Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting capillary endothelial (CE) cell migration, the formation of CE networks and angiogenesis, and uses thereof for the purpose of treating angiogenesis-related diseases and disorders, particularly when the diseases or disorders are directly related aberrant angiogenesis Inhibition is achieved by inhibiting TRPV4 activity, such as the levels of TRPV4 expression, calcium influx through TRPV4, and/or the intracellular signaling from TRPV4 via ?1 integrin activation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions of promoting or inhibiting capillary endothelial (CE) cell migration, promoting or inhibiting the formation of CE networks and promoting or inhibiting angiogenesis, and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for promoting capillary endothelial (CE) cell migration, promoting the formation of CE networks and promoting angiogenesis, and uses thereof for the purposes of treating angiogenesis-related disorders characterized by loss or decreased angiogenesis, such as ischemic injury and the like. One aspect of the invention related to use of at least one pro-angiogenic agent selected from at least one of an p190RhoGAP inhibitor, a TFII-I inhibitor or a GATA-2 activator for promoting the formation of CE networks and promoting angiogenesis, and uses thereof for the purposes of treating angiogenesis-related disorders characterized by loss or decreased angiogenesis.

Abstract: A method for displaying large amounts of information. The method includes the steps of forming a spatial layout of tiles each corresponding to a representative reference element; mapping observed elements onto the spatial layout of tiles of representative reference elements; assigning a respective value to each respective tile of the spatial layout of the representative elements; and displaying an image of the spatial layout of tiles of representative elements. Each tile includes atomic attributes of representative elements. The invention also relates to an apparatus for displaying large amounts of information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to signaling mechanisms that transduce magnetic inputs into physiological cellular outputs. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for non-invasively controlling cellular signaling functions and behaviors by harnessing receptor-mediated and intracellular molecular-mediated signal transduction using nanomagnetic cellular switches.

Abstract: A method for displaying large amounts of information. The method includes the steps of forming a spatial layout of tiles each corresponding to a representative reference element; mapping observed elements onto the spatial layout of tiles of representative reference elements; assigning a respective value to each respective tile of the spatial layout of the representative elements; and displaying an image of the spatial layout of tiles of representative elements. Each tile includes atomic attributes of representative elements. The invention also relates to an apparatus for displaying large amounts of information.

Abstract: A miniaturized, integrated, microfluidic device pulls materials bound to magnetic particles from one laminar flow path to another by applying a local magnetic field gradient. The device removes microbial and mammalian cells from flowing biological fluids without any wash steps. A microfabricated high-gradient magnetic field concentrator (HGMC) is integrated at one side of a microfluidic channel. When magnetic particles are introduced into one flow path, they remain limited to that flow path. When the HGMC is magnetized, the magnetic beads are pulled from the initial flow path into the collection stream, thereby cleansing the fluid. The microdevice allows large numbers of beads and materials to be sorted simultaneously, has no capacity limit, does not lose separation efficiency as particles are removed, and is useful for cell separations from blood and other biological fluids. This on-chip separator allows cell separations to be performed in the field outside of hospitals and laboratories.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously separating or concentrating particles that includes flowing two fluids in laminar flow through a magnetic field gradient which causes target particles to migrate to a waste fluid stream, and collecting each fluid stream after being flowed through the magnetic field gradient.

Abstract: Methods and devices for transmitting micromechanical forces locally to induce surface convolutions into tissues on the millimeter to micron scale for promoting wound healing are presented. These convolutions induce a moderate stretching of individual cells, stimulating cellular proliferation and elaboration of natural growth factors without increasing the size of the wound. Micromechanical forces can be applied directly to tissue, through biomolecules or the extracellular matrix. This invention can be used with biosensors, biodegradable materials and drug delivery systems. This invention will also be useful in pre-conditioned tissue-engineering constructs in vitro. Application of this invention will shorten healing times for wounds and reduce the need for invasive surgery.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for adhering cells in a specific and predetermined position, and associated methods. The device includes a plate defining a surface and a plurality of cytophilic islands that adhere cells, isolated by cytophobic regions to which cells do not adhere, contiguous with the cytophilic islands. The islands or the regions or both may be formed of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM).

Abstract: The invention provides a device for adhering cells in a specific and predetermined position, and associated methods. The device includes a plate defining a surface and a plurality of cytophilic islands that adhere cells, isolated by cytophobic regions to which cells do not adhere, contiguous with the cytophilic islands. The islands or the regions or both may be formed of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM).

