text:
Department of Health and Human Services
Participating Organizations
National Institutes of Health (NIH), (http://www.nih.gov)
Components of Participating Organizations
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), (http://www.niams.nih.gov)
Title: Skin Diseases Research Core Centers (P30)
This is a reissue of RFA-AR-08-002.
Update: The following update relating to this announcement has been issued:
Request For Applications (RFA) Number: RFA-AR-11-010
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number(s)
Key Dates
Release Date: May 14, 2010
Letters of Intent Receipt Date: September 1, 2010
Application Receipt Date: October 1, 2010
Peer Review Date(s): February to March 2011
Council Review Date: May 2011
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: July 2011
Additional Information To Be Available Date (Url Activation Date):
Expiration Date: October 2, 2010
Due Dates
for E.O. 12372
Not Applicable
Overview Content
Executive Summary
Purpose. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) invites applications for Research Core Centers (P30s) in skin biology and diseases. The Skin Diseases Research Core Centers (SDRCs) will provide shared facilities and services to groups of established, currently funded investigators addressing scientific problems in skin biology and diseases, in order to improve efficiency, accelerate the pace of research, and ensure greater productivity.
Table of Contents
I Overview Information
Part II Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Research Objectives
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, Review and Anticipated Start Dates
1. Letter of Intent
B. Sending an Application to the NIH
C. Application Processing
D. Application Assignment
4. Intergovernmental Review
5. Funding Restrictions
6. Other Submission Requirements
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
2. Review and Selection Process
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. Research Objectives
Research in skin biology and diseases is at a stage where rapid advances frequently require access to sophisticated technologies and specialized areas of expertise that can be shared by multiple laboratories and are best provided by research core centers. Areas of skin research of interest to NIAMS that could benefit from shared core facilities include, but are not limited to:
Regulation of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, including signal transduction pathways, micro RNAs, and epigenetics
Developmental biology of the epidermis and skin appendages
Epithelial-mesenchymal interaction (e.g., dermal fibroblast's role in hair follicle development)
Biology of skin stem cells
Regulation of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, including signal transduction pathways, micro RNAs, and epigenetics
Developmental biology of the epidermis and skin appendages
Epithelial-mesenchymal interaction (e.g., dermal fibroblast's role in hair follicle development)
Biology of skin stem cells
Melanocyte biology, melanosome structure and biogenesis, inherited disorders of pigmentation
Regenerative medicine, including therapeutic applications of skin stem cells and the development of artificial skin
Structural integrity of the epidermis, barrier formation and delivery of therapeutics through the skin barrier
Identification of the genetic basis of both rare and common skin diseases, including follow-up studies on pathogenesis and the generation of animal models of disease
Mechanistic studies focused on the induction and regulation of adaptive and innate immunity of the skin
Mechanistic studies focused on the induction and regulation of inflammation in the skin
Basic and clinical research focused on immune and inflammatory diseases of skin
The molecular basis and clinical treatment of pruritis
Prevention of skin diseases and research focused on the mechanisms of skin aging
Identification and development of biomarkers for diagnosis, disease severity and progression of disease, and for monitoring the response to treatment
Comparative effectiveness research studies focused on skin diseases
The structure of ECM components (e.g., collagens, fibrillins), their normal assembly, interaction, function and their diseases (e.g., Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome)
Fibroblast biology and diseases (e.g., fibroblast diversity, their role in sclerosis and fibrosis)
Cutaneous vasculature normal development and diseases (e.g., endothelial cell biology, hemangioma, Port Wine Stain birthmarks)
Wound healing, normal ECM remodeling and diseases (e.g., matrix metalloproteases, chronic wounds, keloids)
Signal transduction in ECM (e.g., TGF-beta)
Ectopic mineralization in ECM (e.g., pseudoxanthoma elasticum)
Cutaneous sensory organ and innervation function (e.g., temperature and touch) and diseases
The choice of research area(s) upon which the Skin Diseases Research Core Center (SDRC) would focus is made by the principal investigator and collaborating currently funded investigators. However, research focused on advanced skin cancers, including metastasis and treatment, is not in the NIAMS research mission and should not be the research base for a Core Center. Any questions with regard to cancer relatedness should be directed for clarification to the Program Director.
In addition to providing services and resources to facilitate independently funded research projects, the Core Centers are encouraged to enhance the research environment and promote synergistic collaborations among the Center Investigators (the investigators of the research base). Scientific core personnel should help to educate the Center Investigators in the capabilities and limitations of the technologies employed by the scientific cores. Core personnel should be involved with the investigators in designing the experiments and interpreting the results. The technologies of the cores should not only evolve with the science conducted by the Center Investigators, but the cores should help to drive the science with increasingly sophisticated and powerful technologies.
The SDRCs will provide support for:
1. Core resources and facilities to be used by investigators of individually supported research projects in order to enhance and coordinate their activities. This support may include personnel, equipment, supplies, services, and facilities;
2. An Enrichment Program, designed to expand the research base in the area of skin biology and disease. A minimum of $30,000 and up to $100,000 direct costs will be allocated each year to the Enrichment Program, which will be administered through the Administrative Core;
3. An Administrative Core
An Administrative Core, including a Director, Associate Director, and an Advisory Committee, should be proposed to coordinate the Core Center activities, to evaluate and improve the Center and to administer an Enrichment Program. This Advisory Committee should include users of the scientific cores and experts outside the Core Center Institution with expertise in the management of scientific core facilities. The committee should help the Director and Associate Director to regularly evaluate and optimize strategies to meet the scientific needs of the research base over the course of the grant award.
An Enrichment Program, designed to expand the research base in the area of skin biology and disease research, must be proposed. The SDRC will allocate a minimum of $30,000 and up to $100,000 direct costs each year to the Enrichment Program, which will be administered through the Administrative Core. Each SDRC can decide how much money and what type of activities to include as part of the Program, based on what best suits the needs of the SDRC. The applicant must justify how the activities of this Program will aid in bringing new investigators (either early-stage or from a different field) into the skin biology and disease research area. Through this Enrichment Program, the Administrative Core can utilize the Research Cores to foster the development of new investigators, new technologies, and/or new collaborations with those who have not previously participated in skin biology and disease research. For example, types of activities that may be part of an Enrichment Program include (and are not limited to) mentoring programs and activities, pilot and feasibility studies (mentored or non-mentored), and support of seminars and visiting scientists. Enrichment Program activities should occur within the context and/or with the involvement of the Research Cores. Innovative approaches to Program Enrichment are encouraged. If the SDRC chooses to include direct funding for research (e.g., through a Pilot and Feasibility program and/or mentored activity), descriptions of such projects or individuals named for support will NOT be included in the application. However, plans for solicitation and review of project applications during the tenure of the core center, and/or plans to select mentees and projects should be included. All Enrichment Programs must include a detailed budget and description of Program leadership and management.
