institutes of Health
Executive Plaza North/Suite 800
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-9531
 
           NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 34, September 21, 1990 - Page 3
                        ONGOING PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF SKELETAL MUSCLE ASSEMBLY AND FUNCTION
 
PA:  PA-90-34
 
P.T. 34; K.W. 0705050, 1002004, 0760070, 1002058, 1003018, 0715136
 
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
 
INTRODUCTION
 
The Muscle Biology Program of the National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) supports research on skeletal
muscle, its diseases and disorders.  This includes studies on normal muscle
structure, function, development, and homeostasis.  NIAMS, through this
Program Announcement, encourages submission of grant applications in the
specific area of the dynamic molecular events that bring about and maintain
the highly organized and regular structures of skeletal muscle.
 
BACKGROUND
 
Skeletal muscle is a major tissue of the human body, responsible for forty
percent of total body weight in normal adults.  Its primary function is
generating and controlling body motion.  Extensive observation and research,
motivated by this major role, has enhanced our understanding of many aspects
of muscle action.  Major contractile, regulatory, and structural proteins have
been isolated and characterized.  The genetic sequences encoding many of these
proteins are known and subject to current techniques of cloning and
site-directed mutagenesis.  Researchers are determining the mechanisms that
control genetic expression.  There are detailed studies on structure of
regulatory, contractile, cytoskeletal, and membrane proteins.  Electron
micrographs and immunofluorescent light images reveal a regularly organized
ultrastructure, the composition of which has not been completely determined.
We can describe extensive changes in appearance and protein composition as
muscle develops and differentiates.  This knowledge provides the basis for
studies on the molecular mechanisms which bring about and maintain the
structure of the myofibril.  Similarly, extensive knowledge of the molecular
architecture of muscle structures, such as thick and thin filaments, provides
the background for studies at the atomic level of the inter-molecular basis
for both muscle force and myofibril stability.
 
There are major unknowns regarding the development and maintenance of
myofibrils:  proteins or structures that have not yet been isolated and
characterized; the biologically significant mechanisms underlying the dynamics
of protein assembly, organization and exchange; the mechanisms responsible for
control of protein expression, which result in different compositions
dependent on muscle activity; the ways extracellular matrix proteins, membrane
proteins, and the cytoskeleton influence myofibrillar assembly, sites of
attachments and alignment; forces that stabilize the structures of the
myofibrils, so that contractile force can be generated and controlled; and how
proteins in these structures are replaced without impairing the contractile or
metabolic activity of the muscles.
 
RESEARCH GOALS AND SCOPE
 
The primary goal of this Program Announcement is to foster research that
enhances knowledge about the molecules of skeletal muscle and understanding of
the molecular interactions that occur in the assembly and maintenance of
striated muscle.  This includes studies on individual processes as well as
studies that try to integrate multidisciplinary approaches.
 
The scope of possible research areas includes, but is not limited to, the
following topics:
 
  1) Studies of genetic determinants and regulatory mechanisms important
     to myofibril assembly.  This includes studies on influences of
     stimulation and hormonal environment, and the role of the multiple
     nuclei within individual muscle cells;
 
  2) Studies of the role of extracellular matrix, cytoskeletal, and
     membrane proteins in myofibrillar organization;
 
  3) Characterization of proteins and other molecules involved in
     establishing and maintaining myofibril structure.  This includes
     non-muscle proteins when they present relevant models.  Studies on

           NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 34, September 21, 1990 - Page 4
     mechanisms and dynamics of how these components interact to form
     multi-component complexes;
 
  4) Studies of the structures visible within the myofibril, such as the
     thick and thin filaments, the I-Z-I complex, the myotendinous
     junction and other structures responsible for coordination of
     structure between filamentous bundles;
 
  5) Characterization of the forces that stabilize structures and
     provide for regulation of myofibrillar function, including tension
     development;
 
  6) Studies on mechanisms of homeostasis and repair, including
     myofibril remodelling and protein turnover and replacement within
     functional complexes; and
 
  7) Studies of molecular changes in response to exercise and disease,
     with focus on molecular mechanisms of hypertrophy and atrophy,
     including the role of messengers and receptors on the cell surface.
 
Investigators are encouraged to use the full range of current disciplines and
techniques, including biochemistry, biophysics, molecular genetics and
recombinant techniques, and cell biology.
 
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
 
Applicants may apply for research project grants (R01), program project awards
(P01), FIRST awards and suitable fellowships or research career awards.
 
APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
 
Applications in response to this announcement will be reviewed in accordance
with the usual Public Health Service peer review procedures.  Review criteria
include:  significance and originality of the research goals and approaches;
feasibility of the research and adequacy of the experimental design; training,
research competence, and dedication of the investigator(s); adequacy of
available facilities; and provision for the humane care of animals.  Decisions
will be based on initial review group and National Advisory Council
recommendations.
 
Applications should be submitted on form PHS-398 (rev.  10/88) or the
appropriate training/fellowship application form, available in the business or
grants office at most academic or research institutions, or from the Division
of Research Grants, National Institutes of Health, (301) 496-7441.
Applications will be accepted in accordance with the submission dates for new
applications on a continuing basis:  February 1, June 1, October 1.
Fellowship receipt dates are January 10, May 10, September 10.
 
Applicants are required to include, where feasible and appropriate, women as
well as men and minorities in the study of populations for all clinical and
research efforts and to analyze, where appropriate, differences between these
populations.  If women and minorities are not to be included, a clear
rationale for their exclusion should be provided.
 
The phrase "RESPONSE TO NIAMS PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT:  MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF
SKELETAL MUSCLE ASSEMBLY AND FUNCTION, PA-90-34" should be typed on line 2 of
the face page of the application.  The original and six copies should be sent
or delivered to:
 
Grant Application Receipt Office
Division of Research Grants
Westwood Building, Room 240
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD  20892-4500**
 
For further information, investigators are encouraged to contact the following
individual:
 
Richard W. Lymn, Ph.D.
Muscle Biology Program Director
National Institute of Arthritis and
  Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Westwood Building, Room 403
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-7495
 
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.
13.846, Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research.  Awards will
 
           NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 34, September 21, 1990 - Page 5
be made under the authority of the Public Health Service Act, administered
under PHS grant policies and Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR
Part 74.  This program is not subject to the intergovernmental review
requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review.

**THE MAILING ADDRESS GIVEN FOR SENDING APPLICATIONS TO THE DIVISION OF
RESEARCH GRANTS OR CONTACTING PROGRAM STAFF IN THE WESTWOOD BUILDING IS THE
CENTRAL MAILING ADDRESS FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.  APPLICANTS WHO
USE EXPRESS MAIL OR A COURIER SERVICE ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW THE CARRIER'S
REQUIREMENTS FOR SHOWING A STREET ADDRESS.  THE ADDRESS FOR THE WESTWOOD
BUILDING IS:
 
5333 Westbard Avenue
Bethesda, MD  20816

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
           NIH GUIDE - Vol. 19, No. 34, September 21, 1990 - Page 6