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A total of 150 weanling pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] with an average BW of 7.22 ± 0.80 kg (21 d of age) were used in a 28-d trial to determine the effects of dietary fructan and mannan oligosaccharides on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profile, and diarrhea score in weanling pigs. Pigs were allotted randomly to 1 of 5 dietary treatments: 1) negative control (NC), basal diet; 2) positive control (PC), NC + 0.01% apramycin (165 mg/kg); 3) NC + 0.1% fructan (FC); 4) NC + 0.1% mannan oligosaccharide source (MO); and 5) NC + 0.05% fructan + 0.05% mannan oligosaccharide source (FM). There were 3 replications per treatment with 10 pigs per pen (5 barrows and 5 gilts). From d 0 to 14, ADG and ADFI of pigs fed the PC, MO, and FM diets were greater (P0.05) than pigs fed the NC diet. From d 15 to 28, there were no differences (P0.05) in ADG, ADFI, and G:F. During the overall period (d 0 to 28), pigs fed the MO diet had a greater ADG than pigs fed the NC diet (P0.05). Pigs fed the PC and MO diets increased ADFI (P0.05) compared with pigs fed the NC diet. However, no differences were detected among dietary treatments in G:F during the overall experimental period. On d 14, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM and N in pigs fed the PC, MO, and FM diets was greater (P0.05) than pigs fed the NC diet. The ATTD of DM increased (P0.05) in pigs fed the MO and FM diets compared with pigs fed the FC diet. However, at the end of the experiment, pigs fed the FM diet had a greater (P0.05) ATTD of DM compared with pigs fed the NC diet. Additionally, there were no differences in IgG, red blood cells, white blood cells, and lymphocyte counts among dietary treatments on d 0, 14, or 28. The diarrhea score in pigs fed the MO diet was reduced (P0.05) compared with pigs fed the NC diet. In conclusion, mannan oligosaccharides have a beneficial effect on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in weanling pigs. Furthermore, mannan oligosaccharides can decrease diarrhea score in weanling pigs.

Following DNA damage, p53 translocates to the cytoplasm and mitochondria, where it triggers transcription-independent apoptosis by binding to Bcl-2 family proteins. However, little is known about how this exonuclear function of p53 is regulated. Here, we identify and characterize a p53-interacting protein called Hades, an E3 ligase that interacts with p53 in the mitochondria. Hades reduces p53 stability via a mechanism that requires its RING-finger domain with ubiquitin ligase activity. Hades polyubiquitinates p53 in vitro independent of Mdm2 and targets a critical lysine residue in p53 (lysine 24) distinct from those targeted by Mdm2. Hades inhibits a p53-dependent mitochondrial cell death pathway by inhibiting p53 and Bcl-2 interactions. These findings show that Hades-mediated p53 ubiquitination is a novel mechanism for negatively regulating the exonuclear function of p53.

Research is to identify the bioactive secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus sp. KMD 901 isolated from marine sediment and to assess their apoptosis-inducing effects.Aspergillus sp. KMD 901 was isolated from marine sediment obtained from the East Sea of Korea. An ethyl acetate extract of KMD 901 exhibited potent cytotoxic activity towards five cancer cell lines (HCT116, AGS, A549, MCF-7 and HepG2). Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region in this strain allowed us to identify KMD 901 as a strain of Aspergillus versicolor. The cytotoxic compounds from Aspergillus sp. KMD 901 were purified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and identified as diketopiperazine disulfides through spectroscopic analyses including extensive 2D NMR and mass spectrometry. The diketopiperazine disulfides were found to induce apoptosis in HCT116 cells based on cell morphology, DNA fragmentation observed by agarose gel electrophoresis, Annexin-V/PI staining using a flow cytometer and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9 and Bcl-2 family proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Bax) using Western blotting analysis. Further study using an in vivo xenograft model showed inhibitory effects of acetylapoaranotin (2) on tumour proliferation.A new diketopiperazine disulfide, deoxyapoaranotin (3), along with previously described acetylaranotin (1) and acetylapoaranotin (2) was separated from Aspergillus sp. KMD 901 and found to have direct cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing effects towards HCT116 colon cancer cell lines.These results suggest that the diketopiperazine disulfides produced from Aspergillus sp., KMD 901, could be candidates for the development of apoptosis-inducing antitumour agents. Also, this study indicates that marine natural products as potential source of pharmaceuticals.

