Reflectorites
On Fri, 13 Oct 2000 13:54:34 EDT, Huxter4441@aol.com wrote:
[...]
>SB>If he is going to talk about things outside his field he really needs
>to be more informed about it.
Say's *Susan* who seems to have no problem talking about *everything*!
What exactly is *Susan's* "field" so we know when she is talking "about
things outside" her "field" and "really needs to be more informed about it"?
From her web page it seems that Susan's "field" is that she is "a
typesetter/graphic designer at the University of Oklahoma" but to be fair
she does "own a tidy little collection of fossils"!:
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http://www.telepath.com/susanb/aboutme/me.html
[...]
I write poetry, science fiction/fantasy and historical fiction, though I haven't
had anything published. I recently finished a novel set during the French
Revolution and am nearly finished with a mystery novel set in Depression-
Era San Francisco. I'm an omnivorous reader, believe in being a life-long
learner and am always giving myself crash courses in something that
interests me. Right now I'm studying dance and learning how to play a
drum in the African style. Paleontology is a passion of mine. If I were a
man in the 19th century I would be a "gentleman naturalist." I even own a
tidy little collection of fossils. I grow and use herbs for medicinal, and
culinary purposes.
[...]
I am a typesetter/graphic designer at the University of Oklahoma.
[...]
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SJ>I presume that biochemistry and molecular biology *are* Hirsch's field.
[...]
HX>You may presume that, but a simple literature search shows that he has
>NOTHING in print that has anything to do with DNA, molecular biology, or
>especially evolutionary genetics.
>
>I could find only:
[...]
BTW how many scientific publications has *Huxter* published, when, and
what are *their* titles?
HX>Which of those is pertinent to the study of genetics, evolution, molecular
>biology?
>
>Presumption flawed.
Dr Hirsch has kindly sent me a web link (see below) where some of his
expertise in "biochemistry and molecular biology" can be gauged.
These are invitations for grants from the DoE in experimental and
computational structural biology, of which Dr Hirsch advised me he was
"the lead program manager".
So it seems that the only "Presumption flawed" is that of *Huxter's* (and
Susan)!
I received more information privately from Dr Hirsch but I am double-checking
with him to see if it is OK for me to post it.
But suffice it to say that for years Darwinists have managed to perpetrate
the myth that their theory is so self-evidently true that only `red-necked
Bible-thumpers' are opposed to it. Yet here is a very senior analytical
chemist who is "the lead program manager" in the DoE's "Experimental
and Computational Structural Biology" branch, to whom requests for grant
applications are made in that area, who claims on the basis of the latest
biochemical data that: 1. "the Darwinian theory itself is fundamentally,
perhaps fatally flawed" and 2) in "cellular processes...in some cases several
different proteins must be present simultaneously, or the process does not
take place at all" and "Such a process is called irreducibly complex."
(http://www.waters.com/waters_website/corporate/releases/2000releases/rls_ACS_DrHirsch.htm)
Of course none of this will make the *slightest* difference to committed
naturalistic evolutionists like Huxter and Susan. Their attempt to disqualify
critics on the grounds of lack of qualifications, or number of published
papers, or some other criteria (real or imaginary), is just a standard ploy
which NEs use to protect their theory (which is not to say they don't
sincerely believe it).
Steve
=====================================================================
http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/grants/fr00_02.html
For more information about the
Office of Science Grant Program, go to the
Front Page of the Office of Science
Grants and Contracts Web Site.
Office of Science
Notice 00-02
Experimental and Computational Structural Biology
Department of Energy
Office of Science
Office of Science Financial Assistance Program Notice 00-02;
Experimental and Computational Structural Biology
AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
ACTION: Notice inviting grant applications.
SUMMARY: The Office of Biological and Environmental Research
(OBER) of the Office of Science (SC), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE),
hereby announces its interest in receiving grant applications in its
Experimental and Computational Structural Biology Program. Research is
sought for experimental and computational biological studies on the
structural biology of proteins involved in DNA repair or in bioremediation.
DATES: Before preparing a formal application, potential applicants are
encouraged to submit a brief preapplication. All preapplications,
referencing Program Notice 00-02, should be received by DOE by 4:30
P.M., E.S.T., January 12, 2000. A response encouraging or discouraging
the submission of a formal application will be communicated by electronic
mail by January 25, 2000.