Two or more research cores must also be proposed. A research core is a facility shared by two or more Center investigators that enables them to conduct their independently-funded individual research projects more efficiently and/or more effectively. Cores generally fall into one of four categories: (1) provision of a technology that lends itself to automation or preparation in large batches (e.g., histology, tissue culture, high throughput sequencing, genotyping); (2) complex instrumentation (e.g., electron microscopy, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, whole animal imaging, microarray scanning, mass spectrometry); (3) animal preparation (including transgenic and knockout) and care; and (4) methodology cores (e.g., molecular biology, biostatistics, systems biology, bioinformatics, clinical). Core Center Directors are encouraged to leverage existing resources, such as registries, tissue banks and cohorts, and to coordinate with NIAMS-funded Core Centers at the same and/or other institutions, particularly if they provide similar or overlapping technologies and services.
Applicants from institutions that have a General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) or Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) funded by the NIH National Center for Research Resources may wish to identify the GCRC/CTSA as a resource for conducting the proposed research. Details of the interactions of the Core Center staff with the GCRC/CTSA staff and/or research personnel may be provided in a statement describing the collaborative linkages being developed. A letter of agreement from the GCRC Program Director or CTSA Principal Investigator must be included with the application.
Research Core Center Guidelines where application requirements are described in more detail can be found at http://www.niams.nih.gov/Funding/Funding_Opportunities/P30_Guidelines.pdf.
See Section
VIII, Other Information - Required Federal Citations, for policies related
to this announcement.
Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism of Support
funding opportunity will use the P30 award mechanism(s).
The Project Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project.
This FOA uses "Just-in-Time" information concepts. It also uses non-modular budget formats described in the PHS 398 application instructions (see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html).
2. Funds Available
The NIAMS expects to award approximately $800,000 (direct costs) in FY 2011 through this announcement;
Future year amounts will depend on annual appropriations.
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.
NIH grants policies as described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement will apply to the applications submitted and awards made in response to this FOA.
Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
1.A. Eligible Institutions
The following organizations/institutions are eligible to apply:
1.B. Eligible Individuals
Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as the PD/PI is invited to work with his/her 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 program support.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
program does not require cost sharing as defined in the current NIH Grants Policy
3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria
Number of Applications. Only one application may be submitted per institution.
Resubmissions. Resubmission applications are not permitted in response to this FOA.
Renewals. Renewal applications are permitted in response to this FOA.
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to
Request Application Information
The current 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
Prepare all applications using the PHS 398 application forms and in accordance with the PHS 398 Application Guide (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html).
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 in item (box) 2 only of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be checked.
Application instructions and materials specific to the P30 grant mechanism are available at http://www.niams.nih.gov/Funding/Funding_Opportunities/P30_Guidelines.pdf.
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
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: September 1, 2010
Application Receipt Date: October 1, 2010
Peer Review Date(s): February to March 2011
Council Review Date: May 2011
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: July 2011
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 in Section IV.3.A.
The letter of intent
should be sent to:
Carl C. Baker, M.D, Ph.D.
Program Director, Keratinocyte Biology and Diseases
Division of Skin and Rheumatic Diseases
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
6701 Democracy Blvd.
Suite 800
Bethesda, MD 20892-4872
Telephone: (301) 594-5017
Email: email@example.com
3.B. Sending an Application to the NIH
Applications must be prepared using the forms 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 as well as an electronic version (prefererably in pdf format) of the application and all copies of the appendix material must be sent to:
Charles Rafferty, Ph.D.
Chief, Scientific Review Branch
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
6701 Democracy Blvd.
One Democracy Plaza, Suite 800
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 594-4952
Email: email@example.com
3.C. Application Processing
Applications must be received on or before the application receipt date described above (Section IV.3.A.). If an application is received after that date, the application may be delayed in the review process or not reviewed. Upon receipt, applications will be evaluated for completeness by the CSR and for responsiveness by the reviewing Institute. Incomplete and/or 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.
Applicants who have applied unsuccessfully to previous Skin Diseases Research Core Center FOAs may apply to the current FOA, but must present the application as a new application. The application must not include an Introduction section or otherwise explicitly address the review of the previous 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
This 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 NIH Grants Policy Statement.
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 renewal award if such costs: 1) are necessary to conduct the project, and 2) 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 renewal 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/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part6.htm.)
6. Other Submission Requirements
PHS398 Research Plan Sections
All application instructions outlined in the PHS398 Application Instructions are to be followed, with the following additional requirements:
This FOA uses non-modular budget formats described in the PHS 398 application instructions (see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html).
Appendix Materials
All paper PHS 398 applications submitted must provide appendix material on CDs only. Include five identical CDs in the same package with the application. See https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-031.html.
Do not use the Appendix to circumvent the page limitations. An application that does not observe the required page limitations may be delayed in the review process.Resource Sharing Plan(s)
NIH considers the sharing of unique research resources developed through NIH-sponsored research an important means to enhance the value of, and advance research. When resources have been developed with NIH funds and the associated research findings published or provided to NIH, it is important that they be made readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community. If the final data/resources are not amenable to sharing, this must be explained in Resource Sharing section of the application. See https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing/data_sharing_faqs.htm.
(a) Data Sharing Plan: Not Applicable.
(b) Sharing Model Organisms: Regardless of the amount requested, all applications where the development of model organisms is anticipated are expected to include a description of a specific plan for sharing and distributing unique model organisms and related resources, or state appropriate reasons why such sharing is restricted or not possible. See Sharing Model Organisms Policy, and NIH Guide NOT-OD-04-042.
(c) Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS): Regardless of the amount requested, applicants seeking funding for a genome-wide association study are expected to provide a plan for submission of GWAS data to the NIH-designated GWAS data repository, or provide an appropriate explanation why submission to the repository is not possible. A genome-wide association study is defined as any study of genetic variation across the entire genome that is designed to identify genetic associations with observable traits (such as blood pressure or weight) or the presence or absence of a disease or condition. For further information see Policy for Sharing of Data Obtained in NIH Supported or Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies, NIH Guide NOT-OD-07-088, and https://grants.nih.gov/grants/gwas/.
Unique research resources may be generated in a core of the proposed NIAMS Core Center. If this is anticipated, include (a) resource sharing plan(s) in the core proposal.
