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A backtracking search optimisation algorithm that uses historic population information for learning was proposed recently for solving optimisation problems. However, the learning ability and the robustness of this algorithm remain relatively poor. To improve the performance of the backtracking search algorithm (BSA), a modified backtracking search optimisation algorithm (MBSA), based on learning and niching strategies, is presented in this paper. Three main strategies, a learning strategy, a niching strategy, and a mutation strategy, are incorporated into the proposed MBSA algorithm. Learning the best individual in current generation and the best position achieved so far is used to improve the convergence speed. Niching and mutation strategies are used to improve the diversity of the MBSA. Finally, some benchmark functions and three chaotic time series prediction problems based on neural networks are simulated to test the effectiveness of MBSA, and the results are compared with those obtained using some other evolutionary algorithms (EAs). The simulation results indicate that the MBSA outperforms other EAs for most functions and chaotic time series.

Teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithm is one of the recently proposed optimization algorithms. It has been successfully used for solving optimization problems in continuous spaces. To improve the optimization performance of the TLBO algorithm, a modified TLBO algorithm with differential and repulsion learning (DRLTLBO) is presented in this paper. In the proposed algorithm, the differential evolution (DE) operators are introduced into the teacher phase of DRLTLBO to increase the diversity of the new population. In the learner phase of DRLLBO, local learning method or repulsion learning method are adopted according to a certain probability to make learners search knowledge from different directions. In the local learning method, learners learn knowledge not only from the best learner but also from another random learner of their neighbors. In the repulsion learning method, learners learn knowledge from the best learner and keep away from the worst learner of their neighbors. Moreover, self-learning method is adopted to improve the exploitation ability of learners when they are not changed in some continuous generations. To decrease the blindness of random self-learning method, the history information of the corresponding learners in some continuous generations is used in self-learning phase. Furthermore, all learners are regrouped after a certain iterations to improve the local diversity of the learners. In the end, DRLTLBO is tested on 32 benchmark functions with different characteristics and two typical nonlinear modeling problems, and the comparison results show that the proposed DRLTLBO algorithm has shown interesting outcomes in some aspects.

Microelectrode array (MEA) can be used in the study of neurodegenerative diseases by monitoring the chemical neurotransmitter release and the electrical potential simultaneously at the cellular level. Currently, the MEA technology is migrating to more electrodes and higher electrode density, which raises power and area constraints on the design of acquisition IC. In this paper, we report the design of a 200-channel dual-mode acquisition IC with highly efficient usage of power and area. Under the constraints of target noise and fast settling, the current channel design saves power by including a novel current buffer biased in discrete time (DT) before the TIA (transimpedance amplifier). The 200 channels are sampled at 20 kS/s and quantized by column-wise SAR ADCs. The prototype IC was fabricated in a 0.18 $\mu{\rm m}$ CMOS process. Silicon measurements show the current channel has 21.6 ${\rm pA}_{\rm rms}$ noise with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and 0.48 ${\rm pA}_{\rm rms}$ noise with constant amperometry (CA) while consuming 12.1 $\mu{\rm W}$ . The voltage channel has 4.07 $\mu{\rm V}_{\rm rms}$ noise in the bandwidth of 100 kHz and 0.2% nonlinearity while consuming 9.1 $\mu{\rm W}$ . Each channel occupies 0.03 ${\rm mm}^{2}$ area, which is among the smallest.

Although CMOS compatible CNT process in interconnect technology has been proposed [1], integration to a working active device has yet to be demonstrated. CNT synthesis in existing works employ the use of Ti-based substrate using Ni catalyst [2]. Nevertheless, the use of CNTs as MOSFET contact plugs in advanced technology node require the synthesis of CNTs on nickel silicided (NiSi) source and drain region [3]. Thus, in this paper, a CMOS compatible integration process of CNT contact plug to a MOSFET is proposed. The challenge of growing CNT from NiSi substrate is addressed using interfacial layer using Ni based catalyst. The performance of CNT vias integrated with a MOSFET is evaluated in terms of via resistance and IV characteristics.

Teaching-learning-based optimization (TLBO) is a recently proposed population-based algorithm that simulates the process of teaching and learning. Compared with other evolutionary algorithms, TLBO has fewer parameters that must be determined during the renewal process, and is very efficient for certain optimization problems. However, as a population-based algorithm, certain complex problems cause TLBO to exhibit local convergence phenomena. Therefore, to improve the global performance of TLBO, we have designed local learning and self-learning methods to enhance the search ability of TLBO. In the learner phase, every individual learns from both the teacher of the current generation and other individuals. Whether these individuals are neighbours or random individuals from the whole class is determined probabilistically. In the self-learning phase, individuals either renew their positions according to their own gradient information, or randomly exploit new positions according to a design based on the means and variances. To maintain local diversity, all individuals are rearranged after a set number of iterations. The proposed algorithm is tested on a number of functions, and its performance is compared with that of other well-known optimization algorithms. The results indicate that the improved TLBO attains good performance.

