ARO NEWS
Spring 1997

Spring 1997 Volume XVIII Number 1

IN THIS ISSUE:

President's Report
Editor's Column
Current Issues
1999 Call for Symposia and Workshops
25th Anniversary Celebration
1997 Award of Merit Recipient
Deafness Research Foundation Report
1998 Call for Papers

President's Report

The ARO MidWinter Meeting continues to increase in number of papers and attendees. The number of papers presented at the 1997 MidWinter Meeting was 945 which was up by over 100 papers from 1996. The meeting attendance was 1,341. Our growth has positive and negative aspects, and we are experiencing some growing pains which we will be addressing.

It was very heartening (and body-warming) to have such comfortable warm weather during the 1997 MidWinter Meeting. I will try to do as well in the weather department in 1998.

The most important event in recent years is the change of management companies which we are currently experiencing. We have transferred the responsibilities for management of ARO from AML in Des Moines, IA to Talley Management Group, Inc., under the leadership of the Executive Director, Susan Whitehouse. We are grateful to Michelle Johnson and AML for their many years of assistance and hard work in helping ARO to grow. We are extremely indebted to Jan Gemar from AML for her heroic efforts in running the 1997 Midwinter Meeting. However, the time for change is here and we look forward to working with Talley in the continuing development of our organization.

The 1998 meeting will represent the 25th Anniversary of the founding of ARO. The Program Committee has organized an interesting program which will be based around several symposia. The Presidential Symposium is entitled, "Free Radicals and Antioxidants in Otolaryngology." This series of papers will discuss the pathologic consequences of free radical production in human diseases of the head and neck. Another symposium will be, "Psychophysical and Physiological Studies on the Precedence Effect." This series of presentations will provide a complementary blending of psychophysics and physiological studies of this interesting phenomenon. Another symposium, "Biophysical Foundations for Information Processing in the Auditory System", will relate the function of ion channels to the biological function of cells in the auditory system. A final symposium, "Neuromechanisms of Sound Localization from Superior Olive to Auditory Cortex" also will be presented. This will summarize current information about central auditory processing which subserves this important function.

We are planning special events for the 25th Anniversary celebration at the 1998 MidWinter Meeting. These will help us commemorate a quarter century of fellowship and science in the ARO. (See Page 10 for details)

I would like to remind the members of the importance of making contributions to the Award of Merit fund. These dollars support the Award of Merit prize which is given annually to our most deserving scientists in our field.

The ARO membership both individually and collectively through the government relations committee, very capably directed by Dr. Bob Ruben, has been actively involved in national politics, especially in efforts to lobby for increased federal funding for biomedical research. It is critical that all the members of ARO become involved in communicating to our political representatives that scientific research is important and is cost effective. Only through such efforts will we be able to maintain the high quality of biomedical research dealing with problems affecting patients with disorders of the head and neck.

Leonard P. Rybak, MD/PhD

Editor's Column

The publications of the association continue their transition toward electronic media. For the 1998 MidWinter meeting, abstracts again can be submitted electronically. However, instead of receiving only an ID#, this year the world wide web will return the title, authors, institutions, body of the abstract, and the contact person, including complete address, for the abstract that was submitted. Further, you will be able to view your submission at any time with the use of the ID#. Because of this new capability, we will not be sending a postcard, fax, e-mail message, or any other paper form of acknowledgment of receipt. This will reduce costs greatly. A galley proof of the submitted abstract will again be sent in early November to allow any editing or corrections.

We also are more closely integrating the paper publications with the events of the association. The membership year, directory update, and the Directory itself, both the paper version and the electronic version, are now integrated. The paper version of the Directory again will be distributed at the MidWinter meeting and be very current. The electronic version of the Directory will be updated regularly on a monthly basis.

Gerald R. Popelka, Ph.D., Editor

Current Issues

New NASA Program

ARO member Laurence Young at MIT announced his appointment as Director of the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI), a new NASA-sponsored program. The NSBRI will be the focal point of NASA-sponsored space biomedical research. Its twofold mission is to address the medical obstacles to safe, productive, long-term human presence in space and to apply the knowledge gained from space research to medical problems of people on earth.

