In nature, B cells produce surface immunoglobulin and secreted antibody from the same immunoglobulin gene via alternative splicing of the pre-messenger RNA. Here we present a novel system for genetically programming B cells to direct the simultaneous formation of membrane-bound and secreted immunoglobulins that we term a "Molecular Rheostat", based on the use of mutated "self-cleaving" 2A pepti...

For instance, early molecular models were literally "built" with metal wires to represent bonds, or with plastic spheres for atoms. The age of the computer has brought perhaps less time consuming methods of building such models, as well as expanding our list of representions. These now include such constructs as backbone "worms" and molecular surfaces which, in addition to an increase in physic...

MIS researchers have developed a number of models for studying the software utilization choices of end users, including the Task-Technology Fit Model and the Technology Acceptance Model. We are exploring the similarities and differences among these models with a goal of developing combined models with more explanatory power. This paper proposes a model that extends the task-technology fit model...

In this paper we formalize sanction-based obligations in the context of Searle’s notion of construction of social reality. In particular, we define obligations using a counts as conditional, Anderson’s reduction to alethic modal logic and Boella and Lesmo’s normative agent. Our analysis presents an alternative criticism to the weakening rule, which has already been criticized in the philosophic...

A major challenge in tissue engineering is the lack of proper vascularization of the fabricated tissue constructs. Microscale technologies, especially microfluidic systems, provide new opportunities to overcome the challenge of developing artificial micro-vasculatures. In this chapter, the application of microfluidic systems for generating vascularized tissue constructs by using microfluidic pl...

Every day we are confronted with social interactions with other people. Our social life is characterised by norms that manifest as attitudinal and behavioural uniformities among people. With greater awareness about our social context, we can interact more efficiently. Any theory or model of human interaction that fails to include social concepts could be suggested to lack a critical element. Th...