Stochastic computing based on volatile GeSe ovonic threshold switching selectors

Stochastic computing (SC) is a special type of digital compute strategy where values are represented by the probability of 1 and 0 in stochastic bit streams, which leads to superior hardware simplicity and error-tolerance. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate SC with GeSe based Ovonic Threshold Switching (OTS) selector devices by exploiting their probabilistic switching behavior. The stochastic bit streams generated by OTS are demonstrated with good computation accuracy in both multiplication operation and image processing circuit. Moreover, the bit distribution has been statistically studied and linked to the collective defect de/localization behavior in the chalcogenide material. Weibull distribution of the delay time supports the origin of such probabilistic switching, facilitates further optimization of the operation condition, and lays the foundation for device modelling and circuit design. Considering its other advantages such as simple structure, fast speed, and volatile nature, OTS is a promising material for implementing SC in a wide range of novel applications, such as image processors, neural networks, control systems and reliability analysis

Measurement and simulation of the neutron response of the Nordball liquid scintillator array

The response of the liquid scintillator array Nordball to neutrons in the energy range 1.5 < T_n < 10 MeV has been measured by time of flight using a 252Cf fission source. Fission fragments were detected by means of a thin-film plastic scintillator. The measured differential and integral neutron detection efficiencies agree well with predictions of a Monte Carlo simulation of the detector which models geometry accurately and incorporates the measured, non-linear proton light output as a function of energy. The ability of the model to provide systematic corrections to photoneutron cross sections, measured by Nordball at low energy, is tested in a measurement of the two-body deuteron photodisintegration cross section in the range E_gamma=14-18 MeV. After correction the present 2H(gamma,n)p measurements agree well with a published evaluation of the large body of 2H(gamma,p)n data.Comment: 20 pages 10 figures, submitted Nucl. Instr. Meth.

GeSe-based Ovonic Threshold Switching Volatile True Random Number Generator

In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a novel technique for true random number generator (TRNG) application using GeSe-based Ovonic threshold switching (OTS) selector devices. The inherent variability in OTS threshold voltage results in a bimodal distribution of on/off states which can be easily converted into digital bits. The experimental evaluation shows that the proposed TRNG enables the generation of high-quality random bits that passed 12 tests in the National Institute of Standards and Technology statistical test suite without complex external circuits for post-processing. The randomness is further evidenced by the prediction rate of ∼50% using machine learning algorithm. Compared with the TRNGs based on non-volatile memories, the volatile nature of OTS avoids the reset operation, thus further simplifying the operation and improving the generation frequency

Atorvastatin reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in human pulmonary epithelial cells

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of atorvastatin on expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in human pulmonary epithelial cells (A549). METHODS: A549 cells were incubated in DMEM medium containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of atorvastatin. After incubation, the medium was collected and the amount of prostaglandin E(2 )(PGE(2)) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The cells were harvested, and COX-2 mRNA and protein were analyzed by RT-PCR and western-blot respectively. RESULTS: LPS increased the expression of COX-2 mRNA and production of PGE(2 )in a dose- and time-dependent manner in A549. Induction of COX-2 mRNA and protein by LPS were inhibited by atorvastatin in a dose-dependent manner. Atorvastatin also significantly decreased LPS-induced production of PGE(2). There was a positive correlation between reduced of COX-2 mRNA and decreased of PGE(2 )(r = 0.947, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin down-regulates LPS-induced expression of the COX-2 and consequently inhibits production of PGE(2 )in cultured A549 cells

Dependence of switching probability on operation conditions in GexSe1-x ovonic threshold switching selectors

Ovonic threshold switching (OTS) selector is a promising candidate to suppress the sneak current paths in resistive switching memory (RRAM) arrays. Variations in the threshold voltage (Vth), and the hold voltage (Vhd) have been reported, but a quantitative analysis of the switching probability dependence on the OTS operation conditions is still missing. A novel characterization method is developed in this work, and the time-to-switch-on/off (ton/toff) at a constant VOTS is found following the Weibull distribution, based on which the dependence of switching probability on pulse bias and time can be extracted and extrapolated, and the switching probability can be ensured with appropriately chosen operation conditions. The difference between square and triangle switching pulses is also explained. This provides a practical guidance for predicting the switching probability under different operation conditions and for designing reliable one-selector-one-RRAM (1S1R) arrays

