A Leaky‐Integrate‐and‐Fire Neuron Analog Realized with a Mott Insulator

During the last half century, the tremendous development of computers based on von Neumann architecture has led to the revolution of the information technology. However, von Neumann computers are outperformed by the mammal brain in numerous data‐processing applications such as pattern recognition and data mining. Neuromorphic engineering aims to mimic brain‐like behavior through the implementation of artificial neural networks based on the combination of a large number of artificial neurons massively interconnected by an even larger number of artificial synapses. In order to effectively implement artificial neural networks directly in hardware, it is mandatory to develop artificial neurons and synapses. A promising advance has been made in recent years with the introduction of the components called memristors that might implement synaptic functions. In contrast, the advances in artificial neurons have consisted in the implementation of silicon‐based circuits. However, so far, a single‐component artificial neuron that will bring an improvement comparable to what memristors have brought to synapses is still missing. Here, a simple two‐terminal device is introduced, which can implement the basic functions leaky integrate and fire of spiking neurons. Remarkably, it has been found that it is realized by the behavior of strongly correlated narrow‐gap Mott insulators subject to electric pulsing.     

The believing game, the doubting game, and collaborative law: A reply to Penelope Bryan.

In her article (see record 2000-05399-010) in this issue, P. Bryan measured collaborative law by whether it improves the economic conditions of women after divorce, arguing that far broader reform of divorce laws is required to achieve that goal. Collaborative law aims at different goals. Bryan also argued that collaborative law resembles mediation, that mediation harms women and children, and that the same will happen in collaborative law. In fact, Bryan makes faulty analogies between mediation and collaborative law, misconstrues the literature on mediation, and criticizes collaborative law for human failings arising in any profession or dispute resolution modality. Fair-minded research questions would serve the evolution of this new model better than such ill-founded arguments in support of apparently preconceived conclusions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Analyzing results of impedance spectroscopy using novel evolutionary programming techniques

This paper discusses the application of evolutionary programming methods to the problem of analyzing impedance spectroscopy results. The basic approach is a “direct-problem” one, i.e., to find a time constant distribution function that would create similar impedance results as the measured ones, within experimental error. Two complementary methods have been applied and are discussed here: Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Genetic Programming (GP). A GA can be applied when a known (or desired) model exists, whereas GP can be used to create new models where the only a-priori knowledge is their smoothness and their non-negativity. GP is tuned to prefer relatively non-complex models through penalization of unnecessary complexity.     

A One-Pot Universal Approach to Fabricate Lubricant-Infused Slippery Surfaces on Solid Substrates

Wetting is a surface phenomenon that commonly occurs in nature and has an enormous influence on human life. Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces have recently been developed to support the growing demand for anti-fouling coatings. While short-chain fluorinated compounds, commonly used to reduce the surface energy of substrates, are banned due to environmental toxicity, silane-based compounds are expensive and barely scalable. In this sense, silicone-based chemistry may match the gap as a real alternative. However, the grafting approaches demonstrated so far suffered from either slow binding kinetics or are applied under harsh conditions. Here, it is demonstrated that polydimethylsiloxanes graft to virtually any substrate when illuminated by UV light serving simultaneously as a reducing surface energy agent and infusing lubricant. This procedure is applied on metals, metal oxides, and ceramics of various surface morphologies. The proposed approach is simple, fast, scalable, environmentally friendly, and of low-cost, yet forms stable lubricant-infused slippery surfaces by a one-pot process. Due to the biocompatibility of silicone-based compounds, the process is examined on plain medically applicable substrates such as scalpel blades and glass lenses that display enhanced corrosion resistance, reduced friction through incision, and repel blood staining and bacterial adhesion without deteriorating their mechanical and optical characteristics.     

Subaortic stenosis caused by two discrete membranes

A case of subaortic stenosis caused by two discrete membranes is presented. Following demonstration of the two distinct sites of obstruction by intraventricular pressure gradients and angiocardiogram, the two membranes were excised through a transaortic approach. The importance of being aware of the occurrence of this rare anomaly is stressed, and its surgical implications are discussed.     

Collaborative law: A new paradigm for divorce lawyers.

Collaborative law arose as a response to the harms of family law litigation and the limitations of family mediation. It consists of lawyers and clients working exclusively toward settlement. The lawyers and neutral experts are disqualified if the parties should litigate. Lawyers behave and think quite differently in collaborative law. To do it well requires new skills and knowledge not learned in conventional practice. Performed well, collaborative law can have a transformative effect on lawyers, clients, families, and communities. It has healing effects that distinguish it from adversarial practice and bring it within the compass of therapeutic jurisprudence. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)