Abstract: A scanning tunneling microscopy based potentiometry system and method for the measurements of the local surface electric potential is presented. A voltage compensation circuit based on this potentiometry system and method is developed and employed to maintain a desired tunneling voltage independent of the bias current flow through the film. The application of this potentiometry system and method to the local sensing of the spin Hall effect is outlined herein, along with the experimental results obtained.

Abstract: A communications system for financial transactions, such as payment transactions made via credit accounts, debit accounts, prepaid accounts, bank accounts, stored value accounts and the like, is enhanced and/or used to support reward transactions. Thus, the reward communications can be processed as transactions over the communications system in a way similar to and/or together with credit/debit transactions.

Abstract: A communications system for financial transactions, such as payment transactions made via credit accounts, debit accounts, prepaid accounts, bank accounts, stored value accounts and the like, is enhanced and/or used to support reward transactions. Thus, the reward communications can be processed as transactions over the communications system in a way similar to and/or together with credit/debit transactions.

Abstract: Suspensions having good flow properties are produced by including a particulate thickener containing chemically or physically bound polymer.

Abstract: Suspensions of fine particles in a liquid containing a colloid-scale adhesive produce coatings and shaped articles which are both porous and robust.

Abstract: A system for conducting a commercial transaction between a buyer and a seller is disclosed. The system includes a transaction processing system for facilitating payment for a transaction between the buyer and the seller. In addition to the buyer and the seller, the transaction processing system also interacts with an issuer and an acquirer. The issuer issues and manages an account for the buyer. The acquirer manages an account for the seller. The transaction processing system operates as follows. An electronic invoice relating to the transaction is first posted to the system by the seller or another system. Upon accepting the electronic invoice, the system creates a payment instruction. Each time a payment instruction is created, the system applies certain pre-negotiated payment terms and conditions between the buyer and the seller to the payment instruction. After the payment instruction is created, the system seeks approval from the buyer.

Abstract: A system for conducting a commercial transaction between a buyer and a seller is disclosed. The system includes a transaction processing system for facilitating payment for a transaction between the buyer and the seller. In addition to the buyer and the seller, the transaction processing system also interacts with an issuer and an acquirer. An electronic invoice relating to the transaction is first posted to the system by the seller or another system. Upon accepting the electronic invoice, the system creates a payment instruction. Each time a payment instruction is created, the system applies certain pre-negotiated payment terms and conditions between the buyer and the seller to the payment instruction. After the payment instruction is created, the system seeks approval from the buyer. Upon approval of the payment instruction by the buyer, the system schedules the payment for the specified date in the payment instruction.

Abstract: Silicas modified with groups of the general formula (I) RaSiR1bOc—??(I) where at least one of R or R1 is a >C3 hydrocarbon radical are useful in preparing stable dispersions of basic substances, the silica permitting a decrease in the shear viscosity h for a storage time of 1 week at room temperature (25° C.) to not more than 50% of the initial viscosity value, the viscosity being measured by means of cone/plate geometry with a shearing gap of 105 ?m and a shear rate of 0.5 s?1 at 25° C.

Abstract: Suspensions having good flow properties are produced by including a particulate thickener containing chemically or physically bound polymer.

Abstract: Suspensions of fine particles in a liquid containing a colloid-scale adhesive produce coatings and shaped articles which are both porous and robust.

Abstract: Silicas modified with groups of the general formula (I) RaSiR1bOc— ??(I) where at least one of R or R1 is a >C3 hydrocarbon radical are useful in preparing stable dispersions of basic substances, the silica permitting a decrease in the shear viscosity h for a storage time of 1 week at room temperature (25° C.) to not more than 50% of the initial viscosity value, the viscosity being measured by means of cone/plate geometry with a shearing gap of 105 ?m and a shear rate of 0.5 s?1 at 25° C.

Abstract: A fast, nondestructive, and low cost method for measuring the integrity of semiconductor multi-layer conducting structures uses a voltage spectral density technique. The method compares the magnitude and frequency of generally non-periodic low frequency voltages induced by direct current flow in test structures to the same parameters of a defect free structure.