Impact of On-chip Interconnect on In-memory Acceleration of Deep Neural Networks

With the widespread use of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), machine learning algorithms have evolved in two diverse directions—one with ever-increasing connection density for better accuracy and the other with more compact sizing for energy efficiency. The increase in connection density increases on-chip data movement, which makes efficient on-chip communication a critical function of the DNN accelerator. The contribution of this work is threefold. First, we illustrate that the point-to-point (P2P)-based interconnect is incapable of handling a high volume of on-chip data movement for DNNs. Second, we evaluate P2P and network-on-chip (NoC) interconnect (with a regular topology such as a mesh) for SRAM- and ReRAM-based in-memory computing (IMC) architectures for a range of DNNs. This analysis shows the necessity for the optimal interconnect choice for an IMC DNN accelerator. Finally, we perform an experimental evaluation for different DNNs to empirically obtain the performance of the IMC architecture with both NoC-tree and NoC-mesh. We conclude that, at the tile level, NoC-tree is appropriate for compact DNNs employed at the edge, and NoC-mesh is necessary to accelerate DNNs with high connection density. Furthermore, we propose a technique to determine the optimal choice of interconnect for any given DNN. In this technique, we use analytical models of NoC to evaluate end-to-end communication latency of any given DNN. We demonstrate that the interconnect optimization in the IMC architecture results in up to 6 × improvement in energy-delay-area product for VGG-19 inference compared to the state-of-the-art ReRAM-based IMC architectures.

Neurons in the pigeon visual network discriminate between faces, scrambled faces, and sine grating images

Discriminating between object categories (e.g., conspecifics, food, potential predators) is a critical function of the primate and bird visual systems. We examined whether a similar hierarchical organization in the ventral stream that operates for processing faces in monkeys also exists in the avian visual system. We performed electrophysiological recordings from the pigeon Wulst of the thalamofugal pathway, in addition to the entopallium (ENTO) and mesopallium ventrolaterale (MVL) of the tectofugal pathway, while pigeons viewed images of faces, scrambled controls, and sine gratings. A greater proportion of MVL neurons fired to the stimuli, and linear discriminant analysis revealed that the population response of MVL neurons distinguished between the stimuli with greater capacity than ENTO and Wulst neurons. While MVL neurons displayed the greatest response selectivity, in contrast to the primate system no neurons were strongly face-selective and some responded best to the scrambled images. These findings suggest that MVL is primarily involved in processing the local features of images, much like the early visual cortex.

H3K27ac-activated EGFR-AS1 promotes cell growth in cervical cancer through ACTN4-mediated WNT pathway

Background Recently, extensive studies unveiled that lncRNAs exert critical function in the development and progression of cervical cancer (CC). EGFR-AS1 is a novel lncRNA which has not been well-explored in CC. Aims Our study aimed to research the function and molecular mechanism of EGFR-AS1 in CC cells. qRT-PCR analysis was performed to detect gene expression. Colony formation, EdU, flow cytometry, TUNEL, western blot and transwell assays were performed to assess the effect of EGFR-AS1 on CC cell growth. The regulatory mechanism of EGFR-AS1 was dug out through mechanism experiments. Results EGFR-AS1 was notably overexpressed in CC cell lines. Loss-of-functional experiments revealed that EGFR-AS1 promoted CC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and suppressed cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, up-regulation of EGFR-AS1 was attributed to the activation of H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac). Further, EGFR-AS1 was revealed to function as miR-2355-5p sponge. Additionally, miR-2355-5p was down-regulated in CC cells and ACTN4 was identified as a target gene of miR-2355-5p. Ultimately, overexpressed ACTN4 could reserve the suppressive role of EGFR-AS1 silencing in CC cell growth. Last but not least, EGFR-AS1 facilitated CC cell growth via ACTN4-mediated WNT pathway. Conclusions H3K27ac-activated EGFR-AS1 sponged miR-2355-5p and promoted CC cell growth through ACTN4-mediated WNT pathway.

Fos regulates macrophage infiltration against surrounding tissue resistance by a cortical actin-based mechanism in Drosophila

The infiltration of immune cells into tissues underlies the establishment of tissue-resident macrophages and responses to infections and tumors. Yet the mechanisms immune cells utilize to negotiate tissue barriers in living organisms are not well understood, and a role for cortical actin has not been examined. Here, we find that the tissue invasion of Drosophila macrophages, also known as plasmatocytes or hemocytes, utilizes enhanced cortical F-actin levels stimulated by the Drosophila member of the fos proto oncogene transcription factor family (Dfos, Kayak). RNA sequencing analysis and live imaging show that Dfos enhances F-actin levels around the entire macrophage surface by increasing mRNA levels of the membrane spanning molecular scaffold tetraspanin TM4SF, and the actin cross-linking filamin Cheerio, which are themselves required for invasion. Both the filamin and the tetraspanin enhance the cortical activity of Rho1 and the formin Diaphanous and thus the assembly of cortical actin, which is a critical function since expressing a dominant active form of Diaphanous can rescue the Dfos macrophage invasion defect. In vivo imaging shows that Dfos enhances the efficiency of the initial phases of macrophage tissue entry. Genetic evidence argues that this Dfos-induced program in macrophages counteracts the constraint produced by the tension of surrounding tissues and buffers the properties of the macrophage nucleus from affecting tissue entry. We thus identify strengthening the cortical actin cytoskeleton through Dfos as a key process allowing efficient forward movement of an immune cell into surrounding tissues.

