String theory,Einstein, and the identity of physics: Theory assessment in absence of the empirical

String theorists are certain that they are practicing physicists. Yet, some of their recent critics deny this. This paper argues that this conflict is really about who holds authority in making rational judgment in theoretical physics. At bottom, the conflict centers on the question: who is a proper physicist? To illustrate and understand the differing opinions about proper practice and identity, we discuss different appreciations of epistemic virtues and explanation among string theorists and their critics, and how these have been sourced in accounts of Einstein's biography. Just as Einstein is claimed by both sides, historiography offers examples of both successful and unsuccessful non-empirical science. History of science also teaches that times of conflict are often times of innovation, in which novel scholarly identities may come into being. At the same time, since the contributions of Thomas Kuhn historians have developed a critical attitude towards formal attempts and methodological recipes for epistemic demarcation and justification of scientific practice. These are now, however, being considered in the debate on non-empirical physics.     

Sul meccanismo di azione della streptomicina

Summary A study was undertaken on the variations of the redox potential level produced by streptomycinin vitro andin vivo. We have been able to show that, owing to an oxidative effect, streptomycin produces an increase of the redox potential level. This oxidative effect varies in degree according to the condition of the patient.We also found that in the blood and in the spinal fluid of patients suffering from tubercular meningitis factors are present which inhibit the action of streptomycin.The results of our findings lead to the conclusion that the dose of streptomycin must be varied according to the condition of the patient if the constant level required for an efficient therapy is to be maintained in the blood and in the spinal fluid.     

Kondensationsprodukte von Oxyketonen und Aminoketonen mit 2,4,5-Triamino-6-oxy-pyrimidin

Summary By condensing 2:4:5-triamino-6-hydroxy-pyrimidine with dihydroxyacetone (diacetate), diaminoacetone or acetone-1,3-di (p-formylaminobenzoic acid) not the expected 8- or 9-oxymethyl resp. -aminomethyl-pteridines but 8-or 9-methyl-pteridines were obtained. With p-tolyl-d-isoglucosamine not a tetrahydroxybutyl-pteridine but a trihydroxybutyl-pteridine was formed. For an explanation of these results it is supposed that from the dihydro-pteridines formed at first by intramolecular splitting off of H₂O or R·NH₂ aromatization takes place.     

Die Wirkung von synthetischen Antihistaminkörpern auf die Senfölchemosis am Kaninchenauge

Summary Intravenous or subcutaneous administration of pyribenzamine and other antihistaminics is able to decrease, and to delay the appearance of chemosis produced by mustard oils in the eye of the rabbit. Simultaneously occurring vascular reactions, on the other hand, are but slightly affected by antihistaminics. Intravenous or subcutaneous administration of rutin has no clear-cut effect on chemosis; it is however able to inhibit the vascular reaction.     

Chemical basis of pupal cannibalism in a caterpillar (Utetheisa ornatrix).

The moth Utetheisa ornatrix derives protection against predation from systemic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that it sequesters as a larva from its foodplants (Leguminosae, Crotalaria spp.). We here show, in laboratory tests, that Utetheisa deficient in body PA can make up for the chemical shortfall by cannibalizing pupae. We present evidence indicating that cannibalism in larvae is elicited not by hunger, but possibly by PA deficiency itself, and that in making cannibalistic choices larvae prefer PA-containing over PA-free pupae. PAs themselves, either in crystalline form or as additives to food items, proved phagostimulatory to larvae. In nature Utetheisa tend to pupate away from their foodplant, essentially out of reach of larval attack. The threat of cannibalism may have contributed to the evolution of this pupation behavior.