An analog VLSI design for a neuron with a choice of learning rules

An analog implementation of a neuron using standard VLSI components is described. The node is capable of both delta-rule and simple error-correcting learning. Decomposition into functional blocks allows the parts of the design to be easily separated and understood. The connectivity problem is eased by serially encoding inputs so that all nodes in a layer are connected to a single line carrying activations from the previous layer. Performance implications of the architecture are considered. The design was simulated with the Spice transistor level simulator. Schemas for interconnection of large numbers of nodes and simulations of the circuitry required are presented. Results show that effective learning is achieved by both algorithms. Implementation of multiple learning rules in a single neuron is demonstrated as an effective way of increasing flexibility in neural network hardware implementations.     

Comparative analysis of training delivery methods for new employees cleaning and sanitizing retail deli slicers: An exploratory study

The objectives of this study were to characterize the performance of new employees receiving four types of training delivery methods and determine which training method was most effective in interpretation and execution as measured by temporal performance, ATP bioluminescence and participant survey. Participants with limited food service experience received one of four types of food safety training delivery methods for cleaning and operating a meat slicer. The food safety training delivery methods included; no instruction, written instruction, demonstrations and written instruction with demonstrations. Participants were then instructed to slice four slices of bologna and then clean the slicer based on the training they received. Temporal performance as measured by time was recorded per participant and adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence (ATP-B) was measured to determine the hygienic condition of the slicer post cleaning. Next, participants were given a survey asking them to list the steps for cleaning a deli slicer in proper order and their perceived cleanliness of the slicer based on the training delivery method. When written instruction and demonstrations was used as a delivery method, temporal performance increased, ATP-B readings were lower and participants perceived it as an effective training method.     

Protective clothing guidelines for electric arc exposure

Since 1982, when R. Lee wrote (see ibid., vol.IA-18, p.246), industrial and utility engineers have been attempting to better quantify the degree of risk to personnel associated with electric arc exposure and the appropriate protective clothing to wear to mitigate serious injury. Activity by OSHA, NFPA 70E, and ASTM F-18 has further emphasized the need to protect workers from arc flash burn injuries. This paper discusses the results of multiphase arc testing which has enhanced knowledge about potential arc energy as a function of prospective fault current and arc protective clothing designs that are suitable for different levels of incident arc energy. Incident energy levels are correlated with second-degree burn criteria for unprotected human skin, protective clothing systems consisting of flame-resistant outer layers in single-layer and multiple-layer construction, as well as combination systems of flame-resistant outer layers with natural and man-made fiber inner layers are discussed. Protection recommendations for the face, head, hands, and feet are also included     

DC transport measurements at 77 K of high Jccryostabilized melt processed YBCO monofilament

DC transport critical current density measurements, with J_c values up to 1.4×10⁵ A/cm² in zero field and 4.4×10⁴ A/cm² in 1 T, performed in liquid nitrogen on melt-processed YBCO fiber from 0 to 1 T, are reported. The measurement technique is described, and the effects of contact heating and cryostabilization are discussed     

Neural network analysis of combined conventional and experimental prognostic markers in prostate cancer: a pilot study

Radiolabeling permits the detection of trace amounts of zwitterionic detergent remaining in extracted hydrophobic or membrane proteins. To develop a sensitive and specific assay for its presence, the commonly used zwitterionic membrane protein detergent 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate (Chaps) was synthesized in a tritiated form. Synthesis via 7-ketodeoxycholic acid gave [7-3H]Chaps in 53% yield with a specific activity of 0.85 mCi/mmol. A novel solvent extraction system for cholic acid obviated the need for chromatographic isolation of this intermediate. The protocol can be readily modified to yield [7-3H]Chaps of higher specific activity. [7-3H]Chaps was used to monitor the efficiency of various strategies for detergent removal from concentrated bacterial culture supernatants containing 0.2% (w/v) Chaps. Dialysis removed 95% of Chaps and the addition of detergent-affinity beads to the dialysis buffer resulted in 97% removal of Chaps. Gel-filtration chromatography removed 99.9% of Chaps, while a detergent-affinity bead chromatography column removed 99.99%. Overall, gel-filtration chromatography was the most convenient and economical method for the one-step removal of the zwittergent from complex biological mixtures.     

Higher nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in menthol cigarette smokers with and without schizophrenia.

This study examined whether smoking menthol cigarettes was associated with increased biochemical measures of smoke intake. Expired carbon monoxide (CO) and serum nicotine and cotinine were measured in 89 smokers with schizophrenia and 53 control smokers immediately after smoking an afternoon cigarette. Serum nicotine levels (27 vs. 22 ng/ml, p = .010), serum cotinine levels (294 vs. 240 ng/ml, p = .041), and expired CO (25 vs. 21 ppm, p = .029) were higher in smokers of menthol compared with nonmenthol cigarettes, with no differences in 3-hydroxycotinine/cotinine ratios between groups when controlling for race. Backward stepwise linear regression models showed that, in addition to having a diagnosis of schizophrenia, smoking menthol cigarettes was a significant predictor of nicotine and cotinine levels. Individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder smoked more generic or discount value brands (Basic, Doral, Monarch, USA, Wave, others) compared with control smokers (28% vs. 6%, p = .002) but did not smoke more brands with high nicotine delivery as estimated by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission method. Although rates of mentholated cigarette smoking were not higher in smokers with schizophrenia overall, they were significantly higher in non-Hispanic White people with schizophrenia compared with controls of the same ethnic/racial subgroup (51% vs. 28%, p<.0001). The higher exhaled CO in menthol smokers suggests that the higher nicotine levels are at least partly related to increased intake of smoke from menthol cigarettes, although menthol-mediated inhibition of nicotine metabolism also may be a factor. Menthol is an important cigarette additive that may help explain why some groups have lower quit rates and more smoking-caused disease.     

Measuring empowerment in families whose children have emotional disabilities: A brief questionnaire.

Describes the development of the Family Empowerment Scale (FES), a brief questionnaire for assessing empowerment in families whose children have emotional disabilities. The questionnaire is based on a 2-dimensional conceptual framework of empowerment. One dimension reflects empowerment with respect to the family, service system, and larger community and political environment; the other dimension reflects the expression of empowerment as attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors. Analyses of reliability and validity were based on 440 responses of family members of children (aged