Acquisition-time estimation for over 10 Gbit/s clock and data recovery ICs

A method to estimate the acquisition time for the clock and data recovery (CDR) IC using the linear phase-locked loop (PLL) technique is proposed. Estimations using the method follow the measured acquisition time for the PLL with any loop parameters, which makes it possible to design the CDR IC for various targets.     

Superconductivity in W-containing diamond-like nanocomposite films

Superconductivity in a tungsten-containing carbon-oxide film was reported. The film with 500 nm thickness was deposited onto polycrystalline silicon oxides using chemical vapor deposition and the co-sputtering of a tungsten metal target. The bonding state of the carbon atoms and the macroscopic and microscopic crystal structure of the film were investigated by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy measurements. From the experimental results, we determined that this film essentially had an amorphous structure. The temperature dependence on resistivity was measured in the temperature range of 2–300 K. Resistive superconducting transition was observed at 3.8 K. The dc magnetizations were measured in the temperature range of 1.8–6.5 K. The diamagnetism resulting from a superconductive state was observed below 3.75 K, which is consistent with a resistive superconducting transition. It is thought that the finite sized clusters of the different superconductive transition temperatures cooperatively produce a macroscopic superconducting phenomenon.     

Lipid-Lowering Effect of Eriocitrin, the Main Flavonoid in Lemon Fruit, in Rats on a High-Fat and High-Cholesterol Diet

ABSTRACT:  Eriocitrin (eriodictyol 7- O -β-rutinoside) is the main flavonoid in lemon fruit. In this study, eriocitrin was investigated for its lowering effect on serum and hepatic lipids in high-fat and high-cholesterol fed rats. Rats in the control group ( N = 6) were fed a 20% lard and 1% cholesterol diet for 21 d, and rats in the 0.35% eriocitrin group ( N = 6) and 0.70% eriocitrin group ( N = 6) were fed a diet supplemented with eriocitrin 0.35% and 0.70%, respectively. The content of hepatic total cholesterol and triglyceride in the eriocitrin group was no different from that of the control group. The total cholesterol, VLDL+LDL, triglyceride, and phospholipid in the serum of the 0.35% eriocitrin group showed significantly lower concentrations than the control group ( P < 0.05), although there was no difference in the HDL concentrations among the groups. The lowering effect of eriocitrin for serum total cholesterol was thought to be caused by a decrease in VLDL+LDL. The 0.35% eriocitrin group was shown to have a significant increase in excretion of fecal bile acid ( P < 0.05) and a tendency for enhanced hepatic m-RNA levels of LDL receptor in comparison with the control group.     

A new voltage control equipment using fuzzy inference

Power system control equipment needs higher sensitivity and operational reliability. Advanced voltage control equipment is needed for reducing the frequency of tap changes and improving the characteristics (the relationship between the actual voltage and reference voltage) of the voltage to meet today's power system requirements. However, these objectives are in a trade-off relationship. Studies of voltage control derived from a knowledge base suitable for electric power systems can satisfy these objectives using fuzzy inference. Compared with corresponding conventional equipment, the new equipment improved the deviation of 30 min average voltage of 30 percent. This paper describes the design concept of new voltage control equipment using fuzzy inference. In addition, field test results are described along with rules of fuzzy inference, membership functions, and the deviation of 30 min average voltage through detailed simulation.     

Simulation with an improved plasma model utilized to design a new structure of microwave plasma discharge for chemical vapor deposition of diamond crystals

A new structure of microwave plasma for chemical vapor deposition of diamond crystal is proposed. The structure is designed numerically, for which an improved model given in our previous work [H. Yamada et al., J. Appl. Phys. 101 (2007), art. no. 063302.] is utilized. The experimental observations and numerical predictions agree well with each other. It is demonstrated experimentally that the proposed structure can achieve a growth rate larger than 50 μm/h over an area 1 in. in diameter.     

Different feeding and gustatory responses to ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone by larvae of the silkworm,Bombyx mori

The feeding and gustatory responses to ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone were investigated in the silkworm,Bombyx mori. 20-Hydroxyecdysone reduced feeding response strongly in fourth- and fifth-instar larvae, whereas ecdysone had no effect on feeding response. 20-Hydroxyecdysone stimulated the R receptor, the receptor to feeding deterrents, to a great degree. By contrast, ecdysone was much less effective for stimulating the R receptor. These results indicate that ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone have different effects on feeding response due to different interactions with mouthpart chemoreceptors.     

Sintering of Ceria-Doped Tetragonal Zirconia Crystallized in Organic Solvents, Water, and Air

Amorphous CeO₂–ZrO₂ gels were prepared by coprecipitation in ammonia solutions. The onset of crystallization of the gels, from calcining in air, was 420°C, while 200° to 250°C in the presence of water and organic solvents such as methanol and ethanol. The sintering behaviors of CeO₂–ZrO₂ powders were sensitive to the crystallizing conditions, since hard agglomerates formed when the precipitated gels were crystallized by normal calcination in air, whereas soft agglomerates formed when they were crystallized in water or organic solvents. CeO₂–ZrO₂ powders crystallized in methanol and water at 250°C were sintered to full theoretical density at 1150° and 1400°C, respectively, whereas that crystallized by calcination in air at 450°C was sintered to only 95.2% of theoretical density, even at 1500°C.     

Effect of perchloric acid on the molecular weight and yield of poly-THF

Polytetramethylene glycol (molecular weight range 1000–8000) was prepared by the polymerization of tetrahydrofuran (THF) using a binary catalyst system of fuming sulfuric acid and perchloric acid. When 28% fuming sulfuric acid alone was used as the catalyst, the average molecular weight of polymer was low, the maximum value being 1000–1100. By the combination of fuming sulfuric acid with a small amount of perchloric acid, the average molecular weight of the polymer was increased to about 8000. Furthermore, the molecular weight was readily controlled in the range of 1000 to 8000 by varying the amount of the binary catalyst.