Isomaltulose (palatinose) is a slowly digestible sucrose isomer that can reduce both the glycemic and insulinemic response to foods. The aim of this study was to clone and express a sucrose isomerase (SIase) gene and characterize the protein that is responsible for the production of isomaltulose in the micro-organism Enterobacter sp. FMB-1.A cosmid clone containing c. 6 kbp region encoding an SIase gene was identified. The 5969-bp chromosomal DNA fragment covering the SIase (esi) gene in Enterobacter sp. FMB-1 was sequenced. Although this DNA fragment contained several open reading frames other than esi, only the presence of esi was sufficient to produce isomaltulose in recombinant Escherichia coli. The esi gene was expressed in E. coli, leading to the characterization of its SIase activity.The Enterobacter sp. FMB-1 esi gene was successfully cloned and expressed in E. coli. This gene encoded a functional SIase that produced isomaltulose from sucrose.This is the first molecular analysis of an SIase gene in an Enterobacter strain. The functional expression of the Enterobacter sp. FMB-1 esi gene in E. coli offers an alternative choice for the industrial production of isomaltulose.

This paper would like to discuss a self-imaging phenomenon in a multimode interference (MMI) coupler. From experiment, different self-images, which are undefined in MMI theory, are observed. These undefined self-images are named 'extraneous self-images' (Ex_SI) out of convenience. In order to estimate the applicability of the Ex_SI, the characteristics of both the 0-dB self-images (SI), which is defined in MMI theory, and the Ex_SIs are compared and analyzed through simulation and experiment. The results show that the Ex_SI has an imaging period that is the same as the 0-dB SI and that the excess loss and the extinction ratio of the Ex_SI improve more than that of the 0-dB SI, as the imaging period increases. Also, this paper introduces the wavelength multiplexer (MUX) for the wavelengths of 1310 nm and 1550 nm using the Ex_SI phenomenon. The optimum length of the multimode waveguide, with a width of 18 microns, is confirmed as a 3670 um wavelength MUX. For wavelengths of 1310 nm and 1550 nm, the excess losses are measured as -0.4 dB and -0.45 dB, respectively, while the extinction ratios are measured as 16.9 dB and 19.7 dB, respectively.

Voice recognition technologies are rapidly evolving to help humans interact with computers more efficiently and effectively. Despite their potential advantages, their impact on system usability has not received sufficient empirical attention. To this end, this study applies voice recognition technologies in a setting where the speed and volume of human input is critical - small group idea generation. Rather than forcing group members to input ideas via keyboard, a novel idea generation technique is introduced whereby ideas are captured directly through verbalization. The results indicate that inputting ideas verbally enhances system usability, providing a more efficient and effective mechanism for generating ideas in a computer-mediated environment. Verbalizing ideas appears to help group members focus on analytical thinking and leverage others' ideas, ultimately facilitating the creation of idea pools that are vastly superior in terms of quantity and quality. As expected, these effects are robust across nominal and small interacting groups

In this article, we reviewed theoretical and experimental works on optical properties of colossal magnetoresistance materials. Our detailed studies on (La,Ca)MnO3 at room temperature revealed that there exist two absorption features which can be attributed to a small polaron absorption and an optical transition between the Jahn-Teller split Mn3+ levels. When T becomes much lower than T C , a crossover from a small to a large polaron seems to occur. And, detailed electrodynamics analyses suggested that the large polaron might be in a strong coupling regime, which has not been realized in a real system before. And, there should be couplings between charge, lattice, and spin degree of freedom. Studies on (La,Pr)0.7 Ca0.3MnO3 reveal that the total spectral weight of the Drude peak and the mid-infrared band is proportional to T C . This scaling behavior can be explained by the theoretical model by Roder, Zang, and Bishop, which is based on the double-exchange and the electron-phonon interactions. Furthermore, the internal phonon modes show drastic phonon frequency shifts near T C , which also demonstrates the importance of the electron-phonon interactions in the colossal magnetoresistance manganites.

