Cellular wave computers for nanotera- scale technology?beyond boolean, spatial-temporal logic in million processor devices

Cellular wave computer architecture as a spatial-temporal universal machine on flows reflects (i) the prophecies of Turing and von Neumann, (ii) physical constraints of nano-scale technology, (iii) typical constructs in neural organisation and mechanisms, and (iv) provides for a new way of algorithmic and hardware-software framework, already implemented in some new products, including visual microprocessors. A few aspects of this new kind of computer and computing are highlighted, including the `function in layout' principle, the biological relevance in retinal modelling, and the new type of spatial-temporal algorithmic thinking beyond Boolean logic     

Cellular neural networks with non-linear and delay-type template elements and non-uniform grids

The cellular neural network (CNN) paradigm is a powerful framework for analogue non-linear processing arrays placed on a regular grid. In this paper we extend the current repertoire of CNN cloning template elements (atoms) by introducing additional non-linear and delay-type characteristics. In addition, architectures with non-uniform processors and neighbourhoods (grid sizes) are introduced. With this generalization, several well-known and powerful analogue array-computing structures can be interpreted as special cases of the CNN. Moreover, we show that the CNN with these generalized cloning templates has a general programmable circuit structure (a prototype machine) with analogue macros and algorithms. the relations with the cellular automaton (CA) and the systolic array (SA) are analysed. Finally, some robust stability results and the state space structure of the dynamics are presented.     

Novel (Phenothiazinyl)Vinyl-Pyridinium Dyes and Their Potential Applications as Cellular Staining Agents

We report here the synthesis and structural characterization of novel cationic (phenothiazinyl)vinyl-pyridinium (PVP) dyes, together with optical (absorption/emission) properties and their potential applicability as fluorescent labels. Convective heating, ultrasound irradiation and mechanochemical synthesis were considered as alternative synthetic methodologies proficient for overcoming drawbacks such as long reaction time, nonsatisfactory yields or solvent requirements in the synthesis of novel dye (E)-1-(3-chloropropyl)-4-(2-(10-methyl-10H-phenothiazin-3-yl)vinyl)pyridin-1-ium bromide 3d and its N-alkyl-2-methylpyridinium precursor 1c. The trans geometry of the newly synthesized (E)-4-(2-(7-bromo-10-ethyl-10H-phenothiazin-3-yl)vinyl)-1-methylpyridin-1-ium iodide 3b and (E)-1-methyl-4-(2-(10-methyl-10H-phenothiazin-3-yl)vinyl)pyridin-1-ium tetrafluoroborate 3a′ was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. A negative solvatochromism of the dyes in polar solvents was highlighted by UV-Vis spectroscopy and explanatory insights were supported by molecular modeling which suggested a better stabilization of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO). The photostability of the dye 3b was investigated by irradiation at 365 nm in different solvents, while the steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence properties of dye 3b and 3a′ in solid state were evaluated under one-photon excitation at 485 nm. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the new PVP dyes on B16-F10 melanoma cells was evaluated by WST-1 assay, while their intracellular localization was assessed by epi-fluorescence conventional microscopy imaging as well as one- and two-photon excited confocal fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). PVP dyes displayed low cytotoxicity, good internalization inside melanoma cells and intense fluorescence emission inside the B16-F10 murine melanoma cells, making them suitable staining agents for imaging applications.     

A bio-inspired two-layer mixed-signal flexible programmable chip for early vision.

A bio-inspired model for an analog programmable array processor (APAP), based on studies on the vertebrate retina, has permitted the realization of complex programmable spatio-temporal dynamics in VLSI. This model mimics the way in which images are processed in the visual pathway, what renders a feasible alternative for the implementation of early vision tasks in standard technologies. A prototype chip has been designed and fabricated in 0.5 /spl mu/m CMOS. It renders a computing power per silicon area and power consumption that is amongst the highest reported for a single chip. The details of the bio-inspired network model, the analog building block design challenges and trade-offs and some functional tests results are presented in this paper.     

