Abstract: A system has been constructed that recapitulate the features of a capillary bed through normal human tissue. The system facilitates perfusion of three-dimensional (3D) cell monocultures and heterotypic cell co-cultures at the length scale of the capillary bed. A major feature is that the system can be utilized within a “multiwell plate” format amenable to high-throughput assays compatible with the type of robotics commonly used in pharmaceutical development. The system provides a means to conduct assays for toxicology and metabolism and as a model for human diseases such as hepatic diseases, including hepatitis, exposure-related pathologies, and cancer. Cancer applications include primary liver cancer as well as metastases. The system can also be used as a means of testing gene therapy approaches for treating disease and inborn genetic defects.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for culturing primary hepatocytes with improved long term function and improved viability, by plating the hepatocytes in the presence of an anti-oxidant(s) as well as an agent(s) which is a functional inhibitor of enzymes that generate reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species. One preferred embodiment provides a combination of 2-oxo-thizolidine and tocopherol succinate. Another preferred embodiment provides a combination of NG-methylarginine and mannitol.

Abstract: An interface for introducing a non-gaseous sample as a predetermined gaseous form into an accelerator mass spectrometer which comprises a nebulizer that receives the non-gaseous sample to provide a fine spray of the sample, a converter that receives at least a portion of said fine spray and converts the desired elements to the predetermined gaseous form and a flow line that transports the predetermined gaseous form to the accelerator mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An interface system for introducing a non-gaseous sample as a predetermined gaseous form into an analytical instrument which comprises a substrate that receives the non-gaseous sample and a directed energy source that heats at least a portion of said substrate containing the non-gaseous sample to convert the sample to the predetermined gaseous form.

Abstract: An interface system for introducing a non-gaseous sample as a predetermined gaseous form into an analytical instrument which comprises a substrate that receives the non-gaseous sample and a directed energy source that heats at least a portion of said substrate containing the non-gaseous sample to convert the sample to the predetermined gaseous form.

Abstract: An interface for introducing a non-gaseous sample as a predetermined gaseous form into an accelerator mass spectrometer which comprises a nebulizer that receives the non-gaseous sample to provide a fine spray of the sample, a converter that receives at least a portion of said fine spray and converts the desired elements to the predetermined gaseous form and a flow line that transports the predetermined gaseous form to the accelerator mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An assay method is provided to quickly detect the presence of Listeria strains in samples, characterized by the use of antibodies to selectively capture the peptidoglycan and teichoic acid components of the listeriae bacterial cell wall.

Abstract: Process for reducing nucleic acid content of yeasts and bacteria comprising heat shocking for a period of time and at a temperature selected to increase effectiveness of enzymes which break down nucleic acids without allowing proteins to break down or leak out of the cell, and incubating the heat-shocked cells at a temperature lower than the heat shock temperature under conditions in which the cells remain intact and nucleic acid fragments permeate the cell walls.