Differential flow patterns used to study EC responses to shearing in the flow chambers. Differential flow patterns used to study EC responses to shearing in the flow chambers. A: steady flow with a shear stress of 12 dyn/cm2 without oscillation. The dashed line shows the zero shear stress for comparison. B: “static” control with a very low shear stress of 0.5 dyn/cm2 without oscillation, for the delivery of nutrient. C: pulsatile flow with a sinusoidal oscillatory shear stress of 12 ± 4 dyn/cm2. D: reciprocating shear stress with a very low mean shear stress of 0.05 dyn/cm2 and a sinusoidal oscillation of ±4 dyn/cm2. Shu Chien Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2007;292:H1209-H1224 ©2007 by American Physiological Society