Nonlinear distortion prediction of active filters

The represention of circuit variables in frequency-domain complex matrix and nonlinearities by power series gives rise to a nonlinear distortion prediction technique, the intermodulation-balance method. This operates entirely in the frequency domain. The technique is verified by a single-amplifier filter with a two-tone input signal     

Bcl-2 deregulation leads to inhibition of sodium butyrate-induced apoptosis in human colorectal carcinoma cells

Epidemiological studies have linked dietary fiber to the prevention of human colorectal cancer and suggest that short chain fatty acids such as butyric acid, which is produced by fermentation of dietary fiber in the large intestine, may be an important mediator of the protective effects of fiber. We investigated the role of Bcl-2 deregulation on the sensitivity of colorectal carcinoma cells to undergo butyrate-induced apoptosis. Here we report an inverse relationship between the levels of Bcl-2 and the sensitivity of colorectal carcinoma cell lines to undergo apoptosis in response to butyrate. Overexpression of Bcl-2 in colorectal carcinoma DiFi cells resulted in suppression of butyrate-induced apoptosis and enhanced cell survival in response to butyrate. Butyrate-induced apoptosis was accompanied by inhibition of expression of a 30 kDa protein (p30, immunorecognized by anti-Bcl-2 mAb) and this cellular effect of butyrate was inhibited by Bcl-2 overexpression. These findings suggest that deregulation of Bcl-2 in human colorectal carcinoma cells confers resistance to induction of apoptosis by butyrate, a dietary micronutrient.     

High-breakdown-voltage AlSbAs/InAs n-channel field-effecttransistors

InAs channel field-effect transistors of 1-μm gate length were grown by molecular beam epitaxy and observed to operate at channel electric fields (20 kV/cm) higher than previously demonstrated and several times greater than the threshold for impact ionization in bulk InAs. Voltage gains on the order of 10 were observed with transconductances as high as 414 mS/mm and output conductances as low as 33 mS/mm. These voltage gains are comparable to those of GaAs-based devices and are the highest observed for InAs channel devices. The results demonstrate the potential for practical room-temperature operation of InAs FETs     

Prognostic factors of primary liver cancer

To investigate the prognostic factors of primary liver cancer (PLC) and improve the long-term results, 1,248 cases of PLC were analysed. Univariate analysis demonstrated that discovery approach, staging of PLC, original gamma-GPT, resection, radical resection, original AFP, tumor size, tumor number, and tumor capsule have very significant effects on prognosis of PLC (all P < 0.001); cirrhosis, HBsAg, local resection, and tumor embolus in portal vein were also significant difference (all P < 0.05); age, sex, original AFP, hepatitis, and differentiation of PLC cells were no significant difference (all P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that original gamma-GPT, radical resection, tumor size, and tumor number were the most significant prognostic factors (all P < 0.001). Some aspects improving long-term survival were discussed.     

Three-node, 40 Gbit/s OTDM network experiment using electro-opticswitches

The authors demonstrate, for the first time, a three node optically time division multiplexed network with a maximum capacity of 40 Gbit/s. Electro-optical switches were used for both `drop and insert' and demultiplexing, and electronic clock recovery provided synchronisation throughout the network     

High-Pressure (up to 140 MPa) Dynamic Viscosity of the Methane and Toluene System: Measurements and Comparative Study of Some Representative Models

The dynamic viscosity of toluene and methane mixtures containing 25.03, 37.19, 49.95, 64.11, and 95.00 mol% methane has been measured using a falling-body viscometer. The measurements (280 data points) have been performed in the temperature range 293.15 to 373.15 K and at pressures up to 140 MPa. The data have been discussed in the framework of recent representative models (hard-sphere scheme, friction theory, and free-volume model) as well as with simple mixing laws and empirical models (particularly the LBC model and the self-referencing model) used in the literature. This comparative study shows that the average absolute deviation of the models is between 4.9 and 26.8%, and the maximum deviation is between 11.6 and 49.5%.     

Fluidised pellet bed bioreactor: a promising technology for onsite wastewater treatment and reuse.

A pilot-scale fluidised pellet bed (FPB) bioreactor, which combines chemical coagulation, biological degradation, particle pelletisation and separation in one unit, was applied for onsite wastewater treatment and reuse. As a result of rational use of inorganic coagulant and organic polymer and moderate mechanical agitation, spherical particles were generated in the upflow column and a well-fluidised bed was formed. With a continuous supply of dissolved oxygen through a recycling loop, an aerobic condition was kept in the bottom section of the FPB column. Under such conditions the pellets in the FPB column showed the following characteristics: (1) compact structure and high density; (2) rich in microorganisms; and (3) high MLSS and MLVSS concentrations. Therefore, the FPB bioreactor achieved more than 90% removal of SS, COD, BOD and TP from raw domestic wastewater within a total hydraulic retention time (HRT) of only about 30 minutes. It also showed nitrification and denitrification ability and the TN removal could be about 50% as the recycling ratio was increased to 1:1. The treated water quality is generally competitive with the secondary effluent from a conventional activated sludge process. With these advantages the FPB bioreactor is recommendable as a compact system for onsite wastewater treatment and reuse.