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process.
2. Review and Selection Process
Review Process
Applications that are complete and responsive to the FOA will be evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate peer review group convened by NIAMS and in accordance with NIH peer review procedures (http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/peer/), using the review criteria stated below.
As part of the scientific peer review, all applications will:
The mission of the NIH is to support science in pursuit of knowledge about the biology and behavior of living systems and to apply that knowledge to extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability. As part of this mission, applications submitted to the NIH for grants or cooperative agreements to support biomedical and behavioral research are evaluated for scientific and technical merit through the NIH peer review system.
After the review of the individual components of the application, an overall impact/priority score will be assigned to the application. This score will reflect not only the quality of the individual Research Cores and Administrative Core, but also how the proposed SDRC will bring together all these elements in an effective and cohesive unit. The overall score may be higher or lower than the "average" of the components based on the assessment of whether the "whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
Review Criteria for the Overall Application:
Overall Impact
Reviewers will provide an overall impact/priority score to reflect their assessment of the likelihood for the project to exert a sustained, powerful influence on the research field(s) involved, in consideration of the following five scored review criteria, and additional review criteria (as applicable for the project proposed).
Scored Review Criteria
Reviewers will consider each of the five review criteria below in the determination of scientific and technical merit, and give a separate score for each. An application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact. For example, a project that by its nature is not innovative may be essential to advance a field.
Significance. Does the project address an important problem or a critical barrier to progress in the field? If the aims of the project are achieved, how will scientific knowledge, technical capability, and/or clinical practice be improved? How will successful completion of the aims change the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?
What is the scientific and technical quality of the individual Research Cores and Administrative Core? Will the proposed cores enhance the research base in the field of skin biology and diseases? Does the set of proposed Research Cores collectively provide the most appropriate services and resources to meet the scientific needs of the research base?
Investigator(s). Are the PD/PIs, collaborators, and other researchers well suited to the project? If Early Stage Investigators or New Investigators, or in the early stages of independent careers, do they have appropriate experience and training? If established, have they demonstrated an ongoing record of accomplishments that have advanced their field(s)? If the project is collaborative or multi-PD/PI, do the investigators have complementary and integrated expertise; are their leadership approach, governance and organizational structure appropriate for the project?
Do the SDRC Director and Associate Director have the leadership and research qualifications to lead a Center? Does the leadership team (Director, Associate Director, and Advisory Committee) have the collective expertise to assure focused development and implementation of high-quality and meaningful basic and clinical research projects?
Innovation. Does the application challenge and seek to shift current research or clinical practice paradigms by utilizing novel theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions? Are the concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions novel to one field of research or novel in a broad sense? Is a refinement, improvement, or new application of theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions proposed?
Approach. Are the overall strategy, methodology,
and analyses well-reasoned and appropriate to accomplish the specific aims of
the project? Are potential problems, alternative strategies, and
benchmarks for success presented? If the project is in the early
stages of development, will the strategy establish feasibility and will
particularly risky aspects be managed?
If the project involves clinical research, are the plans for 1) protection of human subjects from research risks, and 2) inclusion of minorities and members of both sexes/genders, as well as the inclusion of children, justified in terms of the scientific goals and research strategy proposed?
Is it likely that there will be coordination, collaboration and synergy among the individual Research Core components, Administrative Core component and existing research base?
Environment. Will the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Are the institutional support, equipment and other physical resources available to the investigators adequate for the project proposed? Will the project benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, subject populations, or collaborative arrangements?
Does the application define a productive, high quality and adequately funded (with federal and private peer-reviewed funding awards) research base that needs the services and resources proposed by the Center? Are the Center Investigators well defined in terms of their relationship to the Core Center and are their letters of support for the application adequate to suggest that the cores will be fully utilized? Is the research base sufficiently broad to foster new research and to promote interdisciplinary collaborations? Does the proposed Core Center utilize available resources well? If there will be a connection with an NIH funded GCRC or CTSA, is the collaboration well described and is there an adequate letter of agreement from the GCRC Program Director or CTSA Principal Investigator?
Review Criteria for the Administrative Core:
Leadership. Do the SDRC Director and Associate Director have the leadership and research qualifications to maximize the success of the Center? Have the Director and Associate Director proposed adequate time commitment to effectively manage the Center? Are appropriate and well defined responsibilities described for the Director and Associate Director, Advisory Committee, Research Core Directors, institution officials and other involved parties? Are there adequate plans for establishing the Advisory Committee, and for the Director and Associate Director to communicate regularly with the committee? Are the composition and plans for selecting the members of the committee appropriate?
Management and Evaluation. Is the management plan appropriate for fiscal administration, procurement, property and personnel management, planning, budgeting, etc.; are the Core Center budgets appropriate for the proposed work to be done in core facilities, for an Enrichment Program, and for any other proposed programs in relation to the total Core Center? Are there adequate plans for objectively evaluating the functioning of the Core Center by the Director and Associate Director, with input from the Advisory Committee? How will the recommendations of the Committee be integrated into the effective fiscal, personnel and scientific management of the Core Center over the course of the grant award?
Communication. Are there adequate plans for the establishment and maintenance of effective internal communication and cooperation among the Core Center investigators, core personnel, leadership of the Center, and the Advisory Committee? If the Core Center will involve multiple sites or institutions, is there a detailed plan of the communication strategies aimed to integrate the distant components and investigators into a coordinated Center? Will communication through the Enrichment Program reach all of Center Investigators as well as investigators beyond the Center in order to promote expansion of the pool of users of the Core facilities for the study of skin biology and diseases?
Enrichment Program. Is there a well designed and innovative plan for activities that are likely to enhance the communication, coordination and collaboration among Center Investigators and to expand the pool of investigators and broaden the spectrum of research in skin biology and diseases conducted through the Center?
Review Criteria for Research Cores:
Significance. Does the Research Core provide services and/or resources to meet the scientific needs of the research base? Will the Core be used by multiple investigators? What is the likelihood that the Research Core will increase efficiency, accelerate progress and promote new research directions and meaningful collaborations among Core Center investigators?
Investigators. Are the qualifications, experience, and commitment of the Research Core Director and his/her collaborations with Core Center investigators appropriate to the proposed technical area?
Innovation. Will the services and resources provided by the Research Core not only evolve with the science conducted by the Center Investigators, but are they also likely to drive the science with increasingly sophisticated and powerful technologies? Is the Research Core likely to promote interdisciplinary research?