ARTE E FUN��O CR�TICA: DI�LOGOS COM GL�RIA FERREIRA / Art and critical function: dialogues with Gl�ria Ferreira

Sempre atenta aos principais debates da arte contempor�nea e � produ��o escrita dos artistas, a professora, cr�tica, curadora e editora Gl�ria Ferreira trouxe contribui��es inestim�veis para a renova��o te�rica e para a expans�o das pesquisas em arte no Brasil. Transitando entre os campos da arte e da educa��o, a trajet�ria de Gl�ria Ferreira sempre foi insepar�vel do seu engajamento pol�tico ? desde o combate � ditadura militar at� a voz ativa no movimento feminista, assumindo o desafio de consolidar as pr�ticas art�sticas como solo f�rtil para constru��o do pensamento cr�tico, especialmente no �mbito da universidade p�blica brasileira, onde contribuiu para a forma��o de gera��es de artistas e pesquisadores, bem como para a consolida��o do campo de pesquisas em hist�ria e cr�tica das artes visuais.

Self-Directed Learning for the Knowledge Worker

Learning is an increasingly critical function for every individual as we race into a technological and global advanced society. Consider that with advances in technology the amount of information we can obtain has grown, our workdays have expanded, and our work expectations are boundaryless. Now, more so than ever, individuals who want to be competitive must choose to continue learning. Not just gathering information but learning such that they are obtaining key information and can measure their own learning success. With this awareness, self-directed learning becomes a critical skill for all individuals in all life roles. The chapter will define self-directed learning, discuss relevant theories, present two self-assessment learning tools, and finally, offer a model for application.

Radiological imaging and non-surgical local treatments for cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a malignancy with a very heterogeneous spectrum of morphopathological and prognostic characteristics. Diagnostic imaging is fundamental for early detection, preoperative staging, and resectability assessment, as well as early recognition of prognostic factors. Radical surgical treatment is limited by disease stage and technical feasibility. Interventional radiology has acquired a critical function in addressing disease control and survival improvement through loco-regional therapies, specifically in the setting of intrahepatic CC. In this review, we will describe the current state of art of diagnostic imaging, focusing on intrahepatic CC and proximal extrahepatic CC, and delineate the available loco-regional therapies strategies for unresectable intrahepatic CC.

Both artistic and comic

This study examines Louis Cazamian’s considerations on the nature of humour, which were influenced by Bergson’s theory of the comic as a contrast between life and automatism and Bergson’s idea of humour as a specific type of comic linguistic transposition. In this context, the paper draws attention to the critical function of humour in Cazamian’s understanding based on his embracing of Bergson’s conception of laughter as a critique of the automation of life. However, Cazamian’s speculating diverges from Bergson’s thoughts on humour and leads to the creation of an elaborated theory. Cazamian states that humour has an artistic status and attributes characteristics to it that Bergson attributes to works of art. In contrast to Bergson, who emphasises the distinction between art and the comic, Cazamian deems humour’s critical aspect to accord with its artistic status. While humour is attributed artistic status because it suggests the multifaceted or elusive character of reality, humour’s comic character entails ridiculing the inability or unwillingness to respect that reality has a comic character.

Glymphatic System Dysfunction in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

ObjectiveTo assess the clinical role of the glymphatic system in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-concussive syndrome (PCS).BackgroundClinical manifestations of mTBI, or concussion, involve a wide array of cognitive, behavioral, and mechanical impairments that commonly spontaneously resolve within weeks. When these symptoms persist, it defines a class of mTBI known as post-concussive syndrome. A multifaceted approach for diagnosing concussion and PCS, heavily reliant on a neurocognitive screening, has become the standard in suspected cases. Conventional imaging protocols are occasionally implemented for exclusion of structural injury, rarely revealing substantial evidence in otherwise uncomplicated mTBI. A CNS-specific lymphatic network, termed glymphatic, has shown to play a critical role in immune surveillance and drainage of cellular debris. Moreover, recent evidence points to glymphatic dysfunction in TBI, including mild cases, as its anatomical layout becomes better understood. Here, we review the current literature on glymphatic function and imaging modalities, with an emphasis on implications in mTBI.Design/MethodsLiterature was compiled primarily using various keyword searches (glymphatic + imaging, meningeal lymphatics, glymphatic + concussion, etc.) via Pubmed and the NIH/NLM archive. Inclusion criteria involved limiting to studies on human patients or tissue.ResultsThe glymphatic system displays critical function in healthy patients and in disease, with activity that suggests a diurnal sleep-cycle. Advanced imaging methodologies, most notably, the use of various MRI techniques, have identified impairments in meningeal lymphatic dysfunction in TBI, however, the clinical application of glymphatic imaging has yet to be well-studied and shows challenges in providing definitive data. Nonetheless, the potential for glymphatic imaging to expand our understanding of mTBI and PCS warrants further investigation.ConclusionsAnatomical and functional properties of the glymphatic network make an appealing target for concussion diagnosis, observing recovery, and exposing impact-related microstructural injuries, however the implementation of imaging in a clinical setting has yet to be well-characterized.

Corrections Practice in the Croatian Online Media: Between Legislation and Tradition

Economic, technological and societal trends have switched the model of (online) journalism so that it is focused on the immediacy and volume that has resulted in a lower level of accuracy. To retain a critical function in a democracy, that model needs a corresponding error correction practice. In this study, we used content analysis to investigate how the Croatian online media correct errors, and how their correction practices differ according to the types of online media. The results demonstrate that errors in action or meaning (N = 217) were 67.8% of all errors, that the most common way of correcting errors was by posting an independent note about an error that was linked to the article (59%, N = 188), and that the correction notes were linked to uncorrected articles in 85.1% (N = 159) of cases. The findings showed that the only statistically significant difference between traditional and online media were the correction labelling practice and the location of the corrections.