30 research outputs found

    A New Length-Based Algebraic Multigrid Clustering Algorithm

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    Clustering algorithms have been used to improve the speed and quality of placement. Traditionally,clustering focuses on the local connections between cells. In this paper, a new clustering algorithmthat is based on the estimated lengths of circuit interconnects and the connectivity is proposed. Inthe proposed algorithm, first an a priori length estimation technique is used to estimate the lengthsof nets. Then, the estimated lengths are used in a clustering framework to modify a clusteringtechnique based on algebraic multigrid (AMG), that finds the cells with the highest connectivity.Finally, based on the results from the AMG-based process, clusters are made. In addition, anew physical unclustering technique is proposed. The results show a significant improvement,reductions of up to 40%, in wire length can be achieved when using the proposed technique withthree academic placers on industry-based circuits. Moreover, the runtime is not significantlydegraded and can even be improved.Peer Reviewe

    A comparison of microvascular responses to visible and near-infrared lasers.

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    Background and objectivePulsed dye laser (PDL) is a commonly used treatment for Port Wine Stain birthmarks (PWS). However, deeper components of PWS are often resistant to PDL. Deeper penetrating lasers, including the long pulsed Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser have been used, but carry greater risk. This study evaluates the distinct blood vessel thermal responses to visible (595 nm) and near infrared (1,064 nm) lasers using animal and numerical models.Study design/materials and methodsBlood vessels in the rodent dorsal skin chamber (DSC) were irradiated by a 595 nm PDL and a long-pulsed 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser. Laser-induced immediate and 1-hour post-structural and functional changes in the vessels were documented. Numerical simulations were conducted using a 1,000 µm depth SD mouse skin fold to simulate experimental conditions.ResultsPDL irradiation produced immediate blood vessel hemorrhage. Modeling indicated this occurs due to preferential heating of the superior parts of large blood vessels. Nd:YAG irradiation resulted in blood vessel constriction; modeling indicated more uniform heating of vessel walls.ConclusionPDL and Nd:YAG lasers result in distinct tissue responses. This supports different observable clinical treatment end points when using these devices. Vessel constriction associated with the Nd:YAG may be more difficult to observe and is one reason this device may carry greater risk

    Maternal bisphenol A exposure alters rat offspring hepatic and skeletal muscle insulin signaling protein abundance

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    BackgroundThe obesogenic and diabetogenic effects of the environmental toxin bisphenol A during critical windows of development are well recognized. Liver and skeletal muscle play a central role in the control of glucose production, utilization, and storage.ObjectivesWe hypothesized that maternal bisphenol A exposure disrupts insulin signaling in rat offspring liver and skeletal muscle. We determined the protein expression of hepatic and skeletal muscle insulin signaling molecules including insulin receptor beta, its downstream target insulin receptor substrate 1 and glucose transporters (glucose transporter 2, glucose transporter 4), and hepatic glucose-regulating enzymes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucokinase.Study designRat dams had ad libitum access to filtered drinking water (control) or drinking water with bisphenol A from 2 weeks prior to mating and through pregnancy and lactation. Offspring litters were standardized to 4 males and 4 females and nursed by the same dam. At weaning, bisphenol A exposure was removed from all offspring. Glucose tolerance was tested at 6 weeks and 6 months. Liver and skeletal muscle was collected from 3 week old and 10 month old offspring for protein expression (Western blot) of insulin receptor beta, insulin receptor substrate 1, glucose transporter 2, glucose transporter 4, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and glucokinase.ResultsMale, but not female, bisphenol A offspring had impaired glucose tolerance at 6 weeks and 6 months. Both male and female adult offspring had higher glucose-stimulated insulin secretion as well as the ratio of stimulated insulin to glucose. Male bisphenol A offspring had higher liver protein abundance of the 200 kDa insulin receptor beta precursor (2-fold), and insulin receptor substrate 1 (1.5-fold), whereas glucose transporter 2 was 0.5-fold of the control at 3 weeks of age. In adult male bisphenol A offspring, the abundance of insulin receptor beta was higher (2-fold) and glucose transporter 4 was 0.8-fold of the control in skeletal muscle. In adult female bisphenol A offspring, the skeletal muscle protein abundance of glucose transporter 4 was 0.4-fold of the control.ConclusionMaternal bisphenol A had sex- and tissue-specific effects on insulin signaling components, which may contribute to increased risk of glucose intolerance in offspring. Glucose transporters were consistently altered at both ages as well as in both sexes and may contribute to glucose intolerance. These data suggest that maternal bisphenol A exposure should be limited during pregnancy and lactation
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