October 2003 | VOL. 10 | www.McGowan.pitt.edu

In a move to transform the nation’s medical research capabilities and speed the movement of research discoveries from the bench to the bedside, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., has introduced a series of far-reaching initiatives known collectively as the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research.

Developed with input from more than 300 nationally recognized leaders in academia, industry, government and the public, the NIH Roadmap provides a framework of the strategic investments that NIH needs to make to optimize its entire research portfolio. The NIH Roadmap builds on the tremendous progress in medical research achieved, in part, through the recent doubling of the NIH budget. In setting forth an ambitious vision for a more efficient and productive system of medical research, the NIH Roadmap focuses on the most compelling opportunities in three main areas: new pathways to discovery, research teams of the future and re-engineering the clinical research enterprise.

After an intense process of discussion and scientific review, the directors of NIH’s 27 institutes and centers approved an NIH Roadmap strategy that features 28 initiatives to be carried out by nine implementation groups arranged under three main themes.

New Pathways to Discovery

With this theme, New Pathways to Discovery, the NIH Roadmap addresses the need to understand complex biological systems. Future progress in medicine will require quantitative knowledge about the many interconnected networks of molecules that comprise cells and tissues, along with improved insights into how these networks are regulated and interact with each other. Researchers predict that more precise knowledge of the combination of molecular events that lead to health or disease will help to revolutionize the practice of medicine in the 21st century.

Implementation groups in this area are:

• Molecular Libraries and Molecular Imaging
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Nanomedicine
• Structural Biology
• Building Blocks and Pathways

Research Teams of the Future

The scale and complexity of today’s biomedical research problems increasingly demand that scientists move beyond the confines of their own discipline and explore new organizational models for team science. For example, imaging research often requires radiologists, physicists, cell biologists and computer programmers to work together on integrated teams. Many scientists will still continue to pursue individual research projects, but they too will be encouraged to make changes in the way they approach the scientific enterprise.

As part of its theme, Research Teams of the Future, the NIH Roadmap seeks to encourage scientists and scientific institutions to test alternative models for conducting research. Implementation groups in this area are:

• High-Risk Research-NIH Director’s Innovator Award
• Interdisciplinary Research
• Public-Private Partnerships

Re-engineering Clinical Research

Ideally, basic research discoveries are quickly transformed into diagnostics, drugs, treatments or methods for prevention. Such translation lies at the very heart of the NIH’s mission. Although biomedical research has succeeded in curing many diseases, and converting many others once considered uniformly lethal into more chronic, treatable conditions, it has become clear to the scientific community that the United States must recast its entire system of clinical research if such efforts are to remain as successful as they have been in the past. Over the years, clinical research has become more difficult to conduct. However, the exciting basic science discoveries currently being made demand that clinical research continue and even expand, while at the same time striving to improve efficiency and better inform basic science efforts. This is undoubtedly the most difficult but most important challenge identified by the NIH Roadmap process.

Implementation groups in this area are:

• Harmonization of Clinical Research Regulatory Requirements
• Integration of Clinical Research Networks
• Enhance Clinical Research Workforce Training
• Clinical Research Informatics: National Electronic Clinical Trials and Research Network (NECTAR)
• Translational Research Core Services
• Regional Translational Research Centers
• Enabling Technologies for Improved Assessment of Clinical Outcomes

Taken together, the components of the NIH Roadmap initiatives are an integral part of a well-thought out national portfolio of research to meet the health demands of the 21st century.
For additional details, please see: http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/

 

In September, the 500th Artificial Heart Program-Supported IABP/VAD Transport with STAT MedEvac was performed by Trevor Snyder. This program is managed by Vital Engineering, and is a tribute to the insight and dedication of many contributors. Dr. Kormos, Director Thoracic Transplantation and Artificial Heart Program, and Medical Director-McGowan Institute notes that the Artificial Heart Program (AHP) has been providing 24/7 on-call coverage for this service for the past 9 years and averages ~ 50 transports/year. This team is unique in North America if not the World. Dr. Kormos extends his appreciation and congratulations on the realization of this milestone to:

• Dr. Borovetz for his vision, and to Steve Winowich and Don Severyn for their leadership in executing the program;
• The team of engineers for their skill and commitment that has provided the seamless support for the successful implementation and operation of this project.
• The leadership of UPMC-Diversified Services for their commitment and support

 

Tuesday, October 14th, 2003
"Anti-Idiotype Antibody Vaccine: From Mouse to Man"
Kenneth A. Foon, MD
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
UPMC Cancer Pavilion, RBH Conference Ctr., 2nd Floor, Rm. C

Wednesday, November 12th, 2003
"Creating Synergy Between Technology Startups and Academia"
Michael Becich, MD
Chief of Pathology, UPMC Shadyside/Hillman Cancer Center
Bio-Medical Science Tower South, Rm. 100A

Tuesday, December 9th, 2003
Tissue Engineering Scaffolds: From Benchtop to Bedside"
Stephen Badylak, DVM, MD, PhD
McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, 100 Technology Drive, Multipurpose Room, 1st Floor

All events begin at 5:00PM with hors d'oeuvres & beverages
Guest speakers will present at 6:00PM

For more information, contact the Limbach Entrepreneurial Center: 412-623-3207 or lec@umpc.edu

The Limbach Entrepreneurial Center is offering a 12-week course on maximizing the therapeutic and diagnostic potential of basic biomedical science discoveries. The classes will be held on Thursdays, November 6th, 2003 -- February 12th, 2004; 6PM - 9PM
To be held at the UPMC Cancer Pavilion in Shadyside

Course Highlights:

• Recognize the Market Potential of Your Discovery
• Protect the Value of Intellectual Property
• Prepare your Discovery for Regulatory Pathway
• Determine the Best Application
• Identify Funding for Applied Research
• Understand University Policy and Procedures
• Engage Partners to Move your Discovery Forward

Scholarships are available for those who qualify. For more information or to request an application, please contact the Limbach Entrepreneurial Center; 412-623-3207, or via email:lec@upmc.edu

 

The program for the 2004 McGowan Institute Scientific Retreat is beginning to take shape. Cliff Brubaker, Dean of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is chairing the 2004 McGowan Institute Scientific Retreat Program Committee. The retreat will be held at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort from February 23-24, 2004.

