Desensitization of receptors that control disease is prevented by inhibiting G-protein receptor kinases. In general, the use of a flow-through anode\u2014coupled with an effective electrolyte circulation system\u2014enables the efficient and cost-effective operation of a copper electrowinning system employing the ferrousferric anode reaction at a total cell voltage of less than about 1. At a subsequent stage of the solid-state imaging device, an analog-to-digital converter and a signal extending unit are provided.