Formal applications submitted in response to this notice must be received
by 4:30 P.M., E.D.T., May 2, 2000, to be accepted for merit review and
consideration for award in Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001.
ADDRESSES: Preapplications referencing Program Notice 00-02, must be
sent by E-mail to sharon.betson@science.doe.gov. Preapplications will also
be accepted if mailed to the following address: Ms. Sharon Betson, Office
of Biological and Environmental Research, SC-73, 19901 Germantown
Road, Germantown, Maryland 20874-1290.
Formal applications, referencing Program Notice 00-02, should be
forwarded to: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Grants and
Contracts Division, SC-64, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown,
Maryland 20874-1290, ATTN: Program Notice 00-02. This address must
also be used when submitting applications by U.S. Postal Service Express
Mail or any other commercial overnight delivery service, or hand-carried
by the applicant. An original and seven copies of the application must be
submitted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Roland F. Hirsch,
Office of Biological and Environmental Research, SC-73, U.S. Department
of Energy, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290,
telephone: (301) 903-9009, FAX: (301) 903-0567, E-mail:
roland.hirsch@science.doe.gov. Concerning the DNA Damage Recognition
and Repair aspects: Dr. David G. Thomassen, Office of Biological and
Environmental Research, SC-72, U.S. Department of Energy, 19901
Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290, telephone: (301) 903-
9817, FAX: (301) 903-8521, E-mail: david.thomassen@science.doe.gov.
Concerning the Bioremediation aspects: Dr. Anna C. Palmisano, Office of
Biological and Environmental Research, SC-73, U.S. Department of
Energy, 19901 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874-1290,
telephone: (301) 903-9963, FAX: (301) 903-8519, E-mail:
anna.palmisano@science.doe.gov. The full text of Program Notice 00-02 is
available via the Internet using the following web site address:
http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/grants/grants.html.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Biological and
Environmental Research supports a directed, basic research program in the
areas of environmental, life and medical science. Major research program
emphases are placed on characterization of human and microbial genomes,
model organisms for understanding human gene function, structural
biology, the biological effects of low dose radiation, global change, science
and technology for environmental remediation, advanced imaging
technologies, biomedical engineering and molecular nuclear medicine.
Nucleic acid and derived amino acid sequence data are flowing from
genome projects at an accelerating rate. Utilizing the genomic sequence as
a blueprint, large-scale high-throughput three-dimensional structural
analysis of cell proteins is planned. However, knowledge of high resolution
protein structure will not be sufficient for understanding of protein function
in the cellular environment. Proteins do not act independently or statically
in living systems. In carrying out their functions within cells, proteins form
complexes with other proteins and interact with a variety of structural,
regulatory and ligand molecules. The role of structure in determining
protein interactions with diverse molecules in a cell is still poorly
understood. It is necessary to observe dynamic changes in protein structure
and to study protein modifications, translocation, and subcellular
concentrations to fully understand protein function. Such studies are
therefore a major focus of this program.
The transformation of the accumulating database of genomic information
into a practical understanding of structure-function relationships in
biological macromolecules and of the complicated systems that constitute
living cells, tissues and organisms is paramount. The ultimate goal is to
extend the understanding of the function and behavior of individual
proteins to the genome scale through escalating levels of complexity from
functional aggregates to metabolic circuits and homeostatic networks. This
approach will eventually lead to a systems view of biology. This will enable
diverse applications in human health, including individualized medicine and
drug design, in biotechnology, including, new and improved biomaterials
and new biocatalysis in industry and manufacturing, in environmental
science for the design of enzymes for effective and efficient removal of
environmental contaminants and in energy technology for the development
and conversion of biomass for fuels.
This notice is to solicit applications for grants for experimental and
computational structural biology studies to expand our understanding of
the function of proteins and protein complexes relevant to two high priority
research programs within the Office of Biological and Environmental
Research: 1) Recognition and repair of DNA damage, and 2)
Bioremediation of environmental contamination by metals and
radionuclides.
