text:
Part I Overview Information
Department of Health and Human Services
Participating Organizations
National Institutes of Health (NIH) (http://www.nih.gov)
Components of Participating Organizations
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) (http://www.niddk.nih.gov)
Title: Diabetes Research Centers (P30, P60)
Announcement Type
This is a renewal of RFA-DK-04-007 which was previously released February 12, 2004.
Update: The following update relating to this announcement has been issued:
Table of Contents
Part I
Overview Information
Part II Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Program Objectives
2. Center Structure and Activities
Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism(s) of Support
2. Funds Available
Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
A. Eligible Institutions
B. Eligible Individuals
2.Cost Sharing or Matching
3. Other - Special Eligibility Criteria
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Information
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
3. Submission Dates and Times
A. Receipt and Review and Anticipated Start Dates
1. Letter of Intent
B. Sending an Application to the NIH
C. Application Processing
4. Intergovernmental Review
5. Funding Restrictions
6. Other Submission Requirements
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
2. Review and Selection Process
A. Additional Review Criteria
B. Additional Review Considerations
C. Sharing Research Data
D. Sharing Research Resources
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Section VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
3. Reporting
Section VII. Agency Contact(s)
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s)
2. Peer Review Contact(s)
3. Financial/ Grants Management Contact(s)
Section VIII. Other Information - Required Federal Citations
Part II - Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Program Objectives
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) invites applications for Diabetes Center grants to support research in diabetes mellitus and its complications, and in related areas of endocrinology and metabolism.
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the United States is reaching epidemic proportions and accounts for a huge national burden of morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditures. The mission of the Diabetes Centers is to serve as a key component of the NIDDK supported research effort to develop new therapies and improve the health of Americans with diabetes and related endocrine and metabolic disorders. The Centers promote new discoveries and enhance scientific progress through support of cutting-edge basic and clinical research related to the etiology and complications of diabetes, with the goal of rapidly translating research findings into novel strategies for the prevention, treatment and cure of diabetes and related conditions.
To accomplish this mission, the Diabetes Centers:
2. Center Structure and Activities
The NIDDK Diabetes Centers are part of an integrated program of research support designed to enhance multidisciplinary cutting-edge research in diabetes and in related areas of endocrinology and metabolism. Diabetes Centers are intended to improve the efficiency and collaborative nature of diabetes research by providing shared access to specialized technical resources and expertise. In addition, centers enhance translational research by providing a framework for fostering synergy between basic scientists and clinical investigators, with the goal of promoting rapid progress toward a treatment or cure for diabetes and its complications. Diabetes Endocrinology Research Centers (DERCs) support three primary research-related activities: (1) Biomedical Research Cores that provide resources to enhance the efficiency, productivity, and multidisciplinary nature of research in designated topic areas; (2) a Pilot and Feasibility Program designed to foster development of new investigators and to provide seed-support for innovative high-risk projects; and (3) an Enrichment Program to promote interdisciplinary interaction and training of investigators in areas of NIDDK interest. A Diabetes Research and Training Center (DRTC) provides all three elements of a DERC, with an additional focus on support for diabetes prevention and control research through dedicated cores and Pilot & Feasibility awards.
Institution and Research Base
A DERC or DRTC must be an identifiable unit within a single institution such as a university medical center, or within a consortium of cooperating institutions. In either case, Diabetes Center applications must be associated with an existing program of excellence in biomedical research in diabetes and in related areas of metabolism and endocrinology. Program excellence is measured through a consistent and outstanding record of productivity and peer-reviewed research funding in diabetes and related research areas. In the case of the DRTC, the research base must also include a substantial number of investigators with a proven track record of productivity and peer-reviewed funding in research focused on diabetes prevention and control. A high level of integration and close collaboration among center personnel from diverse scientific disciplines is an important feature of a successful Diabetes Center. Accordingly, the applicant should clearly state considerations for center membership with specific reference to the potential of members to form interactive, collaborative and synergistic relationships. Center applicants should identify one or more central themes or focus areas that link center investigators and their research programs.
Diabetes research often requires the use of specialized technologies and resources to support a cohesive research effort. The goal of the Diabetes Center program is to make state-of-the art technologies and resources readily accessible to a broad spectrum of investigators who are pursuing studies in relevant topic areas.
Administrative Core
Diabetes Center applications must include an administrative core that will be responsible for allocation and oversight of Center resources. The Administrative core will also be responsible for planning an enrichment program and for implementing a process for solicitation, review and selection of projects for the center Pilot and Feasibility Program. In addition, all Diabetes Centers will be required to maintain a center website, with the administrative core taking primary responsibility for its curation and oversight, as well as for ensuring proper and seamless integration of the center website with the NIDDK center program website. The Core Center Director should provide at least 10% effort on the Administrative Core and a total of 20% effort distributed among the Administrative and other components of the Center. One or more Associate Directors should be named who will be involved in the administrative, scientific, or training efforts of the center and who will serve as Acting Center Director in the absence of the Director.
Biomedical Resource Cores
Diabetes Centers are designed around cores that provide shared specialized technical resources and/or expertise that enhance the efficiency, productivity, and multidisciplinary nature of research performed by center-affiliated investigators. In a Diabetes Center, cores are intended to facilitate basic, clinical and translational research in diabetes, endocrinology and metabolic diseases in order to accomplish the stated goals of the individual center and of the NIDDK center program.
Each biomedical research core should provide state-of-the art services to multiple funded research projects. A Center may support research at a single or set of cooperating institutions through an Institutional Core, or may serve a wider scientific community on a geographic or national level through the establishment of a Regional/National Shared Resource Core. With a regional or national core, the center will service a specific research base that is expanded beyond investigators at the center-affiliated institution. In addition, Diabetes Center applicants may propose to share core services or functions with other centers in the Diabetes Center program in order to expand, enhance, or increase the cost-effectiveness of research activities at the center institution. Examples of biomedical cores that would be considered responsive to this Request for Applications include:
These cores are not listed in any particular order, nor do they represent a comprehensive list of possibilities. In responding to this RFA, applicants are encouraged to propose cores that address specific objectives based on the unique requirements of investigators at the applicant institution. Particular emphasis should be placed on services that support and foster interdisciplinary, integrated and translational approaches to research in Diabetes Center topic areas. Preference will be given to core support services that are not readily available or cost-effective when supplied from commercial sources, and techniques or technologies that may be technically challenging or require specialized expertise, equipment or infrastructure.
The need for core support from the Diabetes Center must be well justified, with clear documentation of a broad user base of NIDDK-funded investigators pursuing research activities in center topic areas. Participants in the Diabetes Center program are encouraged to become fully integrated into, and synergistic with, other NIDDK and NIH funded core centers within their institutional setting. This includes the clinical research homes being established by the Clinical and Translational Science Awards supported by the National Center for Research Resources (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-06-002.html) and other related NIH roadmap activities, existing NCRR-supported General Clinical Research Centers (GCRCs) at the institution (http://www.gcrconline.org/), and any related NIDDK funded center programs such as the Obesity/Nutrition Research Center Program (http://www.niddk.nih.gov/fund/other/centers.htm#Obesity-Nutrition). Applicants should provide information on other programs supporting related resources at their institution and describe the nature of synergy and integration between the Diabetes Center and these other activities. Applicants must clearly describe how duplication or redundancies of effort, services and resources will be avoided.
Prevention and Control Core (P60 DRTC proposals)
Diabetes Research and Training Center (DRTC) proposals must direct a minimum of 20-25% of center direct costs to support dedicated core(s) and Pilot & Feasibility projects in topic areas related to diabetes prevention and control research. Prevention & Control (P&C) cores should focus on activities supporting research designed to enhance translation of research advances into clinical or community practice. Services should support research into identification of barriers to widespread adoption of new practices, and into development and testing of interventions to overcome these barriers under real world conditions. Prevention and Control Cores should address how they may support and foster activities pursued under other ongoing NIDDK translational research programs (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-153.html; https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-060.html). In addition, applicants are encouraged to focus on underserved populations that may be disproportionately affected by diabetes. P&C cores will also be expected to establish a Prevention & Control webpage within the context of the center website that will be used to support networking to and from other P&C Core sites within the Diabetes Center Program. P&C Core directors should indicate willingness to facilitate adoption of a unified presence for P&C activities supported by the Diabetes Center Program at-large.