The Committee consists of Michael Chancellor, Ellen Cohn, Rory Cooper, Brad Keller, Bruno Peault, David Vorp, and Alan Wells.

The Program Committee will be responsible for determining what type of event the retreat will be, how researchers will be networked during the event and working with us to keep attendance as high as last year. The retreat is probably the most important event that the Institute sponsors during the year and we hope that all of the faculty will be able to participate.

Remember to Save the Date: February 23-24, 2004!

 

Many Institute faculty and trainees participated in the Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Fall Meeting, October 1-4, 2003. Papers and authors follow:

Computational Fluid Dynamic Modelling of Flow in a Novel Paracorporeal Pumping Artificial Lung; W.J. FEDERSPIEL, I. ZINOVIK AND R.G. SVITEK

Design and Evaluation of a Pulsatile Bioreactor for Biologically Active Heart Valves; D. HILDEBRAND, J. WU1, J. MAYER AND M. SACKS

Polyurethane Heart Valve Calcification: Prevention With Bisphosphonate Diethylamino Derivatization; S. STACHELEK, I. ALFERIEV, A. FU, T.L. SELLARO, J.M. CONNOLLY, R.W. BIANCO, M. SACKS AND R. LEVY

Creating Biodegradable, Elastic Matrices with Bioactivity and Nanoscale Features; J.J. STANKUS, J. GUAN AND W.R. WAGNER

A Porous, Flexible and Biodegradable Polyurethane/Collagen Composite for Soft Tissue Engineering; J. GUAN, M.S. SACKS AND W.R. WAGNER

Muscle Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Cardiac Repair; T.R. PAYNE, H. OSHIMA, T. SAKAI, Y. LING, Z. QU-PETERSEN, J.H. CUMMINS AND J. HUARD

Relationship between Tissue Morphology, Composition, and Biomechanics of the Urinary Bladder; J. NAGATOMI, J. GRASHOW, K. ATTAR-TOOSI, M.B. CHANCELLOR AND M. SACKS

The Development of Engineered Heart Valve Tissue Mechanical Properties in vitro;
G.C. ENGELMAYR, F.W. SUTHERLAND, E. RABKIN, F. SCHOEN, J.E. MAYER AND M.S. SACKS

Microfabrication of Biohybrid Artificial Lungs; K.A. HENCHIR, W.R. WAGNER AND W.J. FEDERSPIEL

Computational Modeling of the Pittsburgh Respiratory Support Catheter; A.S. BEDEKAR AND W.J. FEDERSPIEL

Development of an Emergency Respiratory Support Lung (ERSL); R.G. SVITEK, B.J. FRANKOWSKI AND W.J. FEDERSPIEL

Questions: Contact Jo-Anne Drabik at drabikj@upmc.edu or 412-235-5124 or Lindsay Rodzwicz at rodzwiczlj@upmc.edu or (412) 235 5157

 

National Institutes of Health (John E. Fogarty International Center)

Title: East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes for U.S. Graduate Students (EAPSI)

Program Solicitation Number: NSF 03-608
Replaces Document NSF 02-174

URL: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2003/nsf03608/nsf03608.htm

Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time):
December 23, 2003, December 10, 2004 and December 10, 2005

Synopsis of Program: The East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes (EAPSI) provide U.S. graduate students in science and engineering first-hand research experience in Australia, China, Japan, Korea, or Taiwan, an introduction to the science and science policy infrastructure of the respective location, and orientation to the culture and language. The primary goals of EAPSI are to introduce students to East Asia and Pacific science and engineering in the context of a research laboratory, and to initiate personal relationships that will better enable them to collaborate with foreign counterparts in the future. The institutes last approximately eight weeks from June to August and are administered in the United States by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) co-sponsor the Summer Institute in Japan.

Cognizant Program Officer(s): EAPSI Program Manager Office of International Science and Engineering, NSF, telephone: 703-292-8704, fax: 703-292-9175, email: eapinfo@nsf.gov

Applicable Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s): 47.074, 47.070, 47.041, 47.049

 

National Science Foundation

Title: Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Program Solicitation Number: NSF 03-577 Replaces Document NSF 02-136

Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time):

Deadline for REU Supplement requests: Varies with the research program.

Deadline for REU Sites proposals: September 15 of each year.

Synopsis of Program: The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specially designed for the purpose. This solicitation features two mechanisms for support of student research: REU Supplements and REU Sites. REU Supplements may be included in proposals for new or renewal NSF grants or cooperative agreements or as supplements to ongoing NSF-funded projects. REU Sites are based on independent proposals to initiate and conduct undergraduate research participation projects for a number of students. REU Sites projects may be based in a single discipline or academic department or be based on interdisciplinary or multi-department research opportunities with a strong intellectual focus. Proposals with an international dimension are welcomed. A partnership with the Department of Defense supports REU Sites in DoD-relevant research areas. Undergraduate student participants in either Supplements or Sites must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.

Cognizant Program Officer(s): http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/reu/contacts.htm

Applicable CFDA Number(s): 47.074, 47.070, 47.041, 47.049

 

National Science Foundation/U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Title: Microbial Genome Sequencing Program FY 2004
Program Solicitation Number: NSF 03-603 (Replaces Document NSF 03-526)
URL: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2003/nsf03603/nsf03603.html
Letter of Intent Due Date (optional): October 15, 2003
Full Proposal Deadline (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time): December 15, 2003

Synopsis of Program: As a collaborative, interagency effort, the National Science Foundation, and the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture invite research proposals to support high-throughput sequencing of the genomes of microorganisms (including viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, oomycetes, protists and agriculturally important nematodes). The availability of genome sequences provides the foundation for understanding how microorganisms function and live, and how they interact with their environments and with other organisms. The sequences are expected to be available to, and used by a community of investigators to address issues of scientific and societal importance including: (i) novel aspects of microbial biochemistry, physiology, metabolism, development or cellular biology; (ii) the diversity and the roles microorganisms play in complex ecosystems and in global geochemical cycles; (iii) the impact that microorganisms have on the productivity and sustainability of agriculture, natural resources (e.g., soil and water), and forestry and on the safety and quality of the nation's food supply; (iv) the organization and evolution of microbial genomes, and the mechanisms of transmission, exchange and reshuffling of genetic information.