DNA Damage Recognition and Repair
The Office of Biological and Environmental Research has a long standing
interest in determining health risks from exposures to low levels of
radiation, information that is critical to adequately and appropriately
protect people and to make the most effective use of our national
resources. The Low Dose Radiation Research Program (see
http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/ober/lowdose.html), supports research
on the recognition and repair of DNA damage induced by low doses of
ionizing radiation. Understanding cellular DNA damage recognition and
repair in response to low doses of radiation is a key component of
determining health risks from low doses of radiation and is likely to be a
significant factor in identifying genetic factors that determine individual
sensitivity to low doses of radiation.
The Office of Biological and Environmental Research will accept
applications to study proteins involved in the recognition and repair of
radiation-induced DNA damage in prokaryotes and eukaryotes (including
humans). Studies of interest include the following:
High-resolution three-dimensional structure of normal and mutated DNA
damage recognition and repair proteins using X-ray crystallography and
NMR with an emphasis on structure/function relationships.
Dynamic changes in protein structure associated with protein modification
and with protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions that occur during
the recognition and repair of radiation-induced DNA damage.
Imaging of multi-protein DNA damage recognition and repair complexes,
including high resolution, real-time optical imaging.
Precise measurements of DNA damage recognition and repair protein
concentrations, intracellular compartmentalization, and translocations in
response to ionizing radiation.
Bioremediation
The Office of Biological and Environmental Research supports
bioremediation research in its Natural and Accelerated Bioremediation
Research Program (NABIR) (see
http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/ober/EPR/nabir.html and
http://www.lbl.gov/NABIR/). The major focus of this program is to gain a
better understanding of the fundamental biological, chemical, geological,
and physical processes that must be marshaled for the development and
advancement of new, effective, and efficient processes for the remediation
and restoration of the Nation's nuclear weapons production sites. A
particular goal is to use molecular and structural biology to enable
understanding of potential microbial remediation processes and to
genetically modify macromolecules and organisms to improve their
bioremedial activities. Many molecules, enzymes, and enzyme pathways
that may be effective for bioremediation of metals and radionuclides are
being identified.
The Office of Biological and Environmental Research will accept
applications for structural biological studies in the area of bioremediation,
particularly those concerned with the reduction of metals and radionuclides
in microbes (e.g., Shewanella putrefaciens MR 1). Studies of interest
include the following:
High resolution three dimensional structure of proteins involved in critical
functions of microorganisms relevant to bioremediation processes,
particularly those proteins involved in reducing metals and radionuclides.
Structure/function relationships should be stressed.
Dynamic changes in protein structure related to the binding and reduction
of metals and radionuclides.
Realtime visualization of protein complexes involved in these
bioremediation functions.
Studies, comparable to those outlined above, on genetically modified
proteins and protein complexes with potential to contribute to the
bioremediation of metals and radionuclides.
Computational Structural Biology
The Office of Biological and Environmental Research is interested in the
development of improved computational approaches for finding the
proteins involved in DNA repair or in bioremediation processes, for
predicting the three dimensional structures of these proteins, or for
modeling the complex interactions of these proteins in living organisms.
Computational approaches to predict protein structure and function will
play an increasingly important role as the complete genomic sequences of
more organisms, including human, are made available over the next few
years. These computational approaches will also provide an important
interface with the projected increases in the rate of protein structure
determination. This program is focusing on sophisticated prediction,
modeling, and simulation research to provide a generalizable approach to
the interrelationship of macromolecular sequence, structure, and function
with specific applications in DNA repair or in bioremediation.
The program places emphasis on projects that advance or integrate existing
software tools in novel ways and/or develop new computational strategies
to exploit databases of macromolecular structural information, including
both high and low resolution. This includes the goal of predicting the
structure and function of newly discovered gene sequences as well as the
prediction or computational design of the chemical properties and
architectural arrangement of proteins, protein-protein complexes, or
protein-nucleic acid complexes needed for a particular functional
application.
The Office of Biological and Environmental Research will accept
applications for the development and use of computational tools that would
ultimately accomplish one or more of the following objectives. A clear path
should be presented from the fundamental computational research to be
carried out to the testing of the new algorithms on one or more of these
objectives:
Develop high throughput computational methods to predict or identify,
from sequence information, proteins involved in the recognition or repair of
radiation- induced DNA damage or in the bioremediation of metals and
radionuclides. This predictive capability will be essential for understanding
the complete structure, function, and dynamic behavior of multiprotein
complexes.