Pilot and Feasibility Program
The Diabetes Center Pilot and Feasibility (P&F) program provides seed support for new and innovative research projects directed at basic biomedical, clinical and translational research questions relevant to diabetes and its complications. To be considered a viable P&F program, the center must support a minimum of two pilot projects and direct no more than 30% of the center direct costs, exclusive of equipment, into P&F projects. In addition, DRTC applicants will be expected to include and provide for a substantial focus on prevention and control projects in the DRTC P&F program.
Funding and Duration of Support: It is anticipated that up to $50,000 in direct costs per year for up to two years will be provided for the majority of approved P&F projects. However, a limited number of proposals may be selected for support as enhanced P&F awards with prior NIDDK approval. Enhanced P&F awards will be selected from worthy proposals in the following three project categories: clinical and translational research awards, clinical and basic research innovative partnership awards, or technology research and development awards. These enhanced awards may be funded at up to $100,000 direct costs per year and for up to 3 years. Efforts to increase the number of P&F awards and availability of funds for the program through the use of program income or alternative funding sources are particularly encouraged.
Eligibility: The P&F program is particularly directed at new investigators and established investigators new to diabetes research. Established diabetes investigators pursuing high
impact/high risk projects or projects that are a significant departure from their usual work are also eligible for support under the Diabetes Center P&F program. P&F programs may also be structured to provide support for establishing interdisciplinary collaborations and to help forge new partnerships between basic scientists and clinical researchers. While the distribution of P&F funds to be used in each award category is ultimately at the discretion of the center P&F committee, it is expected that the center P&F program will, where possible, place particular emphasis on funding innovative clinical and translational research projects.
Enrichment Program
The Diabetes Center enrichment program should be designed to advance translational research in diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism and promote scientific exchange among investigators with research interests in these topic areas, and to enhance interactions between diabetes researchers and investigators from other fields with relevant expertise. The enrichment program can support activities such as seminars, guest speakers, visiting scientists, consultants, and workshops. Although funds are not provided directly for training purposes, applicants should describe any training opportunities afforded by the Diabetes Center for center participants, and document ways the center may facilitate, enhance or foster the institutional training environment. Specifically, center applicants should provide information on related NIDDK T32 programs at the center institution(s), and describe how the Diabetes Center will help to integrate, facilitate and enhance activities of T32 trainees. A letter from the PI of any related NIDDK-funded T32 at the center institution should be included that acknowledges and details how the PI of the T32 intends to promote cohesive interactions between the two programs.
Additional Features
Cooperation, Coordination and Integration: applicants from institutions with a General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) funded by the NIH National Center for Research Resources (http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/clinical/cr_gcrc.asp) are strongly encouraged to utilize the GCRC as a resource for enhancing clinical research programs within the Diabetes Center. In such a case, a letter of agreement from the GCRC program director or principal investigator should be included with the application. Similar plans for appropriate integration and synergy with programs supported under the new NCRR Clinical and Translational Science Award program (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RM-06-002.html) should be documented with appropriate letters of support provided. In addition, applicants should address the potential for integration, harmonization, and enhancement of Diabetes Center activities through cooperation with other NIH supported core facilities at the applicant institution. Other NIH-supported centers and associated cores at the institution should be identified, and assurances provided that overlap or redundancy in core services will be avoided unless expressly required to fulfill the mission of the Diabetes Center.
The Diabetes Center must provide support for enrichment activities to foster multidisciplinary approaches to diabetes research and to attract new investigators or investigators with relevant expertise to diabetes research. While many of these activities occur at the grantee institution, applicants are encouraged to suggest coordinated efforts, such as educational activities, that might operate on a regional or national level and involve multiple Diabetes Research Centers. The application should include a statement regarding willingness to participate in such activities.
The proposed budget should include travel for the Principal Investigator and Associate Center Director, or other key personnel, to attend an annual Diabetes Centers meeting. The application should include a statement of willingness to attend this annual meeting of Diabetes Research Center Directors.
Core access and Cost Recovery: core resources must precisely define issues regarding access to core services, including investigator eligibility requirements for services, and policies and procedures for prioritization of services when demand exceeds capacity. Financial considerations such as calculations that justify investment of funds in core services and policies for cost recovery from investigators for use of services should also be included.
Evolution: centers must document policies and procedures for ensuring continuing evolution
of core services in response to changing needs. New technologies or services
might appear that should be supported, existing technologies might become less
important, or economic changes might obviate the need for core services, such
as the availability of cost-effective commercial services or core services
provided by the research institution. Cores should address the issue of
allocation of resources to development of new technologies versus provision of
services with existing technologies. In addition, cores must have well-defined
policies to insure that intellectual property is identified and appropriately
protected, but that IP issues do not impede sharing of resources.
See Section VIII, Other Information - Required Federal Citations, for policies related to this announcement.
Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism(s) of Support
This funding opportunity will use the NIH Core Centers Grant (P30) and NIH Comprehensive Center (P60) award mechanism(s).
As an applicant, you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project.
This funding opportunity uses the just-in-time budget concepts. It also uses the non-modular budget format described in the PHS 398 application instructions (see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html). A detailed categorical budget for the "Initial Budget Period" and the "Entire Proposed Period of Support" is to be submitted with the application.
2. Funds Available
The NIDDK intends to commit up to 14.9 million dollars in FY 2007 to fund 8-10 new and/or competing continuation grants in response to this RFA. An applicant for a DERC may request a project period of up to 5 years and a budget for direct costs up to 1.0 million dollars per year. An applicant for a DRTC may request a project period of up to 5 years and a budget for direct costs up to 1.25 million dollars per year. These budget limits are exclusive of: (a) first year equipment costs, (b) direct costs on subcontracts for the purpose of establishing collaborations and providing access to the research infrastructure to investigators at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), health departments, community health centers or other agencies that focus on underserved populations to foster health disparities research in populations disproportionately affected by diabetes, and (c) F&A costs on consortium and subcontract arrangements.
Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary. Although the financial plans of the IC(s) provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this funding opportunity are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.
Facilities and administrative costs requested by consortium participants are not included in the direct cost limitation, see NOT-OD-05-004.
Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
1.A. Eligible Institutions
You may submit (an) application(s) if your organization has any of the following characteristics:
Eligible Individuals
Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research is invited to work with their institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.
Because a Diabetes Center has a large and complex administrative structure, the principal investigator must have strong leadership abilities and demonstrated proficiency in managing a large, multi-component project.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost-sharing or matching is not required.
The most current Grants Policy Statement can be found at: https://grants.nih.gov/archive/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm#matching_or_cost_sharing
3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria
Research Base: successful Diabetes Center applications require an existing program of excellence in biomedical research in the area of diabetes, its complications, and in related research in endocrine and metabolic diseases. To justify Center support, the DERC or DRTC must serve a large research base that has a consistent and outstanding record of NIH and other peer-reviewed funding in Center-relevant areas. The research base of the DRTC must also include investigators with an established track record of productivity and funding support in prevention and control research that is directed toward translating current diabetes research findings into clinical and/or community practice. Suggestions for describing and presenting this research base in the application are included in the Administrative Guidelines for NIDDK Diabetes Research Centers (http://www.niddk.nih.gov/fund/other/guidelines.pdf).
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Information
The PHS 398 application instructions are available at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive format. Applicants must use the currently approved version of the PHS 398. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 710-0267, Email: email@example.com.
Telecommunications for the hearing impaired: TTY 301-451-5936.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Applications must be prepared using the most current PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms. Applications must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as the universal identifier when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements. The D&B number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-5711 or through the web site at http://www.dnb.com/us/. The D&B number should be entered on line 11 of the face page of the PHS 398 form.
The title and number of this funding opportunity must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be checked.
