Abstract: There is provided a method for promoting stem cell chondrogenesis, comprising the step of culturing a population of stem cells on a plurality of imprints disposed on a substrate, the imprints being configured to selectively promote chondrogenesis of the stem cells.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of inducing angiogenesis at a site in an individual in need thereof comprising administering locally to the site an effective amount of one or more agents that induce hypoxia induced factor 1? (HIF-1?). In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of inducing angiogenesis at a site in an individual in need thereof comprising administering locally to the site an effective amount of one or more agents that induce hypoxia induced factor 1? (HIF-1?) and one or more lysophospholipids. In addition, the invention is directed to methods of generating prevascularized tissue, methods of generating a vascular network in a device and compositions thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a compound represented by any one of Structural Formulas (I)-(IV), or a salt thereof, wherein the values and alternative values for the variables are as defined in the Detailed Description of the Invention. Methods using a compound of Structural Formula (I)-(IV), or a salt thereof, are also presented.

Abstract: Substantially homogenous compositions in accordance with the present disclosure can exist in various forms, such as bulk materials, coatings, films, laminates, inserts, or overlays, and include at least one polymer such as SU-8, at least one liquid lubricant, and optionally at least one nanomaterial that serves as an inorganic filler material. Such compositions exhibit enhanced tribological and mechanical properties compared to the at least one polymer in isolation, for instance, a 50% or greater coefficient of friction reduction, a 100% or greater wear life increase, a 10% or greater elastic modulus increase, and/or a 10% or greater hardness increase. The at least one nanomaterial can include a first nanomaterial providing increased hardness, and a second nanomaterial providing increased elastic modulus. Compositions in accordance with the present disclosure are suitable for biological and non-biological applications.

Abstract: A sequential radial mirror analyser (RMA) (100) for facilitating rotationally symmetric detection of charged particles caused by a charged beam incident on a specimen (112) is disclosed. The RMA comprises a 0V equipotential exit grid (116), and a plurality of electrodes (119, 120a, 120b, 120c) electrically configured to generate corresponding electrostatic fields for deflecting at least some of the charged particles of a single energy level to exit through the exit grid (116) to form a second-order focal point on a detector (106). The second-order focal point is associated with the single energy level, and the detector (106) is disposed external to the corresponding electrostatic fields. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-layered osmosis membrane contains a support layer and a rejection layer. The support layer, in which a mesh is embedded, is made of a phase separation polymer and has a thickness of 50 to 200 ?m. The rejection layer, which adheres to the support layer, is made of a thin film composite polymer and has a thickness of 0.05 to 3 ?m. The mesh, which is embedded in the support layer, has an open area of 30 to 70%, a mesh size of 60-300 mesh, and a thickness of 45-150 ?m. Also disclosed is a method of making the above described membrane.

Abstract: A compound of structural formula (I): The values and alternative values are as defined herein. The invention also includes biosensors comprising nanoparticles functionalized with a compound of structural formula (I). Also described is a method for labeling a biomolecule using a compound of structural formula (I) and a method of detecting a target biomolecule using a compound of structural formula (I) or a biosensor of the invention.