Predict from sequence the structure or the function of proteins involved in
the recognition or repair of radiation-induced DNA damage or in the
bioremediation of metals and radionuclides.
Characterize or simulate molecular interactions between proteins, proteins
and DNA, or proteins and ligand molecules involved in the recognition or
repair of radiation- induced DNA damage or in the bioremediation or
metals and radionuclides including changes due to genetically modified
proteins.
Program Funding
It is anticipated that up to $3 million will be available for multiple grant
awards during Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001 contingent upon the availability
of appropriated funds. Applications may request project support up to
three years, with out-year support contingent on the availability of funds,
progress of the research and programmatic needs. We expect to award
several research grants of up to $300,000 per year in this area.
Preapplications
A brief preapplication should be submitted. The preapplication should
identify, on the cover sheet, the title of the project, the institution, principal
investigator name, address, telephone, fax, and E-mail address, and the
research element(s) being addressed (DNA Damage Recognition and
Repair; Bioremediation; or Computational Structural Biology). The
preapplication should consist of two to three pages identifying and
describing the research objectives, methods for accomplishment, and
potential benefits of the effort. Preapplications will be evaluated relative to
the scope and research needs for the Experimental and Computational
Structural Biology Program.
Applications
Applications will be subjected to scientific merit review (peer review) and
will be evaluated against the following evaluation criteria listed in
descending order of importance as codified at 10 CFR 605.10(d):
1. Scientific and/or Technical Merit of the Project
2. Appropriateness of the Proposed Method or Approach
3. Competency of Applicant's Personnel and Adequacy of Proposed
Resources
4. Reasonableness and Appropriateness of the Proposed Budget.
The evaluation will include program policy factors such as the relevance of
the proposed research to the terms of the announcement and the agency's
programmatic needs. Note, external peer reviewers are selected with
regard to both their scientific expertise and the absence of conflict-of-
interest issues. Non-federal reviewers may be used, and submission of an
application constitutes agreement that this is acceptable to the
investigator(s) and the submitting institution.
Information about the development, submission of applications, eligibility,
limitations, evaluation, the selection process, and other policies and
procedures may be found in 10 CFR Part 605, and in the Application Guide
for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program. Electronic access
to the Guide and required forms is made available via the World Wide Web
at: http://www.sc.doe.gov/production/grants/grants.html. In addition, for
this notice, the Project Description must be 25 pages or less, exclusive of
attachments, and the application must contain a Table of Contents, an
abstract or project summary, letters of intent from collaborators (if any),
and short curriculum vitae consistent with National Institutes of Health
guidelines. On the SC grant face page, form DOE F4650.2, in block 15,
also provide the PI's phone number, fax number, and E-mail address.
DOE policy requires that potential applicants adhere to 10 CFR 745
"Protection of Human Subjects", or such later revision of those guidelines
as may be published in the Federal Register.
The Office of Science as part of its grant regulations requires at 10 CFR
605.11(b) that a recipient receiving a grant and performing research
involving recombinant DNA molecules and/or organisms and viruses
containing recombinant DNA molecules shall comply with NIH "Guidelines
for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules," which is available
via the world wide web at:
http://www.niehs.nih.gov/odhsb/biosafe/nih/rdna-apr98.pdf, (59 FR 34496,
July 5, 1994,) or such later revision of those guidelines as may be published
in the Federal Register.
The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number for this program is
81.049, and the solicitation control number is ERFAP 10 CFR Part 605.
John Rodney Clark
Associate Director of Science
for Resource Management
Published in the Federal Register November 10, 1999, Volume 64, Number
217, Pages 61318-61321.
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Stephen E. (Steve) Jones ,--_|\ Email: sejones@iinet.net.au
3 Hawker Avenue / Oz \ Web: http://www.iinet.net.au/~sejones
Warwick 6024 -> *_,--\_/ Phone: +61 8 9448 7439
Perth, Western Australia v "Test everything." (1 Thess. 5:21)
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