The contact property between Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 (GST) with vertical carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is studied in this work. By careful catalyst design and process optimization, we have demonstrated the formation of ohmic contact between the CNT and the GST material. The developed process is CMOS compatible and can be used for form phase change memory over the vias in the interconnect layers.

Purpose: Recent randomized trials in advanced TNBC have demonstrated improved efficacy with the addition of atezo to 1L nab-PAC in patients (pts) with PD-L1+ tumors (IMpassion130 [Schmid 2018]), and with the addition of the oral AKT inhibitor IPAT to 1L PAC, particularly in pts with PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN-altered tumors (LOTUS [Kim 2017]). Loss of PTEN, a negative regulator of AKT, has emerged as a potential mechanism for resistance to checkpoint inhibitor therapy; inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway has led to reversal of T-cell-mediated immunotherapy resistance [Peng 2016]. We report first results from a multicenter phase 1b study (NCT03800836) evaluating a triplet of IPAT, atezo, and PAC or nab-PAC. Methods: Eligible pts had measurable unresectable locally advanced/metastatic TNBC, ECOG performance status 0/1, and no prior systemic therapy for advanced disease. Pts were assigned to PAC 80 mg/m2 (Arm A) or nab-PAC 100 mg/m2 (Arm B), both given on days 1, 8, & 15, in combination with oral IPAT 400 mg/day on days 1-21 and IV atezo 840 mg on days 1 & 15. Cycles were repeated every 28 days until loss of clinical benefit, unacceptable toxicity, or consent withdrawal. After establishing tolerability in a safety run-in (n=6), each arm was expanded to a total of 20 pts. The primary efficacy endpoint is confirmed objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1. Tumors are assessed every 8 weeks. Results: We report preliminary efficacy and safety data up to Jan 5, 2019, for the first 26 pts enrolled (18 PAC, 8 nab-PAC). The median duration of follow-up was 6.1 (range 3.1-10.6) months. Confirmed responses were seen in 19/26 pts, giving a confirmed ORR of 73% (95% CI 53-88%). Responses were seen irrespective of PD-L1 status (9/11 [82%] PD-L1+; 6/8 [75%] PD-L1-; 4/7 [57%] PD-L1 unknown) or PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN alteration status (5/7 [71%] Dx+, 9/11 [82%] Dx-; 5/8 [63%] Dx unknown). Treatment was generally tolerable. Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 14 pts (54%). The most common all-grade adverse events were diarrhea (88%; grade ≥3 19%, manageable with loperamide; no colitis was reported) and rash (including pruritic, pustular, and maculopapular rash and drug eruption: 69%; grade ≥3 27%, manageable and reversible with antihistamine and steroids). The most severe rash was grade 3 and typically occurred in cycle 1. Hyperglycemia was absent. Enrollment is ongoing. Conclusions: The triplet regimen shows promising antitumor activity (73% confirmed ORR), irrespective of biomarker status, and has manageable toxicity. This triplet regimen warrants further investigation. Citation Format: Peter Schmid, Delphine Loirat, Peter Savas, Enrique Espinosa, Valentina Boni, Antoine Italiano, Shane White, Stina M. Singel, Nimali Withana, Aruna Mani, Suwen Li, Adam Harris, Matthew Wongchenko, Marie Sablin. Phase Ib study evaluating a triplet combination of ipatasertib (IPAT), atezolizumab (atezo), and paclitaxel (PAC) or nab-PAC as first-line (1L) therapy for locally advanced/metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT049.

A dumbbell-shaped fiber laser with dual-functional pulsed outputs is demonstrated using a filmy polyvinyl alcohol-based gold nanorods (GNRs) saturable absorber (SA), which can deliver mode-locked soliton and multiwavelength Q-switched pulse. The GNRs-SA is fabricated by seed-mediated method with a modulation depth of 4.1% and nonsaturable loss of 32.9%. When the fiber laser operates in mode-locked regime, stable fundamental solitons with a temporal width of 910 fs and repetition rate of 2.88 MHz are directly generated from the laser cavity. The corresponding spectrum is located at 1560.1 nm with a 3-dB bandwidth of 3.08 nm. When the laser operates in Q-switched regime, more than 5-wavelength oscillation is achieved. The repetition rate of Q-switched monotonically increases from 13.4 to 31.7 kHz and the pulse duration can be significantly narrowed from 6.07 to 3.12 μs by varying the pump power from 128 to 154 mW. The results further expand the applications of GNRs-SA to obtain versatile pulse sources in ultrafast laser field.