A Microbial Genomics Workshop is held annually; all current awardees in this interagency program are expected to attend.

Below is a list of NSF and CSREES program officer contacts. For questions dealing with relevance of an organism to the program, contact any of the four individuals listed below. Questions dealing with proper proposal format should be directed to either Dr. Dennis or Dr. Kane.

Cognizant Program Officer(s):
Patrick P. Dennis, Program Director, Directorate for Biological Sciences, Division of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, 655 S, telephone: (703) 292-8441, fax: (703) 292-9061, email: pdennis@nsf.gov
Matthew D. Kane, Program Director, Directorate for Biological Sciences, Division of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, 655 S, telephone: (703) 292-7186, fax: (703) 292-9061, email: mkane@nsf.gov
Ann Lichens-Park, National Program Leader, CSREES, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 2241, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., CSREES, Washington, DC, 20250-2241, telephone: (202) 401-6466, fax: (202) 401-6488, email: apark@csrees.usda.gov
Daniel Jones, National Program Leader, CSREES, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 2220, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., CSREES, Washington, DC, 20250-2241, telephone: (202) 401-6854, email: djones@csrees.usda.gov

Applicable CFDA Numbers: 47.074 Biological Sciences; 10.206 National Research Initiative

CSREES Policy: Section 1462 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3310) limits indirect costs for this program to 19 percent of total Federal funds provided under each award. Therefore, the recovery of indirect costs under this program may not exceed the lesser of the institution’s official negotiated indirect cost rate or the equivalent of 19 percent of total Federal funds awarded. Another method of calculating the maximum allowable is 23.456 percent of the total direct costs. (This limitation also applies to the recovery of indirect costs by any subawardee or subcontractor, and should be reflected in the subrecipient budget.) If no rate has been negotiated, a reasonable dollar amount (equivalent to or less than 19 percent of total Federal funds requested) in lieu of indirect costs may be requested, subject to approval by CSREES. This same indirect cost limitation applies to subcontracts.

To accommodate differences in allowable indirect costs between CSREES and NSF, the proposer may be required at the time of award to submit a separate budget with indirect cost rates appropriate to each agency.

 

National Science Foundation, Directorate for Biological Sciences

Title: Frontiers in Integrative Biological Research (FIBR)

Program Solicitation Number: NSF 03-581 Replaces Document NSF 02-154

Preliminary Proposal Due Date (required): October 20, 2003

Required for Submission of Full Proposals Only (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time)

Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time):
October 20, 2003
Planning Grants
February 17, 2004
Full Proposals

Synopsis of Program: The Frontiers in Integrative Biological Research (FIBR) Program supports integrative research that addresses major questions in the biological sciences. FIBR encourages investigators to identify major under-studied or unanswered questions in biology and to use innovative approaches to address them by integrating the scientific concepts and research tools from across disciplines including biology, math and the physical sciences, engineering, social sciences and the information sciences. Proposers are encouraged to focus on the biological significance of the question, to describe the integrative approaches, and to develop a research plan that is not limited by conceptual, disciplinary, or organizational boundaries. Particularly encouraged are the inclusion of young scientists trained in an interdisciplinary environment or in non-biological disciplines, and partnerships with underrepresented minority serving and primarily undergraduate institutions and community colleges.

Cognizant Program Officer: Dr. Chris Greer, FIBR Program Director
Telephone: (703) 292-8470, Fax: (703) 292-9063
Email: biofibr@nsf.gov

Applicable CFDA Number: 47.074 --- Biological Sciences

Organization Limit: Proposals are invited from U.S. academic institutions, U.S. non-profit research organizations including museums, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities, and consortia of such organizations with appropriate research and educational facilities. When a consortium of eligible organizations submits a proposal, it must be submitted as a single proposal with one organization serving as the lead and all other organizations as subawardees.

PI Eligibility Limit: PIs, Co-PIs or Senior Personnel may be involved with only one planning grant and one full proposal in the same year. The same team of investigators may not submit both planning grant proposals and preliminary proposals in the same review cycle.

 

National Science Foundation

Title: Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program
Including the description of the NSF component of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)
Proposals for Fiscal Years 2003, 2004, and 2005

Program Solicitation Number: NSF-02-111

URL: http://www.nsf.gov/home/crssprgm/career/start.html.

Full Proposal Deadlines: July 23, 2002 - July 22, 2003 - July 20, 2004 Biological Sciences and Computer and Information Science and Engineering
July24, 2002 – July 23, 2003 – July 21, 2004 Engineering

Synopsis of Program: The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the National Science Foundation's most prestigious awards for new faculty members. The CAREER program recognizes and supports the early career-development activities of those teacher-scholars who are most likely to become the academic leaders of the 21st century. CAREER awardees will be selected on the basis of creative career-development plans that effectively integrate research and education within the context of the mission of their organization. Such plans should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of integrated contributions to research and education. NSF encourages submission of CAREER proposals from new faculty members at all CAREER-eligible organizations and especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities to apply.

Each year NSF selects nominees for the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from among the most meritorious new CAREER awardees. The PECASE program recognizes outstanding scientists and engineers who, early in their careers, show exceptional potential for leadership at the frontiers of knowledge. This Presidential Award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers.

Cognizant Program Officer(s): Division CAREER contacts listed on the CAREER Web page, at http://www.nsf.gov/career.

