Self-aligned diffusion technique for n-InP JFETs

A self-aligned diffusion process has been demonstrated in the fabrication of n-InP JFETs on semi-insulating InP. This process utilises the anisotropic and selective etching properties of InP/GaInAs materials. Using this technique, sub-micrometre gate lengths can be achieved even with conventional photolithography. Devices with trans-conductance of >35mS/mm, leakage current of < 10nA/mm and gate capacitance of <0.7pF/mm have been fabricated with a cutoff frequency of 7 GHz.     

Effects of dietary proteins on iron bioavailability—A review

In this review we have summarized the iron bioavailability literature dealing with protein (or major dietary protein source) effects and proposed a mechanism for these effects compatible with existing empirical data. Data from studies employing a variety of approaches are fairly consistent in showing that meats enhance non-heme iron absorption while plant, milk and egg proteins depress it. The variable, and sometimes opposite, effects of different proteins on iron bioavailability may be explained by the following proposed mechanism: (1) protein enhances iron bioavailability by releasing peptides during digestion which form soluble, low molecular weight complexes that readily release iron to mucosal receptors; (2) protein depresses iron bioavailability by releasing peptides which form insoluble complexes with iron or which form soluble complexes that do not release iron to mucosal receptors. Data from the literature, including our own evidence, which support the above hypothesis are discussed.     

Toxicity of Detroit River Sediment-Bound Contaminants to Ultraplankton

Four sites in the Detroit River/Lake Erie western basin were evaluated for their toxicity. The evaluation was based on 1) bulk chemical characterization of the sediments, 2) chemical composition of the sediment elutriates, and 3) toxicity of the elutriates to ultraplankton and microplankton/net plankton. A sequence of decreasing contamination was determined from the chemical composition of the elutriates based on the elutriation release of metals such as Zn, Mn, Cd, Ni, and Co. Bioassessment of elutriate toxicity was determined by carbon-14 Algal Fractionation Bioassays (AFB's) which were conducted with various dilutions of standard and Chelex-100 treated elutriates. Site A (near Windsor, Ontario) and Site D (western Lake Erie) were found to be toxic to ultraplankton. The observed toxicity was attributed to the bioavailability and synergistic impact of elutriated metals on ultraplankton production. A direct relationship between the water soluble metal fraction and toxicity was observed. These results confirmed that sediment toxicity should not be evaluated solely on bulk chemical composition of the sediments. The AFB's have been proven useful in the bioassessment of sediments due to their rapidity/sensitivity and hence could be routinely used for the screening and early detection of contaminants affecting fast growing organisms which form the basis of the aquatic food chain.     

Structural and mechanical properties and effective permeability of fissured materials

The article investigates the dependences of porosity and of the permeability tensor of an elastic fissured medium on the characteristics of its state of stress and the pressure of the permeating liquid.Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 49, No. 5, pp. 818–826, November, 1985.     

Characterisation and biological treatment of greywater.

Characterisation of greywater was conducted in two different greywater streams in the Netherlands (Groningen and Sneek). The concentrations of macropollutants and nutrients measured were very different in both streams; in particular the COD was 425 mg/L in Groningen's water whereas in Sneek it was 1,583 mg/L. The aerobic treatment of greywater in a fed-batch reactor led to a 90% removal of COD at different organic loading rates. Anaerobically, the removal reached 40% COD removal on average, the possible reason being the high amount of surfactants present in the influent.     

Use of biocompatible calcium-phosphate glass ceramic BGC in surgical treatment of maxillary cysts

The possibility of using the granulated form of biocompatible material made of calcium-phosphate glass ceramic BGC for treatment of maxillary cysts was demonstrated.     

Analysis of the effect of polypyrrole synthesis conditions on its capacity to reduce hexavalent chromium

This paper reports the capacity of polypyrrole to reduce toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The influence of using different electrolytes during the polymer's synthesis has been studied. To improve the reduction of Cr(VI), the parameters considered were the polypyrrole morphology and the amount of conducting polymer. Polypyrrole obtained by cyclic voltammetry at a low sweep rate using KBr as supporting electrolyte showed better performance for Cr(VI) reduction compared to coatings obtained by constant potential or cyclic voltammetry at high sweep rates.     

N-phenyl piprazine-polyester derivative as curing activator of unsaturated resins

An oligomeric compound (Pol-2A) has been synthesized by a Michael-type addition of N-phenyl piperazine to double bonds of the maleic units of a polyester resin. This compound was used as activator (with benzoyl peroxide) in the curing of unsaturated polyester resins and compared in its efficiency with N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA). Pol-2A showed actiator characteristics comparable to those of DMA, with a wider range of gel times, and similar mechanical properties of the end products, with the advantage of a severe lowering of diffusibility and related environmental toxicity.