Abstract: Organs-on-chips are microfluidic devices for culturing living cells in micrometer sized chambers in order to model physiological functions of tissues and organs. Engineered patterning and continuous fluid flow in these devices has allowed culturing of intestinal cells bearing physiologically relevant features and sustained exposure to bacteria while maintaining cellular viability, thereby allowing study of inflammatory bowl diseases. However, existing intestinal cells do not possess all physiologically relevant subtypes, do not possess the repertoire of genetic variations, or allow for study of other important cellular actors such as immune cells. Use of iPSC-derived epithelium, including IBD patient-specific cells, allows for superior disease modeling by capturing the multi-faceted nature of the disease.

Abstract: A universal platform adapter for use with a clipless pedal on a bicycle includes a body portion having upper and lower surfaces, wherein the upper surface is adapted to be engaged by a generally flat bottom surface of a shoe. A first plurality of attachment apertures is provided in a first arrangement on the lower surface of the body portion and is adapted to cooperate with a first cleat that is adapted for use with a clipless pedal on a bicycle. A second plurality of attachment apertures is provided in a second arrangement on the lower surface of the body portion and is adapted to cooperate with a second cleat that is adapted for use with a clipless pedal on a bicycle. The second arrangement defined by the second plurality of attachment apertures is different from the first arrangement defined by the first plurality of attachment apertures.