Selective construction of a supramolecular nanotube host with a cationic inner surface consisting of unsymmetrical bolaamphiphiles is reported on p. 2732 by Masuda, Shimizu, and co-workers. The nanotube, shown schematically on the inside cover, has different inner and outer surfaces covered with amino and sugar functionalities, respectively, and is able to effectively encapsulate anionic nanomaterials, such as sulfate-latex beads (see TEM image) and spherical proteins, in the cationic hollow cylinder without depending on capillary action.

We investigated the ab-plane absorption spectra of RMnO3 (R=La, Pr, Nd, Gd, and Tb) thin films. As the ionic radius of the R ion decreases, we observed a drastic suppression of the 2 eV peak, i.e., the intersite optical transition between spin- and orbital-aligned states across the Mott gap. We found that, in addition to orbital rotation, orbital mixing in the orbital-ordered state should play an important role in the suppression of 2 eV peak. We also found that the spectral weight of 2 eV peak is proportional to the A-type antiferromagnetic ordering temperature, which suggests that the magnetic interaction should be sensitively coupled to the orbital degree of freedom.

The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the use of the mandibular angle reduction forceps decreases the incidence of post-operative complications. Forty-six patients, who presented with mandibular angle fractures with a displacement or dislocation, were randomly divided into two treatment groups. Both groups underwent an open reduction with a single upper border miniplate and screw fixation. For 23 patients, the mandibular angle reduction forceps was used to aid in fracture reduction, and for 23 patients, the reduction of the fracture was achieved using IMF. The post-reduction radiographs showed that the reduction forceps group had a higher proportion of precise anatomic alignment of fracture than those in the IMF group. In addition, the former group showed a lower rate of post-operative complications, as compared to the latter group. This study found that the use of the mandibular angle reduction forceps is an important factor for decreasing the incidence of post-surgical complication.

The role of cultured bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in peripheral nerve regeneration was examined using an established rabbit peroneal nerve regeneration model. A 15-mm peroneal nerve defect was bridged with a vein filled with BMSCs (1×10 6 ), which had been embedded in collagen gel. On the contralateral side, the defect was bridged with a vein filled with collagen gel alone. When the regenerated tissue was examined 4, 8 and 12 weeks after grafting, the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers in the side with the BMSCs were significantly higher than in the control side without the BMSCs. This demonstrates the potential of using cultured BMSCs in peripheral nerve regeneration.

Previous studies have shown that a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autogenous bone graft can increase the rate of osteogenesis and enhance bone formation qualitatively. However, contradictory results were reported in a recent animal study. In order to clarify this inconsistency, this study examined the influence of the PRP concentrations on the viability and proliferation of alveolar bone cells in vitro. Bone cells obtained from the alveolar bone chips were exposed to various PRP concentrations. After a culture period of 7 days, cellular viability and proliferation were evaluated by counting the number of cells and a MTT assay. The results showed that the viability and proliferation of alveolar bone cells were suppressed by high PRP concentrations, but were stimulated by low PRP concentrations (1-5%). These in vitro results support the view that variations in the PRP concentrations might influence the bone formation within the PRP-treated bone grafts.

The optical magnetoelectric (ME) effect, i.e., the change of optical absorption upon the reversal of the light propagation direction, has been investigated for a polar ferrimagnet GaFeO3. For dipole- and spin-forbidden d-d transition bands located at 1.2-2.3 eV, a clear signal of the optical ME effect (Deltaalphat approximately 3x10(-3)) is observed with an applied magnetic field as low as 500 Oe and a sample thickness (t) of 50 microm. The observation of a large ME effect in the present compound suggests a possible route to magnification of this novel phenomenon for application.

Optical conductivity spectra sigma(omega) were used to investigate the effect of orbital ordering on the electronic structure of Ca2RuO4. Our LDA+U calculation predicts Ru 4d(xy) ferro-orbital ordering at the ground state, and well explains the present sigma(omega) as well as the reported O 1s x-ray absorption spectra. Variation of temperature (T) causes a large change of spectral weight over several eV as well as collapse of a charge gap accompanied by elongation of the c-axis Ru-O bond length. These results clearly indicate that the d(xy) orbital ordering plays a crucial role in the metal-insulator transition and the T-dependent electronic structure on a large energy scale.

