Publications

We report the realization of electrical coupling between neurons and depletion type floating gate (FG) p-channel MOS transistors. The devices were realized in a shortened 0.5 μm CMOS technology. Increased boron implant dose was used to form the depletion type devices. Post-CMOS processing steps were added to expose the devices sensing area. The neurons are coupled to the polycrystalline silicon (PS) FG through 420 Å thermal oxide in an area which is located over the thick field oxide away from the transistor. The combination of coupling area pad having a diameter of 10 or 15 μm and sensing transistor with W/L of 50/0.5 μm results in capacitive coupling ratio of the neuron signal of about 0.5 together with relatively large transistor transconductance. The combination of the FG structure with a depletion type device, leads to the following advantages. (a) No need for dc bias between the solution in which the neurons are cultured and the transistor with expected consequences to the neuron as well as the silicon die durability. (b) The sensing area of the neuron activity is separated from the active area of the transistor. Thus, it is possible to design the sensing area and the channel area separately. (c) The channel area, which is the most sensitive part of the transistor, can be insulated and shielded from the ionic solution in which the neurons are cultured. (d) There is an option to add a switching transistor to the FG and use the FG also for the neuron stimulation.

These are basic questions that, because of difficulties in evaluating the effects of state and local economic incentives, are often left unanswered. This book, however, offers a solution to this problem. Persky, Felsenstein, and Carlson explore a new framework for evaluating state and local economic development efforts. They propose a method, referred to as the ""job-chains approach,"" that they say clarifies the potential justifications for economic development subsidies as well as the limitations surrounding these efforts. This innovative approach addresses not only the number of job vacancies created as a result of a subsidized business investment or expansion, but also the extent to which gains are achieved by the unemployed and the underemployed, whether skilled or unskilled.

Application of the authors' job-chains model leads to novel insights into local economic development evaluation and strategy. First, where standard employment multipliers focus exclusively on horizontal multipliers—increasing demand for locally produced products and services—the job-chains model identifies the existence of vertical multipliers, or links that work through job vacancies created by job changers. Second, using the job-chains model allows the authors to develop a technique for evaluating the welfare value of employment creation. The mechanics of job chains result in this value spreading more broadly across the local population than the original new jobs that created the chains. And third, the job chains perspective affords new insights into labor market dynamics by introducing individual preferences and behavioral probabilities into job choice.

Rotary motion around a molecular axis has been controlled by simple electron transfer processes and by photoexcitation. The basis of the motion is intramolecular rotation of a carborane cage ligand (7,8-dicarbollide) around a nickel axle. The Ni(III) metallacarborane structure is a transoid sandwich with two pairs of carbon vertices reflected through a center of symmetry, but that of the Ni(IV) species is cisoid. The interconversion of the two provides the basis for controlled, rotational, oscillatory motion. The energies of the Ni(III) and Ni(IV) species are calculated as a function of the rotation angle.