A Survey of Memristive Threshold Logic Circuits

In this paper, we review the different memristive threshold logic (MTL) circuits that are inspired from the synaptic action of flow of neurotransmitters in the biological brain. Brain like generalisation ability and area minimisation of these threshold logic circuits aim towards crossing the Moores law boundaries at device, circuits and systems levels.Fast switching memory, signal processing, control systems, programmable logic, image processing, reconfigurable computing, and pattern recognition are identified as some of the potential applications of MTL systems. The physical realization of nanoscale devices with memristive behaviour from materials like TiO2, ferroelectrics, silicon, and polymers has accelerated research effort in these application areas inspiring the scientific community to pursue design of high speed, low cost, low power and high density neuromorphic architectures

Sequence-Specific Gene Correction of Cystic Fibrosis Airway Basal Cells

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal monogenic disease resulting from mutations in the CFTR gene which encodes a protein involved in regulating anion trans-epithelial transport. A three-base deletion in CFTR (termed as ΔF508 mutation), wherein CFTR protein is misfolded leading to its pre-mature degradation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is the most common cause of this debilitating disease. Since CFTR is expressed in multiple body systems, CF affects different organs, but lung pathology is the greatest cause of death in affected patients. We achieved site-specific gene correction with an efficiency of ~10 % in CF airway basal cells homozygous for the ΔF508 mutation. Basal cells are a multipotent stem cell population of the respiratory epithelium and therefore, their gene correction could provide a long-term, permanent remedy for CF. Delivery of engineered sequence-specific zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) and single-stranded oligo DNA (ssODN) carrying the correcting sequence via electroporation facilitated the correction. The gene-corrected cells upon in vitro differentiation using air-liquid interface showed presence of fully-glycosylated mature CFTR protein as opposed to differentiated mutant cells which synthesized only the core-glycosylated immature form. Most importantly, we demonstrated CFTR ion channel activity in the gene-corrected cells by Ussing chamber electrophysiology

UNDERNUTRITION IN CHILDREN: AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KARSYA

Undernutrition is a major health problem affects particularly in preschool children (<6 years) with its dire consequences ranging from physical to cognitive growth and susceptibility to infection. Under-nutrition is a condition in which there is inadequate consumption, poor absorption or excessive loss of nutrients. Nutritional supplementation and nutritional interventions are the conventional method for preventing this condition. But even after providing proper nutritional requirements, under weight is getting a serious issue for parents. Kaumarabruthya considered health problems of children are different from adults because of their under developed body (Alpakayatha), immature Dhatus (Aparipakwa Dhatu), less Dosha, Dushya and Mala (Dosha Dushya Mala Alpatha), unstable digestive power (Aniyatha vahni) etc. Jatharagni become very weak in children so they cannot digest and assimilate most of the Guru Aharas. A Dhatu is evolved and transformed into next Dhatu as a result of Pakaprakriya (biotransformation). Vridhi and Kshaya of Dhatu depends on the strength of Jatharagni. If Agni impaired in Dhatus, such evolution cannot take place and leads to the formation of Ama and causing Srothorodha, which results insufficient production of Rasa Dhatu along with other Dhatus chronologically. Parigarbhika, Phakka, Balashosha, Shuska Revati and Karsya are the conditions mentioned in Ayurveda similar to under nutrition. Agnideepana, Pachana, Srotho-sodhana, Samsamana and Laghu Santharpana can be adopted as the line of management in Karsya