Page limits for the narrative, non-tabular sections of proposals will be strictly enforced. These limits will be 120 pages for the DERC (P30) proposals, and 140 pages for the DRTC (P60) proposals. Failure to abide by these page limits will result in return of the application without review.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Applications must be received on or before the receipt date described below (Section IV.3.A). Submission times N/A.
3.A. Receipt, Review and Anticipated Start Dates
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s): November 17, 2006
Application Receipt Date(s): December 18, 2006
Peer Review Date(s): June - July 2007
Council Review Date(s): September 19-20, 2007
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: February 1, 2008
3.A.1. Letter of Intent
Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following information:
Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that it contains allows IC staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review.
The letter of intent
is to be sent by the date listed at the beginning of this document.
The letter of intent should be sent to:
Francisco O. Calvo, Ph.D.
Chief, Review Branch
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Rm. 752
Bethesda, MD 20892-5452
(for express/courier service: Bethesda, MD 20817)
Telephone: (301) 594-8897
Email: email@example.com
3.B. Sending an Application to the NIH
Applications must be prepared using the research grant applications found in the PHS 398 instructions for preparing a research grant application. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the checklist, and three signed photocopies in one package to:
Center for Scientific Review
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040, MSC 7710
Bethesda, MD 20892-7710 (U.S. Postal Service Express or regular mail)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service; non-USPS service)
Personal deliveries of applications are no longer permitted (see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-040.html).
At the time of submission, two additional copies of the application and all copies of the appendix material must be sent to:
Francisco O. Calvo, Ph.D.
Chief, Review Branch
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Rm. 752
Bethesda, MD 20892-5452
(for express/courier service: Bethesda, MD 20817)
Telephone: (301) 594-8897
Email: email@example.com
Using the RFA Label: The RFA label available in the PHS 398 application instructions must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the application. Type the RFA number on the label. Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of the application such that it may not reach the review committee in time for review. In addition, the RFA title and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be marked. The RFA label is also available at: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/labels.pdf.
3.C. Application Processing
Applications must be received on or before the application receipt date(s) described above (Section IV.3.A.). If an application is received after that date, it will be returned to the applicant without review. Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness by the CSR and responsiveness by the NIDDK. Incomplete and non-responsive applications will not be reviewed.
The NIH will not
accept any application in response to this funding opportunity that is
essentially the same as one currently pending initial review, unless the
applicant withdraws the pending application. However, when a previously
unfunded application, originally submitted as an investigator-initiated
application, is to be submitted in response to a funding opportunity, it is to
be prepared as a NEW application. That is, the application for the funding
opportunity must not include an Introduction describing the changes and
improvements made, and the text must not be marked to indicate the changes from
the previous unfunded version of the application.
Information on the status of an application should be checked by the Principal Investigator in the eRA Commons at: https://commons.era.nih.gov/commons/.
4. Intergovernmental Review
initiative is not subject to intergovernmental
5. Funding Restrictions
All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. The Grants Policy Statement can be found at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm.
Pre-Award Costs are allowable. A grantee may, at its own risk and without NIH prior approval, incur obligations and expenditures to cover costs up to 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a new or competing continuation award if such costs: are necessary to conduct the project, and would be allowable under the grant, if awarded, without NIH prior approval. If specific expenditures would otherwise require prior approval, the grantee must obtain NIH approval before incurring the cost. NIH prior approval is required for any costs to be incurred more than 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a new or competing continuation award.
The incurrence of pre-award costs in anticipation of a competing or non-competing award imposes no obligation on NIH either to make the award or to increase the amount of the approved budget if an award is made for less than the amount anticipated and is inadequate to cover the pre-award costs incurred. NIH expects the grantee to be fully aware that pre-award costs result in borrowing against future support and that such borrowing must not impair the grantee's ability to accomplish the project objectives in the approved time frame or in any way adversely affect the conduct of the project. See NIH Grants Policy Statement https://grants.nih.gov/archive/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm.
6. Other Submission Requirements
The Research plan in Diabetes Center applications (Items A-D; PHS 398) shall be limited to 120 (P30 DERC) or 140 (P60 DRTC) pages exclusive of form pages, tabular information and appendices. Content and order of information to be provided should be presented in the form and format as described in the Diabetes Center guidelines http://www.niddk.nih.gov/fund/other/guidelines.doc) with adjustments as indicated in this RFA. An overview of the structure of a responsive center application is provided below, with all non-formatted pages that will be subject to the page limitations marked (*). Every effort should be made to provide information in tabular or chart form where indicated in the guidelines to facilitate application preparation and review. Failure to comply with these instructions will result in return of the application without review.
• Face Page, Descriptive Abstract, Key Personnel and Table of Contents should be prepared as per standard instructions.
• Budgets
• General description of the proposed or established Center*
For Renewals: Changes from the original Center design should be highlighted
Description (398- Form Page 2)
• Key personnel (398- Form Page 2 cont'd)
• Budget with comprehensive budgetary justifications (398- Form Page 4)
• Biographical Sketches: Director and Associate Director (398 form pages)
• Presentation of the administrative structure*
• Relationship and lines of authority and sanction by appropriate institutional officials*
• Committee structure (include External and Internal advisory boards and the pilot and feasibility program oversight committee)*
• Description of plans for website development, maintenance and curation*
• General overall description of facilities and institutional commitment*
• Other Considerations (include listing of other relevant centers and cores at the institution, and plans to integrate, harmonize and reduce redundancies in activities)*
• Overview of ongoing research and impact of Center on this research. Description of Research Base - Grouped into areas of emphasis for the Center*
For Renewals: Progress Report including description of significant findings and
new participants.
Publications Citing Support from this Center (see Guidelines Illustration IV)*
• Biomedical research cores (present each core separately)
Description (398- Form Page 2)
2. Key Personnel (398- Form Page 2-cont'd)
3. Budget with justifications (398- Form Page 4)
4. Biographical sketches: Core Director and key personnel (398- Form Page)
5. Objectives of the core*
6. Core function, including quality control*
7. Benefits from core*
8. Proposed developmental research or training*
9. Funded investigators who will use the core and proposed extent of use (see Guidelines Illustration V). For Renewals: Core Use during the last grant period (see Guidelines Illustration V)
10. Core progress and productivity (include literature citations, grant awards, and 2-3 key advances supported by core activity)*
11. Future directions and plans to ensure continuing evolution & relevance of the core*
•Prevention and Control core (P60-DRTC applicants only)
Description (398- Form Page 2)
2. Key Personnel (398- Form Page 2-cont'd)
3. Budget with justifications (398- Form Page 4)
4. Biographical sketches: Core Director and key personnel (398- Form Page)
5. Objectives of the core*
6. Core function, including quality control*
7. Benefits from core*
8. Proposed developmental research or training*
9. Funded investigators who will use the core and proposed extent of use (see Guidelines Illustration V). For Renewals: Core Use during the last grant period (see Guidelines Illustration V)
10. Core progress and productivity (include literature citations, grant awards, and 2-3 key advances supported by core activity)*
11. Future directions and plans to ensure continuing evolution & relevance of the core*
•Pilot and Feasibility Program
2. Key Personnel (398- Form Page 2-cont'd)
3. Composite budget with budgetary justifications for future years
4. Biographical sketches: Program Director and Committee (398- Form Page)
5. Management of the pilot and feasibility program*
6. Program progress and productivity (include publications, grant awards, and 2-3 key advances supported by the P&F program)*
7. Future directions and plans*
In initial applications include: eligibility requirements, selection process, abstracts of proposed P&F awards, and justification for core usage by P&F awards*
For competing renewal applications include: Total number and titles of all P&F submissions received during the prior project period, selection process and funding success rate, single paragraph synopses of Pilot and Feasibility studies awarded during the last project period and productivity associated with each (publications, presentations, grant awards)*
•Enrichment Program
2. Key Personnel (398- Form Page 2-contd)
3. Budget with justifications (398- Form Page 4)
4. Biographical sketches: Program director and key personnel (398- Form Page)
5. Future directions and plans to ensure continuing evolution and relevance of the enrichment program*
6. Other considerations (include plans to enhance interactions with relevant NIDDK supported T32 training programs; letters of acknowledgment and support from T32 PIs should be provided)
•Checklist (398- Form Page)
• Appendix
Sketches for all Center participants in alphabetical order (398-Form
2. Distribution of Professional Effort (see Guidelines Illustration II)
3. Summary of total current and pending support of all Center participants including percent efforts. List support related to diabetes first, followed by non-center related research support (see Guidelines Illustration III).
