Abstract: An improved process for the reduction of the nitrate content of tobacco materials via dissimilatory denitrification is disclosed wherein more rapid reduction of nitrate to nitrogen gas is effected by utilizing a vacuum during incubation. The process comprises inoculating nitrate-containing tobacco material with a microorganism capable of dissimilatory denitrification and thereafter incubating the tobacco material under conditions whereby the nitrate is reduced to nitrogen gas via dissimilatory denitrification while applying a vacuum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming perforations in bar-shape articles, in which each said article is clamped, during its advancement in a direction transverse its own axis on a conveyor, by a respective actuator device and turned by this about its axis in such a way as to receive, along at least one circumference, a succession of laser pulses each forming a respective perforation.

Abstract: A vascular graft is used to supply blood to one or more coronary artery branches. The vascular graft has an elongated U-shaped tubular body providing a continuous passage for carrying blood from a high pressure blood supply to a blood receiver. One or more openings in the body allow blood to flow into the coronary artery branches. The flow and pressure of the blood in the passage is controlled by a restriction providing a Venturi passage located remote from the inlet end of the tubular body. The restriction is reinforced with an annular sleeve to maintain a desired cross sectional area and length of the Venturi passage. The pressure differential between the blood supply and blood receiver maintains continuous and adequate blood flow at a desired pressure in the body passage and provides a continual supply of blood for the coronary artery branches.

Abstract: This invention provides smoking compositions which contain a diacylpiperazine additive such as 1,4-(2-methylpropionyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylpiperazine: ##STR1## The preferred diacylpiperazine additives impart enhanced flavor response and smoothness.

Abstract: In the curing of tobacco leaf in a curer heated air is circulated through the curer and controlled so that a first temperature is maintained in the curer for a given period of time. During this period the relative humidity level is reduced to a desired level. Thereafter a maximum predetermined temperature difference is maintained between upper and lower zones in the curer to dry the leaf.

Abstract: Colored ink comprising a developer having a phenolic hydroxyl group, an electron-donating colorless dye which develops a color by the action of the developer, and a solvent which does not inhibit a color developing reaction. Handwriting written in this colored ink can be erased by using an eraser comprising a desensitizing compound which makes the colored electron-donating dye colorless.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of the nitrate and nicotine contents of tobacco by microbial treatment is disclosed wherein tobacco materials are subjected, under controlled conditions, to the action of a microorganism effective to degrade nitrates and alkaloids (nicotine) through a biochemical reaction. The microorganism is combined or grown in the presence of a nitrate containing compound in relatively small quantities. Tobacco treated in accordance with this process has a reduced nitrate and nicotine content, and when incorporated into a tobacco smoking product thereby produces a mild smoke, having reduced nitrogen oxides, hydrogen cyanide and nicotine content. However, there is no loss of desirable flavor, taste and smoking properties.

Abstract: Shredded tobacco lamina material and shredded stem material are mixed for use in cigarette making. A coarse intermixture of the materials first is formed and the mixture is metered and opened to form individual particles. The individual particles then are intermixed to form aggregates containing both lamina and stem material.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of the nitrate content of tobacco materials by microbial treatment is disclosed wherein tobacco materials are subjected, under controlled conditions, to the action of a microorganism effective to degrade nitrates through a biochemical reaction. Tobacco materials treated in accordance with this process, when incorporated into a tobacco smoking product, produce a mild smoke having reduced nitrogen oxides and hydrogen cyanide deliveries without loss of desirable flavor, taste or other smoking properties.

Abstract: An osmotic delivery system is disclosed for dispensing a useful agent. The system comprises a semipermeable wall surrounding a compartment housing the agent. The wall comprises a cellulose ether, an organic solvent soluble polymer, and optionally an aqueous soluble polymer. A passageway in the wall connects the interior of the system with the exterior for dispensing an agent from the system.

Abstract: An artificial sphincter apparatus and method, the artificial sphincter including a pair of parallel, coaxially mounted rings with at least one ring rotatable relative to the other ring. A plurality of tie members mounted circumferentially to the rings extend between the rings and are angularly moved relative to the axis of the artificial sphincter upon relative rotation between the rings so as to selectively occlude or open a bowel engaged by the artificial sphincter. An actuator mechanism mounted on the artificial sphincter permits the artificial sphincter to be operated externally even when the artificial sphincter is implanted.