Approach. Are the services and resources of the Research Core of high quality? Are there procedures for quality control of the services and resources for each core? Is the Research Core cost-effective in providing services and resources to the Center Investigators? Do the Research Cores effectively leverage existing resources at this or another institution?
Environment. What is the overall quality of the environment for the Research Core? Does it include the institutional commitment to the program, including lines of accountability regarding management of the Research Core, and to individuals responsible for conducting essential Core Center functions?
Additional Review Criteria
As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will consider the following additional items in the determination of scientific and technical merit, but will not give separate scores for these items.
Protections for Human Subjects. For research that involves human subjects but does not involve one of the six categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR Part 46, the committee will evaluate the justification for involvement of human subjects and the proposed protections from research risk relating to their participation according to the following five review criteria: 1) risk to subjects, 2) adequacy of protection against risks, 3) potential benefits to the subjects and others, 4) importance of the knowledge to be gained, and 5) data and safety monitoring for clinical trials.
For research that involves human subjects and meets the criteria for one or more of the six categories of research that are exempt under 45 CFR Part 46, the committee will evaluate: 1) the justification for the exemption, 2) human subjects involvement and characteristics, and 3) sources of materials.
Inclusion of Women, Minorities, and Children. When the proposed project involves clinical research, the committee will evaluate the proposed plans for inclusion of minorities and members of both genders, as well as the inclusion of children.
Vertebrate Animals. The committee will evaluate the involvement of live vertebrate animals as part of the scientific assessment according to the following five points: 1) proposed use of the animals, and species, strains, ages, sex, and numbers to be used; 2) justifications for the use of animals and for the appropriateness of the species and numbers proposed; 3) adequacy of veterinary care; 4) procedures for limiting discomfort, distress, pain and injury to that which is unavoidable in the conduct of scientifically sound research including the use of analgesic, anesthetic, and tranquilizing drugs and/or comfortable restraining devices; and 5) methods of euthanasia and reason for selection if not consistent with the AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia. For additional information, see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/VASchecklist.pdf.
Biohazards. Reviewers will assess whether materials or procedures proposed are potentially hazardous to research personnel and/or the environment, and if needed, determine whether adequate protection is proposed.
Resubmission Applications. Resubmissions are not allowed for this FOA.
Renewal Applications. When reviewing a Renewal application (formerly called a competing continuation application), the committee will consider the progress made in the last funding period.
Additional Review Considerations
As applicable for the project proposed, reviewers will address each of the following items, but will not give scores for these items and should not consider them in providing an overall impact/priority score.
Applications from Foreign Organizations. Foreign applications are not allowed for this FOA.
Select Agents Research. Reviewers will assess the information provided in this section of the application, including 1) the Select Agent(s) to be used in the proposed research, 2) the registration status of all entities where Select Agent(s) will be used, 3) the procedures that will be used to monitor possession use and transfer of Select Agent(s), and 4) plans for appropriate biosafety, biocontainment, and security of the Select Agent(s).
Resource Sharing Plans. Reviewers will comment on whether the following Resource Sharing Plans, or the rationale for not sharing the following types of resources, are reasonable: 1) Data Sharing Plan (Not Applicable); 2) Sharing Model Organisms (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-04-042.html); and 3) Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-07-088.html).
Budget and Period Support. Reviewers will consider whether the budget and the requested period of support are fully justified and reasonable in relation to the proposed research.
Selection Process
The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
NIH considers the following in evaluating Center grant applications:
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award
Not Applicable
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 eRA Commons.
If 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.
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.
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/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part4.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/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_part9.htm).
3. Reporting
Awardees will be required to submit the Non-Competing Continuation Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590) annually and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Additional information for NIAMS Core Center reporting requirements are available at http://www.niams.nih.gov/Funding/Funding_Opportunities/P30_Guidelines.pdf
A final progress report, invention statement, and Financial Status Report are required when an award is relinquished when a recipient changes institutions or when an award is terminated.
We 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
1. Scientific/Research Contacts:
Carl C. Baker, M.D, Ph.D.
Program Director, Keratinocyte Biology and Diseases
Division of Skin and Rheumatic Diseases
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
6701 Democracy Blvd.
Suite 800
Bethesda, MD 20892-4872
Telephone: (301) 594-5017
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
2. Peer Review Contacts:
Charles Rafferty, Ph.D.
Chief, Scientific Review Branch
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
6701 Democracy Blvd.
Suite 800
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 594-4952
Email: email@example.com
3. Financial or Grants Management Contacts:
Steve Austin
Grants Management Specialist
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
6701 Democracy Blvd.
Suite 800
Bethesda, MD 20892
Telephone: (301) 594-3535
Email: firstname.lastname@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).
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.
for Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS):
NIH is interested in advancing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify common genetic factors that influence health and disease through a centralized GWAS data repository. For the purposes of this policy, a genome-wide association study is defined as any study of genetic variation across the entire human genome that is designed to identify genetic associations with observable traits (such as blood pressure or weight), or the presence or absence of a disease or condition. All applications, regardless of the amount requested, proposing a genome-wide association study are expected to provide a plan for submission of GWAS data to the NIH-designated GWAS data repository, or provide an appropriate explanation why submission to the repository is not possible. Data repository management (submission and access) is governed by the Policy for Sharing of Data Obtained in NIH Supported or Conducted Genome-Wide Association Studies, NIH Guide NOT-OD-07-088. For additional information, see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/gwas/.
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/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-09-116.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.
NIH Public Access Policy Requirement:
In accordance with the NIH Public Access Policy (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-08-033.html) investigators must submit or have submitted for them their final, peer-reviewed manuscripts that arise from NIH funds and are accepted for publication as of April 7, 2008 to PubMed Central (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/), to be made publicly available no later than 12 months after publication. As of May 27, 2008, investigators must include the PubMed Central reference number when citing an article in NIH applications, proposals, and progress reports that fall under the policy, and was authored or co-authored by the investigator or arose from the investigator's NIH award. For more information, see the Public Access webpage at http://publicaccess.nih.gov/.
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.
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 FOA 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. 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
Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS)
NIH... Turning Discovery Into Health®
Note: For help accessing PDF, RTF, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Audio or Video files, see Help Downloading Files.


text:
This organization is free to all parents and grandparents of Franklin College students. The mission of the association is to actively engage parents in the Franklin College community and to improve their understanding of this community, its values and its mission.
Members of the Parent Association will receive free admission to Franklin College home athletic events, can reserve two tickets per theatre production at half price and will periodically receive discount cards for the bookstore good for 10% off clothing and gifts.
