Biodiesel is defined as fatty acid mono-alkylesters and is produced from triacylglycerols. In the current article we provide an overview of the structure, diversity and regulation of the metabolic pathways leading to intracellular fatty acid and triacylglycerol accumulation in three types of organisms (bacteria, algae and fungi) of potential biotechnological interest and discuss possible intervention points to increase the cellular lipid content. The key steps that regulate carbon allocation and distribution in lipids include the formation of malonyl-CoA, the synthesis of fatty acids and their attachment onto the glycerol backbone, and the formation of triacylglycerols. The lipid biosynthetic genes and pathways are largely known for select model organisms. Comparative genomics allows the examination of these pathways in organisms of biotechnological interest and reveals the evolution of divergent and yet uncharacterized regulatory mechanisms. Utilization of microbial systems for triacylglycerol and fatty acid production is in its infancy; however, genomic information and technologies combined with synthetic biology concepts provide the opportunity to further exploit microbes for the competitive production of biodiesel.

Recent developments in the field of anisotropic flow in nuclear collision are reviewed. The results from the top AGS energy to the top RHIC energy are discussed with emphasis on techniques, interpretation, and uncertainties in the measurements.

Transcript of an interview with Reverend William McElvaney, Dallas clergyman and social activist. McElvaney discusses concerning his childhood and education in Dallas; membership in Methodist Church; pursuit of undergraduate and MBA degrees from SMU; career in banking and oil businesses; decision to enter Perkins School of Theology at SMU and Union Theology Seminary in New York; influence of Reinhold Niebuhr; family life; pastorship of Methodist church in Justin, Tex., St. Stephen's United Methodist Church of Mesquite, Tex., and Northhaven United Methodist Church of Dallas; involvement in Dallas civil rights movement, particularly around issue of fair housing, and efforts to integrate Mesquite schools; involvement in antiwar movement; career as teacher and administrator at Saint Paul School of Theology of Kansas City and Perkins School of Theology; efforts to make Northhaven a "reconciling congregation", opinions on "Religious Right" and its role in American politics.