Cycling induced metastable degradation in GeSe Ovonic threshold switching selector

Ovonic threshold switching (OTS) selector is a promising candidate to suppress the sneak current paths in emerging memory arrays, but there is still a gap between its performance and the rigorous requirement from memory devices, especially its endurance improvement is hindered by insufficient understanding of the mechanism. In this work, cycling induced degradation of GeSe-based OTS selectors is studied with electrical characterization techniques. The existence of metastable state between the on- and off-state during cycling is observed and statistically analyzed alongside with the gradual off-state leakage current increase. Such metastable degradation may be attributed to the generation of unstable Ge-Ge bonds that might be induced by element segregation, which is also responsible for the higher off-state leakage current in GeSe selectors after large cycling or with higher Ge component. This work provides experimental guidance for optimizing OTS selectors

Endurance improvement of more than five orders in GexSe1-x OTS selectors by using a novel refreshing program scheme

Selector device is critical in high-density cross-point resistive switching memory arrays for suppressing the sneak leakage current path. GexSe1-x based ovonic threshold switch (OTS) selectors have recently demonstrated strong performance with high on-state current, nonlinearity and endurance. Detailed study of its reliability is still lacking and the understanding on the responsible mechanisms is limited. In this work, for the first time, the endurance degradation mechanism of Ge-rich GexSe1-x OTS is identified. Accumulation of slow defects that remain delocalized at off-state and GeSe segregation/crystallization during cycling lead to the recoverable and non-recoverable leakage current, respectively. Most importantly, a refreshing program scheme is developed to recover and prevent the OTS degradation and the endurance can be therefore improved by more than five orders without adding additional material elements or process steps

Glutathione Transferase from Trichoderma virens Enhances Cadmium Tolerance without Enhancing Its Accumulation in Transgenic Nicotiana tabacum

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) is a major heavy metal pollutant which is highly toxic to plants and animals. Vast agricultural areas worldwide are contaminated with Cd. Plants take up Cd and through the food chain it reaches humans and causes toxicity. It is ideal to develop plants tolerant to Cd, without enhanced accumulation in the edible parts for human consumption. Glutathione transferases (GST) are a family of multifunctional enzymes known to have important roles in combating oxidative stresses induced by various heavy metals including Cd. Some GSTs are also known to function as glutathione peroxidases. Overexpression/heterologous expression of GSTs is expected to result in plants tolerant to heavy metals such as Cd. RESULTS: Here, we report cloning of a glutathione transferase gene from Trichoderma virens, a biocontrol fungus and introducing it into Nicotiana tabacum plants by Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer. Transgenic nature of the plants was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization and expression by reverse transcription PCR. Transgene (TvGST) showed single gene Mendelian inheritance. When transgenic plants expressing TvGST gene were exposed to different concentrations of Cd, they were found to be more tolerant compared to wild type plants, with transgenic plants showing lower levels of lipid peroxidation. Levels of different antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione transferase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, guiacol peroxidase and catalase showed enhanced levels in transgenic plants expressing TvGST compared to control plants, when exposed to Cd. Cadmium accumulation in the plant biomass in transgenic plants were similar or lower than wild-type plants. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that transgenic tobacco plants expressing a Trichoderma virens GST are more tolerant to Cd, without enhancing its accumulation in the plant biomass. It should be possible to extend the present results to crop plants for developing Cd tolerance and in limiting Cd availability in the food chain

A Novel Approach for Sustainable Supplier Selection Using Differential Evolution: A Case on Pulp and Paper Industry

Abstract. Diverse sustainable supplier selection (SSS) methodologies have been suggested by the practitioners in earlier, to find a solution to the SSS prob-lem. A SSS problem fundamentally is a multi-criteria practice. It is a judgment of tactical significance to enterprises. The nature of this decision usually is dif-ficult and unstructured. Optimization practices might be useful tools for these types of decision-making difficulties. During last few years, Differential Evolu-tion has arisen as a dominating tool used for solving a variety of problems aris-ing in numerous fields. In the current study, we present an approach to find a solution to the SSS problem using Differential Evolution in pulp and paper in-dustry. Hence this paper presents a novel approach is to practice Differential Evolution to select the efficient sustainable suppliers providing the maximum fulfillment for the sustainable criteria determined. Finally, an illustrative exam-ple on pulp and paper industry validates the application of the present ap-proach