Membership Dues

The revenue from dues increases each year due to the steady increase in the ARO membership. However, administrative expenses such as copying, printing, and postage increase each year due to increased membership and rising printing and postage rates. Postage costs for overseas members are also increasing dramatically. As a result, dues revenue has not kept up with increases in expenses. The last increase in ARO membership dues was in 1990. Therefore, at its last meeting, the ARO Council approved a modest increase in dues. The following are the current membership dues:

Membership dues for 1997 are being billed about one month later than usual due to the recent transfer of the ARO office to new management. To reduce mailing costs and processing time, the 1997 dues invoice is included with the ARO News. Check your packet now for this invoice and please pay your dues promptly.

In the future, the membership year will be shifted to the chronologic year. Dues invoices will be mailed in November of each year to assure that members receive their discount for the MWM meeting and that the information for the Membership Directory will be up to date.

1998 ARO Short Course

The ARO will offer a short course at the 1998 MidWinter meeting. The topic will be

TECHNIQUES USED IN EVALUATING COCHLEAR FUNCTION

The course is being planned for Saturday, February 14, 1998 from 7:00-9:45 pm, and will be taught by a team of researchers with expertise in cochlear physiology. Details on the content of the course, names of presenters, and course registration information will be announced in the fall newsletter. For information please contact:

Susan Whitehouse, Executive Director
875 Kings Highway, Suite 200
Woodbury, NJ 08096-3172
Phone (609) 384-5712 FAX (609) 853-0411
E-mail: headquarters@aro.org

National Organization for Hearing Research
1998 Research Awards

In January 1998 the National Organization for Hearing Research will award grants of approximately $5,000 each, primarily in the form of seed money, for exploration into innovative research areas in the prevention, causes and cures of hearing loss and deafness.

Researchers and clinicians qualified in the field of auditory science may apply. Applications from researchers in other disciplines who will conduct research directly relevant to auditory science are also encouraged. Grant support is generally provided for one year. Applications are reviewed by NOHR's Scientific Review Committee.

The deadline for submission of applications is September 26, 1997. For application materials, please contact The National Organization for Hearing Research, 225 Haverford Ave., Narberth, PA 19072. Telephone: (610) 664-3260; FAX (610) 668-1428.

Advertising space

Advertising space is available for the ARO NEWS and the ARO Directory Please contact the ARO Office for information concerning prices, space and deadlines.

Susan Whitehouse, Executive Director
875 Kings Highway, Suite 200
Woodbury, NJ 08096-3172
Phone (609) 384-5712 FAX (609) 853-0411
E-mail: headquarters@aro.org

Videotape Available

A videotape is available of the 1997 short course

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES AND APPLICATIONS TO OTOLARYNGOLOGY

The tape is approximately 3 hours long and includes the following 7 lectures:

Margaret Lomax, Ph.D. - Genetic Machinery of the Cell

William Kimberling, Ph.D. - Molecular Genetics and Linkage Analysis

Garth Ehrlich, Ph.D. - Positional Cloning and Gene Expression

James Battey, M.D., Ph.D. - Nucleic Acid Isolation

Allen Ryan, Ph.D. - cDNA Libraries, Transfections, Virus Vectors

Robert Wenthold, Ph.D. - After the Cloning: Protein Characterization

Dennis Drescher, Ph.D. - Summary and Perspectives: The Role of Molecular Biology in Otolaryngology

The cost of each tape is $35 (U.S.). An additional $5 will be charged for tapes sent to non-USA locations. Individuals who registered for the course, but were unable to attend can obtain this video at a special rate of $15. To order a videotape, contact:

Susan Whitehouse, Executive Director
875 Kings Highway, Suite 200
Woodbury, NJ 08096-3172
Phone (609) 384-5712 FAX (609) 853-0411
E-mail: headquarters@aro.org

Call for SYMPOSIA and WORKSHOPS

Symposia and Workshops for the Association for Research in Otolaryngology 1999 MidWinter Meeting will be selected by the ARO Program Committee at the 1998 MidWinter Meeting from proposals submitted before January 31, 1998

Symposium vs. Workshop

The fundamental difference between Symposia and Workshops is the target audience.

