Abstract: Process for forming a multilayer blood vessel prosthesis. Each layer is formed from bioreplaceable materials which include those produced by contacting collagen with an aminopolysaccharide and subsequently covalently crosslinking the resluting polymer, polymers of hydroxyacetic acid and the like. Cross flow filtration molding and wet extrusion molding are two processes which are particularly useful for forming the inner layer of the blood vessel prosthesis. The outer layer of the blood vessel prosthesis is preferably formed by freeze drying a dispersion of the bioreplaceable material onto the inner layer(s). The disclosed blood vessel prosthesis is a multilayer structure with each layer having a porosity and other physicochemical and mechanical characteristics selected to maximize the effectiveness of the blood vessel. The prosthesis funcitons initially as a thromboresistant conduit with mechanical properties which match those of the adjacent natural blood vessel.

Abstract: A multi-well filtration apparatus for the assay of microliter quantities is provided wherein a filter is positioned in each well on a plate having an open spout positioned in the plate. The spout has a collar on its outer surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical axis of the spout. The collar prevents a liquid droplet from climbing the outer surface of the spout from its open end.

Abstract: Microporous poly (tetrafluoroethylene-co-perfluoro (alkyl vinyl ether)) (PFA) or poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene) (FEP) membrane or hollow fibers are formed from a melt blend of 10 to 35 weight percent of PFA or FEP and a chlorotrifluoroethylene oligomer solvent. The melt blend is shaped and cooled to effect phase separation of the PFA or FEP from the blend. The solvent is removed from the PFA or FEP by extraction and the porous PFA or FEP is dried under restraint to prevent shrinkage.

Abstract: Phospholipid liposomes are provided having a lipid bilayer surrounding a confined composition which includes a gas or a gas precursor. The liposomes can be administered to a patient and can be detected in vivo by ultrasound techniques which permit organ imaging.

Abstract: Both surfaces of a uniformly and completely textured polyimide sheet are coated with a layer of electroless nickel or cobalt and a subsequent layer of electrolytically applied copper yielding an adhesiveless laminate useful in the production of electronic circuitry. The copper and nickel or cobalt layers are strongly bonded to the textured polyimide sheet to the extent that the laminate exceeds bond strength requirements as measured by current standard peel strength tests of the Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits (IPC) for both initial and post solder float adhesion, as well as a modification of IPC test 2.4.9 method E for resistance to thermal cycling.

Abstract: A two piece cover for the ferrule of a paint brush is provided which is formed from a rubber composition and includes (a) a cover ferrule section having a hose (b) and a hook which is intergrally formed with a plate. The hook extends through a hole in the cover ferrule section. The hook permits a paint brush to be hung onto the edge of a container of paint or paint thinner.

Abstract: A novel method of activation of a protected amino acid using Benzotriazolyloxytris(dimethylamino)phosphonium Hexafluorophosphate (BOP) as an activator for solid phase peptide synthesis is provided. Hydroxybenzotriazole is included in preferred embodiments. An intermediate acyloxyphosphonium salt is formed from the protected amino acid and the BOP which immediately reacts with HOBt to form an ester without formation of the less reactive symmetrical anhydride. A tertiary or quaternary substituted nitrogen compound must be used to produce a carboxylate of the protected amino acids as it also functions to increase their solubility.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapidly measuring blood viscosity including a hollow column of narrow bore in fluid communication with a chamber containing a porous bed and means for measuring blood flow rate within the column. The specific permeability of the bed and the pressure gradient are selected so that in combination they result in an equivalent average wall shear stress of about 1 dyn/cm.sup.2 or less.

Abstract: Tyrosine or a tyrosine precursor is administered concomitantly with an indirect-acting sympathomimetic amine drug to increase the level of norepinephrine that can be released in sympathetic neuron synapses.