Applicable CFDA Number(s): 47.074 --- Biological Sciences; 47.041 --- Engineering

 

The proposal submission deadline for fiscal year 2003 has passed for the programs that are listed below. Funding opportunities for fiscal year 2004 for the programs will be announced when information is available.

Neurofibromatosis Research Program

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program

Breast Cancer Research Program

Ovarian Cancer Research Program

Prostate Cancer Research Program

 

Office of Naval Research
Broad Agency Announcement

Title: Fiscal Year 2004 ONR Young Investigator Program

Research Opportunity Number: ONR BAA 04-002

URL: http://www.onr.navy.mil/02/baa/

Response Date: Full proposals are due by 4 pm Eastern Standard Time on January 8, 2004.

Research Opportunity Description: ONR's Young Investigator Program (YIP) seeks to identify and support academic scientists and engineers who have received Ph.D. or equivalent degrees within the last five years and who show exceptional promise for doing creative research. The objectives of this program are to attract outstanding faculty members of Institutions of Higher Education (hereafter also called "universities") to the Department of the Navy's research program, to support their research, and to encourage their teaching and research careers.

Proposals falling within the broad scope of naval research interests will be considered. A description of ONR's research interests is given in the Science and Technology (S&T) section of ONR's website at www.onr.navy.mil. Contact information for each Division (a subgroup of an S&T Department) is listed therein. Potential applicants may contact the appropriate Division Director, or the Program Officer who is the point-of-contact for a specific technical area, to discuss their research ideas. Brief informal preproposals may be submitted to facilitate these discussions. Such discussions can enhance the match between a subsequent proposal and Department of the Navy research needs and determine if a specific research topic would be considered for research support by that Division.

An individual wishing to apply for a Young Investigator award must submit a research proposal and a supporting letter through the appropriate university officials. ONR makes awards to institutions, not to individuals. The research proposal should follow the format described in Section IV. Application and Submission Information. The completed proposal and supporting letter should be sent directly to the ONR S&T Division having a research interest that best matches the proposed work. The supporting letter should be from the applicant's Department Chairperson, Dean, or other official who speaks for the university regarding support for and commitment to the applicant. This commitment can be shown, for example, by the purchase of research equipment, support for the applicant's graduate students, etc. The supporting letter should state whether the applicant holds a tenure track position or a permanent position. If the applicant does not have a permanent appointment and the university does not designate any faculty appointments as tenure track, the letter should note this and state when the applicant will be considered for a permanent appointment.

Proposals may request up to $100,000 per year for three years. These funds may be budgeted against any reasonable costs related to the conduct of the proposed research, for example, salary for the Young Investigator, graduate student support, supplies, and operating expenses. Additional funds (beyond the basic $100,000 yearly amount) for capital equipment which enhances the Young Investigator's proposed research may be requested for the first year, based on the needs of the research. Requesting funds for capital equipment will not decrease the probability of receiving an award; additional support for equipment will be decided separately from award selections and will depend upon availability of funds.

The basic $100,000 per year award can be supplemented through a "matching funds" enhancement available only to those receiving an ONR Young Investigator award. As an incentive for becoming involved with other Department of the Navy research activities, the Corporate Programs Division of ONR will match on a 1-for-1 basis the first $25,000 of additional Department of the Navy funding which a successful applicant obtains each year to support additional, collaborative research with a Navy laboratory during the YIP award. Potential sources of research support eligible for the 1-for-1 match include Navy laboratories and ONR Program Officers. Thus, this "matching funds" clause can provide research support over and above the basic $100,000 per year award, e.g. to support an additional graduate student and an additional research task. A Young Investigator is not prohibited from receiving more than $25,000 from other Department of the Navy sources; however, the Corporate Programs Division will match on a 1-for-1 basis only the first $25,000 each year. Other Navy support eligible for matching funds can be arranged at any time and generally will not have been identified at the time of the initial award. ONR Program Officers will assist, upon request, Young Investigators in identifying potential collaborators at Navy laboratories. ONR Program Officers will also assist successful applicants who wish to seek support from other parts of the Department of the Navy in identifying individuals at other Navy organizations who may be interested in funding additional research by the Young Investigator.

Upon completion of the three-year award period, Young Investigators may apply to ONR for continued support under ONR's regular research grant program. Decisions about continued funding outside the context of the Young Investigator Program will be made following a review of the new proposal by the cognizant Program Officer, based on the merits of the proposal, ONR's research priorities, and the creativity and productivity exhibited during the previous Young Investigator research program.

The competition in past years has been severe. Last year 220 proposals were received, resulting in 26 Young Investigator awards. Past awardees have both submitted outstanding research proposals and possessed outstanding records of prior professional accomplishments. Given that "past performance" is a selection criterion, applicants are advised that the biographical information submitted as part of the proposal (see "Qualifications" under "Proposal Content", below) should list all relevant past activities.

Those proposals not selected for Young Investigator awards are automatically considered for ONR's regular research grant program in competition with all other research proposals submitted to ONR. Typically, additional proposals originally submitted to the Young Investigator Program have been selected each year for funding via the regular research grant program. Thus, the Young Investigator Program is not a "research initiation" opportunity with standards that are less demanding than ONR's regular research grant program. ONR's Young Investigator awards are intended to confer honor upon awardees beyond the research funding being provided.

Office of Naval Research/Department of Defense
Broad Agency Announcement

Title: Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI)

Research Opportunity Number: BAA 03-012

Response Date: White Papers: August 14, 2003 Full Proposals: November 19, 2003

Per Dr. Bruce LaMattina on Tuesday, September 30, 2003, full proposals may be submitted without previously submitting white papers.

Research Opportunity Description: The MURI program supports basic science and/or engineering research at institutions of higher education (hereafter referred to as “universities”) that is of critical importance to national defense. The program is focused on multidisciplinary research efforts that intersect more than one traditional science and engineering discipline.

