A system for calculating the greatest common denominator implemented using asynchrobatic logic

An asynchrobatic system that uses Euclid's algorithm to calculate the greatest common denominator of two numbers is presented. This algorithm is a simple system that contains both repetition and decision, and therefore demonstrates that asynchrobatic logic can be used to implement arbitrarily complex computational systems. Under typical conditions on a 0.35 mum process, a 16-bit implementation can perform a 24-cycle test vector in 2.067 mus with a power consumption of 3.257 nW

Using positive feedback adiabatic logic to implement reversible Toffoli gates

A reversible, positive feedback adiabatic logic circuit is presented, which by implementing the universal Toffoli gate demonstrates that reversible logic circuits can be created and implemented using this adiabatic logic family. When compared to circuits with similar circuit structures that do not incorporate complete recovery logic, the use of reversible structures shows a reduction in energy losses by a mean of just under 63%

An asynchrobatic, radix-four, carry look-ahead adder

A low-power, Asynchrobatic (asynchronous, quasi-adiabatic), sixteen-bit, radix-four, parallel-prefix adder circuit is presented. The results show that it is an efficient, low power design, and that as would be expected with an asynchronous design, its performance is determined by its operating conditions. On a 0.35 mum CMOS process, under ldquotypicalrdquo process conditions, operating at an effective frequency of 22 MHz, an addition can be performed using 69 pW, with 48.3 pW used by the control logic and 20.7 pW by the data-path

A rapid method of cloning functional variable-region antibody genes in Escherichia coli as single-chain immunotoxins

We have devised a strategy based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the rapid cloning of functional antibody genes as single-chain immunotoxins. RNA from a hybridoma producing an antibody (OVB3) that reacts with ovarian cancer cells was used as a template to make the first strand of a cDNA. Then a second strand was synthesized and amplified by using two sets of DNA primers that (i) hybridized to the ends of the light- and heavy-chain variable regions, (ii) encoded a linker peptide, and (iii) contained appropriate restriction enzyme sites for cloning. After 30 cycles of PCR, the DNA fragments containing sequences encoding the light- and heavy-chain variable regions were cloned into an Escherichia coli expression vector containing a portion of the Pseudomonas exotoxin gene. Clones encoding recombinant single-chain immunotoxins were expressed in E. coli and the protein product was assessed for its ability to bind to or kill cells bearing the OVB3 antigen. By using this approach it should be possible to rapidly clone the functional variable region sequences of many different antibodies from hybridoma RNA

Sensitivity of selected organ dissection to diagnose Taenia solium cysticercosis in pigs from endemic areas

Taenia solium, also known as the pork tapeworm, is a neglected zoonotic parasite which is endemic in many developing countries, including Zambia. The tapeworm causes two disease conditions in humans: (1) taeniosis, which is the intestinal tapeworm infection, obtained after consumtion of raw/undercooked infected pork; and (2) cysticercosis, which is the metacestode larval stage infection, obtained after ingestion of tapeworm eggs. A human tapeworm carrier can excrete high numbers of eggs with the stool (100 000 eggs per day) and is thus an important source of environmental contamination. The transmission of cysticercosis is thus enhanced with poor sanitation and the lack of clean drinking water. After ingestion of the eggs, oncospheres hatch in the intestine and disseminate to several body tissues, including the central nervous system. Infection of the central nervous system with cysticerci is called neurocysticercosis, which is a major cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide

The combined diabetes and renal control trial (C-DIRECT) - a feasibility randomised controlled trial to evaluate outcomes in multi-morbid patients with diabetes and on dialysis using a mixed methods approach

Background: This cluster randomised controlled trial set out to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of the “Combined Diabetes and Renal Control Trial” (C-DIRECT) intervention, a nurse-led intervention based on motivational interviewing and self-management in patients with coexisting end stage renal diseases and diabetes mellitus (DM ESRD). Its efficacy to improve glycaemic control, as well as psychosocial and self-care outcomes were also evaluated as secondary outcomes. Methods: An assessor-blinded, clustered randomised-controlled trial was conducted with 44 haemodialysis patients with DM ESRD and ≥ 8% glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), in dialysis centres across Singapore. Patients were randomised according to dialysis shifts. 20 patients were assigned to intervention and 24 were in usual care. The C-DIRECT intervention consisted of three weekly chair-side sessions delivered by diabetes specialist nurses. Data on recruitment, randomisation, and retention, and secondary outcomes such as clinical endpoints, emotional distress, adherence, and self-management skills measures were obtained at baseline and at 12 weeks follow-up. A qualitative evaluation using interviews was conducted at the end of the trial. Results: Of the 44 recruited at baseline, 42 patients were evaluated at follow-up. One patient died, and one discontinued the study due to deteriorating health. Recruitment, retention, and acceptability rates of C-DIRECT were generally satisfactory HbA1c levels decreased in both groups, but C-DIRECT had more participants with HbA1c < 8% at follow up compared to usual care. Significant improvements in role limitations due to physical health were noted for C-DIRECT whereas levels remained stable in usual care. No statistically significant differences between groups were observed for other clinical markers and other patient-reported outcomes. There were no adverse effects. Conclusions: The trial demonstrated satisfactory feasibility. A brief intervention delivered on bedside as part of routine dialysis care showed some benefits in glycaemic control and on QOL domain compared with usual care, although no effect was observed in other secondary outcomes. Further research is needed to design and assess interventions to promote diabetes self-management in socially vulnerable patients