We investigated the optical conductivity spectra s(v) of double perovskites Sr2(Fe12zMnz)MoO6, which show filling controlled metal‐insulator transition. Based on systematic analyses of optical conductivity and O 1s x-ray absorption spectroscopy, the electronic structures of both Sr 2FeMoO6 and Sr2MnMoO6 near the Fermi level are presented, which turn out to agree with the recent LSDA1U calculation results @H. Wu, Phys. Rev. B 64, 125126 ~2001!#. With the Mo carrier doping ~with z decreasing!, the in-gap spectral weight is formed, below the gap of Sr2MnMoO6, and finally developed into a Drude peak in Sr 2FeMoO6. Due to the possible site disorder, finite energy peaks rather than Drude-like peaks were observed for most of the doping ranges 0.2

We have reported far-infrared transmission measurements on a c-axis-oriented superconducting ${\mathrm{MgB}}_{2}$ thin film in the frequency range $30--250 {\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}.$ We found that these measurements were sensitive to the scattering rate $1/\ensuremath{\tau}$ and the superconducting gap 2\ensuremath{\Delta}. By fitting the experimental transmission spectra at 40 K and below, we obtained $1/\ensuremath{\tau}$ and $2\ensuremath{\Delta}(0)$ to be $(700--1000) {\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and $42 {\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1},$ respectively. These two quantities suggest that the ${\mathrm{MgB}}_{2}$ film belongs to the dirty limit.

semen parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology and vitality) and to patient’s age were assessed. In a subgroup of 30 patients, correlations with sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Traditional semen analysis was performed using SCA software. Oxidative stress was assessed using a modified NitroBlue tetrazolium (NBT) test. This test is based in the precipitation of formazan compound when a reaction between NBT and ROS is produced. SDF was analyzed using Terminal transferase dUTP Nick-End Labelling (TUNEL), Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) and Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) test. RESULTS: All results were divided according absence or presence of oxidative stress (mean standard deviation). Sperm concentration was 87.88 58.01 and 77.38 45.82 respectively. Progressive motility was 43.96 20.57 and 38.25 6.22 respectively. Morphology was 3.83 2.40 and 3.36 1.50 respectively. Vitality was 73.99 11.24 and 76.70 7.68 respectively. Patients’ age was 37.52 4.74 and 35.27 5.78 respectively. No differences were found regarding DNA fragmentation between absence and presence of oxidative stress with any technique (p>0.05). However, values of high DNA stainability (HDS) sperm detected by SCSAwere statistically higher in presence of oxidative stress (p

We report six cases in two families and a sporadic case with a direct duplication of region 8p21.3--23.1. In one family, the duplication started in the mother and was transmitted to one son and one daughter. In the second family, the father was mosaic for the anomaly that was transmitted to his two daughters. The cytogenetic anomaly was initially described as an 8p+ with banding analysis and then delineated with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using whole-chromosome 8 painting, 8p specific painting, and 8p or 8p/8q subtelomeric probes. Deletion was not detected in the subtelomeric region of the abnormal chromosome 8 examined in one family and in the sporadic case. The phenotypic picture varies from normal to moderate mental retardation in the affected individuals. No consistent minor anomalies or congenital defects were observed among these cases. After comparing the chromosome region involved in our cases with those in others having direct or inverted duplications of 8p, it is thought that the segment 8p21.1--21.3 might be the critical region for an 8p duplication syndrome. The parental origin of the duplication does not seem to impact its clinical significance.

We evaluated the topoisomerase II (Topo II) inhibitory activity of psammaplin A (PSA), a naturally occurring biphenolic compound, and its cytotoxicity to some human cancer cells including P-glycoprotein (Pgp)-overexpressing multidrug resistant (MDR) cell line. PSA completely inhibited the DNA relaxation activity of Topo II at 75.0 microM. It also completely inhibited the DNA decatenation activity of Topo II at 75.0 microM, and showed about 50% inhibitory activity at 18.8 microM. In the cytotoxicity assay, the effective concentrations that cause 50% inhibition of cell growth (EC50) were 0.48, 0.39, 1.83 and 3.76 microM to A549, SK-OV-3, HCT15 and HCT15/CL02 (MDR cell line established from HCT15 cells) cancer cells, respectively. In the presence of 8.0 microM of verapamil (VER), a well-known MDR modulator, the EC50 of PSA to HCT15/CL02 cells was reduced about 2.1 fold. Meanwhile, the EC50s of standard Topo II inhibitory drugs such as doxorubicin, etoposide and mitoxantrone to HCT15/CL02 cells were reduced about 8.5, 9.3 and 8.1 fold in the presence of 8.0 microM VER, respectively. From the results, we conclude that PSA has Topo II inhibitory activity, and its cytotoxicity to cancer cells is not so strongly affected by Pgp-associated MDR phenotype in comparison with some Topo II inhibitory anticancer drugs used in the clinic.

