If we could realize an autonomous polymer system driven under biological conditions by a tailor-made molecular design, human beings could create unprecedented biomimetic functions and materials such as heartbeats, autonomous peristaltic pumps, etc. In order to achieve this objective, we have investigated the molecular design of such a polymer system. As a result, we were the first to demonstrat...

Turing patterns in the chlorine dioxide-iodine-malonic acid reaction are studied in a system consisting of two coupled gel layers. Patterns with two wavelengths are observed. Changing the strength of the interlayer coupling causes a transition between a superposition of Turing patterns and a superlattice pattern. The effects of the reactant concentrations on the pattern wavelengths are delineated.

Highly enantioselective NHC-organocatalyzed synthesis of functionalized cyclopentenes proceeding via α,β-unsaturated acyl azolium intermediates is reported. The organocascade reaction of modified enals with malonic ester derivatives having a γ-benzoyl group involves the Michael-intramolecular aldol-β-lactonization-decarboxylation sequence to deliver cyclopentenes in good yields and excellent ee...

If health care systems are not delivering the desired results, those systems must be changed in some way. Innovative thinking is sometimes needed to generate ideas for improvement. Many persons erroneously believe that innovative thinking is a special gift or that it requires an air of lightheartedness that seems inappropriate in a health care setting. Current research in the cognitive sciences...

This paper presents some results of an ongoing research project on the interactions between Wikipedia and academia. The first part of the project analyses the perception and practices of academic faculty about Wikipedia. It also includes a study on 52 teaching experiences at universities around the world where lecturers have used Wikipedia for designing assignments involving students to edit th...

In past years, malonate has been extensively used in mammalian systems in vitro as an inhibitor of the citric acid cycle with very little attention given its metabolism per se. Lifson and Stolen (1) demonstrated the conversion of V-labeled malonate to carbon dioxide in the intact mouse. Later, Lee and Lifson (2) found that the administration to rats of doses of U3-labeled malonate at an inhibit...

M any academic scientists reject the very idea of networking for a variety of reasons. Many feel that acquiring and using professional contacts is more appropriate for those in industry or business, but not in academia. Tenured faculty may feel that they have already achieved the peak of their career and no longer need to put forth the effort to get to know new people. Younger scientists may sh...

An important problem exists in the interpretation of modern medical research data: Biological understanding and previous research play little formal role in the interpretation of quantitative results. This phenomenon is manifest in the discussion sections of research articles and ultimately can affect the reliability of conclusions. The standard statistical approach has created this situation b...