Unique Coexistence of Two Resistive Switching Modes in a Memristor Device Enables Multifunctional Neuromorphic Computing Properties.

We report on hybrid memristor devices consisting of germanium dioxide nanoparticles (GeO2 NP) embedded within a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin film. Besides exhibiting forming-free resistive switching and an uncommon "ON" state in pristine conditions, the hybrid (nanocomposite) devices demonstrate a unique form of mixed-mode switching. The observed stopping voltage-dependent switching enables state-of-the-art bifunctional synaptic behavior with short-term (volatile/temporal) and long-term (nonvolatile/nontemporal) modes that are switchable depending on the stopping voltage applied. The short-term memory mode device is demonstrated to further emulate important synaptic functions such as short-term potentiation (STP), short-term depression (STD), paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), post-tetanic potentiation (PTP), spike-voltage-dependent plasticity (SVDP), spike-duration-dependent plasticity (SDDP), and, more importantly, the "learning-forgetting-rehearsal" behavior. The long-term memory mode gives additional long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) characteristics for long-term plasticity applications. The work shows a unique coexistence of the two resistive switching modes, providing greater flexibility in device design for future adaptive and reconfigurable neuromorphic computing systems at the hardware level.

Understanding Painful Hip in Young Adults: A Review Article.

A wide number of disorders, including pathologies outside the hip, can cause and refer pain to hip. However, determining the cause of a painful hip can be a major challenge to orthopedic surgeons. Failure to diagnose and appropriately investigate pathologies of the hip in adults may result in delayed management and prolonged patient morbidity. A systematic approach to investigating the etiology of hip pain in adults (e.g., history, careful clinical and radiographic examination), will help identify the majority of clinically important pathologies which can cause hip pain. Conservative treatment and selective use of injection therapies has proven quite successful for the treatment of most causes of hip pain.