Plan for Sharing
Research Data
The precise content of the data-sharing plan will vary, depending on the data being collected and how the investigator is planning to share the data. Applicants who are planning to share data may wish to describe briefly the expected schedule for data sharing, the format of the final dataset, the documentation to be provided, whether or not any analytic tools also will be provided, whether or not a data-sharing agreement will be required and, if so, a brief description of such an agreement (including the criteria for deciding who can receive the data and whether or not any conditions will be placed on their use), and the mode of data sharing (e.g., under their own auspices by mailing a disk or posting data on their institutional or personal website, through a data archive or enclave). Investigators choosing to share under their own auspices may wish to enter into a data-sharing agreement. References to data sharing may also be appropriate in other sections of the application.
All applicants must include a plan for sharing research data in their application. The data sharing policy is available at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing. All investigators responding to this funding opportunity should include a description of how final research data will be shared, or explain why data sharing is not possible.
The reasonableness of the data sharing plan or the rationale for not sharing research data will be assessed by the reviewers. However, reviewers will not factor the proposed data sharing plan into the determination of scientific merit or the priority score.
Sharing Research Resources
NIH policy requires that grant awardee recipients make unique research resources readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community after publication (NIH Grants Policy Statement https://grants.nih.gov/archive/archive/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm and https://grants.nih.gov/archive/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm#_Toc54600131). Investigators responding to this funding opportunity should include a plan for sharing research resources addressing how unique research resources will be shared or explain why sharing is not possible.
The adequacy of the resources sharing plan and any related data sharing plans will be considered by Program staff of the funding organization when making recommendations about funding applications. The effectiveness of the resource sharing will be evaluated as part of the administrative review of each non-competing Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590, https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/2590/2590.htm). See Section VI.3. Reporting.
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process.
The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
2. Review and Selection Process
Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by the NIDDK in accordance with the review criteria stated below.
As part of the initial merit review, all applications will:
goals of NIH supported research are to advance our understanding of biological
systems, to improve the control of disease, and to enhance health. In their
written critiques, reviewers will be asked to comment on each of the following
criteria in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research will have
a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals. Each of these criteria will
be addressed and considered in assigning the overall score, weighting them as
appropriate for each application. Note that an application does not need to be
strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact
and thus deserve a high priority score. For example, an investigator may
propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not innovative but is
essential to move a field forward.
Significance: Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge or clinical practice be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?
Approach: Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, well reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?
Innovation: Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field? Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area?
Investigators: Are the investigators appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers? Does the investigative team bring complementary and integrated expertise to the project (if applicable)?
Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed studies benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, or subject populations, or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?
Additional Review Criteria:
The following additional review considerations apply to all new and competing continuation Diabetes Research Center Applications. Foremost, does the research base to be supported by the center show evidence of a strong and consistent record of productivity and peer-reviewed funding in center-related research areas? Do the proposed cores fill a need present in the diabetes research community, and will they provide services that would otherwise be unavailable to most laboratories, or be more cost-effective to conduct centrally? Is the necessary technical and analytical expertise available? Does the application demonstrate ability to monitor use and utility of the cores, and provide approaches to ensure continuing development and evolution of services as needs of the community change? Do existing centers show clear evidence of successful implementation of a charge-back structure to support expanded and/or evolving center activities? Do new proposals document a clear intent to implement a charge-back structure to support expanded and/or evolving center activities?
The following evaluation criteria will be used to assess the progress of competing continuation Diabetes Center applications. Competing applications should demonstrate productivity as following:
Research Base:
Biomedical and Prevention & Control Cores:
Pilot & Feasibility Program:
Are papers generated under these awards, projects successfully funded with independent grants, and key advances linked to these awards well documented and consistent with the level of support provided?
In addition to the
above criteria, the following items will continue to be considered in the
determination of scientific merit and the priority score:
Protection of Human Subjects from Research Risk: The involvement of human subjects and protections from research risk relating to their participation in the proposed research will be assessed (see the Research Plan, Section E on Human Subjects in the PHS Form 398).
Inclusion of Women, Minorities and Children in Research: The adequacy of plans to include subjects from both genders, all racial and ethnic groups (and subgroups), and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research will be assessed. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated (see the Research Plan, Section E on Human Subjects in the PHS Form 398).
Care and Use of Vertebrate Animals in Research: If vertebrate animals are to be used in the project, the five items described under Section F of the PHS Form 398 research grant application instructions will be assessed.
Biohazards: If materials or procedures are proposed that are potentially hazardous to research personnel and/or the environment, determine if the proposed protection is adequate.
2.B. Additional Review Considerations
Budget: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested period of support in relation to the proposed research. The priority score should not be affected by the evaluation of the budget.
2.C. Sharing Research Data
Data Sharing Plan: The reasonableness of the data sharing plan or the rationale for not sharing research data will be assessed by the reviewers. However, reviewers will not factor the proposed data sharing plan into the determination of scientific merit or the priority score. The presence of a data sharing plan will be part of the terms and conditions of the award. The funding organization will be responsible for monitoring the data sharing policy.
2.D. Sharing Research Resources
NIH policy requires that grant awardee recipients make unique research resources readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community after publication (See the NIH Grants Policy Statement https://grants.nih.gov/archive/grants/policy/nihgps/part_ii_5.htm#availofrr and http://www.ott.nih.gov/policy/rt_guide_final.html). Investigators responding to this funding opportunity should include a sharing research resources plan addressing how unique research resources will be shared or explain why sharing is not possible.
Program staff will be responsible for the administrative review of the plan for sharing research resources.
The adequacy of the resources sharing plan will be considered by Program staff of the funding organization when making recommendations about funding applications. Program staff may negotiate modifications of the data and resource sharing plans with the awardee before recommending funding of an application. The final version of the data and resource sharing plans negotiated by both will become a condition of the award of the grant. The effectiveness of the resource sharing will be evaluated as part of the administrative review of each non-competing Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590). See Section VI.3. Reporting.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Section VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
After the peer review of the application is completed, the PD/PI will be able to access his or her Summary Statement (written critique) via the NIH eRA Commons.
the application is under consideration for funding, NIH will request
"just-in-time" information from the applicant. For details,
applicants may refer to the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and
Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General (https://grants.nih.gov/archive/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm).
A formal notification in the form of a Notice of Award (NoA) will be provided to the applicant organization. The NoA signed by the grants management officer is the authorizing document. Once all administrative and programmatic issues have been resolved, the NoA will be generated via email notification from the awarding component to the grantee business official (designated in item 12 on the Application Face Page). If a grantee is not email enabled, a hard copy of the NoA will be mailed to the business official.
Selection of an application for award is not an authorization to begin performance. Any costs incurred before receipt of the NoA are at the recipient's risk. These costs may be reimbursed only to the extent considered allowable pre-award costs. See Also Section IV.5. Funding Restrictions.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
All NIH grant and cooperative agreement awards include the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of the NoA. For these terms of award, see the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General (https://grants.nih.gov/archive/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm) and Part II Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities (https://grants.nih.gov/archive/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm).
3. Reporting
Awardees will be required to submit the PHS Non-Competing Grant Progress Report, Form 2590 annually (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/2590/2590.htm) and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Section VII. Agency Contacts
encourage your inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the
opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall
into three areas: scientific/research, peer review, and financial or grants
management issues:
1. Scientific/Research Contacts:
Kristin Abraham, Ph.D.
Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Rm. 795
Bethesda, MD 20892-5460
Telephone: (301) 451-8048
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
2. Peer Review Contacts:
Francisco O. Calvo, Ph.D.
Chief, Review Branch
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
6707 Democracy Boulevard, Rm. 752
Bethesda, MD 20892-5452
Telephone: (301) 594-8897
Email: email@example.com
3. Financial or Grants Management Contacts:
Randi Freundlich, R.D.
