Abstract: Optical cells include a spacer formed of a hydrocarbon-resistant polymer, so that fluids such as hydrocarbons and alcohols can be introduced to a sample space, or include a fluid inlet and a heated inlet tube, so that a humid gas can be introduced to the sample space without condensation occurring. Optical cells can be used with, for example, solid, gel, and liquid samples. Measurements can be performed with various selected sample gaps of an optical cell.

Abstract: Optical cells are non-actively compensated to ensure that a sample gap of a sample space remains nearly constant upon a change in temperature. Fluids can be flowed through the sample space of the optical cells.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for monitoring migratory cell proliferation with restricted migration on a substrate includes providing a substrate, coating the substrate with extracellular matrix, plating cells suspended in cell culture media on extracellular matrix, and placing intersecting channels across the extracellular matrix components by removing the extracellular matrix components from the channels to isolate islands of the extracellular matrix components on the substrate. When the cells are immersed with a fluid, migration of the cells is confined to the isolated islands of the extracellular matrix components, permitting long-term observation of a migratory population.

Abstract: Featured is a long-term cell culture system being configured and arranged so as to be capable of monitoring the dynamic processes that occur during proliferation and differentiation of stem cells such as central nervous system (CNS) stem cells/embryonic stem cells. In particular aspects, the system allows monitoring of such dynamic processes continually and to focally manipulate the cells by focal application of growth factors such as BMP, CNTF and other growth factors. Preferred systems are capable of electrical recording from the cells.

Abstract: Featured is a long-term cell culture system being configured and arranged so as to be capable of monitoring the dynamic processes that occur during proliferation and differentiation of stem cells such as central nervous system (CNS) stem cells/embryonic stem cells. In particular aspects, the system allows monitoring of such dynamic processes continually and to focally manipulate the cells by focal application of growth factors such as BMP, CNTF and other growth factors. Preferred systems are capable of electrical recording from the cells.

Abstract: An apparatus having at least one template opening for causing a substantially reproducible injury to a cell, organ or tissue layer. The apparatus is useful in determining the effects of cell growth and migration agents in model wounds produced in the cell, organ or tissue layer. Also provided are methods of using the apparatus including juxtapositioning the apparatus to cells on a cell growth substrate and disrupting cells thereon.

Abstract: A head holder with the following characteristics: it is compatible with MR (no metallic parts); it is adjustable for use with adults and children; it does not produce any degradation of imaging or spectroscopy raw data; it does not induce claustrophobia; it can be used as a fixation device for cervical spine MR examinations; and it can operate with any MR unit. A strap is placed around the head of the patient at the forehead, is tightened, and then the head with band attached is positioned for optimal comfort and examining advantage. Lock screws are then tightened, holding the head comfortably in three-dimensional space. Only a single band is placed over the forehead of the person and the rest of the fixation is provided by adjusting and locking screws located in the base and along the sides of the holder. This prevents the patient from being able to rotate his or her head from side to side or up and down. The holder is designed to fit into the MR table.

Abstract: A specimen chamber comprising a central chamber element sandwiched between a base plate and a cover plate, which base plate and cover plate secure cover slips within recessed areas on opposite surfaces of the central chamber portion which face the base and cover plate. The central chamber element includes a central flow passage, which terminates at opposite ends into tee channels. The sandwiched arrangement of the elements is secured by locking pins, which are insertable into alignment post elements that extend from the base plate though the central chamber element and the cover plate. The locking pins include a plurality of locking cams.

Abstract: An apparatus for sequentially fractionating a centrifuge tube includes a capillary tube and a means for applying positive pressure. The capillary tube has an O-ring at the lower end thereof. As the capillary tube is placed within the centrifuge tube, the O-ring forms a seal within the tube. Movement of the capillary tube within the centrifuge tube places the liquid in the centrifuge tube under pressure, thus forcing the liquid to flow up through the capillary tube and into a chamber. A chase fluid is then pumped horizontally through the chamber to force the liquid therein through an exit port and into a fraction collector. The apparatus and method of the present invention may be entirely automated and controlled by a single microprocessor.

Abstract: An automated system for measuring the concentration gradient of centrifuged solute and directly calculating the molecular weight and/or sedimentation coefficient of an optically absorbing solute. Monochromatic light passes through a stationary slit and a previously centrifuged sample in a tube while the tube is moved vertically at a uniform rate by a platform which is driven by a motor and gearing, including a gear nut which drives a vertical screw attached to the platform. The transmitted light impinges on a photodetector which provides absorbance readings. This provides data of absorbance vs. time through the scanning cycle, which is processed digitally. A microcomputer is used to calculate the molecular weight and/or sedimentation coefficient from this data.