This FY04 MURI competition is specifically for the 22 topics listed below. Detailed descriptions of the topics can be found in Section VIII SPECIFIC MURI TOPICS of this BAA. The detailed descriptions are intended to provide the proposer a frame of reference and are not meant to be restrictive to the possible approaches to achieving the goals of the topic and the program. Innovative ideas addressing these research topics are highly encouraged.

White papers and proposals addressing the following topics (1) to (8) should be sent to ARO:

(1) Hybrid Synthetic Biopolymers for Multifunctional Materials
(2) Hybrid Bio-Mechanical Systems
(3) Space-Time Processing for Enhanced Mobile Ad-Hoc Wireless Networking
(4) Design and Processing of Electret Structures
(5) Giga-Hertz Electromagnetic Wave Science and Devices for Advanced Battlefield Communications
(6) Micro Hovering Aerial Vehicles with an Invertebrate Vision Inspired Navigation System
(7) Nano-Engineered Energetic Materials
(8) Human Signatures for Personnel Detection

White papers and proposals addressing the following topics (9) to (13) should be sent to ONR:

(9) Epitaxial Multifunction Materials and Applications (EMMA)
(10) Coupled Observation, Adaptive Sampling, and Forecast in the Real Environment
(11) Friction and Wear under Very High Electromagnetic Stress (Electromagnetic Launchers)
(12) Fundamental Understanding of Propellant/Nozzle Interaction to Mitigate Erosion for Very High Pressure Missile Propellant Applications
(13) Fatal Circulatory Collapse in Late-Phase Hemorrhagic Shock

White papers and proposals addressing the following topics (14) to (21) should be sent to AFOSR:

(14) Electromagnetics of Antennas and Arrays Designed Using Novel Electronic Materials and Conformal to Large Complex Bodies
(15) Nanoscale Design of Structures for Prediction and Control of Cellular Response
(16) The NanoPhysics of Electron Dynamics Near Surfaces: Key to Tomorrow's HPM Weapons
(17) Nanostructured Multi-Functional Surfaces Enabling Air and Space Vehicle Tribology
(18) Laser Cooling for Solid-State Cryogenic Refrigeration
(19) Characterization and Prediction of Turbulent Transport Properties in Nonequilibrium Flows
(20) Combined Cycle Propulsion for Efficient Hypersonic Cruise and Economic Access to Space
(21) Nanophotonics and Plasmon Optics for Optical Networks, Sources and Sensors

White papers and proposals addressing the following topic (22) should be sent to OSD:

(22) Laboratory Instrumentation Design Research

FY04 MURI Topic #2
Submit white papers and proposals to the Army Research Office

Hybrid Bio-mechanical Systems:

Background: The underlying mechanisms of biomolecular recognition, signal transduction, and energy conversion can be combined with nanotechnology to create self-energized hybrid (bio-abio) multifunctional military systems. Recent breakthroughs in molecular biology, nanotechnology, and computational modeling have laid the groundwork to accomplish this objective. Molecular biology has shed new light on the relationship between molecular structure and function, and has provided materials that can respond to their environment. Nanotechnology is providing efficient fabrication methods that can control material growth and order at the molecular scale. Despite great strides made in these areas, major research challenges still exist that have not received the necessary attention. Further developments that provide a better understanding of the energy conversion and mechanics of such systems will be important for overcoming the remaining challenges.

Durability of biological systems is a key issue. Durability can be compromised by mechanical forces or by sensitivity to environmental conditions. Because biological systems usually exist in an aqueous environment, the interface between hard dry materials and soft-wet materials is important. Approaches to toughen and protect them must be developed. Mechanical forces and stresses significantly alter biomolecular function, including cell growth, differentiation, movement, signal transduction, protein secretion, and gene expression. Yet, little is known about how cells sense and respond to mechanical forces and deformations. We must understand how mechanical forces and deformations limit biological materials with respect to fracture and failure. A systematic approach is essential for determining the optimal combinations of organic and inorganic materials and for understanding how to control surface variations and adhesion of biological components so they can be integrated with receptors, effectors, and other biological processes

Another major scientific barrier is the paucity of accurate multi-scale modeling capabilities that can be used to understand these systems at scales spanning from the gene to the cell. At all scales there are modeling efforts (atomistic, molecular, and continuum), however these models must be linked together effectively. Current atomistic and molecular models are computationally prohibitive and are limited to small problems over short timescales. We must identify the most critical features from these models and pass the information to the continuum models so microscopic features key to macroscopic function can be designed and tailored. Furthermore, models must be integrated with experimental measurements, however, experiments at small spatial and temporal scales are difficult. Thus, the development of accurate instruments and experiments for small spatial and time scales are paramount. If we understand structure-property-performance relationships at all scales we will be able to engineer and optimize the self-energized hybrid systems for unparalleled performance on the macroscopic level.

Objectives: Develop a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms for the design and performance assessment of innovative hybrid systems. Develop computational and experimental mechanics tools to improve the durability of biological subsystems. Develop approaches to convert available energy from the environment to produce the desired response of the biological subsystems.

Research Concentration Areas: Interrelated theoretical, computational and experimental programs should focus on molecular biology, mechanics of materials, chemistry, physics, and computer science for the development of hybrid systems for multifunctional applications. Specific topics of multidisciplinary research include: (1) development of new control methodologies that use biological sensors, actuators and processes that can be integrated seamlessly with closed-loop biologically engineered systems, (2)new multiscale computational modeling tools for the understanding, prediction, and control of molecular biological processes, and determining the failure mechanisms associated with the system, (3) new experimental methodologies for the characterization of self-energized biological systems, (4) control of spatially varying material properties and interfacial effects.

Impact: The development of systems that use energy from their surroundings and biological processes. The systems may contain valves, actuators and sensors that function through protein folding or unfolding, self-powered molecular motors and machines, and other biological processes. Future applications include nano and micro-devices in military systems that can be used for human performance improvement, sensing and actuation, real-time self-healing of damage in engineering structures, drug delivery systems, wound healing, and therapeutic processes.