Symposia should be on topics of interest to a wide cross-section of ARO members, and the talks should be pitched accordingly, i.e. summarizing large bodies of research &endash; not the most recent results from the speaker's laboratory. Symposia can be full or half day. However, the breadth and depth of anticipated member interest must be exceptional to support a full-day session. Half-day symposia are 3 to 4 hours in duration including breaks.

Workshops can be on topics of interest to a focused subgroup of ARO members. Workshops are often scheduled in the evening. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Evening sessions are typically 3 hours in length. Morning or afternoon workshops can be 3-4 hours.

Travel Funds and Honoraria

The ARO has a conference grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders that can pay travel expenses including airfare, hotel and per diem expenses. It is ARO policy that only non-members are eligible for such travel reimbursement. It is also ARO policy not to pay honoraria.

Instructions

Each proposal should contain

Please send your proposal to:

Dr. Donata Oertel
Chair, ARO Program Committee
University of Wisconsin
Dept. of Neurophysiology
273 Medical Sciences Building
Madison, WI 53706

Deadline January 31, 1998

25th Anniversary Celebration

Next year marks the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the founding of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology. Our Historian, David Lim, is planning a celebration. There will be a Special Edition of the ARO NEWS devoted solely to this event. Also planned are special events at the 1998 MidWinter Meeting including a dinner and even a T-shirt contest.

David is now soliciting nominations of the names of people who have worked behind the scenes to help ARO to grow to its current stature. He is interested in recognizing all persons who have contributed to the development of the ARO including those who have not been officers.

Please contact David with your suggested nominations and for any details concerning this celebration.

David. J. Lim, Executive Vice President of Research
House Ear Institute
2100 West Third St.
Los Angeles, CA 90057

Phone (213) 353-7021
Fax (213)413-6739
E-mail lim@hei.org

1997 Award of Merit Recipient. Jay M. Goldberg, Ph.D.

For the first time in its history the ARO Award of Merit is bestowed on a vestibular scientist for his contributions to our understanding of the function and anatomy of the vestibular nerve, Jay Goldberg. The recipient is recognized as a premier vestibular physiologist who will no doubt leave an indelible memory in the history of vestibular system research.

Jay's scientific career began, however, with the study of the auditory system. It is therefore fortunate for those of us who were interested in the vestibular system, that in the late 1960's, when he was appointed Professor of Physiology at the University of Chicago, he teamed up with Cesar Fernandez and began an illustrious and productive research and teaching career that steered the course of vestibular studies into the contemporary area of neuroscience.

Jay's academic preparation took place at the University of Chicago, where he became a product of the program in humanities, as well as of the rigorous analytical science curriculum in biochemistry. There, in 1956, he graduated with two Bachelor Degrees, one in the Arts and one in the Sciences. His graduate studies were conducted under the tutelage of William Neff, University of Chicago, and his postgraduate training under Jerzy Rose, University of Wisconsin, both ARO Award of Merit recipients in 1991 and 1987 respectively. These two pioneers and giants of modern neuroscience introduced Jay to the field of quantitative neurophysiology. Jay's initial publications about the auditory system include some of the very first applications of computers to study the physiology of the olivary complex. Using single unit approaches, he investigated the cellular mechanisms of binaural interaction.

In 1971 Jay published his first papers on the physiology of the vestibular nerve that revolutionized the field. He coupled new techniques for the computer control of vestibular stimuli with a rigorous linear systems analysis of single neuron responses in the vestibular nerve. This work was heralded at the time as having broken the primate "barrier" in studying the function of single neurons in the vestibular nerve. During the last 25 years Jay and his students and colleagues have published more than 50 papers dealing with the basic physiological and anatomical foundations of the semicircular canals crista, the maculae, the afferent and efferent vestibular neurons and nuclei. Their views on the role of vestibular neurons with different physiological properties continue to change and improve the understanding of vestibular mechanisms. Throughout his work Jay has been willing to apply new techniques and new preparations - most recently, the turtle crista. His work has had a very positive influence in raising the interest and appreciation of other scientists in vestibular physiology.

Jay's contributions to ARO are both direct and through his many students. His presentations at the scientific sessions always carry the excitement of novelty and provide a reference point of quality for everyone else, especially the younger scientists in our society. His comments from the floor are always timely and he contributes to the enjoyment of the meetings with his enlightened and provocative questions. He has trained a good number of basic and clinical scientists who share his concern for scientific integrity and quality, many of whom are already prominent in their field. ARO scientific programs have benefitted immensely from their participation.