Abstract: A method for displaying large amounts of information. The method includes the steps of forming a spatial layout of tiles each corresponding to a representative reference element; mapping observed elements onto the spatial layout of tiles of representative reference elements; assigning a respective value to each respective tile of the spatial layout of the representative elements; and displaying an image of the spatial layout of tiles of representative elements. Each tile includes atomic attributes of representative elements. The invention also relates to an apparatus for displaying large amounts of information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of patterning materials, such as proteins, on a contoured surface by depositing them onto protrusions on the surface and to a cell containment device that may be constructed by this method. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of selectively depositing a material on a substrate including a contoured surface including a protrusion and a recess. The method includes applying a first fluid to the contoured surface of the substrate and allowing the first fluid to distribute across a portion of the contoured surface such that the first fluid contacts the protrusion and not the recess. The method also includes allowing a first material to deposit on the substrate where the substrate is in contact with the first fluid.

Abstract: A method of patterning materials, such as proteins, on a contoured surface by depositing them onto protrusions on a surface, and a cell containment device that may be constructed by this method, are provided. The method may involve selectively depositing a material on a substrate including a contoured surface including protrusions and recesses. By applying a first fluid to the contoured surface and allowing the first fluid to distribute across only a portion of the contoured surface, a material may be deposited on the protrusions and not the recesses, or on the recesses and not the protrusions. Such a method may be used to selectively pattern cells or other materials on substrates.

Abstract: The present invention describes improved microfluidic systems and procedures for fabricating improved microfluidic systems, which contain one or more levels of microfluidic channels. The methods for fabrication the systems disclosed can provide a convenient route to topologically complex and improved microfluidic systems. The microfluidic systems can include three-dimensionally arrayed networks of fluid flow paths therein including channels that cross over or under other channels of the network without physical intersection at the points of cross over. The microfluidic networks can be fabricated via replica molding processes utilizing mold masters including surfaces having topological features formed by photolithography. The present invention also involves microfluidic systems and methods for fabricating complex patterns of materials, such as biological materials and cells, on surfaces utilizing the microfluidic systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for adhering cells in a specific and predetermined position, and associated methods. The device includes a plate defining a surface and a plurality of cytophilic islands that adhere cells, isolated by cytophobic regions to which cells do not adhere, contiguous with the cytophilic islands. The islands or the regions or both may be formed of a self-assembled monolayer (SAM).

Abstract: A method for displaying large amounts of information. The method includes the steps of forming a spatial layout of tiles each corresponding to a representative reference element; mapping observed elements onto the spatial layout of tiles of representative reference elements; assigning a respective value to each respective tile of the spatial layout of the representative elements; and displaying an image of the spatial layout of tiles of representative elements. Each tile includes atomic attributes of representative elements. The invention also relates to an apparatus for displaying large amounts of information.

Abstract: A method for displaying large amounts of information. The method includes the steps of forming a spatial layout of tiles each corresponding to a representative reference element; mapping observed elements onto the spatial layout of tiles of representative reference elements; assigning a respective value to each respective tile of the spatial layout of the representative elements; and displaying an image of the spatial layout of tiles of representative elements. Each tile includes atomic attributes of representative elements. The invention also relates to an apparatus for displaying large amounts of information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of patterning materials, such as proteins, on a contoured surface by depositing them onto protrusions on the surface and to a cell containment device that may be constructed by this method. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of selectively depositing a material on a substrate including a contoured surface including a protrusion and a recess. The method includes applying a first fluid to the contoured surface of the substrate and allowing the first fluid to distribute across a portion of the contoured surface such that the first fluid contacts the protrusion and not the recess. The method also includes allowing a first material to deposit on the substrate where the substrate is in contact with the first fluid.

Abstract: The present invention describes improved microfluidic systems and procedures for fabricating improved microfluidic systems, which contain one or more levels of microfluidic channels. The methods for fabrication the systems disclosed can provide a convenient route to topologically complex and improved microfluidic systems. The microfluidic systems can include three-dimensionally arrayed networks of fluid flow paths therein including channels that cross over or under other channels of the network without physical intersection at the points of cross over. The microfluidic networks can be fabricated via replica molding processes utilizing mold masters including surfaces having topological features formed by photolithography. The present invention also involves microfluidic systems and methods for fabricating complex patterns of materials, such as biological materials and cells, on surfaces utilizing the microfluidic systems.

Abstract: Microfluidic systems and methods are provided for fabricating complex patterns of materials, such as proteins, inorganic materials or cells, on surfaces. Complex, discontinuous patterns on surfaces can be formed incorporating or depositing multiple materials. A stamp structure has a flow path containing a series of interconnected channels. The channels include a first channel within an interior of the stamp structure, a second channel within a stamping surface of the structure defining a pattern, and a channel fluidically interconnecting the first and second channels. After contacting the stamp with a surface, a fluid is introduced into the flow path so that the fluid contacts the surface to form a pattern. In another embodiment, the stamp structure has two non-fluidically interconnected first and second flow paths defining first and second patterns of channels to produce non-continuous first and second patterns on a surface.