The Association also provides opportunities for parents to get involved by serving on FC advisory committees, assisting at campus events such as Family Weekend and Parent Day, participating in college fairs, hosting meetings for prospective students and their parents and much more.
Interested in These Opportunities?
To join the Parent Association or to volunteer to help with various events, please send an email message to email@example.com and you will be sent an electronic form. You may also call the Student Affairs Office at 317.738.8080 to have a form mailed to you.
The Parent Association Advisory Council
This group serves as the leadership group for the Parent Association. It consists of up to 20 parents and meets three to four times a year. If you are interested in serving on the council, please contact Dean of Students Ellis Hall at 317.738.8080 or by email at firstname.lastname@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Charlotte Yanes was thrilled when she got the letter telling her she'd been accepted to the University of Florida. "UF was my dream school," said the rising sophomore who plans to major in agricultural communications.
Charlotte Yanes was thrilled when she got the letter telling her she'd been accepted to the University of Florida. "UF was my dream school," said the rising sophomore who plans to major in agricultural communications.
She knew the odds were against her, coming from South Dade High School in rural Homestead — a school with a reputation for drug- and gang-related problems and fighting.
She also knew she was a borderline admissions case because her math scores on her SAT were just below the university's admission standards.
But on the strength of her GPA, community service hours and extracurricular activities, she was accepted via a program called AIM, short for "Assisting students Improving skills Maximizing potential," which gives academically at-risk students from low-income neighborhoods extra support during their first year at UF. Yanes and two other South Dade classmates went through the program last year.
"Everybody that got accepted from my school was in the AIM program unless they were in the IB (International Baccalaureate) program," Yanes said.
AIM's goal is to recruit and retain students from low-income, underrepresented backgrounds who may not meet all the criteria for admissions but show talent and promise. The College of Engineering has two similar programs to recruit and retain underrepresented students — STEPUP, short for "Successful Transition through Enhanced Preparation for Undergraduates Program," and the Engineering Freshman Transition Program, or EFTP.
As UF drives toward top 10 status, retention of the freshman class is a benchmark. UF has seen an overall retention rate of around 96 percent. The retention rate for AIM students has consistently been around 90 percent, while the STEPUP and EFTP programs have a retention rate of around 88 percent.
Begun in 1997, AIM accepts about 300 students a year, or 5 percent of the entering freshman class. AIM had 339 students in 2012, and has less than 320 this year. The program starts students off during the six-week Summer B term and continues to provide mentoring, academic advising and tutoring throughout their freshman year.
The program is not race-based, but about 75 to 80 percent of the students have historically been from minority communities, said Angeleah Browdy, director of the Office of Academic Support (OAS) at UF, which oversees AIM.
"We have a very diverse group of students," Browdy said.
The students in AIM may not have met all the academic criteria for entry to UF but met other academic qualifications. They also generally come from single-parent homes, and are often the first generation of their families to go to a university, she said.
Browdy said she can identify with the AIM students because she herself was the first in her family to go to college.
"My parents always told me I was going to college. But they didn't know how to tell me what to expect," she said.
AIM gives students that experience by offering what Browdy calls a holistic approach to learning — one that goes beyond academics.
The first six weeks is considered a transition period, Browdy said. During that period, AIM students are encouraged to room together in the same residence hall, and take courses recommended by the OAS.
Some students are offered developmental education in areas where they are seen to need more help, such as reading and math.
They also have peer mentors and tutors at their disposal, services that are offered to all students throughout their careers at UF.
Yanes said she stayed in Beaty Towers with the other students in AIM. Most took the same classes and socialized with each other, she said. Yanes said her classes last summer included First Year Florida, math and an organizational skills class that didn't count toward her credit hours but she found very helpful.
And she found the support throughout the year useful as well.
"We had to attend workshops during the academic year, from organizational skills to stress management during exams," she said. "Those were helpful."
AIM has six academic advisers who work with the students to create a year-long learning program with smaller class sizes, peer mentors to help them with questions they might not be able to ask a professor, and tutors to help build math and communication skills.
The same services are available to all students at UF through the OAS, Browdy said. She estimated about 1,000 students visit her office each year, and about half the students who seek out OAS for tutoring are not in AIM.
The challenges AIM students faced to get here are not unique, Browdy said. Many of their peers on campus are from low-income families, were raised by single parents, or went to a high school that didn't have the kind of academic opportunities that prepare kids for college.
"If we had unlimited resources, we'd have more AIM students," she said.
The STEPUP and EFTP programs also target underrepresented groups, said Stephen Roberts, the director of retention and transition programs in the College of Engineering. They all begin during Summer B, just as the AIM students do, and take a specially designed, intensive curriculum to give them a feel for what lies ahead as engineering majors.
Roberts calls it the "reality check."
The college began with the STEPUP program almost 20 years ago, but the program is limited to about 30 students whose expenses are covered by corporate sponsorships.
The EFTP program was started 10 years ago to extend the benefits of STEPUP to more students. About 100 students are enrolled in EFTP and have to pay some of their expenses, Roberts said.
Last year, about 30 percent of the students in STEPUP were black, 24 percent were Hispanic and 24 percent were female. The EFTP student makeup was 14 percent Hispanic and 10 percent black.
Chris Charters, a UF freshman from Coral Reef High School in Miami who is considering a career in aerospace, said he is getting a lot out of the experience of the STEPUP program.
"We don't have much free time, and I'm losing a lot of sleep, but it really prepares you," he said.
It's providing him with a good review of the courses he'll be taking as an engineering major, and it's helping him brush up on his math and science skills so he can enter the fall term fresh.
And Charters also is making friends. "I'll be with them the rest of my college life and maybe even further."


text:
The new world power
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the "reality TV network," and Roger Vaughn, a Jamestown summer resident, as well as a faithful and cherished reader, responded with an interesting and valid point. The column voiced concerns about the over-use of surveillance cameras by every level of government, possibly invading our privacy.
Roger pointed out that at least we have recourse should we feel that any level of government has violated our constitutional rights. We can challenge the authorities if the need arises.
However, I hope to never see a court document that says, "Sam Bari vs. the United States of America." The thought of that is intimidating. The chances of winning cases against the government are generally slim and costly. Even though I believe the government as a whole often forgets they work for us, not the other way around, when challenged, it is a formidable opponent.
Nonetheless, Roger brought to light a much more dangerous and untamed juggernaut that is far guiltier than any level of government for having little regard for anyone's rights or privacy. That is — the dreaded mass media.
