Fuzzy Evolutionary Algorithm for VLSI Placement, (Spector, L., E. Goodman, A. Wu, W. B. Langdon, H.-M. Voigt, M. Gen, S. Sen, M. Dorigo, S. Pezeshk, M. Garzon, and E. Burke, editors).

This paper presents a Fuzzy Simulated Evolutionary (FSE) algorithm for VLSI standard cell placement. This is a hard multiobjective combinational optimization problem with no known exact and efficient algorithm that can guarantee finding a solution of specific or desirable quality. Aproximation iterative heuristics such as Simulated Evolution are best suited to perform an intelligent search of the solution space. Due to the imprecise nature of design information at the placement stage the various objectives and constraints are expressed in the fuzzy domain. THe search is made to evolve toward a vector of fuzzy goals. The proposed heuristic is compared with geetic algortihm. FSE was able to achieve better solutions than GA in a fraction of time

Fuzzy Evolutionary Algorithm for VLSI Placement, (Spector, L., E. Goodman, A. Wu, W. B. Langdon, H.-M. Voigt, M. Gen, S. Sen, M. Dorigo, S. Pezeshk, M. Garzon, and E. Burke, editors).

This paper presents a Fuzzy Simulated Evolutionary (FSE) algorithm for VLSI standard cell placement. This is a hard multiobjective combinational optimization problem with no known exact and efficient algorithm that can guarantee finding a solution of specific or desirable quality. Aproximation iterative heuristics such as Simulated Evolution are best suited to perform an intelligent search of the solution space. Due to the imprecise nature of design information at the placement stage the various objectives and constraints are expressed in the fuzzy domain. THe search is made to evolve toward a vector of fuzzy goals. The proposed heuristic is compared with geetic algortihm. FSE was able to achieve better solutions than GA in a fraction of time

Fuzzy Simulated Evolution for Power and Performance Optimization of VLSI Placement

In this paper, an algorithm for VLSI standard cell placement for low power and high performance design is presented. This is a hard multiobjective combinatorial optimization prolem with no known exact and efficient algorithm problem with no known exact and efficient algorithm that can guarantee finding a solution of specific or desirable quality. Approximation iterative heuristics such as Simulated Evolution (SE) are best suited to peroform and intelligent search of the solution space. SE comprises three steps, evaluation, selection and allocation. Due to imprcise nature of design information at the placement stage, the various objectives and constraints are expressed in fuzzy domain. THe search is made to evolve towards a vector of fuzzy goals.In this work, a new method to calculate membership in evaluation stage is proposed. Selection stage is also fuzzified and a new controlled fuzzy operator is introduced. The proposed heuristic is compared with Genetic Algorithm (GA) and the proposed fuzzy operator is compared with fuzzy ordered weighted averaging operator (OWA). Fuzzified SE (FSE) with controlled fuzzy operaotrs was able to achieve better solutions

Response surface approach to minimize the residual stresses in full penetration pulsed TIG weldments of Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy

Pulsation of current in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is employed to obtain good quality weldments. Peak current, background current, and welding speed in TIG welding are important parameters and their effects on the induced residual stresses are studied using Box–Behnken design methodology. The location of maximum residual stress was found to be close to the weld centerline. Longitudinal and transverse residual stresses at this location were found to be dependent on the pulsed TIG welding input parameters. However, using design of experiment approach, welding speed was found to have the most dominant influence on the stress values. In order to minimize the residual stresses, a reduction in heat input also led to reduction of weld pool penetration. The results of multiresponse optimization showed that in order to achieve a full penetration weldment, a minimum value of 235 MPa for longitudinal and 84 MPa for transverse residual stress will be attained. A weldment with these features can be obtained by using a high value of peak current and a high value of welding speed

Successful management of aggressive fibromatosis of the neck using wide surgical excision: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Aggressive fibromatosis is a benign tumor, thought to arise from deep musculoaponeurotic structures, rarely found in the head or neck. However, when it does occur in the head and neck region, it tends to be more aggressive and associated with significant morbidity, which may be attributed to the vital vascular, neurological or anatomical structures in close proximity.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report the case of a 39-year-old Pakistani man who presented with a two-month history of a lump on the right side of his neck. The mass was excised and histopathological analysis revealed a case of aggressive fibromatosis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Due to the rarity of the condition no guidelines are available on the indications and extent of each modality. Due to its aggressive behavior and tendency to invade local structures and recur, a multi-modality management strategy is usually employed. On the basis of this case, we suggest that aggressive surgery is a viable management option and may be successfully used as a single modality treatment.</p

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery III: Training and Robotic-Assisted Approaches.

Minimally invasive mitral valve operations are increasingly common in the United States, but robotic-assisted approaches have not been widely adopted for a variety of reasons. This expert opinion reviews the state of the art and defines best practices, training, and techniques for developing a successful robotics program

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery I: Patient Selection, Evaluation, and Planning.

Widespread adoption of minimally invasive mitral valve repair and replacement may be fostered by practice consensus and standardization. This expert opinion, first of a 3-part series, outlines current best practices in patient evaluation and selection for minimally invasive mitral valve procedures, and discusses preoperative planning for cannulation and myocardial protection

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery II: Surgical Technique and Postoperative Management.

Techniques for minimally invasive mitral valve repair and replacement continue to evolve. This expert opinion, the second of a 3-part series, outlines current best practices for nonrobotic, minimally invasive mitral valve procedures, and for postoperative care after minimally invasive mitral valve surgery

Syncope: experience at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction:Our aim was to determine the characteristics of Patients presenting with syncope at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.Methods: A review of medical records was conducted retrospectively at the Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Patients aged 16 and above, admitted from January 2000 to December 2005 with the diagnosis of syncope made by the attending physician were included.Results:A total of 269 Patients were included (75% males, mean age: 57.4 years). Neurogenic (vasovagal) syncope was the most common cause (47%), followed by cardiogenic syncope (18%) and orthostatic syncope (9%). A total of 24% were discharged undiagnosed. Twenty Patients (7.4%) did not have any prodrome. Common prodromal symptoms included dizziness (61%), sweating (25%), palpitations (19%), nausea/vomiting (19%) and visual symptoms (17%). The distribution of symptoms according to cause of syncope revealed only breathlessness to be significantly associated with cardiogenic syncope (p = 0.002). Most Patients with cardiogenic syncope were aged above 40 (98%, p \u3c 0.001), had coronary artery disease (72%, p \u3c 0.001) and abnormal electrocardiogram at presentation (92%, p \u3c 0.001).Conclusion:Despite differences in burden of diseases, our findings were similar to those of published syncope literature. Further studies are needed to develop a protocol to expedite the evaluation and limit the work-up and admission in low-risk Patients