Technology-Aware Simulation for Prototyping Molecular Field-Coupled Nanocomputing

The molecular Field-Coupled Nanocomputing (molFCN) paradigm encodes digital information in the charge distribution of molecules. The information propagates through electrostatic coupling within molecules, permitting minimal power consumption. Although the promising results in the design of molFCN circuits, a prototype is missing. Therefore, this work moves toward molFCN fabrication by presenting a methodology combining Finite Element Modelling with the SCERPA tool, boosting the simulation accuracy by considering both molecule and device physics. First, this work analyzes nano-trench-based molFCN single-line wires, examining information propagation dependencies on the nano-trench geometries. Then, the analysis of nano-trench-based multi-line wires points out the primary prototype specification to achieve this advantageous molFCN solution. Finally, we demonstrate the nano-trench as a valuable solution to achieve the write-in mechanism. Overall, this paper paves the way for molFCN fabrication-aware simulations for future prototyping

Brittle asthma: still on board?

(1) Background: “Brittle Asthma” was considered an asthma clinical phenotype and deemed to be life-threatening in the early 2000s; then, this definition disappeared. The purpose of this review is to examine what has historically been referred to as this term and see whether it may be applied to modern clinical practice, thus acquiring fresh relevance and meaning. (2) Methods: A non-systematic search of the literature was conducted using both MeSH and free-text phrases. No limitations on the research design or type of publication were applied. (3) Results: Reliable data regarding “Brittle Asthma” are lacking due to the paucity of current data and the few studies available. After a few years of reworking, it was divided into two sub-classes: one characterized by a wide PEF variability despite high-dose therapy and the other by sudden acute attacks in otherwise apparently normal airway functions or well-controlled asthma. Their characteristics were hardly defined because of their low prevalence. Data regarding risk factors, atopy, mechanisms, and treatments were analyzed. (4) Conclusions: Over time, different terminology has been introduced to define asthma severity and control. It would be worth investigating whether the term “Brittle Asthma” previously used may be helpful to find new hints to stratify patients and improve disease management

Beyond-CMOS Artificial Neuron: A simulation-based exploration of the molecular-FET

The recent growth of Artificial Neural Networks fueled the design of numerous Artificial Intelligence (AI) dedicated hardware implementations. High power dissipation, computational complexity, and large area footprints currently limit CMOS based real-time embedded AI applications. In this work, we design and simulate through SPICE, for the first time, an artificial analog neuron based on the molecular Field-Effect Transistor (molFET) technology. MolFETs are described by a circuital model whose physical characteristics are extracted from atomistic simulations. The designed neuron is a single column of a crossbar-like circuit representing a layer of seven parallel neurons. The drain currents sum up in a soma-like circuit - modelled through a comparator - and trigger the output pulses. We demonstrate the advantages of the molFET in terms of area, power, and speed by comparing it with a conventional MOSFET implementation. The results confirm the molecular technology is a promising candidate for accomplishing high neuron throughput capability and massive redundancy, still providing high energy efficiency. The obtained results foster further investigation of molFET technology both at the device and circuit level

Alpha-1 deficiency in severe asthma patients

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, an autosomal co-dominant condition, decreases protein concentration and activity at both serum and tissue levels. Few studies investigated whether the type of SERPINA1 gene phenotype in patients with severe asthma can influence symptoms and disease control during follow-up.To assess whether the presence of a non-MM genotype of SERPINA1 in patients with severe asthma is associated with disease control, systemic and airway inflammation, lung function and comorbidities prevalence compared to severe asthma patients with a homozygous genotype (MM).Asthmatic patients belonging to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) step 5 were retrospectively analysed in an Italian reference asthma clinic. We collected clinical, biological and functional variables at baseline and for the three following years.Out of 73 patients enrolled, 14 (19.18%) were non-MM and 59 (80.8%) were MM. Asthmatics with non-MM genotype had lower serum AAT concentration (P = 0.004) and higher emphysema prevalence than the MM group (P = 0.003) at baseline. During follow up, only MM patients showed a significant improvement of both ACQ-6 score (P < 0.0001) and eosinophilic systemic inflammation (P < 0.0001).Our findings emphasise the importance of a screening for AAT deficiency in severe asthma, as alleles mutation may influence patient's follow-up.