The media's original concept of reporting unbiased and newsworthy events has been compromised. The industry is seriously out of control. The groundwork of the news greats who set the guidelines when broadcast news on radio, then on television, brought news to the public as it was happening has been crushed by a proverbial renegade steamroller.
When John Cameron Swayze, Walter Cronkite, Huntley and Brinkley, and, at that time, a young Peter Jennings reported the news, a strict code of conduct set the protocol. Fundamental newspaper policies were adapted to fit the broadcast format. Citizens' rights were protected by a self-governing industry comprised of responsible reporters that upheld the integrity of their profession.
Then, in 1952, Italian publisher Generoso Pope, Jr. brought New York's National Enquirer to the forefront and set the pace for sensationalizing the news with the introduction of the tabloid. "Inquiring
Minds Want to Know" was its mantra, and Enquirer staffers were infamous for fabricating incredible stories to create sales with enticing headlines that attracted readers who still held the naïve belief that "they couldn't print it if it wasn't true."
After surviving several costly lawsuits, Pope moved the paper from New York to Florida, and tamed the content to concentrate more on supernatural phenomenon, miracle diets and celebrity gossip. But the paper had a circulation of 3,000,000 before changing its policies, which still appealed to the same scandal-hungry audience.
While the Enquirer went mainstream, tabloids from across the Atlantic popped up and a new category of news publications followed in Pope's footsteps. The tabloids quickly became a profitable industry in both the U. S. and Europe.
The 1970s and 1980s introduced cable TV, giving the three major networks sudden and massive competition with hundreds of cable networks invading the airwaves. Soon, Ted Turner shocked the world with 24-hour news networks that not only survived, but flourished. Now, the voracious appetite of the news industry opened the floodgates for anyone with a camera, pocket tape recorder, and a tablet and pencil to participate.
Human-interest stories that would never have made even a local paper were suddenly international front-page news. The competition was vicious. The big networks and newspaper chains began paying unheard-of dollars for first rights and scoops on stories designed to captivate audiences and boost circulation.
Taste and integrity were overtaken by need and greed. The giant maw of the news industry devoured anything and everything that came its way. In the 1990s, the Internet added to the fray. Unregulated, and easily accessed, the communication capabilities for the average person made the media a public toy.
Now, uneducated paparazzi, not legitimate journalists, physically fight and do whatever is necessary to shoot tasteless and often deceiving pictures and video that can be digitally transferred to anywhere in the world in a matter of seconds. All this for the sake of big dollars that are willingly paid by an industry that is struggling to survive.
Without a doubt, the big newspapers are soon to be history. Explosive advances in technology are controlling the future of the media. Where and how it will end up is a mystery.
However, aware citizens like Roger Vaughn are becoming vocal about their legitimate concerns. Yet the media giants scream for their rights to freedom of the press as they fight to survive in a system we can't understand.


text:
Hacker News, Reddit, Stack Overflow Stats
GitHub Stats
What is Node.js?
Node.js uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O model that makes it lightweight and efficient, perfect for data-intensive real-time applications that run across distributed devices.
What is Yii?
Yii comes with: MVC, DAO/ActiveRecord, I18N/L10N, caching, authentication and role-based access control, scaffolding, testing, etc. It can reduce your development time significantly.
What is Dancer?
Dancer is a free and open source micro web application framework written in Perl.
Pros about this tool
Cons about this tool
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August 02, 2017 15:18
I have benchmarked Node.js and other popular frameworks using a real life application example. You can find the results here: https://email@example.com/web-rest-api-benchmark-on-a-real-life-application-ebb743a5d7a3
leemunroe uses Node.js
This was my first Node.js app. You could call it experimental. I also used Express.
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We built prototypes in both languages, and decided on NodeJS:
Getting into the headspace and internalizing the assumptions of a tool helps pick the right one. NodeJS assumes services will be non-blocking/event-driven and HTTP-accessible, which snapped into our scenario perfectly. The new NodeJS architecture resulted in a staggering 95% reduction in processing time: requests went from 7.5 seconds to under a second.
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In order to speed up loading times and allow SEO, a separate node server runs along side the Django server to render React components serverside and return the rendered HTML.
aharrisonwatt uses Node.js
Used primary to setup the rest of the stack. NPM is just a amazing tool. Also used for testing simple javascript code straight from the command line.
InsideSales.com uses Node.js
We have some backend microservices written in Node.js throughout the company.
thibmaek uses Node.js
Runs on Node v6+ as a standalone server. Optionally uses nodemon for monitoring of server process.
andfaulkner uses Node.js
NodeJS drove the app's backend server (ExpressJS), frontend build tools (Gulp and Webpack), linters (ESLint), and most of the database scripts (through Knex and Mongoose)
HyperTrack uses Node.js
Our web services are end-to-end javascript, powered by Node.js on the server side.
Tinker Travel uses Node.js
Ohh, Non-blocking, JSON embedded, javascriptable event loop server, we love you. Node is quick, easy, extensible, JSON and HTTP native. It's great. We can easily integrate Purescript code with it and even crazier stuff (like Idris https://github.com/statebox/dstbx)
rkdgusrnrlrl uses Node.js
javascript 의 눈부신 발전에 큰 도움이 되준 녀석이다. 빠르게 뭔가 만들고 싶다면, Node.js 가 최고 인것 같다. 그래서 개인 프로젝트는 거의 Node.js로 진행 했다. 작은 단위로 만들어 나가고 빨리 결과물을 볼 수 있어서 나에게 딱 맞는 것 같다.
CB Insights uses Node.js
We use node.js to build backend services as well as middleware for our react-redux frontend applications.
nickdecooman uses Node.js
All backend projects I worked on during the past 3 years use Node at their core (mostly in combination with Express).
AngeloR uses Node.js
All backend code is done in node.js
We have a SOA for our systems. It isn't quite Microservices jsut yet, but it does provide domain encapsulation for our systems allowing the leaderboards to fail without affecting the login or education content.
We've written a few internal modules including a very simple api framework.
I ended up picking Node.js because the game client is entirely in JavaScript as well. This choice made it a lot easier for developers to cross borders between being "client side" game developers and "server side" game developers. It also meant that the pool of knowledge/best practices is applicable almost across the company.
Wirkn Inc. uses Node.js
All backend servers at Wirkn are based on Node.js. Our production servers are always kept up to date with the latest LTS version.
mfbx9da4 uses Node.js
Used for web apps, routing, chat clients, backend job systems and web socket apps.
tpkemme uses Node.js
I'm using node modules through npm for this addon. Modules include babel, auto-changelog, and run-when-changed.
