Abstract: A polypeptide having the cell-attaching activity of fibronectin. The polypeptide has 108 amino acid residues and the formula: H-Ile-Gly-Gln-Gln-Ser-Thr-Val-Ser-Asp-Val-Pro-Arg-Asp-Leu-Glu-Val-Val-Ala- Ala-Thr-Pro-Thr-Ser-Leu-Leu-Ile-Ser-Trp-Asp-Ala-Pro-Ala-Val-Thr-Val-Arg-Tyr -Tyr-Arg-Ile-Thr-Tyr-Gly-Glu-Thr-Gly-Gly-Asn-Ser-Pro-Val-Gln-Glu-Phe-Thr-Va l-Pro-Gly-Ser-Lys-Ser-Thr-Ala-Thr-Ile-Ser-Gly-Leu-Lys-Pro-Gly-Val-Asp-Tyr-T hr-Ile-Thr-Val-Tyr-Ala-Val-Thr-Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro-Ala-Ser-Ser-Lys-Pro- Ile-Ser-Ile-Asn-Tyr-Arg-Thr-Glu-Ile-Asp-Lys-Pro-Ser-Gln-Met-OH. The polypeptide or a biologically active fragment thereof can be employed in the preparation of substrate designed for the attachment of cells thereto. It can be linked to the surface of a prosthetic device to particularly attract endothelial cells and fibroblastic cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ball-point pen ball made of nonoxide ceramic and formed into a spherical body whose surface contains voids each having an average pore diameter of less than 75 .mu.m and more than 0.1 .mu.m. The ball thus made is not only almost free from "ball sunk", "nonuniformity in writing line thickness", "ball break", etc. but also excellent in affinity with ink and assures steady writing characteristic over a long period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed are the product and method for making a macroscopically smooth, microporous, flexible, elastic tubular prosthetic device from a substantially non-elastic woven fabric tube. The method involves axially compressing the substantially non-elastic tube on a tight fitting cylindrical mandrel so that the individual axially oriented threads of the fabric form loops projecting radially outwardly between circumferential threads. The threads are set to return to this loop configuration upon release of tension applied axially to the tube. The exterior of the tube presents an easily deformed, macroscopically smooth surface having a multiplicity of interstices among the threads and among the fibers of the threads into which cells can grow after implantation.

Abstract: The invention involves the use of absorbable or absorbable/nonabsorbable components to fabricate textile vascular grafts of all sizes and specifically for repair of the peripheral vascular system and for coronary bypass use. The bioabsorbable component of the graft fosters increased tissue ingrowth into the graft as compared to conventional 100% nonabsorbable grafts. Increased tissue ingrowth leads to greater patency through formation of a vascularized neointima and less tendency to be aneurysmal through formation of a suitable adventitia. The absorbable component can be a variety of materials, including PGA, MAXON.TM., etc., whereas the nonabsorbable component (to be used as the backbone) can be new materials, e.g. NOVAFIL.RTM., or more conventional polymers, including polyester, polyamide or polypropylene.

Abstract: A marking implement in which an antistatic material is incorporated in the housing of the implement. The antistatic material is a nonionic fatty acid ester and the housing is of plastic. The antistatic material effects a significant reduction in surface resistivity of the polyethylene.

Abstract: A sterile surgical suture comprising an absorbable, radiation sterilizable, normally solid polymer comprising a copolyester that comprises repeating divalent units of the formulas:(A) --O--CO--CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --, and(B) --G--, and(C) --O--CO--CHR--O--.sub.m Ph--O--CHR--CO--O--wherein G represents the residue after removal of the hydroxyl groups of a dihydric alcohol, wherein Ph represents 1,2-, 1,3-, or 1,4-phenylene or alkyl- or alkoxy-substituted phenylene, wherein m represents a number having a value of 0 or 1, wherein R represents hydrogen or lower alkyl, and wherein the divalent units (A), (B), and (C) are bonded to each other through ester groups contained in said units.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of implantable biological tissue, and in particular bioprosthetic heart valves, which are prone to calcification after implantation. The process includes treatment of tissue with solutions prior to implantation which have been found effective in reducing calcification of the implanted tissue.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of implantable biological tissue, and in particular bioprosthetic heart valves, which are prone to calcification after implantation. The process includes treatment of tissue with solutions prior to implantation which have been found effective in reducing calcification of the implanted tissue.

Abstract: A dental tape is constituted by a length of incipiently fibrillatable plastics film. The tape may be made by extruding a polypropylene film in strip form onto chilled take-off rollers and then roll embossing the film by means of hardened steel rollers. After embossing, the film is oriented by means of draw rollers.In an alternative embodiment, the tape is made by partially fibrillating a plastics film by means of a spiked roller, followed by drawing to orient the film.The dental tape may be contained in a hand-held dispenser.