The application of carbon-nanotube to reduce interconnect delay is studied in this work, with the emphasis on how it can be used to reduce the inter-metal capacitance. By forming vertically aligned cylindrical pores assisted by vertically grown CNT, mechanically stable ultra-low-k interlayer dielectric with k-value down to 1.89 is experimentally demonstrated. Ways to integrate this process will other CNT enhanced interconnect technology are also discussed.

This paper describes the potential of using carbon nanotube (CNT) as a via-filling material to enhance the performance mainstream CMOS technology. Due to the CMOS compatibility constraint, the choice of catalyst material and processing conditions have been significantly limited. After a careful selection process, Ni is found to be a workable material. Through catalyst engineering, we have demonstrated that it is possible to form CNT filled vias on metal or silicide substrate at low temperature with low contact resistance. The impact of via dimensions and processing condition has also been studied. Based on statistical analysis using measured data, the best-case projected via resistance for a 30nm via is 295Ω, which is within one order of magnitude of its copper and tungsten counterparts.

Current literature on cancer epidemiology typically discusses etiology of cancer by cancer type. Risks of different cancer types are, however, correlated at population level and may provide etiological clues. We showed previously an unexpected very high positive correlation between breast cancer (BC) and young-adult Hodgkin disease incidence rates. In a population-based case-control study of BC, older ages at the first Epstein-Barr virus exposure, indicated by older ages at onset of infectious mononucleosis, were associated with elevated BC risk. Here we examine BC risk in association with microbial cancer (MC) risk in female populations across the world. MC cancers are cervical, liver and stomach cancers with established causal associations with human papillomaviruses, hepatitis viruses, and helicobacter pylori, respectively. We examined age-adjusted BC and MC incidence rates in 74 female populations around the world with cancer registries. Our analysis suggests that BC and MC rates are inversely associated in a special mathematical form such that the product of BC rate and MC rate is approximately constant across world female populations. A differential equation model with solutions consistent to the observed inverse association was derived. BC and MC rates were modeled as functions of an exposure level to unspecified common factors that influence the 2 rates. In conjunction with previously reported evidence, we submit a hypothesis that BC etiology may have an appreciable link with microbial exposures (and/or immunological responses to them), the lack of which, especially in early life, may elevate BC risk.

Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at risk for late effects of cancer therapy. Five-year ALL survivors (< 21 years at diagnosis; n = 5760 eligible, 4151 participants), diagnosed from 1970 to 1986 were compared with the general population and a sibling cohort (n = 3899). Cumulative mortality of 5760 5-year survivors was 13% at 25 years from diagnosis. Recurrent ALL (n = 483) and second neoplasms (SNs; n = 89) were the major causes of death. Among 185 survivors, 199 SNs occurred, 53% in the CNS. Survivors reported more multiple chronic medical conditions (CMCs; odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% CI, 2.4-3.2) and severe or life-threatening CMCs (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 3.0-4.5) than siblings. Cumulative incidence of severe CMCs, including death, 25 years from diagnosis was 21.3% (95% CI, 18.2-24.4; 23.3% [95% CI, 19.4-27.2] and 13.4% [95% CI, 8.4-18.4] for irradiated and nonirradiated survivors, respectively). Survivors reported more adverse general and mental health, functional impairment, and activity limitations compared with siblings (P < .001). Rates of marriage, college graduation, employment, and health insurance were all lower compared with sibling controls (P < .001). Long-term survivors of childhood ALL exhibit excess mortality and morbidity. Survivors who received radiation therapy as part of their treatment or had a leukemia relapse are at greatest risk for adverse outcomes.

BACKGROUND Limited data exist on the comprehensive assessment of late medical and social effects experienced by survivors of childhood and young adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS This analysis included 272 5-year AML survivors who participated in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS). All patients were diagnosed at age ≤21 years between the years 1970 and 1986, and none underwent stem cell transplantation. Rates of survival, relapse, and late outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS The average follow-up was 20.5 years (range, 5–33 years). The overall survival rate was 97% at 10 years (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 94%–98%) and 94% at 20 years (95% CI, 90%–96%). Six survivors reported 8 recurrences. The cumulative incidence of recurrent AML was 6.6% at 10 years (95% CI, 3.7%–9.6%) and 8.6% at 20 years (95% CI, 5.1%–12.1%). Ten subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMN) were reported, including 4 with a history of radiation therapy, for a 20-year cumulative incidence of 1.7% (95% CI, 0.02%–3.4%). Six cardiac events were reported, for a 20-year cumulative incidence 4.7% (95% CI, 2.1%–7.3%). Half of the survivors reported a chronic medical condition and, compared with siblings, were at increased risk for severe or life-threatening chronic medical conditions (16% vs 5.8%; P < .001). Among those aged ≥25 years, the age-adjusted marriage rates were similar among survivors and the general United States population (57% for both) and lower compared with siblings (67%; P < .01). Survivors' college graduation rates were lower compared with siblings but higher than the general population (40% vs 52% vs 34%, respectively; P < .01). Employment rates were similar between survivors, siblings, and the general population (93%, 97.6%, and 95.8%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Long-term survival from childhood AML ≥5-years after diagnosis was favorable. Late-occurring medical events remained a concern with socioeconomic achievement lower than expected within the individual family unit, although it was not different from the general United States population. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.

