Chlorine Dioxide as an Electron-Transfer Oxidant of Olefins. Preliminary Communication

The kinetics and product studies of oxidation of eight olefins 1 - 8 by ClO₂ in H₂O in the pH range 3-7 are described. The reaction is faster as the pH decreases. At pH < 4, ClO₂ reacts equimolarly with olefins to yield isomeric mixtures of chlorohydrines and 1,2-dioxygenated products, following the equation: The order of reactivity is: (E)-stilbene > indene > β-methylstyrene > acenaphthylene > α-methylstyrene > styrene > cyclohexene > allylbenzene. A multi-stage radical-cation mechanism is proposed, in which an initial reversible protonation: is followed by an electron-transfer stage (rate-determining): The cation-radical thus produced, adds rapidly an additional ClO₂ to form dioxygenated products. The chlorohydrines most likely arise from HClO additions to the olefinic double bonds, which, in turn, generate from dismutation of 2 HClO₂ into HClO + H⁺ + ClO.     

3-T MR-guided brachytherapy for gynecologic malignancies

Gynecologic malignancies are a leading cause of death in women worldwide. Standard treatment for many primary and recurrent gynecologic cancer cases includes external-beam radiation followed by brachytherapy. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is beneficial in diagnostic evaluation, in mapping the tumor location to tailor radiation dose and in monitoring the tumor response to treatment. Initial studies of MR guidance in gynecologic brachytherapy demonstrate the ability to optimize tumor coverage and reduce radiation dose to normal tissues, resulting in improved outcomes for patients.     

Oscillating superfluidity of bosons in optical lattices

Following a suggestion by Orzel et al. [Science 291, 2386 (2001)]], we analyze bosons in an optical lattice undergoing a sudden parameter change from the Mott to superfluid phase. We introduce a modified coherent states path integral to describe both phases. The saddle point theory yields collective oscillations of the uniform superfluid order parameter. We calculate its damping rate by phason pair emission. In two dimensions the overdamped region largely overlaps with the quantum critical region. Measurements of critical dynamics on the Mott side are proposed.     

Self-segregation versus clustering in the evolutionary minority game

Complex adaptive systems have been the subject of much recent attention. It is by now well established that members ("agents") tend to self-segregate into opposing groups characterized by extreme behavior. However, the study of such adaptive systems has mostly been restricted to simple situations in which the prize-to-fine ratio R equals unity. In this Letter we explore the dynamics of evolving populations with various different values of the ratio R, and demonstrate that extreme behavior is in fact not a generic feature of adaptive systems. In particular, we show that "confusion" and "indecisiveness" take over in times of depression, in which case cautious agents perform better than extreme ones.     

Intramolecular van der Waals Interactions Challenge Anion Binding in perthio-Bambusurils

Bambusurils (BUs) are known to be rigid cavitands that feature an extended, jigger-like conformation, and the BU[6]s strongly bind anions within their hydrophobic cavity. These features are not necessarily shared by the family of perthio-BUs. This study reveals that perthio-BUs assume a compact conformation and perthio-BU[6]s are poor anion binders, crystallizing as anion-free species from solutions containing halide salts. Computational studies show that the equatorial sulfur atoms compete against guest anions for binding with the glycoluril methine groups via strong van der Waals (vdW) attractive interactions. These competitive contacts not only account for the diminished anion-binding of perthio-BUs, but also explain their compact conformation. The semithio- and perthio-BU[4]s form linear coordination polymers with Hg^II in the solid-state regardless of their intrinsic molecular conformation. The strong involvement of sulfur atoms in intramolecular interactions differentiates the equatorial from the axial (peripheral) heteroatoms, thus offering chemoselective and regioselective transformations.     

Real‐Time In‐Situ Monitoring of a Tunable Pentapeptide Gel–Crystal Transition

Supramolecular gels often become destabilized by the transition of the gelator into a more stable crystalline phase, but often the long timescale and sporadic localization of the crystalline phase preclude a persistent observation of this process. We present a pentapeptide gel–crystal phase transition amenable for continuous visualization and quantification by common microscopic methods, allowing the extraction of kinetics and visualization of the dynamics of the transition. Using optical microscopy and microrheology, we show that the transition is a sporadic event in which gel dissolution is associated with microcrystalline growth that follows a sigmoidal rate profile. The two phases are based on β‐sheets of similar yet distinct configuration. We also demonstrate that the transition kinetics and crystal morphology can be modulated by extrinsic factors, including temperature, solvent composition, and mechanical perturbation. This work introduces an accessible model system and methodology for studying phase transitions in supramolecular gels.