Abstract: Composite inorganic microporous or ultrafiltration membranes are formed by depositing a film of inorganic particles on a porous inorganic substrate. In a second step, the particles comprising the film are bonded or joined together by passing a supersaturated solution of the particle composition through the particle film, thereby to effect crystal growth on the particles, and to find tune the film pore size. The entire process is conducted at low temperatures, generally less than 90.degree. C.

Abstract: Microporous polypropylene membrane or hollow fibers is formed from a melt blend of 5 to 20 weight percent polypropylene and a solvent. The melt blend is shaped and cooled to effect solid phase separation of the polypropylene from the blend. The solvent is separated from the polypropylene by extraction and the porous polypropylene is dried under restraint to prevent shrinkage.

Abstract: A probe apparatus for aspirating a liquid sample from a container including a probe and a probe tip. The probe tip has a free end including a plurality of sharp points and cutting edges formed by the juncture of exposed surfaces. The exposed surfaces have a length and shape which promote liquid movement by surface tension forces along the exposed surfaces. A filter is secured to the end of the probe tip and a passageway for liquid extends through the probe and probe tip.

Abstract: Apparatus such as high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus is provided which includes a large volume having a homogeneous static magnetic field generated by a solenoid magnet within which a plurality of stationary samples can be analyzed concomitantly. The static magnetic field is rendered homogeneous by means of a plurality of radial and axial coils connected to a controlled power supply.

Abstract: Thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and/or fluid perfusion within a medium such as cutaneous tissue is non-invasively measured by at least two heating and temperature sensor. One sensor is positioned in thermal communication with the medium and a second sensor is positioned thermal communication with the first sensor. Both sensor are heated (or cooled) so as to substantially prevent net heat flow between them. In this manner, net heat flow between the first sensor and the medium can be measured, which measurements allow determination of the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and/or fluid perfusion within the medium.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus uses vanes which oscillate with respect to one another, while simultaneously rotating within a chamber, to compress a gas or pump a liquid. The oscillating motion results from interaction of at least a single coupled pair of elliptical drive members. When the driver elliptical member is rotated at a constant angular velocity, it causes the driven elliptical member to rotate with a varying angular velocity. As the driven elliptical member is connected to at least one vane, that vane also rotates with a varying angular velocity. In a preferred embodiment, two pairs of meshing elliptical gears drive four vanes with an oscillating and rotating motion.

Abstract: At least one surface of a polyimide sheet surface is coated with copper in the absence of an adhesive. The polyimide surface is treated with a one phase aqueous solution comprising an alkylene diamine; an alkali metal hydroxide and a water miscible alcohol to render the surface uniformly and substantially completely textured. The treated surface then is treated with a catalyst, coated with cobalt or nickel and then coated with copper. The laminate produced passes the IPC tests for peel strength and solder float.

Abstract: A physiologically acceptable solution of tantalum-178 having an activity of 0.1 to 200 millicuries per milliliter of tantalum-178 solution is provided. The solution is obtained from tungsten-178 bound to a column of an anion exchange resin which forms tantalum-178 in situ by eluting the column with a hydrochloric acid solution containing hydrogen peroxide to form an acidic solution of tantalum-178. The acidic solution of tantalum-178 then is neutralized.

Abstract: An integral cover for the ferrule of a paint brush is provided which is formed from a rubber composition and includes a cover ferrule section and a hook which is formed with the cover ferrule section. The hook permits a paint brush to be hung onto the edge of a container of paint or paint thinner.

Abstract: Multicolored tone paint compositions containing flat metallic particles are produced by subjecting an electrically conductive substrate coated with the paint composition, while wet, to ion current. The field caused by the corona current vertically orients the metallic particles in that portion of the paint subjected to the current while the metallic particles in the unexposed paint remain in horizontal orientation.

Abstract: Composite inorganic microporous or ultrafiltration membranes are formed by depositing a film of inorganic particles on a porous inorganic substrate. In a second step, the particles comprising the film are bonded or joined together by passing a supersaturated solution of the particle composition through the particle film, thereby to effect crystal growth on the particles, and to find tune the film pore size. The entire process is conducted at low temperatures, generally less than 90.degree. C.