Abstract: An implantable infection barrier seal for preventing the entry of pathogens into an anatomical body, the body defining an exterior where pathogens reside and an interior where pathogens are not endemic. The body interior includes organic tissues which are not inherently exposed to the exterior. A portion of the tissue is exposed to the exterior. The seal includes an implantable infection barrier member that comprises of an inert, biologically compatible material which is bonded to the exposed tissue portion so as to shield the body interior from the pathogens residing in the exterior.

Abstract: A repair material enabling regrowth of damaged bones is set forth. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the repair material is polydivinyl benzene in particulate form. The particles are typically random sizes in a specified range, relatively porous, having a relatively high surface area per unit weight, thereby enabling bone growth supported by such particles.

Abstract: Medical permeating membranes in a zone through which a body fluid flows, said membranes having lateral surfaces in said zone, comprising permeable membranes of regenerated cellulose and a film of a fat-soluble vitamin and glycerin on said lateral surfaces of said membranes in said zone for flow of body fluid.

Abstract: An injectable collagen material composed of reconstituted, mechanically sheared atelopeptide collagen fibers. The material is prepared by passing reconstituted collagen fibers repeatedly through a rigid mesh screen, until a substantial reduction in fiber size and size-heterogeneity is achieved. The mechanically sheared fibers may be further crosslinked to improve implant characteristics.

Abstract: There are provided compositions for repairing defects of cartilage and bones. These are provided in gel form either as such, or embedded in natural or artificial bones. The gel comprises certain types of cells. These may be committed embryonal chondocytes or any kind of mesenchyme originated cells which potentially can be converted to cartilage cells, generally by the influence of chondrogenic inducing factors, in combination with fibrinogen, antiprotease and thrombin. The cells ought to be of the species to which the composition is transplanted. It is advantageous to incorporate in the gel extracellular matrix (ECM) of chondrocytes or other hormones and/or growth factors such as SM (Somatomedin=IGF-I), FGF (fibroblast growth factor), CGF (cartilage growth factor), BDGF (bone derived growth factor) or a combination of any of these.

Abstract: This invention provides smoking compositions which contain a monoacylpyrazine compound as a flavorant additive.In one of its embodiments, this invention provides tobacco compositions which contain a monoacylpyrazine flavorant additive such as 1-pyrazinyl-2,2-dimethyl-1-propanone: ##STR1## Under cigarette smoking conditions the above illustrated monoacylpyrazine additive flavors the mainstream smoke and enriches the aroma of the sidestream smoke.

Abstract: An intraocular lens capable of absorbing ultraviolet radiation and, additionally, a method for forming the lens is provided. The intraocular lens comprises a polymer matrix that is biocompatible with body tissue and fluids and comprises polymethylmethacrylate and a chromophoric compound. The intraocular lens preferably has about the same capability for absorbing ultraviolet radiation as does the natural crystalline lens of the eye. In one embodiment, the intraocular lens is formed by co-polymerizing a polymerizable derivate of 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone and methyl methacrylate monomer to form an ultraviolet light absorbing co-polymer additive. The co-polymer additive is mixed with methyl methacrylate monomer for forming a prepolymer solution that is then cured. The intraocular lens is formed from the solid cured co-polymer.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of an artificial organ having a film of a fat-soluble vitamin deposited on the surfaces of parts of said artificial organ susceptible to contact with body fluid in motion through a zone for flow of said body fluid within said artificial organ, which method is characterized by the steps of causing a solution of said fat-soluble vitamin in an organic solvent to flow into said zone for flow of body fluid within said artificial organ and allowing said parts to be amply wetted with said solution, then discharging an excess of said solution out of said artificial organ, and subsequently drying said solution deposited on said parts thereby expelling said organic solvent from the solution. The invention also provides a method for sterilizing said artificial organ after contact with a physiologically harmless liquid.

Abstract: A writing point for a writing or recording instrument is completely or partially formed of a metallic glass or amorphous metal or the writing tip may be provided with a coating or surface layer of metallic glass or amorphous metal.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method is proposed according to which a tobacco mass is proportioned for primary processing. The system and method provide for a controlled selection handling and proportioning of the tobacco mass, and for conditioning of the tobacco mass before further primary processing. The apparatus provides for conditioning an entire tobacco mass or for selected proportioning of the tobacco mass into smaller predetermined portions prior to conditioning. The system and method allow for blending different types of tobacco masses while utilizing the proportioning apparatus on selected tobacco masses.

Abstract: The invention is for a method of treating a decrease in estrogen secretion in a woman after the cessation of cyclic ovulation using a vaginal dispenser comprising a wall surrounding an internal lumen and having a pair of ends with one end placed inside the other end to form a closed dispenser. A vaginally administrable beneficial agent is housed in the lumen for release by the dispenser over time.