IOHexperimenter: Benchmarking Platform for Iterative Optimization Heuristics.

We present IOHexperimenter, the experimentation module of the IOHprofiler project. IOHexperimenter aims at providing an easy-to-use and customizable toolbox for benchmarking iterative optimization heuristics such as local search, evolutionary and genetic algorithms, and Bayesian optimization techniques. IOHexperimenter can be used as a stand-alone tool or as part of a benchmarking pipeline that uses other modules of the IOHprofiler environment.

Evolutionary Algorithms for Parameter Optimization-Thirty Years Later.

Thirty years, 1993-2023, is a huge time frame in science. We address some major developments in the field of evolutionary algorithms, with applications in parameter optimization, over these 30 years. These include the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy and some fast-growing fields such as multimodal optimization, surrogate-assisted optimization, multiobjective optimization, and automated algorithm design.

Complete chloroplast genome of the wild-type (Celastraceae).

(Celastraceae), belonging to the monotypic genus, is an endangered species endemic to eastern China. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of . was determined using next-generation sequencing technology.

Evaluation of CLT1-(Gd-DTPA) for Cancer MR Molecular Imaging in a Mouse Breast Cancer Model.

A peptide targeted contrast agent, CLT1-(Gd-DTPA), was investigated for molecular imaging of fibrin-fibronectin complexes in tumor stroma with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The contrast agent was evaluated in female nude mice bearing MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma xenografts on a Siemens 3T clinical scanner with a clinical agent Gd(DTPA-BMA) as a non-targeted control. CLT1-(Gd-DTPA) specifically bound to tumor tissue and resulted in significant tumor contrast enhancement at a dose of 0.

A peptide targeted contrast agent specific to fibrin-fibronectin complexes for cancer molecular imaging with MRI.

A peptide targeted contrast agent, CLT1-(Gd-DTPA), was synthesized for molecular imaging of fibronectin-fibrin complexes in tumor tissue with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The T(1) and T(2) relaxivities of CLT1-(Gd-DTPA) were 4.22 and 4.

Polymer platforms for drug delivery and biomedical imaging.

Biocompatible synthetic polymers have demonstrated advantageous pharmacokinetic properties as compared to small molecular agents. Incorporation of low molecular weight therapeutics and imaging agents into biocompatible polymers can optimize their pharmacokinetic properties with improved efficacy of therapy and diagnostic imaging, respectively. We have applied the concept of drug delivery to design safe and effective contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and used biomedical imaging in non-invasive evaluation of drug delivery and image-guided therapy.

Noninvasive visualization of pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and tumor targeting of poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] in mice using contrast enhanced MRI.

Purpose: To study a non-invasive method of using contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the real-time pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and tumor accumulation of paramagnetically labeled poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] (PHPMA) copolymer conjugates with different molecular weights and spacers in tumor-bearing mice.

Materials And Methods: Paramagnetically labeled HPMA copolymer conjugates were synthesized by free radical copolymerization of HPMA with monomers containing a chelating ligand, followed by complexation with Gd(OAc)(3). A stable paramagnetic chelate, Gd-DO3A, was conjugated to the copolymers via a degradable spacer GlyPheLeuGly and a non-degradable spacer GlyGly, respectively.

Noninvasive visualization of in vivo drug delivery of poly(L-glutamic acid) using contrast-enhanced MRI.

Biomedical imaging is valuable for noninvasive investigation of in vivo drug delivery with polymer conjugates. It can provide real-time information on pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and drug delivery efficiency of the conjugates. Noninvasive visualization of in vivo drug delivery of polymer conjugates with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was studied with paramagnetically labeled poly(L-glutamic acid) in an animal tumor model.