Grants Management Specialist
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Democracy Boulevard, Rm. 723
Bethesda , MD 20892-5456
Telephone: (301) 594-8825
Email: email@example.com
Section VIII. Other Information
Required Federal Citations
Use of Animals in Research:
Recipients of PHS support for activities involving live, vertebrate animals must comply with PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/PHSPolicyLabAnimals.pdf) as mandated by the Health Research Extension Act of 1985 (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/hrea1985.htm), and the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations (http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm) as applicable.
Human Subjects Protection:
Federal regulations (45CFR46) require that applications and proposals involving human subjects must be evaluated with reference to the risks to the subjects, the adequacy of protection against these risks, the potential benefits of the research to the subjects and others, and the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained (http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.htm).
Data and Safety Monitoring Plan:
Data and safety monitoring is required for all types of clinical trials, including physiologic toxicity and dose-finding studies (phase I); efficacy studies (Phase II); efficacy, effectiveness and comparative trials (Phase III). Monitoring should be commensurate with risk. The establishment of data and safety monitoring boards (DSMBs) is required for multi-site clinical trials involving interventions that entail potential risks to the participants (NIH Policy for Data and Safety Monitoring, NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html).
Sharing Research Data:
Investigators submitting an NIH application seeking $500,000 or more in direct costs in any single year are expected to include a plan for data sharing or state why this is not possible (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing).
Investigators should seek guidance from their institutions, on issues related to institutional policies and local IRB rules, as well as local, State and Federal laws and regulations, including the Privacy Rule. Reviewers will consider the data sharing plan but will not factor the plan into the determination of the scientific merit or the priority score.
Access to Research Data through the Freedom of Information Act:
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to provide access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under some circumstances. Data that are (1) first produced in a project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed through FOIA. It is important for applicants to understand the basic scope of this amendment. NIH has provided guidance at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm. Applicants may wish to place data collected under this funding opportunity in a public archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the distribution for an indefinite period of time. If so, the application should include a description of the archiving plan in the study design and include information about this in the budget justification section of the application. In addition, applicants should think about how to structure informed consent statements and other human subjects procedures given the potential for wider use of data collected under this award.
Sharing of Model Organisms:
NIH is committed to support efforts that encourage sharing of important research resources including the sharing of model organisms for biomedical research (see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/model_organism/index.htm). At the same time the NIH recognizes the rights of grantees and contractors to elect and retain title to subject inventions developed with Federal funding pursuant to the Bayh Dole Act (see the NIH Grants Policy Statement https://grants.nih.gov/archive/archive/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm). All investigators submitting an NIH application or contract proposal, beginning with the October 1, 2004 receipt date, are expected to include in the application/proposal a description of a specific plan for sharing and distributing unique model organism research resources generated using NIH funding or state why such sharing is restricted or not possible. This will permit other researchers to benefit from the resources developed with public funding. The inclusion of a model organism sharing plan is not subject to a cost threshold in any year and is expected to be included in all applications where the development of model organisms is anticipated.
Inclusion of Women And Minorities in Clinical Research:
It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their sub-populations must be included in all NIH-supported clinical research projects unless a clear and compelling justification is provided indicating that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43). All investigators proposing clinical research should read the "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html); a complete copy of the updated Guidelines is available at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_amended_10_2001.htm. The amended policy incorporates: the use of an NIH definition of clinical research; updated racial and ethnic categories in compliance with the new OMB standards; clarification of language governing NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials consistent with the new PHS Form 398; and updated roles and responsibilities of NIH staff and the extramural community. The policy continues to require for all NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials that: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols must provide a description of plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable; and b) investigators must report annual accrual and progress in conducting analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences.
Inclusion of Children as Participants in Clinical Research:
The NIH maintains a policy that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all clinical research, conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them.
All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Policy and Guidelines" on the inclusion of children as participants in research involving human subjects (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/children/children.htm).
Required Education on the Protection of Human Subject Participants:
NIH policy requires education on the protection of human subject participants for all investigators submitting NIH applications for research involving human subjects and individuals designated as key personnel. The policy is available at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.
Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC):
Criteria for federal funding of research on hESCs can be found at http://stemcells.nih.gov/index.asp and at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-005.html. Only research using hESC lines that are registered in the NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry will be eligible for Federal funding (http://escr.nih.gov). It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide in the project description and elsewhere in the application as appropriate, the official NIH identifier(s) for the hESC line(s)to be used in the proposed research. Applications that do not provide this information will be returned without review.
NIH Public Access Policy:
NIH-funded investigators are requested to submit to the NIH manuscript submission (NIHMS) system (http://www.nihms.nih.gov) at PubMed Central (PMC) an electronic version of the author's final manuscript upon acceptance for publication, resulting from research supported in whole or in part with direct costs from NIH. The author's final manuscript is defined as the final version accepted for journal publication, and includes all modifications from the publishing peer review process.
NIH is requesting that authors submit manuscripts resulting from 1) currently funded NIH research projects or 2) previously supported NIH research projects if they are accepted for publication on or after May 2, 2005. The NIH Public Access Policy applies to all research grant and career development award mechanisms, cooperative agreements, contracts, Institutional and Individual Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards, as well as NIH intramural research studies. The Policy applies to peer-reviewed, original research publications that have been supported in whole or in part with direct costs from NIH, but it does not apply to book chapters, editorials, reviews, or conference proceedings. Publications resulting from non-NIH-supported research projects should not be submitted.
For more information about the Policy or the submission process please visit the NIH Public Access Policy Web site at http://publicaccess.nih.gov/ and view the Policy or other Resources and Tools including the Authors' Manual (http://publicaccess.nih.gov/publicaccess_manual.htm).
Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued final modification to the "Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information", the "Privacy Rule", on August 14, 2002 . The Privacy Rule is a federal regulation under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 that governs the protection of individually identifiable health information, and is administered and enforced by the DHHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Decisions about applicability and implementation of the Privacy Rule reside with the researcher and his/her institution. The OCR website (http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/) provides information on the Privacy Rule, including a complete Regulation Text and a set of decision tools on "Am I a covered entity?" Information on the impact of the HIPAA Privacy Rule on NIH processes involving the review, funding, and progress monitoring of grants, cooperative agreements, and research contracts can be found at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-025.html
URLs in NIH Grant Applications or Appendices:
All applications and proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page limitations. For publications listed in the appendix and/or Progress report, internet addresses (URLs) must be used for publicly accessible on-line journal articles. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, Internet addresses (URLs) should not be used to provide any other information necessary for the review because reviewers are under no obligation to view the Internet sites. Furthermore, we caution reviewers that their anonymity may be compromised when they directly access an Internet site.
Healthy People 2010:
The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of "Healthy People 2010," a PHS-led national activity for setting priority areas. This PA is related to one or more of the priority areas. Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
Authority and Regulations:
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance at http://www.cfda.gov/ and is not subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372 or Health Systems Agency review. Awards are made under the authorization of Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR 52 and 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92. All awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. The NIH Grants Policy Statement can be found at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm.
The PHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and discourage the use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a facility) in which regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or early childhood development services are provided to children. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people.
Loan Repayment Programs:
NIH encourages applications for educational loan repayment from qualified health professionals who have made a commitment to pursue a research career involving clinical, pediatric, contraception, infertility, and health disparities related areas. The LRP is an important component of NIH's efforts to recruit and retain the next generation of researchers by providing the means for developing a research career unfettered by the burden of student loan debt. Note that an NIH grant is not required for eligibility and concurrent career award and LRP applications are encouraged. The periods of career award and LRP award may overlap providing the LRP recipient with the required commitment of time and effort, as LRP awardees must commit at least 50% of their time (at least 20 hours per week based on a 40 hour week) for two years to the research. For further information, please see: http://www.lrp.nih.gov.
Weekly TOC for this Announcement
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices
Office of Extramural
Research (OER)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS)
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text:
Emerald Catron
Emerald Catron has written for Asylum, Lemondrop, MyDaily and Daily Fill. She is one half of rap duo Dem Shortybooz and is a comedic performer around NYC. Follow her on Twitter @emeraldcatron
With enough money, you can pay two famous stuntwomen to reenact the epic chicken fight scene from 'Family Guy.' That's what happened here.
