Serendipitous Discovery (serendipitous + discovery)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Serendipitous Discovery of the Catalytic Hydroammoniumation and Methylamination of Alkynes,

ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 5 2010
Xiaoming Zeng
Goldrausch: Ein kationischer Gold(I)-Komplex mit CAAC-Ligand vermittelt die intramolekulare Addition von N-H- oder N-Me-Bindungen (in Ammoniumsalzen bzw. tertiären Aminen) an Kohlenstoff-Kohlenstoff-Dreifachbindungen. Mit dem gleichen Komplex konnten auch Vinylgold-Zwischenstufen isoliert werden. X=(C6F5)4B. CAAC=cyclisches Alkylaminocarben. [source]


From generative fit to generative capacity: exploring an emerging dimension of information systems design and task performance

INFORMATION SYSTEMS JOURNAL, Issue 4 2009
Michel Avital
Abstract Information systems (IS) research has been long concerned with improving task-related performance. The concept of fit is often used to explain how system design can improve performance and overall value. So far, the literature has focused mainly on performance evaluation criteria that are based on measures of task efficiency, accuracy, or productivity. However, nowadays, productivity gain is no longer the single evaluation criterion. In many instances, computer systems are expected to enhance our creativity, reveal opportunities and open new vistas of uncharted frontiers. To address this void, we introduce the concept of generativity in the context of IS design and develop two corresponding design considerations ,,generative capacity' that refers to one's ability to produce something ingenious or at least new in a particular context, and ,generative fit' that refers to the extent to which an IT artefact is conducive to evoking and enhancing that generative capacity. We offer an extended view of the concept of fit and realign the prevailing approaches to human,computer interaction design with current leading-edge applications and users' expectations. Our findings guide systems designers who aim to enhance creative work, unstructured syntheses, serendipitous discoveries, and any other form of computer-aided tasks that involve unexplored outcomes or aim to enhance our ability to go boldly where no one has gone before. In this paper, we explore the underpinnings of ,generative capacity' and argue that it should be included in the evaluation of task-related performance. Then, we briefly explore the role of fit in IS research, position ,generative fit' in that context, explain its role and impact on performance, and provide key design considerations that enhance generative fit. Finally, we demonstrate our thesis with an illustrative vignette of good generative fit, and conclude with ideas for further research. [source]


Molecular imprinting science and technology: a survey of the literature for the years up to and including 2003

JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR RECOGNITION, Issue 2 2006
Cameron Alexander
Abstract Over 1450 references to original papers, reviews and monographs have herein been collected to document the development of molecular imprinting science and technology from the serendipitous discovery of Polyakov in 1931 to recent attempts to implement and understand the principles underlying the technique and its use in a range of application areas. In the presentation of the assembled references, a section presenting reviews and monographs covering the area is followed by papers dealing with fundamental aspects of molecular imprinting and the development of novel polymer formats. Thereafter, literature describing attempts to apply these polymeric materials to a range of application areas is presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Infrared [Fe ii] emission in the circumstellar nebulae of luminous blue variables

MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 2 2002
Nathan Smith
Abstract After a serendipitous discovery of bright [Fe ii],16435 emission in nebulae around , Carinae and P Cygni, infrared spectra of other luminous blue variables (LBV) and LBV candidates were obtained. Bright infrared [Fe ii] emission appears to be a common property among LBVs with prominent nebulae; this is an interesting discovery because strong [Fe ii],16435 is typically seen in shock-excited objects like supernova remnants and outflows from newly formed massive stars, as well as in active galactic nuclei (AGN), where the excitation mechanism is uncertain. This paper presents spectra in the H-band (1.5 to 1.75 ,m) for the central stars and nebulae of , Car, AG Car, P Cyg, Wra 751, HR Car, HD 168625, HD 160529, R 127 and S Doradus. Seven of nine targets show bright [Fe ii],16435 in their nebulae, while it is absent in all central stars except the LBV candidate Wra 751. The two objects (S Dor and HD 160529) without prominent [Fe ii],16435 are not yet known to have nebulae detected in optical images, and both lack bright thermal infrared emission from dust. The possible excitation mechanisms for this line and the implications of its discovery in LBV nebulae are discussed; there are good reasons to expect shock excitation in some objects, but other mechanisms cannot be ruled out. [source]


Anatomical characterisation of voltage gated sodium channels in the mammalian cochlear nerve spiral ganglia

CLINICAL OTOLARYNGOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
A. Prasai
Introduction., There is evidence that Voltage Gated Sodium Channels (VGSC) may represent novel therapeutic targets for treatment of certain types of tinnitus and hearing loss. It is also known that the different VGSC types vary in their affinity for differing VGSC blockers. Parallels have been drawn with certain types of tinnitus, chronic pain and epilepsy (1) These conditions are thought to arise from pathological VGSC activity (2) There has also been empirical interest in the use of VGSC blockers as tinnitolytics, with the best known of these being intravenous lignocaine. Aim., The aim of this study was first begin to characterise VGSCs in the mammalian cochlear nerve spiral ganglion. Method., After sacrifice, guinea pigs were perfused with heparin and then 2% paraformaldehyde. The bony matrix of the cochleae was decalcified in buffer containing EGTA (8%). Decalcified tissues were embedded; frozen and 20-micron cryosections were made through the cochleae. Immunocytochemistry was then carried out using antibodies that selectively bind to individual sodium channel ,-subunits. Sections were then analysed and photographed using either an epifluorescence or a confocal microscope. Results and Conclusions., Sodium channel type 1.6 and 1.7 were shown to be expressed in the cochlear nerve spiral ganglion. Further work is being carried out to see if there are changes in the expression of these VGSC after ototrauma. These findings may help us to target our therapy to treat certain types of tinnitus and hearing loss. References 1 Smith P.F., Darlington C.L. (2005) Drug treatments for subjective tinnitus: serendipitous discovery versus rational drug design. Curr. Opin. Investig. Drugs.6, 712,716 2 Taylor C.P., Meldrum B.S. (1995) Na+ channels as targets for neuroprotective drugs. Trends. Pharmacol. Sci. 16, 309,315 [source]