The Medicago Genome Initiative: a model legume database

The Medicago Genome Initiative (MGI) is a database of EST sequences of the model legume Medicago truncatula. The database is available to the public and has resulted from a collaborative research effort between the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and the National Center for Genome Resources to investigate the genome of M.truncatula. MGI is part of the greater integrated Medicago functional genomics program at the Noble Foundation (http://www.noble .org), which is taking a global approach in studying the genetic and biochemical events associated with the growth, development and environmental interactions of this model legume. Our approach will include: large-scale EST sequencing, gene expression profiling, the generation of M.truncatula activation-tagged and promoter trap insertion mutants, high-throughput metabolic profiling, and proteome studies. These multidisciplinary information pools will be interfaced with one another to provide scientists with an integrated, holistic set of tools to address fundamental questions pertaining to legume biology. The public interface to the MGI database can be accessed at http://www.ncgr.org/research/mgi.

Lack of tissue glucocorticoid reactivation in 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 knockout mice ameliorates age-related learning impairments

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD-1) intracellularly regenerates active corticosterone from circulating inert 11-dehydrocorticosterone (11-DHC) in specific tissues. The hippocampus is a brain structure particularly vulnerable to glucocorticoid neurotoxicity with aging. In intact hippocampal cells in culture, 11β-HSD-1 acts as a functional 11β-reductase reactivating inert 11-DHC to corticosterone, thereby potentiating kainate neurotoxicity. We examined the functional significance of 11β-HSD-1 in the central nervous system by using knockout mice. Aged wild-type mice developed elevated plasma corticosterone levels that correlated with learning deficits in the watermaze. In contrast, despite elevated plasma corticosterone levels throughout life, this glucocorticoid-associated learning deficit was ameliorated in aged 11β-HSD-1 knockout mice, implicating lower intraneuronal corticosterone levels through lack of 11-DHC reactivation. Indeed, aged knockout mice showed significantly lower hippocampal tissue corticosterone levels than wild-type controls. These findings demonstrate that tissue corticosterone levels do not merely reflect plasma levels and appear to play a more important role in hippocampal functions than circulating blood levels. The data emphasize the crucial importance of local enzymes in determining intracellular glucocorticoid activity. Selective 11β-HSD-1 inhibitors may protect against hippocampal function decline with age.

Crystal structure of the cell cycle-regulatory protein suc1 reveals a beta-hinge conformational switch.

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe cell cycle-regulatory protein suc1, named as the suppressor of cdc2 temperature-sensitive mutations, is essential for cell cycle progression. To understand suc1 structure-function relationships and to help resolve conflicting interpretations of suc1 function based on genetic studies of suc1 and its functional homologs in both lower and higher eukaryotes, we have determined the crystal structure of the beta-interchanged suc1 dimer. Each domain consists of three alpha-helices and a four-stranded beta-sheet, completed by the interchange of terminal beta-strands between the two subunits. This beta-interchanged suc1 dimer, when compared with the beta-hairpin single-domain folds of suc1, reveals a beta-hinge motif formed by the conserved amino acid sequence HVPEPH. This beta-hinge mediates the subunit conformation and assembly of suc1: closing produces the intrasubunit beta-hairpin and single-domain fold, whereas opening leads to the intersubunit beta-strand interchange and interlocked dimer assembly reported here. This conformational switch markedly changes the surface accessibility of sequence-conserved residues available for recognition of cyclin-dependent kinase, suggesting a structural mechanism for beta-hinge-mediated regulation of suc1 biological function. Thus, suc1 belongs to the family of domain-swapping proteins, consisting of intertwined and dimeric protein structures in which the dual assembly modes regulate their function.

L-arginine may mediate the therapeutic effects of low protein diets.

We have previously shown beneficial effects of dietary protein restriction on transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) expression and glomerular matrix accumulation in experimental glomerulonephritis. We hypothesized that these effects result from restriction of dietary L-arginine intake. Arginine is a precursor for three pathways, the products of which are involved in tissue injury and repair: nitric oxide, an effector molecule in inflammatory and immunological tissue injury; polyamines, which are required for DNA synthesis and cell growth; and proline, which is required for collagen production. Rats were fed six isocaloric diets differing in L-arginine and/or total protein content, starting immediately after induction of glomerulonephritis by injection of an antibody reactive to glomerular mesangial cells. Mesangial cell lysis and monocyte/macrophage infiltration did not differ with diet. However, restriction of dietary L-arginine intake, even when total protein intake was normal, resulted in decreased proteinuria, decreased expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA and TGF-beta 1 protein, and decreased production and deposition of matrix components. L-Arginine, but not D-arginine, supplementation to low protein diets reversed these effects. These results implicate arginine as a key component in the beneficial effects of low protein diet.