Point of Contact: Dr. Bruce LaMattina, ARO, (919) 549-4379, Bruce.LaMattina@us.army.mil

FY04 MURI Topic #13
Submit white papers and proposals to the Office of Naval Research

Fatal Circulatory Collapse in Late-Phase Hemorrhagic Shock

Background: Hemorrhagic shock is characterized by compensatory increases in peripheral resistance (vasoconstriction), which decreases peripheral tissue perfusion, as a mechanism of maintaining vital organ perfusion following significant blood loss. The goal of early resuscitation with fluids is to restore intravascular volume and thereby maintain cardiac output and tissue perfusion pressure. However, initial patient management following severe blood loss is often complicated by the fact that a number of individuals do not respond to fluid restoration and/or the use of agents that increase vasomotor activity and peripheral resistance. These individuals have progressed into a state of circulatory collapse termed irreversible shock. Unfortunately, there is no means of predicting or detecting the onset of irreversible shock, and the factors responsible for causing this condition are unknown.

Objective: The primary goal of this initiative is to increase survival of the future combat warrior. Objectives include gaining a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of hypovolemic circulatory collapse and developing novel approaches that improve casualty outcomes. An understanding is needed of the relative roles of perfusion pressure, organs and organ systems (including the lung, heart, and vasculature), neurohumoral responses, and other local and systemic responses to sudden or severe blood loss that contribute to circulatory collapse. An additional objective is to develop technology with the ability to detect the onset of irreversible circulatory collapse and thus alert the corpsman or medic that additional intervention is needed.

Research Concentration Areas: Areas of interest for characterizing the physiologic response to severe blood loss, the failure of fluid replacement resuscitation, and the transition to circulatory collapse are listed below. This list is not exhaustive and additional approaches are encouraged.
Use of genomics, proteomics and traditional research approaches to characterize the physiologic and molecular alterations involved in the transition between reversible hypovolemia and “irreversible” circulatory collapse.
Use of integrated systems biology to elucidate the influence of individual organs or organ systems in mediating microcirculatory dysfunction and circulatory collapse.
Identification of novel therapeutics to delay or prevent late-phase circulatory collapse and the use of computational chemical modeling to construct analogs with increased duration of action.
Identification of unique biomarkers as predictors of pending circulatory collapse.
Identification of a means of detecting the onset of circulatory collapse at an early stage, thus allowing successful intervention.

Impact: Since current military operational doctrine calls for increased unit independence (extended time to evacuation or extraction), an increased incidence of fatal shock due to circulatory collapse can be predicated. It is now essential that the physiologic basis for this condition be understood. Development of novel interventions to delay or prevent the onset of hypovolemic circulatory collapse, and a technology that can detect the onset of this condition, will impact both military and civilian trauma medicine.

Research Topic Chief: Dr. Michael B. Given, ONR, 703-696-4055, givenm@onr.navy.mil

FY04 MURI Topic #15
Submit white papers and proposals to the Air Force Office of Scientific Research

Nanoscale Design of Structures for Prediction and Control of Cellular Response

Background: Advancements in nanoscience will greatly impact development of future weapon systems and help to maintain future military dominance. An ever-increasing array of diverse nanostructures is being designed with unique properties that are suitable for special military-related applications. For example, nanostructures are being considered for extensive use in munitions, composites, electronics and lasers, even though they may not necessarily be biocompatible with personnel who develop, manufacture, transport, store, use and dispose of these materials. The same principles that bestow unique chemical activities upon nanostructures and make them attractive for technology development may also alter the fundamental way in which they interact with living cells. Thus, a weak link in nanostructure research is a failure to systematically study interactions between man-made nanomaterials (such as aluminum nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes) and living cells. But these kinds of studies are not to be justified solely on the basis of force protection, since knowledge of how nanostructures affect cells can be exploited for uses related to biotechnology and improvements in weapon systems development. What little research there is now on nano/bio interactions relies mostly on trial-and-error processes in obtaining results. There is no research with the intent of designing nanostructures for the expressed purpose of eliciting a specific cellular response or of achieving complete biocompatibility. Studies are required to understand how specificity of nanostructure design may alter cellular response. From such knowledge, fundamental principles in nanostructure design may be elucidated and applied to the development of uniquely bioactive or bio-neutral nanomaterials. Research in this area will help in designing and constructing hybrid biological systems that incorporate synthetic nanostructures and capitalize on the favorable properties derived from both the synthetic and natural worlds. Also, selective properties of the synthetic nanostructures themselves will eventually be exploited for the purpose of eliciting and controlling a desired cellular response. A proactive research program is urgently needed not just to understand and predict the outcomes of such interactions but to learn how to exploit these interactions for the benefit of the military.

Objective: This research will study, model and predict the response of a cell following its interaction with nanoscale materials. It will be important to demonstrate experimentally how certain chemical, physical and geometric properties of nanomaterials, such as size, shape, charge and composition, influence cellular uptake, disposition and fate of these nanomaterials and affect inhibitory and/or stimulatory responses at the cellular, sub-cellular and/or biomolecular levels. Experimental response data will be analyzed and modeled in relationship to specific properties and design features of the nanostructures themselves and then used to develop and test computational models that can reliably forecast a nanostructure-induced cellular response as potentially negative (toxic), positive (salutary) or neutral (biocompatible).

Research Concentration Areas: Areas of interest may include, but are not limited to: (1) microscopic, biochemical, physical and biophysical characterization of the biomolecular targets of nanostructures; (2) cellular and sub-cellular characterization of altered biological functions/behaviors/structures in response to nanostructure interactions; (3) elucidation of the biomolecular pathways and signaling networks that mediate and control the altered responses; (4) determination of scalar, structural, compositional and electronic characteristics of nanostructures that elicit desired cellular behaviors, including biocompatibility; (5) bioinformatics and computational modeling for both the independent and relational analyses between biomolecular response and nanostructure design. Proposals must show a viable teaming arrangement between biologists, chemists, mathematicians, bioinformatics specialists, and computer and material scientists.