Eventvods uses Node.js
Handles the grunt API work, authentication and providing API <-> Cache <-> Database link.
jonathan-fries uses Node.js
Node is used by ghost, so for my personal blog I mainly work with configuration files, site structure, templates, and a little bit of database related work.
TonyManso uses Node.js
Node.js is the foundation for the server. Using Express.js for serving up web content, and sockets.io for synchronizing communications between all clients and the server, the entire game runs as Javascript in Node.js.
I don't know how well this will scale if/when I have hundreds of people connected simultaneously, but I suspect that when that time comes, it may be just a matter of increasing the hardware.
As for why I chose Node.js... I just love JavaScript! My code is all original, meaning that I didn't have to inherit anyone's bad Javascript. I'm perfectly capable of creating my own bad Javascript, thank you! Also, npm rocks!
mickdekkers uses Node.js
Node.js simplifies development by letting you use a single language on the client and server. This has the added benefit of keeping your apps DRY because you can share code between them.
Its package registry, npm, is the largest of any language. With over 500,000 packages and 500+ new packages being registered every day, you can almost always find what you're looking for. And if you can't, why not make your own and share it with the world?
Scrayos UG (haftungsbeschränkt) uses Node.js
Node.js is used for interactive parts of our homepage, cronjobs and building (gulp). The great performance and asynchronity makes a trustworthy companion in developing live web-parts (socket.io).
akarelas uses Node.js
I use it with webpack & browserify to build my SPA websites or to build linkable libraries for my non-SPA websites
ApertusVR uses Node.js
As part of ApertusVR's JsAPI plugin, Node.js serves REST API, socket API and runs JavaScript plugins.
ujjwalbhujel uses Node.js
Even though, It's full stakers' stuff. It has helped front end way too much with its power full build features and functionality
POROWNEO.PL uses Node.js
As a real-time proxy between frontend and backend components. (socket.io, publish, subscribe, redis, http restful api)
ShadowICT uses Node.js
We use NodeJS as one of the systems for our backends. We use NodeJS primarily when working with apps that need to work in realtime or carry out many actions asynchronously. We also use NodeJS for our custom Nagios and Grafana reporting and monitoring tools.
Virtually(Creative) uses Node.js
Backbone of the Documentation and PostCSS build process for the framework (development).
Not required for use.
Marc3842h uses Node.js
Node.js is used in Kuro (https://github.com/Marc3842h/kuro).


text: Ship Weight: 320 lbs.; Access Method: Door; Amps: 5.1; Compressor Location: Rear; Cubic Feet: 15.5; Dimensions (H x W x D): 31.88" x 60.38" x 30.13"; Door Type: Solid; Horsepower: 1/5; Hz.: 60; Number of Doors: 2; Number of Drawers: 0; Opening Style: Swing; Phase: 1; Shelves: 4; Temperature: 33°F - 38°F; Voltage: 115; With 2 cabinets, the 61" Low Profile Undercounter Refrigerator (TUC-60-LP) is a versatile unit to maximize space in the kitchen and ensure that you have everything you need on hand at any given time. High quality metals and internal components work together to give you lower operating costs and a machine that performs better at colder, more consistent temperatures. The unit is made from stainless steel for a piece of equipment that will not rust, corrode or tarnish even over years in a professional food service kitchen. Ecomate, an innovating material used throughout the unit, brings you high density insulation for an earth-friendly and durable refrigerator. Acquire fridge space without sacrificing available floor space with this useful undercounter product. Features Stainless steel front, top and sides with matching aluminum back; Positive self-closing doors also have a 90° stay open feature and 12" recessed door handles; Adjustable, PVC coated wire shelves with chrome plated shelf clips; Interior features NSF approved white aluminum and 300 series stainless steel floor; Self contained capillary tube system uses environmentally friendly refrigerant; Smaller factory mounted castors enable unit to fit under shorter countertops; Front breathing feature allows model to be placed next to other equipment; 360° guided air flow provides uniform product temperatures; Oversized refrigeration provides colder product temperatures and lower utility costs; Unique evaporator fan allows for faster recovery time and shorter run times in the busiest of service environments; Bottom mounted compressor performs in the coolest, most grease free area of kitchen; Easily slides under counters to maximize space in fast food production lines; Slide out compressor allows for easy maintenance; NSF 7 compliant for open food product; Depth does not include 1" for rear bumpers;


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We enjoyed the 3D version of Gravity at the local cineplex last night. The 3D effects are spectacular, George Clooney and Sandra Bullock charismatic, but the story is a little lightweight (and not at all unbearable) as it works through the challenges faced by the two astronauts who survive the disaster with which the story begins. It seems to me to provide a modestly feminist update on The Perils of Pauline. It is an update, however, that increasingly subverts the willing suspension of disbelief. If you see it, don't miss the 3D version.
The Wall Street Journal's Joe Morgenstern provides an informative if over-the-top appreciation here. Buzz Aldrin is one of the few residents of planet earth in a position to render this verdict on the basis of personal knowledge: "I was so extravagantly impressed by the portrayal of the reality of zero gravity." Thanks to the Hollywood Reporter, we have it.
In the category of news you can use, I want to add this footnote. The widely praised supposedly romantic comedy Enough Said, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the late James Gandolfini, sent one word echoing through my mind after the first thirty minutes or so I spent trying to like it. The word was "excruciating," specifically with reference to the screenplay by writer/director Nicole Holofcenter.


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How good was Michael Vick on Sunday in Detroit?
This good:
The last time an Eagles quarterback was sacked at least six times and still won the game, it was...
...wait for it...
December 13, 1992.
The quarterback was Randall Cunningham. The final score was 20-17, a win for the Eagles at the Kingdome against the Seattle Seahawks. In the years since then, the years and the quarterbacks, the Eagles' record when their quarterbacks get sacked six or more times in a game was 0-16-1. That includes their Week 1 loss this year to Green Bay.
Around the league, it isn't quite so uncommon. In the decade of the 2000s, a team getting sacked six or more times managed to win about 16 percent of the time. It happens about four times a year in the league. Vick was the first in 2010.
The underlying message here is that what Vick was able to do was very unsual, and very special. The idea that a team can allow six sacks a game and survive is crazy. And whether it is with play calling, more people blocking or different people blocking, the Eagles are going to have to fix this immediately -- and that would be true even if Kevin Kolb were not about to return to the starting lineup.
One final stat. This was even unusual and special for Vick. During his time in Atlanta, best as I can tell, Vick only won one of these six-plus sack games in eight tries.
In other words, don't expect this to become a habit.