Synthesis and Characterisation of Functional Magnetic and Plasmonic Nanomaterials

The main aim of this thesis is the controlled and reproducible synthesis of functional materials at the nanoscale. In the first chapter, a tuning of morphology and magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles is presented. It was achieved by an innovative approach, which involves the use of an organic macrocycle (calixarene) to induce the oriented aggregation of NPs during the synthesis. This method is potentially applicable to the preparation of other metal oxide NPs by thermal decomposition of the respective precursors. Products obtained, in particular the multi-core nanoparticles, show remarkable magnetic and colloidal properties, making them very interesting for biomedical applications. The synthesis and functionalisation of plasmonic Au and Ag nanoparticles is presented in the second chapter. Here, a supramolecular approach was exploited to achieve a controlled and potentially reversible aggregation between Au and Ag NPs. This aggregation phenomena was followed by UV - visible spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. In the final chapters, the conjugation of plasmonic and magnetic functionalities was tackled through the preparation of dimeric nanostructures. Au - Fe oxide heterodimeric nanoparticles were prepared and their magnetic properties thoroughly characterised. The results demonstrate the formation of FeO (wustite), together with magnetite, during the thermal decomposition of the iron precursor. By an oxidation process that preserves Au in the dimeric structures, wustite completely disappeared, with the formation of either magnetite and / or maghemite, much better from the magnetic point of view. The plasmon resonance of Au results damped by the presence of the iron oxide, a material with high refractive index, but it is still present if the Au domain of the nanoparticles is exposed towards the bulk. Finally, remarkable hyperthermia, also in vitro, was found for these structures.

Common origin for surface reconstruction and the formation of chains of metal atoms

During the fracture of nanocontacts gold spontaneously forms freely suspended chains of atoms, which is not observed for the isoelectronic noble metals Ag and Cu. Au also differs from Ag and Cu in forming reconstructions at its low-index surfaces. Using mechanically controllable break junctions we show that all the 5d metals that show similar reconstructions (Ir, Pt, and Au) also form chains of atoms, while both properties are absent in the 4d neighbor elements (Rh, Pd, and Ag), indicating a common origin for these two phenomena. A competition between s and d bonding is proposed as an explanation.

The Vetlatori Dance: "Little Angels go to Heaven"

This paper discusses the vetlatori dance performed on the occasion of a baptised infant's death in the Valencia region of Spain until about fifty years ago. Analyses of historical sources that emphasise the noble spirituality of the vetlatori dance are shown to be based on romantic views of traditional culture and emotions related to the loss of an infant, rather than on authentic information. Ethnographic and ethnomusicological data are presented to illustrate that the music and dances performed during the vetlatori dance were meant for entertainment rather than for spiritual impact. Recourse is also had to oral sources, particularly interviews carried out in the 1960s and 1980s with former infant wake participants who experienced the vetlatori dance, and who confirmed the popular nature of the music, song, and dances that were performed. Analysis of written sources and of the choreographic and musical characteristics of the dance also shows that the kind of music performed was typical of festive celebration in the Valencia region. Functional outcomes for such wakes are also proposed.

Three-way catalysts: past, present and future

In this article, the past and the state-of-the-art in Three-Way Catalyst (TWC) technology are reviewed. The main chemical reactions occurring in a gasoline engine are discussed and also the main reactions taking place in a TWC placed in the tailpipe, namely CO and hydrocarbons oxidation and nitrogen oxides reduction to molecular nitrogen. The main components of a TWC (substrates, noble metals and cerium oxides) and their role in the different chemical reactions occurring in a TWC are described. Finally, the problem of diesel vehicles gas aftertratment is described, and the current state-of-the art in catalytic converters for these vehicles are commented.

Electrolito sólido polimérico: desde las pilas de combustible hasta la electrosíntesis orgánica

En este trabajo, en primer lugar, se presenta una nueva técnica desarrollada en nuestro laboratorio para el estudio electroquímico de las capas catalíticas de las pilas de combustible en células de tres electrodos, centrándonos en el proceso de electroxidación de ácido fórmico como reacción de test. Gracias a esta técnica se han estudiado parámetros de construcción como % en peso del metal, relación Nafion / sólidos totales y recubrimiento catalítico comprobando como la adsorción irreversible de adátomos de Bi sobre Pt soportado sobre Vulcan XC-72 favorece este proceso y como puede caracterizarse la capa catalítica de una pila de combustible de ácido fórmico (DFAFC) de forma integral utilizando estudios de sistemas nanoparticulados de Pt-Pd soportados sobre Vulcan XC-72 en el seno de ésta. En segundo lugar se ha introducido el concepto de PEMER (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrochemical Reactor). De esta forma, una configuración electródica propia de las pilas de combustible se utiliza en electrosíntesis orgánica. Como reacciones test se han testeado la formación de 1-feniletanol como producto mayoritario por hidrogenación electrocatalítica de la acetofenona sobre nanopartículas de Pd soportadas sobre Vulcan XC-72 como electrocatalizador y, utilizando Pb (catalizador no noble) soportado sobre Vulcan XC-72, se ha estudiado la ruptura del puente disulfuro de L-cistina y N,N-diacetil-L-cistina (NNDAC) para obtener L-cisteína y N-acetil- L-cisteína (NAC). En ambas reacciones, hidrogenación y ruptura del puente disulfuro, se han analizado tanto parámetros constructivos de la capa catalítica como parámetros de proceso tanto a escala laboratorio con el uso de un reactor comercial de 25 cm² como a escala pre-piloto con la construcción de un reactor de 100 cm².

