Current-mode A/D converter

The authors report the design of a new current-mode A/D converter, based on a modified successive-approximations model, in 1.2 μm CMOS technology. The proposed circuit is characterised by good accuracy and fast dynamic performance, low power consumption and small occupation area. SPICE simulations allow the design approach to be validated and the electrical performance of the ADC to be predicted     

Filter matrix estimation in automated DNA sequencing

In four-color fluorescence-based automated DNA sequencing, a 4×4 filter matrix parameterizes the relationship between the dye-intensity signals of interest and the data collected by an optical imaging system. The filter matrix is important because the estimated DNA sequence is based on the dye intensities that can only be recovered via inversion of the matrix. Here, the authors present a calibration method for the estimation of the columns of this matrix, using data generated through a special experiment in which DNA samples are labeled with only one fluorescent dye at a time. Simulations and applications of the method to real data are provided, with promising results     

Wideband microstrip array antenna with sidelobe cancellationchannels

An antenna array for wideband operation (up to 70%) is presented. The structure has low windloading area and consists of parallel printed circuit boards (PCB) with microstrip dipoles, feed network and metal fences placed between the PCBs. The low profile, low weight antenna array forms the main beam and three difference patterns for sidelobe cancellation. Experimental results are compared with calculations for both microstrip dipole and array     

Polymeric prodrugs of mitomycin C designed for tumour tropism and sustained activation

Prodrugs of mitomycin C (MMC) based on soluble poly-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-L-glutamine] (pHEG) polymers have been evaluated as tumour-targeted drugs. These materials are designed to exploit the enhanced permeability of tumour vasculature, combining a passive tumour tropism with decreased systemic liberation of free MMC. A tri- or tetrapeptide linkage (e.g. Gly-Phe-Ala-Leu) between pHEG and the aziridine nitrogen of MMC can combine good hydrolytic stability with rapid cleavage by lysosomal enzymes, releasing free MMC. The conjugates showed decreased systemic toxicity and could be administered to mice at a total MMC dose of 15 mg/kg i.v., compared with just 6 mg/kg for free MMC. Conjugates also showed better activity against animal models of established tumours, achieving up to 77% increased life span (ILS) against solid P388 leukaemia, compared with only 23% for free MMC, and up to 121% ILS against solid C26 colorectal carcinoma, compared with no activity for the free drug. Improving the therapeutic index of anticancer drugs by combining tumour tropism with decreased systemic toxicity is a versatile approach that should produce a new generation of improved anticancer agents.     

Drift hole mobility in strained and unstrained doped Si1-xGex alloys

Results of the drift hole mobility in strained and unstrained SiGe alloys are reported for Ge fractions varying from 0 to 30% and doping levels of 10¹⁵-10¹⁹ cm^-3. The mobilities are calculated taking into account acoustic, optical, alloy, and ionized-impurity scattering. The mobilities are then compared with experimental results for a boron doping concentration of 2×10¹⁹ cm^-3. Good agreement between experimental and theoretical values is obtained. The results show an increase in the mobility relative to that of silicon     

Effect of postoperative mydriatics on the iris

PURPOSE: To assess the role postoperative mydriatics play after extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in causing iris modifications and in controlling inflammation. SETTING: Outpatients Department, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland. METHODS: The prospective study comprised 136 patients who had standardized ECCE. Half the patients used a mydriatic for 2 weeks postoperatively. Anterior chamber activity, pain, and eye redness were evaluated at 2 weeks postoperatively; pupil shape, peripheral anterior synechias, IOL position, and iris adhesions, at 6 weeks. RESULTS: Iris-lens adhesions were significantly more common in the group using a mydriatic. There was no difference between the two groups in postoperative inflammation. CONCLUSION: Mydriatics should not be used routinely after ECCE with posterior chamber IOL implantation.     

Capacity enhancement of cellular CDMA by traffic-based control ofspeech bit rate

Variable rate speech coding is now recognized as an important system component for high-capacity cellular networks because it exploits speech statistics to reduce the average bit rate, which results in reduced interference and increased capacity. Once a variable rate capability is available, an additional capacity enhancement can be achieved by introducing network control of the user bit rate in response to changing traffic levels. We introduce the concept of network control of rate and propose a particular network-control method for code-division multiple access (CDMA) systems. Based on an M/M/∞//M queueing model applied to a cell under heavy traffic conditions and a new performance measure called averaged speech quality, we obtain simulation results to demonstrate how network control of rate can achieve improved speech quality or increased capacity for a given quality objective