The folks behind Choose Your Own Adventure books are back, and this time they want to revolutionize cartoons -- and they need your help.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
July 13, 2009
H.E. Paul Biya President of the Republic of Cameroon
c/o The Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon to the United States
2349 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Dear President Biya,
Jean Bosco Talla, editor of the private weekly Germinal in the capital, Yaoundé, has reported receiving anonymous threats since June 27, including a July 2 text message with chilling references to the slain Burkinabé editor Norbert Zongo and the missing French-Canadian reporter Guy-André Kieffer. The threats cited the paper's decision to republish, on June 24, a report by the Catholic Committee Against Hunger and for Development, which raised questions about your private wealth, according to local journalists. The report included numerous footnote references to an August 2008 investigative report in Germinal that detailed your assets.
On June 3, a Yaoundé military court sentenced two journalists to five years in prison and fined them 500,000 CFA francs (US$1,000). The verdict stemmed from a complaint filed by former Defense Minister Rémy Zé Meka over articles that were critical of his performance in office. We are particularly alarmed by reports that the defendants, Editor Jacques Blaise Mvié and Editor-in-Chief Charles René Nwé of private weekly La Nouvelle, were not notified of the charges and, thus, were not present at their own trial. CPJ obtained a copy of the verdict--issued by a panel of judges headed by Col. Jean Legrand Mvondo Akoutou--that convicted the journalists by default of "complicity of insult" and "breaching national defense secrecy." The journalists are free pending appeal, according to defense lawyer Paulain Marie Ndong.Two other newspaper editors have been jailed since September 2008 on criminal libel charges. One is reported to be ill. A doctor at
Thank for your attention to these very important matters.
Joel Simon
Executive Director


text:
The Illinois State Flower is the Native Violet. Now that you know, you can post about something else.
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text:
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - A Buffalo woman has filed a federal appeal challenging her murder conviction in the 2009 shooting death of her husband. Leah Benjamin is serving a state sentence of 20 to 30 years on a conviction of second-degree murder in the death of Donald Benjamin. The Wyoming Supreme Court upheld Benjamin's conviction in 2011. The court on Tuesday declined to hear her request to review the case.
Benjamin's federal appeal, filed Thursday, is assigned to U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl of Casper. Lawyer Diane Courselle, a professor at the University of Wyoming law school, represents Benjamin in federal court. Courselle argues that the prosecutor at Benjamin's trial improperly misled the jury about the legitimacy of considering battered woman's syndrome in the context of her self-defense claim.


text:
Red hair dye, many shades to choose from. Red manic panic hair dye. Only $10.50
This semi-permanent Manic Panic cream is gentle to the hair and contains no animal by-products. It can be used to achieve intense bright colors on hair that has been pre-lightened to a very light blond and on some natural blond hair. Some colors particularly the darker colors, will give a highlight to natural unbleached hair and will be brighter on lighter and more porous hair. We recommend using our bleach kit we sell before use to achieve the best results.
Copyright © 2019 crustpunks


text:
This is Afganistan of 50s and 60s. Lots of people would think that they will see pictures of wild, underdeveloped and medieval country with lif econditions worse than now. Oh well, think again.
Mohammad Qayoumi, president of California State University, East Bay, writes in Foreign Policy:
On a recent trip to Afghanistan, British Defense Secretary Liam Fox drew fire for calling it "a broken 13th-century country." The most common objection was not that he was wrong, but that he was overly blunt. He's hardly the first Westerner to label Afghanistan as medieval. Former Blackwater CEO Erik Prince recently described the country as inhabited by "barbarians" with "a 1200 A.D. mentality." Many assume that's all Afghanistan has ever been -- an ungovernable land where chaos is carved into the hills. Given the images people see on TV and the headlines written about Afghanistan over the past three decades of war, many conclude the country never made it out of the Middle Ages.
But that is not the Afghanistan I remember. A half-century ago, Afghan women pursued careers in medicine; men and women mingled casually at movie theaters and university campuses in Kabul; factories in the suburbs churned out textiles and other goods. There was a tradition of law and order, and a government capable of undertaking large national infrastructure projects, like building hydropower stations and roads, albeit with outside help. Ordinary people had a sense of hope, a belief that education could open opportunities for all, a conviction that a bright future lay ahead. All that has been destroyed by three decades of war, but it was real.
1. The physical campus of Kabul University, pictured here, does not look very different today. But the people do. In the 1950s and '60s, students wore Western-style clothing; young men and women interacted relatively freely. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
2. Today, women cover their heads and much of their bodies, even in Kabul. A half-century later, men and women inhabit much more separate worlds. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
3. In the 1950s and '60s, women were able to pursue professional careers in fields such as medicine. Today, schools that educate women are a target for violence, even more so than five or six years ago. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
4. When I was growing up, education was valued and viewed as the great equalizer. If you went to school and achieved good grades, you'd have the chance to enter college, maybe study abroad, be part of the middle class, and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Education was a hallowed value. Today, I think people have become far more cynical. They do not see the link between education and a better life; they see instead that those who have accumulated wealth and power have not done so through legitimate means. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
5. This infant ward in a Kabul hospital in the 1960s contrasts sharply with one I visited in 2004 in Mazar-e-Sharif. There I found two babies born prematurely sharing the same incubator. That hospital, like many in Afghanistan today, did not have enough equipment. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
6.In the 1960s, about half of Afghanistan's people had access to some level of medical care; now a much smaller percentage do. Today's hospitals are crowded, the facilities limited; nearly one in four babies born in Afghanistan today does not reach its fifth birthday. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
7. Above is a vaccine research center attached to a Kabul hospital in the 1960s. Today, medical care across the country is limited by several factors, including lack of electricity. Less than 20 percent of Afghans have access to electricity; many homes are lit by kerosene lamps, with only fans running to combat the heat. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
8. The central government of Afghanistan once oversaw various rural development programs, including one, pictured here, that sent nurses in jeeps to remote villages to inoculate residents from such diseases as cholera. Now, security concerns alone make such an effort nearly impossible. Government nurses, as well as U.N. and NGO medical workers, are regular targets for insurgent groups that merely want to create disorder and terror in society. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
9.Afghanistan once had Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. In the 1950s and '60s, such programs were very similar to their counterparts in the United States, with students in elementary and middle schools learning about nature trails, camping, and public safety. But scouting troops disappeared entirely after the Soviet invasions in the late 1970s. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
10. This movie theater was located near where I once lived, and we could even see Hollywood movies there. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
11. A playground a few hundred yards away from the theater, where mothers used to take their children to play. Now, only men loiter in the city parks; it is unsafe to bring children outside. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
12. Light and medium industry, like this metal shop in the Kabul suburbs, once held great promise for Afghanistan's economy. But today, how could you run such an operation without ample electricity? Now there are only small shops, people who work at home -- no major industrial centers. Currently, Afghanistan's chief export is opium. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
13. With German assistance, Afghanistan built its first large hydropower station, pictured here, in the early 1950s. At the time, it was state of the art. It is still in operation, but unfortunately, in the last eight years, Afghanistan's government has not been able to build a single large power plant of any kind. The only sizable accomplishment has been the expansion of a transport line to Uzbekistan so that power can be imported from the north. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
14. Afghanistan did have medium and light industry, such as the textile factory pictured here. There was a sense then that Afghanistan had a bright future -- its economy was growing, its industry on par with other countries in the region. Back then, most of the cotton processed in a plant like this was grown locally. But three decades of war have destroyed industry and the supply chain. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
15. Compared with the 1950s and '60s, fewer women work outside the home, and their outfits are much more conservative than what you see here. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
16. If you flipped through the radio dial in the 1960s, you would hear broadcasts of world news, local news, music programs, funny skits, political discourse, maybe an art program, a children's show. Radio Kabul, a state-run station whose old offices are pictured here, was launched in the 1930s. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
17. Modern Afghanistan actually has a greater number of private radio stations, as well as broadcast and satellite television shows. This is one bright spot. But access to radio and TV depends on electricity, and so in a practical sense, the audience is therefore limited. Only the most well-to-do families have private generators to ensure uninterrupted electricity to power electrical devices. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
18. During the annual commemoration of Afghanistan's independence, Kabul was lit up at night in late August and early September for nine evenings in the early 1960s. Now the city is dark. Even driving at night gives an eerie feeling. There are hardly any lights on; the streets are desolate, and there is no night life. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
19. Clothing boutiques like these were a familiar feature in Kabul. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
20. So, too, were record stores, bringing the rhythm and energy of the Western world to Kabul teenagers. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
21. Today, furniture stores like this one are a rarity. Most furniture is manufactured outside Afghanistan, and only a small percentage of Afghans now have even simple furniture like this in their homes. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
22. Today it is only the fruit bazaars that still look the same. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
23. The education level of Afghanistan's cabinet today is far less than it was 50 years ago, when this photo was taken. Back then, most high-ranking government officials would have had master's or doctoral degrees. Western dress was the norm. These days, government meetings in Kabul are conducted among men, many with long beards, big turbans, and traditional garb. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
24. Afghanistan's once strong and functional defensive forces are today only a memory. After the Soviets left, Pakistan was instrumental in destroying the country's armed services. Since the 1990s civil war, the subsequent Taliban takeover, and the U.S.-led intervention, domestic security forces have proved extremely difficult to build, even as security remains a top concern. (MOHAMMAD QAYOUMI)
Source: foreignpolicy


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The South Fork offers over 30 exhilarating rapids and a thrilling adventure for both first-timers and veterans.