In this work, the luminescence properties of samarium ions-doped titanium dioxide prepared by the sol–gel process were studied. A strong orange red emission (4G5/2−6H7/2 (orange) and 4G5/2–6H9/2 (red)) ascribed to the electron transitions in 4f5 configuration of Sm3+ ions was observed upon excitation into TiO2 host. The energy transfer from TiO2 to Sm3+ was verified and the relevant mechanism was discussed. In addition, the impacts of metal ion codopants upon the TiO2:Sm3+ luminescence properties were studied. The results indicated that the central excitation band shifted to blue in the bismuth-codoped materials (0.5–4% in molar ratio), while it shifted to red in the zirconium-codoped materials. Such materials may find applications in white light-emission diode (LED) and tunable solid lasers.

Generally, subspace learning based methods such as the Incremental Visual Tracker (IVT) have been shown to be quite effective for visual tracking problem. However, it may fail to follow the target when it undergoes drastic pose or illumination changes. In this work, we present a novel tracker to enhance the IVT algorithm by employing a multicue based adaptive appearance model. First, we carry out the integration of cues both in feature space and in geometric space. Second, the integration directly depends on the dynamically-changing reliabilities of visual cues. These two aspects of our method allow the tracker to easily adapt itself to the changes in the context and accordingly improve the tracking accuracy by resolving the ambiguities. Experimental results demonstrate that subspace-based tracking is strongly improved by exploiting the multiple cues through the proposed algorithm.

In this paper, we propose an effective tracker for infrared videos based on the multi-cue fusion. Under the particle filter tracking construction, a novel feature scoring scheme is introduced to evaluate different cue tracking ability, then the multi-cue fusion is executed in a weighted sum manner. In our tracking system, the score of each feature can be adaptively updated according to the current environment. Experimental results with various Infrared Video Database and different trackers are reported to demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of our algorithm.

A novel all-fiber flat-top comb filter is proposed based on Sagnac loop interferometer of photonic crystal fiber (PCF). The transmission function of the proposed Sagnac loop filter is expressed theoretically by Jones transmit-matrix. The influences of birefringence of PCF, the lengths of two sections of PCFs and the rotatable angle of polarization controllers on its output spectra are numerically studied. On the basis of theoretical analysis, a wavelength switchable comb filter with flat-top spectral response is realized. This kind of filter can be expected to be used widely in DWDM systems in the future.

Background: Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. To further characterize this risk, this study aimed to compare the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in childhood cancer survivors and their siblings. Methods: Participants included 8599 survivors in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS), a retrospectively ascertained North American cohort of long-term survivors who were diagnosed between 1970 and 1986 as well as 2936 randomly selected siblings of the survivors. The main outcome was self-reported DM. Results: The mean ages of the survivors and the siblings were 31.5 years (age range, 17.0-54.1 years) and 33.4 years (age range, 9.6-58.4 years), respectively. Diabetes mellitus was reported in 2.5% of the survivors and 1.7% of the siblings. After adjustment for body mass index, age, sex, race/ethnicity, household income, and insurance, the survivors were 1.8 times more likely than the siblings to report DM (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-2.5;P.001),withsurvivorswhoreceivedtotalbody irradiation (odds ratio [OR], 12.6; 95% CI, 6.2-25.3; P.001), abdominal irradiation (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.35.0; P.001), and cranial irradiation (OR, 1.6; 95% CI 1.0-2.3;P=.03) at increased risk. In adjusted models, an increased risk of DM was associated with total body irradiation (OR, 7.2; 95% CI, 3.4-15.0;P.001), abdominal irradiation (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.9-3.8; P.001), use of alkylating agents (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.3; P.01), and younger age at diagnosis (0-4 years; OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3-4.6; P.01). Conclusion: Childhood cancer survivors treated with totalbodyorabdominalirradiationhaveanincreasedrisk of diabetes that appears unrelated to body mass index or physical inactivity.