This article briefly summarizes the recent research results for lead-free piezoelectric nanostructures. Scientifically, the quantum size effect gives rise to significant modifications of the Curie temperature, domain structure, and piezoelectric constant. Technically, piezoelectricity, as well as ferroelectricity, provides the useful building blocks for nano-actuators, ultra-high-density memories, energy-harvesting devices, and hydrogen-generating devices. Due to the recent significant progress in synthesis techniques, the area of leadfree piezoelectric nanostructures has become one of the hottest research fields in condensed matter physics.

From Arisaema amurense, four new cerebrosides were isolated along with a known cerebroside. The new cerebrosides were characterized as 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (2S,3R,4E,8Z)-2-[(2(R)- hydroxyicosanoyl)amido]-4,8-octadecadiene-1,3-diol (1), 1-O-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-(2S,3R,4E,8Z)- 2-[(2-hydroxyoctadecanoyl)amido]-4,8-octadecadiene-1,3-diol (2), 1-O-beta-D- glucopyranosyl- (2S,3R,4E,8E)-2-[(2-hydroxyicosanoyl)amido]-4,8-oct adecadiene-1,3-diol (4), and 1-O-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-(2S,3R,4E,8E)-2-[(2-hydroxyoctadecanoyl )amido]-4,8- octadecadiene-1,3-diol (5), respectively. These cerebrosides displayed significant antihepatotoxic activity.

The development of technologies towards the detection of mutations represents one of the most important areas of molecular biology. It has played a pivotal role in the tremendous success of the elucidation of complex biological problems, including genetic diseases. Today, these proven and emerging technologies have become the basis of successful biological investigations. More importantly, they are expected to play a central role in medicine, particularly the diagnosis and prognosis of genetic diseases including genetic predispositions, the assessment of treatments including transplants and decisions on reproductive choices. In addition, these technologies hold the key to future breakthroughs. This review provides an up-to-date examination of the principles of genetic diseases, the theories behind current methods of genetic diagnosis and detection of mutations including strategies for modification and the development of future technologies as they impact on the practice of medicine and on society as a whole.

Interlayer exchange coupling between [Pd/Co] multilayers and CoFeB/MgO layers with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) is investigated as functions of the thicknesses of the Ru spacer and CoFeB layer. The dependence of the coupling behavior on the Ru thickness is similar to that of in-plane anisotropy systems. However, one feature is that the PMA is strengthened through interlayer exchange coupling, as indicated by the fact that PMA of the interface-based CoFeB/MgO structure forms for a thick magnetic layer (1.4 nm). Another observation is the conversion from perpendicular to in-plane anisotropy with thick Ru spacers with almost zero exchange coupling strength.

To establish the role of clinical and laboratory investigation of the cardiovascular system in children with Down's syndrome.Prospective evaluation; examiners blinded to results of laboratory studies.Tertiary pediatric referral centre.Fifty consecutive children with Down's syndrome presenting to a regional genetic centre. Children less than six weeks of age or with known heart disease were excluded.Following independent examinations by a geneticist and a pediatric cardiologist, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiograms were carried out.Assessment by the geneticist yielded two false positives and five false negatives (sensitivity 67%, specificity 88%). Addition of an ECG to clinical evaluation increased the sensitivity to 80% and specificity to 90%, a rate comparable with clinical assessment by a cardiologist. No lesion requiring surgical correction was missed by this combination.Where expertise in pediatric echocardiography is not readily available, careful clinical assessment coupled with the interpretation of an ECG is adequate and appropriate screening of the child with Down's syndrome.

A strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) is formed in an MgO/CoFeB/Pd unit structure for an MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction. The most important factors for a strong PMA are the composition and the thickness of the CoFeB layer. A strong PMA is observed for the samples fabricated using the CoFeB target with a high Co/Fe ratio and annealed at 300 °C for 1 or 2 h. The PMA is formed up to a CoFeB layer thickness as thick as 2.5 nm, although the strongest PMA, with an out-of-plane coercivity of 1068 Oe and a PMA energy density of 2.7×106 erg/cc, is seen at a CoFeB thickness of 2.0 nm. The systematic study indicates that the PMA is attributed not to the interface effects but rather to the bulk effect of forming a Pd-rich, Co–Pd alloy, as confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profile and x-ray diffraction experiments. The thick CoFeB layer is expected to reduce the template effect from the Pd layer during the annealing, and therefore increase the tunneling magnetoresistance of the MgO-bas...

The magnetic and microstructural properties of Zr-doped FePt/MgO and Cu-doped FePt-Zr/MgO nanocomposite films were investigated. The samples exhibited out-of-plane anisotropy after annealing for only 5 min and their grain growth was restrained by Zr doping. The Cu-doped FePt-Zr/MgO films showed an increased tendency to grow with the (001) texture on the MgO (200) layer, because of the increase in the a-lattice parameter of L10 Cu-doped FePt (002), which decreased the lattice mismatch with the MgO (200) layers. The Curie temperature decreases by about 145 K owing to the effects of Cu doing. Although the addition of Cu reduces the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and the ability to restrain the grain growth, the addition of both Zr and Cu had a complementary effect on the magnetic and microstructural properties of FePt.

A strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is formed in unit structures containing a thick CoFeB layer (2 nm) that are suitable for an MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction. The value of the coercivity, measured under perpendicular applied magnetic fields, is as high as 1050 Oe after annealing under optimum conditions. The intermixing between the Pd and the CoFeB and a low saturation magnetization of the Co-rich CoFeB layer are considered to be responsible for the strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy.

At the time of Goethe, Jung-Stilling (1740-1817) was highly regarded for his cataract operations. He had a general practice in Elberfeld from 1772 to 1778 and began to carry out his eye operations there. Unpublished, handwritten notes on 92 cataract operations were found only a short time ago in the library of the University of Basle. These notes show us that Jung-Stilling wrote proper case histories that correspond somewhat to the style we use today. Apparently these notes, Report on my cataract cures and healing methods of other eye diseases, formed the basis for the statistical result he published in Marburg in 1791 that represent his main medical work: Methods of taking out cataracts and of healing...

The x-ray diffraction patterns, transmission electron microscopy images, and selected-area electron diffraction patterns for the ZnO∕Si heterostructures annealed at 900°C showed that orthorhombic ZnSiO3 nanoparticles were formed in the amorphous layer between the ZnO film and the Si substrate, resulting from the interdiffusion between the ZnO film and the Si substrate due to thermal treatment. Auger electron spectroscopy depth profiles for the ZnO∕Si heterostructures annealed at 900°C demonstrated the formation of amorphous Zn2xSi1−xO2, an interfacial layer. A formation mechanism for the orthorhombic ZnSiO3 nanoparticles embedded in the amorphous Zn2xSi1−xO2 layer is described on the basis of the experimental results.

Capacitance-voltage curves for the Al/polyimide (PI)/multilayered Ni1−xFex nanoparticle array/PI/p-Si (100) devices at 300K showed that the flatband voltage shift of the metal-insulator-semiconductor capacitor was affected by the value of sweep voltage, indicative of the variations in the charged electron number in the multiple-stacked Ni1−xFex nanoparticle arrays in the floating gate. Current-voltage results showed that the electron charging and discharging in the Ni1−xFex nanoparticles were attributed to thermionic emission and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling, respectively. The multilevel charging and discharging mechanisms of vertically stacked Ni1−xFex self-assembled nanoparticle arrays embedded in PI layers are described on the basis of the experimental results.

We report an intriguing magnetodielectric coupling in BaTiO3∕γ-Fe2O3 dielectric core/ferrimagnetic shell nanoparticles. The dielectric constant steeply increases with magnetic field, and the frequency dependent magnetodielectric curve shows a resonancelike peak at high temperatures, while it decreases smoothly with field and no peak appears in the frequency dependent magnetodielectric curve at low temperatures. We attribute the observed magnetodielectric coupling to the Maxwell-Wagner effect combined with magnetoresistance at high temperatures and to possible spin-lattice coupling and its modification near interfaces at low temperatures.