Abstract: Methods for preparing a variety of cell (e.g., hepatocyte) preparations and preparations so prepared are described. Uses of such preparations are described. In one embodiment, centrifugal elutriation is used to separate hepatocytes with preferred characteristics. Such hepatocyte preparations may be used for cryopreservation, multiple cryopreservations, in vitro assays, plating and other methods for which preparations of hepatocytes are useful.

Abstract: A system evaluate the effectiveness of a given advertising source in generating sales leads and monitoring how the sales leads were handled. Providing a detailed computerized system to provide reports to customer's managers to advise them how effective a given advertising program or medium was in generating sales leads and to advise them how many responses were genuine potential customers interested in buying the product or service. Also providing a system to monitor how sales lead were handled by sales personnel including evaluation on how a sales call was handled and if a sales lead was successfully completed as a sale.

Abstract: Methods for preparing a variety of cell (e.g., hepatocyte) preparations and preparations so prepared are described. Uses of such preparations are described. In one embodiment, centrifugal elutriation is used to separate hepatocytes with preferred characteristics. Such hepatocyte preparations may be used for cryopreservation, multiple cryopreservations, in vitro assays, plating and other methods for which preparations of hepatocytes are useful.

Abstract: An improved fermentation process for the preparation of ethanol and distillers dried grain from a corn fraction having low oil, high starch and low germ content is provided. The process provides reduced fermentation time, increased ethanol yield and reduced fusel oil concentration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for providing a graphical user interface for a plurality of users under a predetermined format substantially controlled by an employer of the plurality of users. The method includes the steps of disposing a proxy server between the plurality of users and an information resource used by at least one user of the plurality of users and converting information exchanged between the predetermined format substantially controlled by the employer of the user and a predetermined format of the information resource.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for expediting subject matter evolution of an information exchange during a contact through a communication system between a client and an agent of an organization that possesses an expertise in the subject matter of the contact. The method includes the steps of providing a state map of subject matter progression of the subject matter of the contact from a starting point to subject matter resolution along a plurality of parallel subject matter paths, fitting a subject matter progression of the contact within a progression of subject matter of a most likely one of the plurality of parallel subject matter paths of the state map and prompting the agent with prospective subject matter from the most likely one of the plurality of subject matter paths.

Abstract: Biocompatible matrices or implants on which one or more specific cell-interactive molecules (“biomolecules”) can be immobilized have been developed. The matrices allow for the independent control of ligand concentration and matrix strength. In one embodiment, the matrix or implant is modified with one or more moieties capable of complexing bioconjugates prepared from one or more biomolecules. Suitable moieties include phenyl boronic acid complexing agents, such as salicylhydroxamic acid, which can complex to one or more biomolecules containing one or more phenyl boronic acid moieties. The biomolecules may be anchored to the matrix via a spacer molecule, which may allow for greater mobility of the biomolecules in aqueous solution. In one embodiment, the matrix is a hydrogel material which has been doubly-derivatized, wherein ligand concentration and matrix strength can be independently controlled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for expediting subject matter evolution of an information exchange during a contact through a communication system between a client and an agent of an organization that possesses an expertise in the subject matter of the contact. The method includes the steps of providing a state map of subject matter progression of the subject matter of the contact from a starting point to subject matter resolution along a plurality of parallel subject matter paths, fitting a subject matter progression of the contact within a progression of subject matter of a most likely one of the plurality of parallel subject matter paths of the state map and prompting the agent with prospective subject matter from the most likely one of the plurality of subject matter paths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring a call handling efficiency of a call center. The method includes the steps of measuring a touch-point indicia for a call and adding the measured indicia to a touch point history of the call.