text:
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text:
Those were the days. In 1951, "The King and I" weighed in as the most expensive show in Broadway history, costing $360,000. The story is basically a three-hander — Anna, the King and Tuptim — but the original cast ran to 61, a total almost matched by Raymond Gubbay's recent 15-performance London revival at the 4,500-seat Royal Albert Hall.
Smartly staged by Jeremy Sams in the great Victorian venue's cavernous, circular arena, the production featured a cast of 55 headed by Daniel Dae Kim, better known as Jin Kwon on ABC's "Lost," and Maria Friedman.
Famously written as a star vehicle for Gertrude Lawrence, who was many things, few of which had anything to do with singing, the show nonetheless features one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's richest scores. Hearing a voice as strong as Friedman's sing it accompanied by the lush playing of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was a rare treat.
The entire event was almost upstaged by the Dress: Robert Jones' shimmering gold and crimson confection was virtually cantilevered from Friedman's waist like a giant Pavlova — we're talking dessert, not the dancer. But, in fact, Jones' set, Andrew Bridge's lighting and Bobby Aitken's sound design mostly found ways to control this sumptuous but intractable space.
Not that their attempt escapes being excoriated by Gerard Alessandrini in his new London edition of "Forbidden Broadway" playing to exuberant houses at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
Unseen in London in a decade, the Rialto sketch show is a rejig of its most recent Gotham incarnation plus greatest hits from the back catalog — there's a warm welcome for Phillip George's sublimely staged spoof of "Les Miz" and the vicious "Defying Subtlety" spin on Idina Menzel's turn in "Wicked."
But alongside songwriting assaults on Broadway's hits, several of which are either still running in London or actually began life in the West End, the expert cast of four — Anna-Jane Casey, Sophie-Louise Dann, Alasdair Harvey and Steven Kynman, plus pianist Joel Fram — offer up a handful of London-specific items.
Designer William Dudley's obsession with video-projection sets — having inadvertently made audiences feel seasick in "The Woman in White," the technique was only marginally more effective in the recent, flaccid "Carousel" — is deliciously ridiculed in "Projections." But some of the biggest laughs were reserved for Alessandrini's expert skewering of Trevor Nunn's overlong, overplayed, undercast and underlit "A Little Night Music," a production created by … the Menier Chocolate Factory.
In fact, Nunn's revival transfer (which also is in the works for a Broadway move later this year) has not been the hoped-for hit in the West End. Poor bookings have meant that a recent six-week extension through September has been nixed. The show will now close July 25, leaving the attractively located 700-seat Garrick Theater dark. Might "Forbidden Broadway" move in?
A cast of four plus piano is clearly a more comfortable financial proposition than the more amply upholstered requirements of Stephen Sondheim's tuner for producer David Babani. However, a decade ago, Babani brandished a clutch of good reviews and took "Forbidden Broadway" from the minuscule Jermyn Street Theater into the West End's Noel Coward Theater (then called the Albery). It tanked. That's likely to give him pause.
In fact, a recent heat wave (few West End theaters are effectively air-conditioned) means tickets are being aggressively discounted. The few shows managing to stay afloat with any ease are those that either have an unassailable brand — the inbuilt reality-TV audience for Cameron Mackintosh's "Oliver!" — or are uniquely theatrical, like, say, the National Theater's smash-hit transfer of "War Horse" or Derren Brown's astonishing "Enigma."
The latter is no more and no less than a magic act. But Brown's almost preposterously entertaining combination of illusion, mind reading, mind games, hypnosis and quick-fire standup is a jaw-dropping display of how to glue an audience to a virtuoso performer. If that's not theater, what is?


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From the State House
Greetings friends and neighbors. This year's legislative session has ended with a state budget that did not raise a meals-and-beverage tax, did not increase personal-income taxes, and did not extend the hotel tax to bed-and-breakfasts or vacationhome rentals. These were some of the suggestions in the governor's original budget.
Some of the highlights of the General Assembly budget include putting a casino referendum on the November ballot with the state's share of table games at 18 percent. Whether you are for or against gambling, the expansion of table games at Newport Grand and Twin River should be left to the voters to decide in November.
Gambling is the third largest moneymaker in the state of Rhode Island, generating close to $300 million a year in revenue. Although Newport Grand is not a "destination," it is an attraction and part of the overall hospitality industry on Aquidneck Island. Newport Grand provides about 250 jobs, $30 million to the state and more than $1 million to the city of Newport. There would be more growth in our local economy if the hotel industry could figure out how to provide space for conventions.
We took steps to boost the local economy and the quality of life. I lobbied hard in the House, along with Sen. Paiva Weed in the Senate, to restore funding to the developmentally disabled. Restoring nearly $10 million is the right thing to do.
Other highlights include boosting education funding by $31 million to cities and towns. The minimum wage was raised 35 cents to $7.75 an hour so people can earn a fair wage. We're still lower than Massachusetts ($8) and Connecticut ($8.25). Possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is no longer a misdemeanor but a civil penalty. Rhode Island is one of 15 states to decriminalize marijuana. It becomes law in April 2013. The compelling argument being that under current law a young person caught with a very small amount of pot faces a year in jail and a criminal record that follows that person for the rest of their life.
The Homeless Bill of Rights is civil-rights legislation prohibiting people from treating homeless people unfairly in employment, medical care and use of public spaces. There are 4,400 homeless in Rhode Island – yes, there are homeless in Jamestown – and 40 percent are women and young children.
Gov. Chafee's municipal package allowing cities and towns to reduce pension benefits fizzled. It was disappointing that the "payday lender" bill did not come to the House floor. This bill would have capped the 260 percent interest rates charged by payday lenders. The industry spent more than $100,000 in advertising and lobbying efforts, including hiring former House Speaker Bill Murphy as its lobbyist and it helped.
I supported a bill requiring individuals and groups who contribute $1,000 or more on political advertising to be disclosed. The bill is directed at "super PACs," which has flourished since the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United decision that protects the First Amendment rights of corporations to fund political messages. This is a state law that now requires people to own up to their political acts. It's about transparency and civic courage. Without it, democracy fails. Like you, I want to know who is behind all the political spending when it hits the airwaves this summer, especially the gambling referendum.
I am honored to serve. Thank you for the privilege to be your state representative. I'll be stopping by your house this summer with my potholders! If you need a new potholder, please contact me at 423-0444 or rep-ruggiero@ rilin.state.ri.us. Enjoy your summer. Stay well.
Rep. Deb Ruggiero serves District 74 (Jamestown and Middletown) in the state House of Representatives.