Beyond Hebb: exclusive-OR and biological learning

A learning algorithm for multilayer neural networks based on biologically plausible mechanisms is studied. Motivated by findings in experimental neurobiology, we consider synaptic averaging in the induction of plasticity changes, which happen on a slower time scale than firing dynamics. This mechanism is shown to enable learning of the exclusive-OR (XOR) problem without the aid of error backpropagation, as well as to increase robustness of learning in the presence of noise.     

Electronic structure of spin-chain compounds: common features

The incommensurate composite systems M₁₄Cu₂₄O₄₁ (M = Ca, Sr, La) are based on two fundamental structural units: CuO₂ chains and Cu₂O₃ ladders. We present electronic structure calculations within density functional theory in order to address the interrelations between chains and ladders. The calculations account for the details of the crystal structure by means of a unit cell comprising 10 chain and 7 ladder units. It turns out that chains and ladders can be treated independently, which allows us to introduce a model system based on a reduced unit cell. For the CuO₂ chains, we find two characteristic bands at the Fermi energy. Tight binding fits yield nearest and next-nearest neighbour interactions of the same order of magnitude.     

Confined Ge–Pt states in self-organized Pt nanowire arrays on Ge(001)

By means of band structure calculations within the density functional theory and the generalized gradient approximation, we investigate the electronic structure of self-organized Pt nanowires on the Ge(001) surface. In particular, we deal with a novel one-dimensional surface state confined in the nanowire array and clarify its origin. Due to large Pt contributions, the novel state is rather a mixed Ge–Pt hybrid state than a confined Ge surface state. Moreover, we compare our results to data from scanning tunneling microscopy.     

Characterization of the morphology and composition of commercial negative resists used for lithographic processes

We present a spectroscopic and microscopic characterization of the chemical composition, structure, and morphology of two commercial negative resists using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). For this purpose, films of a novolak-based resist (ma-N 2400) and hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) are treated under different conditions (temperature, deep ultraviolet (DUV) exposure, CHF₃ plasma). Topographic AFM images show that both heating and DUV exposure strongly affect the surface morphology of as-prepared ma-N 2400 resist films. These different treatment conditions also lead to decreasing roughnesses, which indicates structural reorganization. Furthermore, the decrease of the photoactive compound (bisazide) in the ma-N 2400 resist films, observed in FTIR spectra, suggests cross-linking of the resist after CHF₃ plasma treatment, heating, or DUV exposure. XPS measurements on different CHF₃ plasma-treated surfaces reveal that a structurally homogeneous fluorine-containing polymer is generated that is responsible for an enhanced etch resistance. FTIR measurements of HSQ films show a correlation between the degree of HSQ cross-linking and baking time.     

Concept for a fiber-optic sensor utilizing surface-plasmon waves

The subject of the work presented is a novel fiber-optic bio-sensor suitable for miniaturized systems. The sensor concept employs a long periodic fiber Bragg-grating (LPG) for the excitation of surface-plasmon waves (SPW) sensitive to molecular binding processes on the sensor surface. Here we present the principle of operation as well as modeling results concerning the operating wavelength and its influence on sensor sensitivity and LPG parameters.     

Determination of palladium in gasoline by neutron activation analysis and automated column extraction

^? Palladium in gasoline was determined by means of neutron activation analysis (NAA) and selective sorbent extraction. Unleaded gasoline consistent with DIN EN 228, RON 95 was irradiated at a thermal neutron flux of Φ_th = 1.68 · 10¹³s^–1cm^–2 and an epithermal neutron flux of 3.32 · 10¹¹s^–1cm^–2 for t_irr = 12 h. The irradiated gasoline was digested with nitric acid and palladium was then separated as N,N-diethyl-N’-benzoylthiourea complex by an automated column pre-concentration procedure. The eluate of 50 μL was dried on a filter paper and the 88.03 keV photons resulting from the decay of ¹⁰⁹Pd were detected in a low level HPGe spectrometer with an efficiency of 35.5%. Severe interferences with other matrix constituents, especially ⁸²Br could be overcome and the detection limit for palladium was improved to 3.4 ng/L at a confidence level of 90%. Although the analytical procedure applied yielded the lowest detection limit for palladium obtained in gasoline up to now, no indications for the presence of palladium were found.     

Solventextraktion von Platinmetallen mit N-mono-und N,N-di-substituierten Benzoylthioharnstoffen

Summary Benzoylthioureas are excellent reagents for solvent extraction and have a high selectivity for platinum-group metals. Very effective separations of platinum-group metals are possible due to control of the extraction parameters and variation of the ligand structure. An easy synthesis and a high chemical resistence allow technical applications.

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Herrn Prof. Dr. G. Tölg zum 60. Geburtstag gewidmet     

A generalization of Wegscheider's condition. Implications for properties of steady states and for quasi-steady-state approximation

A generalization of Wegschcider's condition concerning equilibrium constants in chemically reacting systems is formulated, which is then proved to be a necessary and sufficient condition for detailed balancing. In order to include a large multitude of rate laws, a generalized mass action kinetics is considered which comprises usual mass action kinetics and all reversible enzyme kinetics and which is consistent with basic postulates of irreversible thermodynamics for ideal mixtures. Reaction systems of arbitrary stoichiometry are considered. They may contain reactants with fixed concentrations, as is characteristic for models of biochemical reaction networks. Existence, uniqueness, and global asymptotic stability of equilibrium states for reaction systems endowed with generalized man action kinetics are proved. Using these results, he generalized Wegscheider condition is shown to be a sufficient criterion for the applicability of the quasi-steady-state approximation.