Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a low noise amplifier (LNA) includes a transistor, and a transformer having a first winding coupled between a LNA input terminal and a control node of the transistor, and a second winding magnetically coupled to the first winding coupled between a reference node of the transistor and a LNA reference terminal. An output of the LNA is coupled to an output node of the transistor.

Abstract: A filter rod for a cigarette or other smoking article comprising a filter plug having a plurality of threads extending though at least part of the filter plug, and an apparatus and method for manufacturing such a filter rod.

Abstract: Filter for a smoking product (1), comprising a first filter segment (2) and a second filter segment (3), wherein the first filter segment (2) comprises a component that is given off into a smoke stream passing through a filter outlet opening (4), and the second filter segment (3) comprises a sorption means (6) that absorbs a component from a smoke stream passing through the filter inlet opening (5).

Abstract: The invention provides a filter element for a smoking article. The filter element comprisesa plug of filter material, and a tobacco thread, wherein the tobacco thread extends substantially longitudinally through the plug of filter material. The filter element can be used in a variety of smoking articles.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter element for a smoking article. The filter element comprises a plug of filter material, a tobacco core extending substantially longitudinally through the plug of filter material, and wrapping means wrapped around at least a portion of a longitudinally extending surface of the tobacco core. The filter element can be used in a variety of smoking articles.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter element for a smoking article. The filter element comprises a plug of filter material, and a thread comprising at least one tobacco particle adhered thereto, wherein the thread extends substantially longitudinally through the plug of filter material. The filter element can be used in a variety of smoking articles.

Abstract: A filter element (214) for a smoking article comprising a plug of filter material (210) having a longitudinally extending surface (213), a wrapper (220) wrapped around the longitudinally extending surface of the plug of filter material and a tobacco product (240) located between the longitudinally extending surface of the plug of filter material and the wrapper so as to cover at least a part of the longitudinally extending surface.

Abstract: A variable gain amplifier for amplifying an amplifier input signal includes a current steering transconductance stage and an impedance transformation network configured to match the current steering transconductance stage to the amplifier output. The impedance transformation network includes a tapped inductor, wherein a first inductive portion of the tapped inductor is magnetically coupled with a second inductive portion of the tapped inductor. The current steering transconductance stage is configured to receive the amplifier input signal and to controllably provide a current signal to a node at the first end of the inductor or to a node electrically circuited between the amplifier output and the first end of the inductor, or to a first tap of the tapped inductor, or to a second tap of the tapped inductor.

Abstract: Biological nitrogen fixation is a very important process to plant growth and health. Biological nitrogen fixation is performed naturally by a number of different microorganisms including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and rhizobia. The present invention discloses novel compositions comprising water soluble polymers, rhizobium and plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria. Uses of the novel composition include treatment of seeds prior to planting and use in soil surrounding roots to improve plant growth and health.