For his contributions to research, teaching, and the Association, the 1997 Award of Merit is one that all ARO members bestow on Jay with pride and gratitude.

Vicente Honrubia, M.D., D.M.Sc.

Report from the Chair of the Deafness Research Foundation

It has been brought to my attention by several sources that, at the ARO convention in February, a rumor was circulated that the Deafness ResearchFoundation (DRF) was in deep financial difficulties, and was "going out of business". As Chairman and interim President, I would like to unequivocally state that the rumor has no basis, and I am submitting the following status report on the Foundation.

As the Deafness Research Foundation approaches its 40th year of funding grants to promote research to increase knowledge into the causes, treatment and prevention of hearing disorders, it does so with pride and distinction. As the nation's largest voluntary health organization entirely committed to ear research, the Foundation views its future with confidence.

Following eight years of gradual decline as expenses exceeded income, thereby reducing reserves, fiscal year 1995 was one of re-evaluation, restructuring, and refocusing on the Foundation's original mission.

In fiscal/calendar year 1996, which just ended, the Deafness Research Foundation, through prudent cost-cutting and aggressive fundraising, was able to not only balance its annual budget, but closed the year with a healthy surplus. Total revenue rose by 26%; net assets increased 5.4 %; traditional income sources (corporations, foundations, individuals and Centurions) increased 8.2%; endowment increased 10%, and total expenditures declined 8.4%. Stringent financial controls have brought relief after years of deficits, and a realignment of staff responsibilities, has brought about a concerted effort to attract and retain, a solid private donor base. The 1997 annual budget has been increased, and is in balance, with the clear expectation that goals will be met.

The organization's drift during the mid 1980's and early 1990's was not precipitate, but gradual, and while blame may be pinpointed, the reasons become insignificant. Of paramount importance is the fact that the Board of Directors recognized the need for change when our Executive Director left two and a half years ago. It was at that time I, as Vice Chairman of the Board, stepped in on a voluntary basis to serve as interim President. I had served the Board for eight years, first as a member, then on the Executive Committee as Secretary, Vice-Chairman, and, for the past eighteen months, as Chairman.

After exhaustive examination of each fundraising component of DRF, as well as staff reassignments, I made the changes necessary to restructure the organization, keeping with its original mission statement, to bring about a turnaround. Frugality and temporary downsizing were basic solutions. As everyone knows, it takes time to reap the benefits of change, which is perhaps the reason for the rumors of our demise. Today, I am pleased to report that DRF is poised to reach a new plateau, continuing to be fiscally responsible by holding the line on expenses, and by increasing income. Additionally, DRF is now in the position to engage a new "full time" President.

To date, more than $19 million dollars has been raised by DRF, and 1,915 research projects have been funded, many of which led to discoveries which have impacted the quality of life for the hearing impaired. It is predicted that, by the turn of the century, additional projects funded by DRF will produce even more significant breakthroughs; thus the efforts of the Deafness Research Foundation will have yielded even greater results.

DRF is on course, and I expect the 40th anniversary (next year) to usher in a new era for the Foundation. Our goal is to continue funding additional research projects each year, to the point where the investigative findings discover a cure(s), and that this ultimate success actually does permit DRF to go "out of business". Additionally, I cannot stress strongly enough that DRF wants, and encourages, researchers to submit their most innovative proposals to us.

The world is full of naysayers. It takes guts to stick to a vision and reach goals, while all along trying to prove the naysayers to be wrong &endash; but isn't that what researchers do? And, that is what DRF is doing!!

Jane Fortune, Chairman

1998 Call for Papers

The Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO) invites the submission of contributed papers for the 1998 MidWinter Meeting, February 15-19, 1998 at the Tradewinds Hotel, St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. Papers in all areas of otolaryngology are welcome.

Abstracts can be submitted directly over the world wide web at http://www.aro.org

If you have access to this technology, no paper forms are needed.

Application forms have been sent with the newsletter. If you did not receive them or if you need additional forms, please contact the ARO Office.