Nature of the Enhancement in Ferroelectric Properties by Gold Nanoparticles in Vinylidene Fluoride and Trifluoroethylene Copolymer.

Ferroelectric polymers are a candidate for versatile and cheap data storage memory devices, with easy processing for a large-scale device. Easy switching and large remanent polarization of preferentially formed β-crystal dipoles in a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene (P(VDF-TrFE)) are promising properties for versatile memory devices. At higher frequency switching, however, the remanent polarization is reduced and a high coercive field, an electric field for polarization switching is required.

Molecular survey of Babesia infection in dogs in Okinawa, Japan.

A total of 80 free-roaming dogs on Okinawa Island, Japan, were examined for Babesia infection using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis. Of 80 samples, 12 were positive in a Babesia genus-specific PCR. Consequent species-specific PCR for B.

Demonstration of Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) platys inclusions in peripheral blood platelets of a dog in Japan.

A free-roaming dog in Okinawa island showed Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) platys-like inclusions within the platelets of peripheral blood samples. The inclusions were positive in indirect fluorescence test with anti-A. phagocytophila serum.