The Middle Fork offers heightened challenges and excitement as well as a true wilderness experience, impressive rapids, an 18 ft. drop at the Tunnel Chute Rapid, and a trip underground for 90 ft.
The North Fork is ideal for those with prior rafting experience, featuring almost continuous technical whitewater rapids, then slowing to allow you to catch your breath and enjoy the beautiful canyon scenery.
Includes: 2 Night's Camping & 5 Meals
Your river voyage begins with your arrival the day before your trip at our deluxe river campground, complete with indoor restrooms and hot showers, swimming pool, volleyball court, and more. The first day of your trip begins with a hearty breakfast then, after an informative safety talk, you're off to the river for a day of fun, laughter, excitement, and lots of exhilarating whitewater. The first few rapids you'll encounter on the lower stretch are small but spirited and will allow you to practice your new paddling skills. Then a huge deli-style lunch to match those big, outdoor appetites will be set out for you by the side of the river.
After lunch, we're off to challenge 'The Gorge' and experience the excitement of outstanding rapids such as Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar. Just before the reservoir our own Honda Jet Ski will meet you for the tow to the take-out.
At the end of the day's rafting, cold beverages and transportation back to camp await you. At camp you can enjoy some tasty hors d'oeuvres, a hot shower or free time until we serve a delicious, healthy dinner that will satisfy the heartiest appetite. Your raft rip will be photographed by a Sierra Nevada Photo who will document your entire trip. Put in, water fights, lunch, all the major rapids such as Satan's Cesspool, Bouncing Rock, Hospital Bar and more will be featured during the digital photo show on our big screen after dinner.
On the second day of your river adventure following another delicious breakfast, the thrills start swiftly on the upper stretch with more outstanding whitewater including rapids such as Meat Grinder, Triple Threat and Troublemaker. A tasty lunch completes your unforgettable 21 mile trip. You'll leave with memories of beautiful scenery, the satisfaction of challenges met and shared with friends old and new, and the fun and exhilaration of whitewater rafting.
Attention ALL Groups - We cater to people rafting solo to groups of 180+
All groups are welcome!
Families, Friends, Individuals, Couples, Co-workers, Organizations, Scouts, School Groups, Youth Groups, Churches, Corporations, Clubs...
Groups come in all shapes and sizes, are comprised of a variety of people brought together by any number of unifying qualities, and, by their very nature, are all perfect for the fun, adventure, and excitement of whitewater rafting.
With 5 paid rafters, the 6th goes for half fare!
For every 11 paid rafters, the 12th is free and so on. With 18 rafters, 1 is free and 1 is at half fare. Groups of 24 or more receive even bigger discounted rates. The organizer of groups of 24 or more also receives a free tent rental with thick foam sleeping pads, cots, and chairs.
Professional gourmet cook
Exceptional hearty food: Barbecued Steak and
Chicken, and Seasoned Fish Dinners
Tasty appetizers
Premium wine from local vineyards, ice-cold micro brews on tap from either
and soft drinks with dinner.
Delicious freshly made desserts
Vegetarian & special meal requirements available upon request
Or just a desire to make your trip extra memorable? Contact us in advance to arrange a cake, champagne, jugglers, musicians, wine tasting, gourmet trip, - you name it! We'll take good care of you!
HALF DAY TRIP DISCOUNT � Every Friday; Chili Bar to Coloma Join us any Friday for a bargain price on the half day trip. Youths, (Ages 6-16) $74 each; Adults, $84 each. Plus 8% River Use Fee. Lunch not included. No further discounts at this special price.
Spring & Fall Specials
Book any WEEKEND on the South Fork mid-April through May 18 and September 8 - 16 and pay the MIDWEEK PRICE.
South & Middle Fork Family Midweek Special
Adults paying full fare can take one child per adult for half that price.
Use of 4-person rental tent is free!
Families can enjoy the Class III South Fork and the Class IV Middle Fork at a special Family Midweek price.
Every Thursday join us for a one day Middle Fork trip for only $119 per person. (Regularly $129) No other discounts apply. Camp Wednesday night for FREE!
All North Fork trips include:
Our most experienced guides.
Free rental of wet suits, paddle jackets and booties.
One night's free camping on 1-day trips. 50% discount off additional nights Free rental of 4-person tents (set up).
|Map Legend
|American Whitewater Expeditions
American River Campground, Coloma, California
|American River Resort
6019 New River Rd, Placerville, CA 95667, USA
|James Marshall Gold Discovery Park
|5 minute walk
|Squally's On the River
|1.3 mile
|Troublemaker Rapid on the South Fork
|1 minute walk
|Sierra Rizing Cafe & Bakery
|1.3 miles
|Cronin Ranch Regional Trails Park
|6.4 miles
|David Girard Vineyards
|1.5 miles
|Gold Hill Vineyards
|1.6 miles
|Henningsen Lotus Park
|1.7 miles
|Walking, Hiking, Biking, and Fising
|Dave Moore Nature Area
|2.4 miles
|Marco's Cafe
|1.6 miles
|American Whitewater Trip (8% fee added to trips)
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Here's the official word I got from Digg:
Your account has been unbanned. Your account was banned for violating digg Terms Of Use, submitting the exact same story in less then 3 minutes time, that's what spammers usually do on digg. As a consequence, we banned your account. Your account was NOT banned for linking to reddit.com or for submitting a joke.
-The Digg Watch Team.
So I'm letting this go now. They say they were OK with the joke, and just thought (erroneously) that I was spamming. I never believed that it was because of some reddit/digg rivalry.
So, it's over.
But a note to Digg: please alter the way Bury Story works so that it's obvious when a story has been buried, that the reason it was buried is clear, and that the list of people who buried the story is given (just like you do for who dugg a story). Just doing that one thing would end a lot of confusion.
Update on August 1, 2006: I just came across a blog entry that makes some untrue claims about me concerning this:
1. The problem was, then he submitted the story multiple times. Actually, I submitted the same story twice, not multiple times and as I've explained this was because I screwed up the URL on the Reddit side and had to start again. You can check for yourself how many times I submitted the story my looking at my Digg account submission history.
You can also see that the two stories have different URLs, and that one story has just one digg. That's partly because I buried that story myself once I realized I had screwed up.
2. and then created multiple fake accounts and dugg his own stories. Once I discovered that my account was banned I did two things: I emailed [email protected] asking why and I created a new account for myself. So multiple here is 1, and I only did that because Digg killed my regular account.


