Rapid determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) by an electrically driven blood droplet biosensor

In healthcare practice, the sedimentation rate of red blood cells (erythrocytes) is a widely used clinical parameter for screening of several ailments such as stroke, infectious diseases, and malignancy. In a traditional pathological setting, the total time taken for evaluating this parameter varies typically from 1 to 2 h. Furthermore, the volume of human blood to be drawn for each test, following a gold standard laboratory technique (alternatively known as the Westergren method), varies from 4 to 5 ml. Circumventing the above constraints, here we propose a rapid (∼1 min) and highly energy efficient method for the simultaneous determination of hematocrit and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) on a microfluidic chip, deploying electrically driven spreading of a tiny drop of blood sample (∼8 μl). Our unique approach estimates these parameters by correlating the same with the time taken by the droplet to spread over a given radius, reproducing the results from more elaborate laboratory settings to a satisfactory extent. Our novel methodology is equally applicable for determining higher ranges of ESR such as high concentration of bilirubin and samples corresponding to patients with anemia and patients with some severe inflammation. Furthermore, the minimal fabrication steps involved in the process, along with the rapidity and inexpensiveness of the test, render the suitability of the strategy in extreme point-of-care settings.     

New technology adoption in US telecommunications: The role of competitive pressures and firm-level inducements

In this study we examine the reasons for the differential adoption levels of a new technology, that of electronic switching, across firms in the US telecommunications industry. Using theoretical postulates from the market-structure inducements approach to firm behavior, and the behavioral theory of the firm, we propose that the incentives to adopt a new technology are positively related to the competitive pressures faced by a firm in its micro-market, negatively related to past levels of performance, and positively related to slack availability. Our sample consists of 40 of the largest firms in the industry. We use firm-level data collected for the years 1973, 1978, 1981, 1984, and 1987, and the results indicate strong support for our proposition. Our findings show that, in general, market effects via the mechanism of competitive pressures generated are strong in explaining inter-firm variations in levels of technology adoption in the period since moves to deregulate the industry began; however, the firm-level effects are equally strong, if not stronger, in explaining such variations both in the period leading up to the commencement of deregulatory moves and also immediately thereafter.     

"The Pacific Era Has Arrived": Transnational Education among Japanese Americans, 1932–1941

Looking back on the two years at Keisen Girls'School, I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been able to study here… Our teachers have taught us that it was mistaken if we simply aspired to mimic the ways ofJapanese woman. Cognizant of our special position as Americans of Japanese ancestry, we must instead strive to promote the U.S.-Japan friendship. Furthermore, we must adapt the merits of the Japanese spirit [that we have acquired here] to our Americanism. Back in the United States, we will dedicate ourselves to the good of our own society as best possible citizens, cooperating with Americans of other races and learning from each other… Such is the mission of the Nisei as a bridge between Japan and the United States–one that we have come to appreciate [through our schooling in Japan].¹     

Science, Society, and Technology—Three Cultures and Multiple Visions

The article reviews the strikingly divergent viewpoints of intellectuals—scientists and non-scientists—about Science and Technology. It shows that while scientists implicitly accept the difference between Science and Technology, to non-scientists that difference is irrelevant. The most important differences between Science and Technology that lie in their relative scales, outputs and accuracy of predictions are highlighted. The complexity of and difficulty in trying to quantify the contribution of science and technology to economic growth are discussed. Views of science and technology that include their societal perceptions are recommended.     

ASPEC: 亚洲科学论文摘录语料库

本文详细介绍了ASPEC（亚洲科学论文摘录语料库）。作为首个大规模的科学论文领域内的平行语料库,ASPEC 是由日- 中机器翻译项目于 2006 年至2010 年间利用科技促进专用协作基金构建起来的。它包含约300 万条平行语句的日- 英科学论文摘要语料库（ASPEC-JE）和约68万条平行语句的中- 日科学论文摘录语料库（ASPEC-JC）。ASPEC 被用作机器翻译评测研讨会WAT（亚洲翻译研讨会）的官方数据集。     

Polymorphisms of CYP1A1, GSTM1 and GSTT1 Loci as the Genetic Predispositions of Oral Cancers and Other Oral Pathologies: Tobacco and Alcohol as Risk Modifiers

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of tobacco require activation by phase I enzymes, such as cytochrome-P4501A1 (CYP1A1) to become an ultimate carcinogen, which are subjected to detoxification by phase II enzymes, especially glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). A study was designed to find whether genetic predisposition are risk modifiers of oral pathologies. The study included 102 cases with Oral Cancers (OCs), 68 cases with nonmalignant pathologies, 100 cases as control group. GSTM1 null genotype was associated with increased risk of OCs but not with benign pathologies. Deleted GSTT1 was associated with all pathologies. Both m1m2 and m2m2 polymorphisms of CYP1A1 were associated with oral pathologies.     

Interrelationship Between Procalcitonin and Organ Failure in Sepsis

Sepsis suffers from lack of specific clinical symptoms which contribute to one of the major causes of mortality. In the present study, our aim was to evaluate the role of a recent biomarker Procalcitonin (PCT) in predicting organ dysfunction. 71 patients admitted with sepsis were included in the study. PCT levels were measured at 0, 24, 72 h and 7th day and sequential organ failure assessment score (SOFA) scores were calculated. PCT levels significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in 89.3 % of surviving patients, whereas, in 60 % non surviving patients the PCT level increased significantly (p < 0.001). A significant positive correlation between PCT and SOFA score was observed in survivors at each hour. These observations indicate that PCT concentration is significantly associated with severity of multi organ dysfunction and also helps in determining the prognosis of septic patients.