Automatic detection and tracking of moving image target with CNN‐UM via target probability fusion of multiple features

A high speed target detection and tracking algorithm for a CNN‐UM chip is presented in this paper. The target confidence value is computed based on the fusion of target existence probabilities of features using products of weighted sums. The target decision is done with such a confidence value and target initiation is done through the temporal accumulation of the confidence. The probability of the target existence for each feature is created in the region of influence depending on the reliability and the strength of the feature. By virtue of the analogic parallel processing structure of the CNN‐UM (Roska T, Chua LO. The CNN universal machine: an analogic array computer. IEEE Trans. Circuits Systems II 1993; CAS‐40 : 163–173), real time tracking can be achieved with presently available technologies with the speed of several kilo‐frames per second. Due to the utilization of multiple features of target, robust target detection is possible via the proposed algorithm. On‐chip experiments of the proposed target‐tracking algorithm have been done and properties of the proposed approach are disclosed through the various experiments. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pseudospectral method for assessing stability robustness for linear time-periodic delayed dynamical systems

The article presents a pseudospectral approach to assess the stability robustness of linear time-periodic delay systems, where periodic functions potentially present discontinuities and the delays may also periodically vary in time. The considered systems are subject to linear real-valued time-periodic uncertainties affecting the coefficient matrices, and the presented method is able to fully exploit structure and potential interdependencies among the uncertainties. The assessment of robustness relies on the computation of the pseudospectral radius of the monodromy operator, namely, the largest Floquet multiplier that the system can attain within a given range of perturbations. Instrumental to the adopted novel approach, a solver for the computation of Floquet multipliers is introduced, which results into the solution of a generalized eigenvalue problem which is linear w.r.t. (samples of) the original system matrices. We provide numerical simulations for popular applications modeled by time-periodic delay systems, such as the inverted pendulum subject to an act-and-wait controller, a single-degree-of-freedom milling model and a turning operation with spindle speed variation.     

Charge Density Influences C1 Domain Ligand Affinity and Membrane Interactions

The C1 domain, which represents the recognition motif on protein kinase C for the lipophilic second messenger diacylglycerol and its ultrapotent analogues, the phorbol esters, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for cancer and other indications. Potential target selectivity is markedly enhanced both because binding reflects ternary complex formation between the ligand, C1 domain, and phospholipid, and because binding drives membrane insertion of the C1 domain, permitting aspects of the C1 domain surface outside the binding site, per se, to influence binding energetics. Here, focusing on charged residues identified in atypical C1 domains which contribute to their loss of ligand binding activity, we showed that increasing charge along the rim of the binding cleft of the protein kinase C δ C1 b domain raises the requirement for anionic phospholipids. Correspondingly, it shifts the selectivity of C1 domain translocation to the plasma membrane, which is more negatively charged than internal membranes. This change in localization is most pronounced in the case of more hydrophilic ligands, which provide weaker membrane stabilization than do the more hydrophobic ligands and thus contributes an element to the structure–activity relations for C1 domain ligands. Coexpressing pairs of C1‐containing constructs with differing charges each expressing a distinct fluorescent tag provided a powerful tool to demonstrate the effect of increasing charge in the C1 domain.     

EPOXIDATION OF FUNCTIONALIZED OLEFINS OVER SOLID CATALYSTS

Heterogeneous catalytic epoxidation of functionalized olefins in the liquid phase has been reviewed, focusing on catalyst performance and its interrelation with the crucial parameters of the catalytic systems. Efficient catalysts include supported and mixed oxides, framework-substituted (“redox”) molecular sieves, layered-type materials, heterogenized homogeneous catalysts, and some others. Among the various substrates, allylic and homoallylic alcohols, and unsaturated carbonyl compounds have received most attention so far. The great variety of available catalysts enables selective epoxidation of most substituted olefins. The mechanistic understanding of heterogeneous catalytic epoxidation is still underdeveloped, rendering catalyst design rather empirical. A considerable potential for future development lies in the area of “heterogenization” of successful homogeneous catalysts especially for asymmetric epoxidation. Crucial requirements in the development of heterogeneous catalytic epoxidation catalysts are, besides good catalytic performance and cheap oxidant, recyclability and resistance to leaching of the active component. Some of the examples shown in the literature do not fulfill the latter requirement.     

Thermodynamically Stable SiwCxNyOz Polymer-Like, Amorphous Ceramics Made from Organic Precursors

This communication reports new results on the enthalpy of formation of pseudo-amorphous ceramic compounds constituted from silicon, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen (SiCNO), made from the polymer route. Again, like the SiCO materials, although with one exception, the enthalpy of formation from crystalline components (SiO₂ cristobalite, β-Si₃N₄, SiC, and excess C) is negative. Some of the alloyed oxygen–nitrogen compositions yield enthalpies that are much more negative (∼100 kJ/g·atom) in comparison with compositions that contain mainly oxygen or nitrogen (∼20 kJ/g·atom). The exception, having a N/O ratio near 2, has a positive value for the enthalpy. This may reflect the presence of nanoclusters of stoichiometric Si₂N₂O instead of the pseudo-amorphous nanodomain structure seen for the other samples.