Impact: Research breakthroughs in this area would enable advanced nano-materials to be computationally designed to elicit an array of specific biological responses or to provide complete biocompatibility. Such nanostructure control of biological behavior at the cellular level could directly impact a number of areas of importance to the Department of Defense. For example, the power to elicit specific responses could lead to novel advancements in such areas as battlefield medicine, non-lethal weapons, novel counter measures for chemical and biological defense, and biosensors. On the other hand, the capability to design biologically inert nanostructures would undoubtedly provide an enhanced measure of force protection when unwarranted and incidental exposures to nanomaterials from future weapons systems are neither advised nor avoidable.

Research Topic Chief: Dr. Walter Kozumbo, AFOSR, 703-696-7720, Walter.kozumbo@afosr.af.mil

FY04 MURI Topic #22
Submit white papers and proposals to the Office of the Secretary of Defense

Laboratory Instrumentation Design Research

Background: History has shown that the invention of new research instruments often has led to a burst of scientific discoveries, advances, and creativities. In his book Imagined Worlds (Harvard University Press, 1977), Freeman Dyson writes that, “the effect of a concept-driven revolution is to explain old things in new ways. The effect of a tool-driven revolution is to discover new things that have to be explained.” In this spirit, the focus of this MURI topic is to begin a systematic and sustained effort towards the development of the next generation of research tools. The goal of each funded project is not simply to purchase or to design an instrument, but to invent and develop an instrument or device having precise design specifications, assembly procedures, and process specifications that will allow it to be readily replicated by other university teams. This would make the instrument widely available to the research community. Unique scientific application and exploitation of novel characteristics and phenomena are to be emphasized. The funded instrumentation development project will be highly collaborative. Instrument and device developers must collaborate with design and manufacturing engineers in order to achieve high-performance instruments and devices that not only operate, but have also incorporated such desirable features as reliability, operability, maintainability, and affordability. An associated goal of the program is to enhance the development of a new cadre of scientists and engineers who are experts in , and place high intellectual value, in the art and science of building instruments, devices, and equipment. Proposed projects must describe the educational impact of the project on students not only in the Principal Investigator’s research area, but also on collaborating engineering students in the areas of design and manufacturing.

Objective: To investigate, invent, and develop the next generation of research instruments to allow us to make scientific measurements that we have not been able to do, and to develop a new generation of scientists and engineers with expertise in the design and manufacturing of innovative instruments and devices.

Research Concentration Areas: The topic is open to any and all innovative ideas in any and all scientific disciplines of interest to DoD. Of interest are instruments and devices that would transform the way we do scientific investigations that would lead to new discoveries for DoD applications. For that reason, no examples are given. Incremental upgrades of existing instruments and devices will not be considered. Furthermore, this program is not intended for the purchase of instrumentations, as is the case in the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program. Innovative proposals that address the objectives of this topic, considering the background described above, are highly encouraged.

Impact: A new way of thinking about instruments and devices that would allow us to make scientific measurements that we have not been able to do before, and would enable unprecedented advances in research and development in areas of interest to DoD. The projects funded in this topic will also enhance the development of a new generation of scientists and engineers with expertise in the design of scientific instruments that are easy to operate, reliable, manufacturable, and affordable.

Research Topic Contact: Dr. William Berry, ODUSD(LABS), 703-696-0363, William.Berry@osd.mil

 

National Institutes of Health

Title: Mechanisms of Mineralization in Bone

Release Date: September 4, 2003

RFA Number: RFA-AR-04-001

CFDA Number: 93.846

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AR-04-001.html

Letter of Intent Receipt Date: October 21, 2003

Application Receipt Date: November 18, 2003

Purpose: This RFA is intended to stimulate and support investigation of the mechanisms that mediate and regulate the incorporation of mineral into bone. Recent observations have underscored the critical contribution of bone mineral to the mechanical properties of bone, including its resistance to fracture. Thus, an improved understanding of the mineralization process could lead to new therapeutic and preventive interventions for reducing the risk of fracture in groups at risk because of bone loss.

 

National Institutes of Health

Title: Aging Musculoskeletal and Skin Extracellular Matrix

Release Date: September 4, 2003

PA Number: PA-03-167

Deadline Submission Dates: February 1, June 1, and October 1

Expiration Date: November 2, 2006, unless reissued.

CFDA Numbers: 93.866, 93.846 and 93.929

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-167.html

Purpose: The purpose of this PA is to solicit grant applications for basic research projects to investigate how changes in the extracellular matrix with age affect the function of the tissues of the musculoskeletal system and skin. Projects are encouraged that determine how cellular aging processes lead to altered matrix production and maintenance, and how aging-related altered matrix composition and organization affect the function of these tissues.

 

National Institutes of Health

Title: Development of High Resolution Probes for Cellular Imaging

Release Date: September 9, 2003

RFA Number: RFA-GM-03-013

CFDA Numbers: 93.859 (NIGMS); 93.286, 93.287 (NIBIB); 93.172 (NHGRI)

Letter of Intent Receipt Date: October 20, 2003

Application Receipt Date: November 20, 2003

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-GM-03-013.html

Purpose: The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), and the National Human Gnome Research Institute (NHGRI) invite applications for P20 Exploratory Center Grants to support multi-investigator teams to develop new technologies to enable higher sensitivity biological imaging in living cells. The purpose of this RFA is to encourage and facilitate novel, high-risk strategies to create fundamentally new probes with enhanced spectral characteristics with the goal of improving detection schemes by a factor of 10 to 100. Parallel improvements in probe targeting, cellular delivery, and signal detection will be required. The ultimate goal will be to develop probes that can be used to routinely achieve single molecule sensitivity for imaging dynamic processes in living cells. Although the focus of the RFA is on the development of probes for live cell imaging, the NIBIB will accept applications that emphasize pre-clinical development of imaging agents for the detection, diagnosis, or measurement of treatment efficacy for different disease processes.