Patronazgo literario en la Inglaterra medieval (SS. VII-XIV): una visión panorámica

Este artículo ofrece una aproximación panorámica a la práctica del patronazgo literario en Inglaterra desde el s. VII al XIV. Durante el período anglosajón las relaciones de patronazgo fueron principalmente de dos tipos: (1) un poeta o scop que quedaba vinculado a una corte (p. ej. Déor) y (2) un intérprete o gleoman que desarrollaba su actividad no creativa de forma itinerante ante públicos diversos (p. ej. Wídsid). Caso aparte es el del pastor Cadmon, quien por intervención divina se convirtió en poeta bíblico y fue acogido en un monasterio. Tras la conquista normanda se introdujo un modelo de patronazgo aristocrático que favoreció la aparición de la figura del autor (p. ej. Wace) que componía sus obras en anglonormando, mientras el inglés era usado por juglares anónimos para deleite de las clases populares. La literatura en lengua inglesa no asistiría a la aparición de sus primeros autores (p. ej. Chaucer y Gower) hasta el siglo XIV, gracias en parte al patronazgo del rey Ricardo II.

‘La familia ya no es lo que era’: intercultural lesbian relationships in contemporary Spanish cinema

Este artículo considera el papel variable de las mujeres con respecto a la institución del matrimonio y al entorno familiar a través de la representación cinematográfica de relaciones interculturales y de lesbianas. Sostiene que ese tipo de relación constituye un ejemplo de la visibilidad emergente de formas familiares alternativas al modelo heteronormativo. Tomando en cuenta las dimensiones lingüísticas, temporales, y espaciales de estas relaciones, analiza tres películas: Costa Brava: Family Album, A mi madre le gustan las mujeres y Room in Rome. En resumen, el artículo cuestiona la posición del deseo intercultural lésbico dentro de las representaciones cinematográficas de la familia contemporánea en España.

Letter from Thomas Hollis to the Curators of Harvard College, 1762 July 21

Thomas Hollis V (1720-1774), widely known as Thomas Hollis of Lincoln’s Inn, was a very generous donor to Harvard College, particularly its library. This letter, which appears to have accompanied a package, demonstrates that he also donated prints to the College. Hollis wrote: "N.B. the Ludlow, Sydney, Marvell, & Cleopatra are struck on paper made from white & colored silk rags, the produce of premiums of the Society, the noble Society for promoting arts & commerce."

Theses of 1663

Handwritten document written in Latin and dated August 1663 purported to be the Harvard College Commencement Theses of 1663, but considered by John Noble of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts to be a contemporary parody. Noble notes of the 1663 Theses, that "there seems to be no reason to doubt that this is a genuine, original manuscript of the date which it bears," but describes it as a "blaze of literary and scholastic pyrotechnics" that suggests it was created satirically (John Noble, "Harvard Theses of 1663" in the Publications of the Colonial Society, Volume V: Transactions, April 1898, pages 322-339).

Martinsburg, West Virginia and vicinity, ca. 1864 (Raster Image)

This layer is a georeferenced raster image of the historic paper manuscript map entitled: Plan of Martinsburg and vicinity. "This map was drawn by that noble officer Capt. C.L. Chandler and was much prized by our late Col. Geo. D. Wells, Chas. H. Howland, 1st Lt. & B. Gen., 34th Mass. Inf."-verso. It was sketched ca. 1864. Scale [ca. 1:9,250]. The image inside the map neatline is georeferenced to the surface of the earth and fit to the West Virginia State Plane North Coordinate System (in Meters) (Fipszone 4701). All map collar and inset information is also available as part of the raster image, including any inset maps, profiles, statistical tables, directories, text, illustrations, or other information associated with the principal map. This map shows features such as roads, railroads, selected dwellings with names of inhabitants, lines of pickets, troop location and camps, drainage, and more. Relief shown by form lines. This layer is part of a selection of digitally scanned and georeferenced historic maps of the Civil War from the Harvard Map Collection. Many items from this selection are from a collection of maps deposited by the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States Commandery of the State of Massachusetts (MOLLUS) in the Harvard Map Collection in 1938. These maps typically portray both natural and manmade features, in particular showing places of military importance. The selection represents a range of regions, originators, ground condition dates, scales, and purposes.