Einstein and the Kaluza–Klein particle

In his search for a unified field theory that could undercut quantum mechanics, Einstein considered five-dimensional classical Kaluza–Klein theory. He studied this theory most intensively during the years 1938–1943. One of his primary objectives was finding a non-singular particle solution. In the full theory this search got frustrated, and in the x⁵-independent theory Einstein, together with Pauli, argued it would be impossible to find these structures.     

Sesquiterpenoids minor constituents ofPinus parviflora. On the relationship between (−)-δ-cadinol, (+)-δ-cadinol,sesquigoyol, torreyol,and brown alga cadinol

Zusammenfassung 1-Dokosanol, Sesquigoyol,-Sitosterin und 3,5-Dimethoxystilben wurden ausP. formosana isoliert. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass Sesquigoyol der optische Antipode von (–)--Cadinol ist.

---

---

Sesquiterpenoids II. For the previous paper in this series, seeW. G. Dauben, B. Weinstein, P. Lim, andA. B. Anderson, Tetrahedron15, 217 (1961).

---

On leave of absence from the Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.

---

The National Council of Science, Republic of China, is thanked for the award of a fellowship for advanced study to one of us (K.-T.W.).     

γ-Glutamyltranspeptidases: sequence, structure, biochemical properties, and biotechnological applications

γ-Glutamyltranspeptidases (γ-GTs) are ubiquitous enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of γ-glutamyl bonds in glutathione and glutamine and the transfer of the released γ-glutamyl group to amino acids or short peptides. These enzymes are involved in glutathione metabolism and play critical roles in antioxidant defense, detoxification, and inflammation processes. Moreover, γ-GTs have been recently found to be involved in many physiological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and diabetes. In this review, the main biochemical and structural properties of γ-GTs isolated from different sources, as well as their conformational stability and mechanism of catalysis, are described and examined with the aim of contributing to the discussion on their structure-function relationships. Possible applications of γ-glutamyltranspeptidases in different fields of biotechnology and medicine are also discussed.     

The Making of Modern Science: Science,Technology, Medicine and Modernity: 1789–1914

We offer a novel historical-philosophical framework for discussing experimental practice which we call ‘Generating Experimental Knowledge’. It combines three different perspectives: experimental systems, concept formation, and the pivotal role of error. We then present an historical account of the invention of the Scanning Tunnelling Microscope (STM), or Raster-Tunnelmikroskop, and interpret it within the proposed framework. We show that at the outset of the STM project, Binnig and Rohrer—the inventors of the machine—filed two patent disclosures; the first is dated 22 December 1978 (Switzerland), and the second, two years later, 12 September 1980 (US). By studying closely these patent disclosures, the attempts to realize them, and the subsequent development of the machine, we present, within the framework of generating experimental knowledge, a new account of the invention of the STM. While the realization of the STM was still a long way off, the patent disclosures served as blueprints, marking the changes that had to be introduced on the way from the initial idea to its realization.     

A new indolic antiauxin, α-(5,7-dichloroindole-3-)isobutyric acid: its chemical synthesis and biological activity

Summary A new potent antiauxin, -(5,7-dichloroindole-3-)isobutyric acid has been synthesized and shown to inhibit auxin-mediated elongation ofAvena coleoptiles and to stimulate root growth of rice seedlings. Its activity is stronger than -(p-chlorophenoxy)isobutyric acid and is comparable to that of 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid, which are typical antiauxins.