We review HyDRATE, a low-SWaP reconfigurable neural network architecture developed under the DARPA AIE HyDDENN (Hyper-Dimensional Data Enabled Neural Network) program. We describe the training and simulated performance of a feature extractor free of multiply-accumulates (MAC) feeding a hyperdimensional (HD) logic-based classifier and show how performance increases with the number of hyperdimensions. Reconfigurability in the field is achieved by retraining only the feed-forward HD classifier without gradient descent backpropagation. We show performance for a video activity classification task and demonstrate retraining on this same dataset. Finally, we discuss a realized FPGA architecture that achieves 10x smaller memory footprint, 10x simpler operations and 100x lower latency/power compared to traditional deep neural networks.
David Zhang
SRI Author
Fast, Full Chip Image Stitching of Nanoscale Integrated Circuits
The rapid progression of semiconductor technology has significantly impacted the ability to examine and analyze complex integrated circuits (ICs). Small device feature sizes, combined with large die sizes, add a heavy processing burden that severely limits our timely ability to perform defect validation and anti-tampering analysis at full scale. In this paper, we describe the algorithmic steps taken in the processing pipeline to quickly create a global image database of an entire advanced IC. We focused specifically on the image alignment and stitching algorithms necessary to support a combined field-of-view of a given layer of a die. We describe key algorithmic challenges such as contextual semantics that limits the robustness of the alignment algorithm. We also describe the use of database indexing to manage and traverse the enormous amounts of data.
Role for the Nicotinic Cholinergic System in Movement Disorders; Therapeutic Implications
A large body of evidence using experimental animal models shows that the nicotinic cholinergic system is involved in the control of movement under physiological conditions. This work raised the question whether dysregulation of this system may contribute to motor dysfunction and whether drugs targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) may be of therapeutic benefit in movement disorders. Accumulating preclinical studies now show that drugs acting at nAChRs improve drug-induced dyskinesias. The general nAChR agonist nicotine, as well as several nAChR agonists (varenicline, ABT-089 and ABT-894), reduces l-dopa-induced abnormal involuntary movements or dyskinesias up to 60% in parkinsonian nonhuman primates and rodents. These dyskinesias are potentially debilitating abnormal involuntary movements that arise as a complication of l-dopa therapy for Parkinson’s disease. In addition, nicotine and varenicline decrease antipsychotic-induced abnormal involuntary movements in rodent models of tardive dyskinesia. Antipsychotic-induced dyskinesias frequently arise as a side effect of chronic drug treatment for schizophrenia, psychosis and other psychiatric disorders. Preclinical and clinical studies also show that the nAChR agonist varenicline improves balance and coordination in various ataxias. Lastly, nicotine has been reported to attenuate the dyskinetic symptoms of Tourette’s disorder. Several nAChR subtypes appear to be involved in these beneficial effects of nicotine and nAChR drugs including α4β2*, α6β2* and α7 nAChRs (the asterisk indicates the possible presence of other subunits in the receptor). Overall, the above findings, coupled with nicotine’s neuroprotective effects, suggest that nAChR drugs have potential for future drug development for movement disorders.