CONVENTIONAL AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT IN SPASTIC CEREBRAL PALSY: A CASE STUDY

Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive but crippling neurological disorder in children. The prevalence rate of cerebral palsy has risen to well above two per thousand life birth. Spastic cerebral palsy is a disorder that causes muscle tightness. This condition prevents the normal development of motor function. It makes up over 70% of all cases of cerebral palsy. As per Ayurvedic classics, the spasticity is termed as Jadatwam and is one of the Vatha predominant Lakshana. The important causative factors are the improper diet and regimen followed during pregnancy, Akalapravahanam (untimely contractures during labour), head injury during delivery, Garbha sosham (Intrauterine Growth Retardation) etc. Due to these aetiology Dhadhu, Kshaya occurs followed by Vata dosha prakopa and produces symptoms like Praseka, Sosha, Jadatwam etc. In this study, based on the concept of Vathavyadhi chikitsa, Snehana, Swedana, Sodhana and Brimhana therapy with appropriate Panchkarma procedure was done. Physiotherapy was provided along with treatment, it helped to improve motor functions and activities of daily living of the patient. The spasticity was assessed through the range of motion of joints (ROM) by using the instrument Goniometer while the motor and mental developments were assessed by developmental assessment scales for Indian infants (DASII). Considering the ROM of joints of upper and lower limb, spasticity was reduced in the extension movement of the ankle, hip, knee, elbow, and shoulder. The motor and mental developmental quotient of the baby was improved after the treatment. This article is an attempt to highlight the efficacy of conventional Ayurvedic management in spastic cerebral palsy with Kerala specialties

EFFECT OF SANKHAPUSHPI (CLITORIA TERNATEA LINN.) CHOORNA IN THE WORKING MEMORY OF CHILDREN

The term “Working memory” refers to the ability of a person to hold information in mind and to manipulate it over short periods of time. Its deficit creates a high risk factor for educational underachievement as it is a better predictor of school performance than IQ. A clinical study was conducted to find out the effect of Sankhapushpi (Clitoria ternatea Linn.) choorna in the working memory of children. The study was conducted as therapeutic, interventional, non randomized, single group assignment, pre and post test and was carried out at the OPD of Dept. of Kaumarabhritya, Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. The study population included children in the age group 7 to 11years of both sexes with working memory deficit for their age when assessed by a clinical psychologist, selected from a population who presented with poor scholastic performance. The tools used were N back tasks for Verbal and Visuospatial Working Memory from NIMHANS Neuropsychological Battery and Visuospatial working memory span task and Working Memory Index tests in Wechsler’s Intelligence Scale. The trial drug, Sankhapushpichoorna was given twice daily in empty stomach in the dose 1-2 gm with plain ghee and honey for 2 months. They were assessed before and after intervention and after 1 month of follow up period and the difference in scores were assessed. Analysis of the data using the most appropriate statistical tests showed significant response (P<0.001). The trial drug sustained its potential action during the follow-up period also and thus its efficacy was proved

EFFECT OF BRAHMISOHALADI SIROLEPA IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in social interaction and communication with restricted interests and repetitive behaviour. The prevalence of ASD has shown an alarming increase in the recent decades ending up to 1 in 90 children. In spite of enormous researches in contemporary medical field, no medicaments have proved to be effective in improving their social behaviour. In Ayurveda, ASD comes under the category of Unmada involving derangement of all the three Doshas (Vishama sannipatha) with predominance of Vata & Pitha. Child friendly and effective procedure based therapy in the form of Sirolepa (application of medicated paste on scalp) is being tried in children with ASD between 3 and 12 years selected from the outpatient cases of Dept. Of Kaumarabhrithya, Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. The present study empirically analysis the efficacy of Sirolepa with Brahmisohaladi with its classical reference in Arogyakalpadruma in the context of Unmada. Children with ASD satisfying the DSM V criteria and having a CARS score above 30 were selected for the study having duration of 28 days. There was an observable improvement in eye contact, attention span and sleep pattern with a marked reduction in hyperactivity. All of the children included in the study were receiving speech as well as psycho therapies and appropriate dietary advice throughout the treatment course. The clinical observation was supported by CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale) & ATEC (Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist) recorded as pre- post evaluation. The changes in CARS and ATEC score were highly significant at 0.05% level (P<0.0005). The study provides the first potential evidence that Brahmisohaladi Sirolepa may be capable of modifying the core social and cognitive defects associated with ASD