Search

For the progress of artificial neural networks, the imitation of multiple biological functions is indispensable for processing more tasks in a complex working environment. Memristors, which possess these advantages such as uniformity, high switching speed, and smaller device scale, are the better candidates compared to conventional complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology in artificial neural networks. In this work, an Ag/ZrOx/Pt threshold switching memristor (TSM) is designed to overcome the drawback of the large variation in the non‐volatile filament type memristor. The cycle‐to‐cycle and device‐to‐device variations are 5.6% and 4.9%. This device has mimicked the "nociceptive threshold," "relaxation," "no adaptation," and "sensitization" features for the nociceptor which can prevent the artificial intelligence system from dangers in the external environment. Additionally, with the change in the strength of the external stimulus, the artificial neuron is also built by emulating "all‐or‐nothing," "threshold‐driven‐spiking," and "strength‐modulated" characteristics. The proposed threshold‐switching memristor allows the simultaneous emulation of the biological nociceptor and leaky integrate‐and‐fire neuron for the first time, which represents an advance in the bioinspired technology adopted in future artificial neural networks and humanoid robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There is no clear consensus on the optimal timing of surgical resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastases (SCLM). This study is a meta-analysis of the available evidence. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of trials comparing outcomes following simultaneous resection with staged resection for SCLM published from 1990 to 2010 in PubMed, Embase, Ovid and Medline. Pooled odds ratios (OR) or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using either the fixed effects or random effects model. Results: Nineteen non-randomized controlled trials (NRCT) studies were included in this analysis. These studies included a total of 2724 patients: 1116 underwent simultaneous resection and 1608 underwent staged resection. Meta-analysis showed that shorter hospital stay ( P < 0.001) and lower total complication rate ( P < 0.001) were observed in patients undergoing simultaneous resection group. The overall survival rate in the simultaneous resection group did not statistically differ with that in the staged resection group at 1 year ( P = 0.13), 3 years ( P = 0.26), 5 years ( P = 0.38), as well as the 1, 3 and 5 years disease-free survival rates (respectively, P = 0.55; P = 0.16; P = 0.12). No significant difference was noted between the two groups in terms of mortality ( P = 0.16), intraoperative blood loss ( P = 0.06) and recurrence ( P = 0.47). Conclusion: Simultaneous resection is safe and efficient in the treatment of patients with SCLM while avoiding a second laparotomy. In selected patients, simultaneous resection might be considered as the preferred approach. However, the findings have to be carefully interpreted due to the lower level of evidence and the existence of heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Previous studies investigating the association between the glutathione S-transferase Tl ( GSTT1) null genotype and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in the Asian population have reported controversial results. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed to clarify the effect of the GSTT1 null genotype on CRC risk in the Asian population. Methods: A comprehensive study was conducted, and 12 case-control studies were finally included, involving a total of 4517 CRC cases and 6607 controls. Subgroup analyses were performed by the sample size. Results: A meta-analysis of all 12 studies showed that the GSTT1 null genotype was significantly associated with an increased CRC risk in the Asian population (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.19, the P-value of the OR [ POR] = 0.02, the value of the heterogeneity analysis [I2] = 42%). A more obvious association was observed after the heterogeneity was eliminated by excluding one study (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06-1.25, POR = 0.001, I2 = 0%). This association was further identified by both subgroup analyses and a sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that the GSTT1 null genotype contributes to an increased colorectal cancer risk in the Asian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]