Electric-field-induced polar biaxial order in a nontilted smectic phase of an asymmetric bent-core liquid crystal

A polarization reorientation process has been studied by means of optical second-harmonic generation in an optically uniaxial smectic phase of an asymmetric bent-core liquid crystal. A nontilted polar smectic order with a biaxial order is induced by applying an electric field to the uniaxial nonpolar smectic phase. This phenomenon was well simulated by the two-dimensional Langevin process, i.e., electric-field-induced continuous molecular reorientation against thermal agitation. The simulation suggests that about 200s of molecules form a polar domain and cooperatively respond to the applied field. The existence of the polar domains and their reorientation are consistent to the dielectric measurement; a high dielectric constant of about 60 at the kHz range is markedly suppressed by applying a bias field.     

Quantum Reality and Measurement: A?Quantum?Logical Approach

The recently established universal uncertainty principle revealed that two nowhere commuting observables can be measured simultaneously in some state, whereas they have no joint probability distribution in any state. Thus, one measuring apparatus can simultaneously measure two observables that have no simultaneous reality. In order to reconcile this discrepancy, an approach based on quantum logic is proposed to establish the relation between quantum reality and measurement. We provide a language speaking of values of observables independent of measurement based on quantum logic and we construct in this language the state-dependent notions of joint determinateness, value identity, and simultaneous measurability. This naturally provides a contextual interpretation, in which we can safely claim such a statement that one measuring apparatus measures one observable in one context and simultaneously it measures another nowhere commuting observable in another incompatible context.     

Bis-phosphoryl-bridged stilbenes synthesized by an intramolecular cascade cyclization

Bis-phosphoryl-bridged stilbenes have been synthesized using an intramolecular cascade cyclization. They show intense blue fluorescences at longer wavelengths with higher quantum yields compared to those of the known element-bridged stilbenes. In addition, they have much lower reduction potentials due to the inductive effect of phosphoryl groups. The incorporation of the phosphoryl moiety is an effective way for the construction of highly electron-accepting pi-conjugated systems.     

Quantum perfect correlations

The notion of perfect correlations between arbitrary observables, or more generally arbitrary POVMs, is introduced in the standard formulation of quantum mechanics, and characterized by several well-established statistical conditions. The transitivity of perfect correlations is proved to generally hold, and applied to a simple articulation for the failure of Hardy’s nonlocality proof for maximally entangled states. The notion of perfect correlations between observables and POVMs is used for defining the notion of a precise measurement of a given observable in a given state. A longstanding misconception on the correlation made by the measuring interaction is resolved in the light of the new theory of quantum perfect correlations.     

Rotational isomerism of a resveratrol tetramer, shoreaketone, in Shorea uliginosa

A new resveratrol tetramer, shoreaketone, was isolated from the stem bark of Shorea uliginosa (Dipterocarpaceae). The structure and the relative configuration were confirmed on the basis of 1D- and 2D-NMR spectral data. The structure has a novel framework of fused heptacyclic ring system including an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl group. In NMR spectra, shoreaketone is observed as two different conformers due to rotational isomerism.     

Ni(0)-promoted hydroxycarboxylation of 1,2-dienes by reaction with CO2 and O2

[structure: see text]. A novel method for the preparation of hydroxy carboxylic acid derivatives has been developed by O2-oxidation of pi-allylnickel intermediates generated by Ni(0)-mediated coupling of 1,2-dienes with CO2.     

Bidentate amidine ligands for nickel(0)-mediated coupling of carbon dioxide with unsaturated hydrocarbons

Novel bidentate amidines were designed and synthesized as easily available electron-donating N-ligands for Ni0-mediated coupling of carbon dioxide with alkynes or allenes, and high regioselectivity was achieved even for the carboxylation of aryl substituted internal alkynes.     

Flavonol glycosides in leaves of two Diospyros species

Fourteen flavonol glycosides including two new compounds were isolated from the leaves of two Diospyros plants (D. cathayensis and D. rhombifolia). The structures of isolated compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis. The scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical of the isolated compounds was also investigated.