Abstract: A connector for an ambulatory dialysis system which effectively prevents peritoneal infections such as peritonitis. The connector is comprised of a cylinder containing a disinfecting solution which continuously bathes the male and female connectors of a tube during use. A highly absorbent material is packed in the cylinder and saturated with a disinfectant and bathes the male and female connectors when connection is made and continually bathes them during use. A connection is provided by a male fitting on the end of a tube connected to a bag of dialysate fluid or an abdominal opposing tube. Male connector is inserted into the female connector through the cylinder containing the absorbent material saturated with the disinfectant. The absorbent material is packed such that the male connector contacts the absorbent material during insertion to disinfect the opposing ends simultaneously while connection is being made.

Abstract: The invention comprises a syringe for extrusion of a semi-plastic mass, or a mass having a paste-like consistency. In a preferred embodiment, the syringe is so-designed to permit mixing of two components of a plasticizable mixture within the syringe barrel. The bore of the syringe barrel is flared to facilitate extrusion of the plastic mass therefrom. The parts of the syringe ready for use are packaged in a one-piece tray which serves not only for shipping and storing of the syringe, which may be preloaded with one of the components of the plasticizable mixture, together with the associated syringe parts, but which also serves, when opened for use, as a convenient tray for handling the syringe while mixing the two components of the plasticizable mixture prior to extrusion.

Abstract: A disposable applicator for placing a pharmacologically active agent in contact with a moist body surface, especially the eye is in the form of an elongate strip disposed at one end of which is a soluble matrix element containing the pharmacologically active agent so that on contact with the moist body surface the matrix element separates from the remainder of the strip. In a preferred form the matrix element is attached to the remainder of the strip by a thin water soluble membrane which rapidly dissolves in body fluid thereby releasing the matrix element to the body surface. Processes for the preparation of the disposable applicators are also described.

Abstract: Catheters for long term implantation having polymer surfaces in face-to-face contact which are provided with a thin film coating of a glow discharge plasma polymerized fluorocarbon to prevent adhesion of the contacting surfaces. The polymerized fluorocarbon film, between about 50 and 1000 Angstroms in thickness, is bonded to the substrate material giving a low surface energy without changing its bulk properties. The low surface energy will prevent adhesion of cured polymer surfaces in contact and act as a lubricant. The smooth pinhole-free films will control or prevent diffusion into or out of the bulk material. These biocompatible films provide an alternative use for polymers whose bulk properties are unacceptable but whose surface properties are desirable.

Abstract: An improved process for increasing the filling capacity of tobacco is provided in which tobacco is contacted with vapors of an expansion agent such as, for example, a low-boiling highly volatile hydrocarbon and/or halocarbon, at elevated temperature and pressure conditions, then releasing the pressure to about atmospheric pressure in a relatively short time period, such as from one second to ten minutes, so that the tobacco is expanded so as to increase its filling capacity in the absence of a subsequent heating step.

Abstract: A filter cigarette is provided which is adjustable to provide a wide range of air dilution values and which comprises a tobacco rod, a wrapped substantially cylindrical filter plug, and air transmissive tipping paper. The filter plug comprises a first mouth-end segment and a second, axially aligned, abutting rod-end segment which are joined such that the first segment is rotatable about the common axis. The second segment abuts and is joined to the tobacco rod.

Abstract: Disclosed is a urological device comprising a polymeric prosthesis coated on its surface by a grafted or interpenetrated hydrogel copolymer comprising 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, and a crosslinking agent, wherein each constituent of said copolymer is present in an amount selected from a defined range of mole fraction %. The hydrogel exhibits a shrink/swell behavior which varies with changing urine composition such that the polymer undergoes swelling and collapse in rapid response to said change and thereby prevents calcium encrustation. Also disclosed is a method for making the device.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus and method for clamping the blood glucose concentration of a subject at any one of a plurality of levels. A desired clamping level (BC) is selected and the value of the present blood glucose concentration, corrected to fit a least squares regression lines (GY) in the bloodstream of the subject is periodically determined. Dextrose is introduced into the bloodstream of the subject at a rate (DR) derived in accordance with ##EQU1## wherein: DR=dextrose infusion rate for clamp (mg/min)WT=body weight (kg)BC=desired clamp level (mg %)GY=present blood glucose level, corrected to fit a least squares regression line (mg %)M=slope of the least squares regression line fit for the last five glucose valuesKS=constant to allow adjustment for differences in metabolism ##EQU2## (Glucose utilization in mg/kg/min).

Abstract: A device for forming perforations in bar-shape articles, in which the articles are pierced during their translation through a piercing station by means of bundles of focused laser rays emitted by laser diodes, disposed in fixed positions and distributed in such a way that the distance between each diode and the associated perforation on each said article is, at the instant of emission of the bundle of rays identical to the focal length thereof.