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Don't give up on tax reform
Some observers were quick to conclude that the New Year's Eve fiscal cliff agreement "killed" tax reform for 2013. It's certainly true that President Obama's insistence on a tax rate hike as the price for preventing trillions of dollars in tax increases on all Americans was a huge missed opportunity. But reports of the death of tax reform are greatly exaggerated. As a new member of the Senate Finance Committee, I am confident that an overhaul of our broken tax system remains not only doable but essential for job creation and economic growth.
For all its defects, the fiscal cliff agreement actually made tax reform easier to achieve by making tax rates permanent. Since 2001, taxes on everything from salaries and small business income to investment earnings and gifts have been temporary — a source of economic uncertainty and perennial fiscal fights. New permanent rates create a clear starting point for tax reform and end disputes over the baseline that have vexed past reform attempts.
Story Continued Below
Nor did the agreement in any way blunt the momentum for tax reform. There is a broad and growing consensus that our tax system is plagued by excessively high rates on business and labor income, a complex maze of tax preferences, and an outdated approach to American businesses competing for customers abroad. The cliff deal did nothing to solve those problems and in some areas worsened them. The pressure for tax reform is strong as ever.
But far more important than why tax reform can happen this year is why it should happen: our tax code has become an obstacle to growth, and only a robust, growing economy can create the new jobs (and future tax revenues) that we need.
Today, three years into the weakest recovery on record, the American economy is still sputtering. Twenty million people are jobless or underemployed, and fewer jobs were created last year than the year before. Median family income is at its lowest level since 1995.
Taking a larger tax slice out of a shrinking economic pie is not the way to spur job creation or erase the government's trillion-dollar deficits. The solution is to grow the pie — to unleash the forces of economic growth and job creation. And there is no better way to do that than through structural spending reforms to boost confidence in America's long-term fiscal solvency, paired with reform of our tax code to promote growth, investment, and entrepreneurship.


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Mary Frances Bryja
Photo courtesy of: Women in Philanthropy
Director of Development Dorothy Schey presents gift to Mary Frances Bryja
Photo courtesy of: Women in Philanthropy
Jan 15, 2013
By Mariel Jungkunz
When Mary Frances Bryja's parents encouraged her to attend college as a first-generation student, they had no way of knowing how far her educational path would take her—and how many other paths it would help pave.
But the lessons her late parents Joe, a coal miner, and Hedy, a factory cutter and trimmer, imparted regarding the value of higher education were deeply ingrained in her.
So much so that Bryja has made a successful career in student affairs, admissions and college counseling, helping fulfill the college dreams of countless students along the way. Today, she is the director of college counseling at the Bullis School in Potomac, Md.
Additionally, her appreciation for higher education, and Ohio University in particular, have inspired her to give a $1 million bequest to Ohio University's Women in Philanthropy (WIP) Endowment. It is the largest gift to date received by WIP.
The gift will allow WIP to promote financial literacy, philanthropic education advocacy, leadership and volunteerism, while fostering a powerful tradition of giving among Ohio University alumnae.
"My parents always stressed giving: You give, and you volunteer," Bryja said. "What God has given you, you give back in whatever form you can give.
"The work WIP does is extremely beneficial, especially the work with young women," she added. Among other initiatives targeting young women, WIP sponsors a New Leader program to engage alumnae within 15 years of graduation. New alumnae may give to WIP at a reduced pledge to encourage their involvement in philanthropy.
"Mary Frances wants to inspire others to give back and her gift will accomplish this," said Ohio University Director of Development Dorothy Schey. "We are honored to receive this major gift, which will increase our level of support to students and the university. Women in Philanthropy is another door to Ohio University and we are very pleased that Mary Frances stepped through to connect and network with WIP Friends. Her transformational gift will inspire others to give back to Ohio University, wherever they choose—colleges, units, projects or initiatives."
Bryja graduated from Ohio University in 1998 with a doctorate degree in college student personnel services. Originally from Portage, Pa., she fell in love "instantly" with the campus and describes her doctoral program as an enriching experience.
"I absolutely loved every minute of it," Bryja said, adding that her graduate associateship in the student affairs office solidified her connection to the university. "It made me feel like such a part of the campus community."
Bryja has served as dean of admissions at Duquesne University and assistant director of admissions at Mount Aloysius College. While she admits she still misses Ohio University, she is also part of a close-knit community at her current position with the Bullis School.
As they guide students through the time-consuming college application process, she and her college counseling staff become a constant part of their lives, sharing in their daily joys and tribulations. "Students get a good sense of trust with us, and they build on that trust," she said.
Bryja enjoys introducing students to new schools worth considering, including her alma mater. In her first year at Bullis School, she encouraged a young woman to visit Ohio University during a scheduled trip to Miami. The glowing report? "She poked her head in my door, and she said, 'I loved it. … My entire family just fell in love with OU.'
"And she had just the most amazing four years there," Bryja added, offering yet another example of how her own education is a gift that keeps on giving.


text: Acoustiguide's creative teams constantly re-imagine the creative possibilities for audio tours. What were once fully scripted, formal "tours" evolved into programs with a more accessible approach, featuring unscripted interviews, games and interactivity. Acoustiguide is leading the way in producing content for various audiences, with specialized productions for the attraction and entertainment market.


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Science and popular culture: Guy pays for recommending vitamin D, finds new job
He pays here:
I am glad that I have nothing to hope or fear from Barbara Gilchrest (identified above), who strikes me as just one of many people who make the lives of those who front new and possibly important knowledge difficult.
If the name Michael Holick means anything to you, you will recall that he was asked to resign from a post in Boston University's dermatology department in February 2004 for promoting "sensible sun exposure" in his book The UV Advantage.
Holick's thesis—which was apparently anathema to Boston University derm department chair Barbara Gilchrest—is that most people who live in the US north of Atlanta are vitamin D deficient because one of the key sources of that vitamin is the sun. (Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and thus strong, healthy bones.) And even when the sun shines brightest, and for the longest, during the summer, we're told to shun the sun and slather our bodies in high SPF sunscreens to defend against skin cancer. But in doing so we might be hiking our risk for a variety of health problems including heart disease, breast cancer, and colon cancer, says Holick.
"You have about a 30 to 50 percent decreased risk of developing colon, prostate, and breast cancer if you maintain adequate vitamin D levels throughout your life," Holick said in a 2007 interview with a Canadian television station.
So let me just add one thing that anyone can take down and use in evidence against me: Women who are required for cultural reasons to spend their entire lives under heavy clothing are - I am told by a doctor whose opinion I trust - at risk for Vitamin D deficiency.
Look, gals ... wear it, don't wear it. I don't care. Believe what you think is right. But you need a porch or sun room or something where you can just be exposed to the sun (with appropriate privacy, of course), especially if you live in one of the ungenerous latitudes of this world (like my beloved Toronto).
I don't even know that my Rose of Sharon trees (which I mostly grafted myself) will survive this winter, never mind that you can survive in places like Toronto without any contact with the sun ...
If doctors say you need it, believe them. Okay? Insist on it!
Find out why there is an intelligent design controversy:
Labels: popular culture, science


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At least it's not snowing – oh, wait!
The weather has been challenging, to say the least, today at the PGA Championship, where there already have been three weather delays for thunder, lightning and one epic downpour. Crazily enough, that's not even the wackiest weather weirdness of the day affecting golf.
That honor goes to the Sunshine Big Easy Tour event down in Pretoria, South Africa, where Tuesday's first round was delayed by snow.
Yup, for the first time in the history of southern Africa's Sunshine Tour, an event was affected by snowfall. Play in the 36-hole tournament was halted at Maccauvlei Golf Club, and tournament officials are monitoring the situation.
"What started as a fresh morning on the banks of the Vaal River soon became an icy affair as snow built up around the course," said a report on the Sunshine Tour's website.
While some players weathered it out in the halfway house, the story said, many took advantage of the rare weather conditions and made snow angels and had snowball fights.
According to South African news reports, this is the first time Pretoria has gotten snow since 1968.
Good news for the golfers – the high on Wednesday is supposed to be around 54 degrees Farenheit, so the show should be gone. The bad news – there's a 40 percent chance of rain. The average high temperature for this time of year in Pretoria is about 75 degrees.


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