 

National Institutes of Health

Title: Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Diamond-Blackfan Anemia and Other Congenital Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes

Release Date: September 16, 2003

RFA Number: RFA-HL-04-008

CFDA Number: 93.839

Letter of Intent Receipt Date: February 17, 2004

Application Receipt Date: March 17, 2004

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HL-04-008.html

Purpose: The goal of this initiative is to encourage research into the genetics and basic mechanisms of Diamond-Blackfan Anemia and other rare inherited bone marrow failure syndromes that have received little attention from the research community. Applications are sought that propose innovative research approaches to understand the molecular pathways disrupted in these syndromes. The bone marrow failure syndromes covered by this initiative include: Diamond-Blackfan anemia, dyskeratosis congenita, Pearson syndrome, severe congenital neutropenia (Kostmann syndrome), Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, and congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia.

 

National Institutes of Health/NHLBI and Office of Rare Diseases

Title: Exploratory and Developmental Research Grants for
Investigations in Rare Diseases (R21)

Release Date: September 16, 2003

PA Number: PA-03-171

Expiration Date: Sept 02, 2006, unless reissued

Deadline Submission Dates: February 1, June 1 and October 1

CFDA Numbers: 93.233, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-171.html

Purpose: The purpose of this announcement is to define the scope of exploratory and developmental grant applications to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) for support of investigators with novel approaches to understanding, treating, and preventing rare diseases in the areas of heart, lung, and blood disease as well as sleep disorders. The Office of Rare Diseases at NIH (ORD) will co-fund applications in these rare diseases. Availability of R21 awards for these individuals is expected to allow investigators with novel ideas to obtain research support without the need for large amounts of preliminary data that often serves as a barrier to entry into the NIH grants system. It is anticipated that these efforts will ultimately result in an increased pipeline of therapeutic approaches to treatment and prevention of rare diseases. Such diseases are often referred to as "orphan" diseases since there is a general lack of interest among industries to invest resources in diseases that in aggregate comprise too small a population to guarantee return on investment. Potential applicants may wish to review the information available through the Office of Rare Diseases http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/. The R21 is intended to encourage exploratory and developmental research projects by providing support for the early and conceptual stages of projects dealing with heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders.

 

National Institutes of Health

Title: NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings

Release Date: September 24, 2003

PA Number: PAR-03-176

Expiration Date: September 16, 2006, unless reissued.

Application Receipt Dates: April 15, August 15, and December 15, annually
CFDA Numbers: 93.113, 93.121, 93.172, 93.173, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.306, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, 93.821, 93.837, 93.838, 93.839, 93.846, 93.847, 93.848, 93.849, 93.853, 93.855,
93.856, 93.862, 93.864, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867, 93.929, 93.859, 93.213, 93.286, 93.287, and 93.879

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-176.html

Purpose: This Program Announcement (PA) provides updated guidelines for National Institutes of Health (NIH) support of scientific meetings. It replaces the previous guidelines issued in the NIH GUIDE on October 30, 1998, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-151.html and is effective with the December 15th receipt date for cycle III applications. An NIH Conference Grant Website has been created to centralize information regarding grants for scientific meetings and conferences, at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/r13/index.htm. This site includes contact information for the participating NIH Institutes and Centers and Offices and links to detailed information regarding specific interests and funding parameters. This site and related links is updated frequently and interested parties should check periodically for the most current information.

A major revision made in this announcement is the requirement that applications for conference grant support present a letter from the appropriate NIH Institute/Center (IC) staff documenting advance permission to submit an R13 or U13 application. As a streamlining measure, there are now three annual receipt dates for all applications for support of scientific meetings, and decisions about awards will normally be made within six months of submission.

 

National Institutes of Health

Title: Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Resource Infrastructure Enhancement Award

Release Date: September 26, 2003

PAR Number: PAR-03-177

Expiration Date: January 12, 2005, unless reissued.

CFDA Numbers: 93.389, 93.847, 93.865, 93.848, 93.849, 93.866.

Letter of Intent Receipt Dates: December 14, 2003, December 12, 2004

Application Receipt Dates: January 14, 2004, January 12, 2005

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-177.html

Purpose: The purpose of this initiative is to enhance the availability of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) for research. The research projects proposed under this Program Announcement (PAR) will address the expansion, testing, quality assurance, cryopreservation and distribution of existing hESC lines that are in compliance with criteria for federal funding of research on existing hESC as described in http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html.

 

National Institutes of Health

Title: National Technology Centers for Networks and Pathways

Release Date: September 30, 2003

RFA Number: RFA-RR-04-003

CFDA Number: 93.389

Letter of Intent Receipt Date: February 15, 2004

Application Receipt Date: March 16, 2004

URL: http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RR-04-003.html

This RFA is developed as a roadmap initiative. All NIH Institutes and Centers participate in roadmap initiatives.

Purpose: Participating Institutes and Centers (ICs) of the National Institutes of Health invite applications for NIH National Technology Centers for Networks and Pathways (TCNP). These centers will cooperate in a networked national effort to develop highly novel, integrated, and broadly applicable proteomics technologies, to include instrumentation, biophysical methods, reagents, and infrastructure. These technologies will be specifically directed at the fundamental technological challenges inherent in acquiring quantitative information at the high anatomic resolution (subcellular) and biologically relevant timescales necessary for temporal and spatial characterization of complex biochemical pathways and molecular interactions. Beyond cataloging of proteins and their binary interactions, these methods will be directed toward quantitatively defining the dynamics of complex systems.

The establishment of the TCNPs was called for in the NIH Roadmapping Initiative in 2003. TCNPs will be supported by U54 awards. The U54 awards will principally support technological innovation. However, in addition it is expected that the TCNPs will commit substantial resources to collaboration with and education of biomedical researchers, as well as the transfer of technologies to other laboratories. It is anticipated that there will be strong, vibrant interactions between the centers themselves and related individual investigator projects focused on a broad range of significant biomedical research questions. The centers should foster original and creative contributions to scientific understanding over and above that which would be obtained if each component of the center existed independently.

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