Visualization of space charge field effect on excitons in a GaAs quantum dot by near-field optical wavefunction mapping

Near-field photoluminescence (PL) imaging spectroscopy was used to investigate multi-exciton and charged-exciton states confined in a single GaAs interface fluctuation quantum dot. We determined the origin of peaks in the PL spectra by employing a wavefunction mapping technique. We observed distortion of the exciton wavefunction due to the electric field produced by an excess electron at a nearby confined state. Near-field wavefunction mapping was demonstrated to be a powerful tool for visualizing the local environment, which affects the emission properties of quantum dots.     

Beijing Lectures on the Grade Restriction Rule

The authors describe the relationships between categories of B-branes in different phases of the non-Abelian gauged linear sigma model.The relationship is described explicitly for the model proposed by Hori and Tong with non-Abelian gauge group that connects two non-birational Calabi-Yau varieties studied by Rφdland.A grade restriction rule for this model is derived using the hemisphere partition function and it is used to map B-type D-branes between the two Calabi-Yau varieties.     

The microenvironment of iron in (Ba,Ca)(Fe,Co)O3−δ catalyst system: A Mössbauer study

Undisturbed, non-fertilized woodland soil (“loamy sandy soil” type) from 1 m below surface was dry and wet sieved. Sieving fractions of <10–1000 μm were analyzed for total alpha-activity. Thorium and uranium contents were determined by alpha-spectrometry after radiochemical separation. Soluble and insoluble parts of thorium and uranium were determined in the sieved fractions indicating that the isotope distribution in soil correlates with the particle size distribution: The smaller the size fraction the higher the isotope content. Isotope ratios of²²⁸Th/²³²Th, and²³⁴U/²³⁸U are discussed.     

Photo-control of kinesin-microtubule motility using caged peptides derived from the kinesin C-terminus domain

To design a nanoscale biodevice that can be controlled by an external stimulus, we have introduced photochemical switching peptides derived from the kinesin C-terminus domain into the kinesin-microtubule in vitro motility system.     

Synthesis and characterization of bromonium ylides and their unusual ligand transfer reactions with N-heterocycles

Stable aliphatic bromonium ylides (RfSO2)2C--Br+C6H4-p-CF3 (Rf = CF3, CF3(CF2)3) have been synthesized and structurally characterized for the first time. X-ray crystallographic analyses indicated a ylide structure with an sp2 hybridization of the ylide carbanions and with little double-bond character for the ylidic bond. The bromonium ylides selectively undergo transfer of the aryl group to nitrogen heterocycles, such as pyridines, yielding N-arylpyridinium salts. This is in a marked contrast to the reaction of the iodonium ylides, which produces pyridinium ylides through transylidations.     

Comparison of the characteristics of cellulose microfibril aggregates of wood, rice straw and potato tuber

The focus of this study has been to isolate cellulose microfibril aggregates by the one-time grinding treatment from wood, rice straw and potato tuber, and to compare their morphological and mechanical properties. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images showed that the diameter range of isolated microfibril aggregates from wood, 12–20 nm, was smaller than those from rice straw and potato tuber, 12–35 nm and 12–55 nm, respectively. These differences were observed even in the purified rice straws and potato tuber before the grinder treatment, but were hardly observed in the purified wood. The results of X-ray analysis and tensile tests indicated that there were no significant differences among the sources in the cellulose crystallinity and Young’s modulus of the isolated microfibril aggregates in the dry state. These results suggest that the inherent characteristics of cellulose microfibril aggregates in the dry state are very similar regardless of plant sources and tissue functions.     

Anti-babesial compounds from Curcuma xanthorrhiza

Anti-babesial ingredients, (12R)- and (12S)-12,13-dihydro-12,13-dihydroxyxanthorrhizols, were isolated from Curcuma xanthorrhiza. The structures were established by the extensive NMR techniques. The assignments of (1)H NMR data of (12R)-12,13-dihydro-12,13-dihydroxyxanthorrhizol was revised, and (12S)-12,13-dihydro-12,13-dihydroxyxanthorrhizol was isolated as a pure form for the first time. The IC(50) of the active compounds were compared with that of commercial drug, diminazene aceturate (Ganaseg). IC(50) values of Ganaseg, (12R)-, and (12S)-12,13-dihydro-12,13-dihydroxyxanthorrhizols were 0.6 microg mL(-1), 8.3 microg mL(-1) and 11.6 microg mL(-1), respectively.     

Separation of microamounts of fluoride coexisting with large amounts of aluminium and silica by improved trimethylsilylating distillation

The previously reported distillation method for the separation of fluoride as trimethyl- fluorosilane is much improved. When hexamethyldisilazane serves as the silylating agent, interference of silica can be avoided and distillation is rapid at room temperature. Aluminum is effectively masked by pyrophosphoric acid. Almost all ions tested can be tolerated in 1000-fold molar amounts to fluoride. Over 98% recovery is obtained for 49 μg of fluoride in the presence of 80 mg of aluminum plus 200 mg of silica. Concentration of fluoride from very dilute (μg l^-1) solutions is easily achieved. Satisfactory results were obtained for standard rocks.     

Diastereoselective hydroformylation of 2,5-cyclohexadienyl-1-carbinols with catalytic amounts of a reversibly bound directing group

A phosphinite plays a role as a reversibly bound directing group for the regio- and diastereoselective hydroformylation of 2,5-cyclohexadienyl-1-carbinols. Of the two alkene functions only one was functionalized through hydroformylation to form a synthetically attractive quaternary carbon center leaving the second alkene function for potential further functionalization.     

Interplay between magnetism and conductivity derived from spin-polarized donor radicals

Tutorial review: to achieve molecule-based spintronic devices, an organic conducting magnet that exhibits both conductivity and magnetism in a cooperative manner must be constructed. As a building block for such new materials, a spin-polarized donor radical, which serves as a molecular "spin-filter" in its singly oxidized state, was designed and synthesized. The resistivity of ion radical salts of selenium-substituted, tetrathiafulvalene-based spin-polarized donor radicals decreased substantially in the presence of a magnetic field, thus indicating cooperative conductivity and magnetism.