Abstract: A novel series of articles useful as medical devices, implants and protheses are provided which utilize poly(iminocarbonate) polymeric matrices. These articles are biocompatible, have excellent mechanical properties and degrade into non-toxic residues after introduction in vivo. The articles may be formed in any desired dimensions and configuration and may take specific shape as biodegradable sutures or as orthopedic appliances such as bone plates and the like.

Abstract: One or both surfaces of a polyimide sheet are uniformly and completely textured and can be 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 surface is textured by contacting the polyimide sheet with a one-phase solution of an amine, an alkali metal hydroxide, a water miscible alcohol and water. The copper and nickel or cobalt layers of the laminate can be 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.

Abstract: A depletion compartment for a deionization apparatus is provided. The depletion compartment includes a spacer containing longitudinal ribs that divide an open central section of the spacer into subcompartments, an anion permeable membrane and a cation permeable membrane. Each membrane is formed from an ion permeable resin supported on an ion permeable support. Each membrane is skived at the point of bonding of the membranes of the spacer so that the support portion of the membranes is bonded directly to the spacer.

Abstract: A consolidated metal-ceramic composite comprises a first phase of particles of aluminum oxide or a solid solution based on aluminum oxide uniformly distributed in a second matrix phase wherein the second matrix phase is non-reactive with aluminum oxide and contains a sufficient amount of titanium carbide at the interface between the first and second phase to prevent a chemical reaction at the interface during consolidation at the liquidus temperature and which exhibits good mechanical properties with regard to strength and toughness at high temperatures up to about 1200.degree. C.

Abstract: An ultrafiltration device comprising hollow fibers or thin channels through which ultrafiltration of blood plasma is effected is operated under conditions of tangential flow and low conversion. A recirculation stream of high molecular weight fraction of the liquid stream is fed to the device and a permeate stream from the device is recovered. The optimum module aspect ratio is designed and the corresponding maximum shear rate of incoming liquid is specified and controlled so as to provide maximum separation efficiency (selectivity and flux) allowing for separation between species of similar size or molecular weight. Shear rate is controlled by controlling the recirculation stream flow rate. The ratio of the transmembrane pressure at the channel outlet to the transmembrane pressure at the channel inlet resulting from the optimal design and operation is also specified.

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 resulting 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 functions initially as a thromboresistant conduit with mechanical properties which match those of the adjacent natural blood vessel.

Abstract: An adhesion promoter for polyimide is provided having the formula: ##STR1## wherein A is ##STR2## Ar is an aromatic group, R.sup.1 is lower alkyl, R.sup.11 is OR.sup.1 or lower alkyl, R.sup.111 is hydrogen or lower alkyl.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the microbiological testing of liquids to identify and count living microorganisms contained therein includes a tubular sleeve for collecting the liquid sample to which there is attached at one end a microporous membrane filter. Each end of the sleeve has the shape of a female receptacle portion where into one end a container housing a culture medium can be nested by force for applying the medium to the underside of the filter and where into the other end a cover can be nested to provide a substantially tight sealing of the device. Preferably, the tubular sleeve is in the form of a bellows the convolutions of which can be either compressed or expanded to correspondingly alter the volume of the sleeve between minimum and maximum values.

Abstract: Choline or a choline precursor is administered to a patient together with an amino acid which is a precursor to a neurotransmitter in order to give a synergistic result for the two components.

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

Abstract: Capsules are formed herein a liquified core while avoiding capsule core gelation by adding drops of a solution of either an anionic polymer composition or a cationic polymer composition to a solution of an ionic polymer of opposite charge. The drops contain an active ingredient such as a cell or microorganism capable of producing a biologically active product or can contain a biological or chemical composition. The interface of the ionic polymers form a permeable membrane surrounding the liquid drops.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus is provided for removing ions from liquids. Liquid to be purified is passed through depleting compartments containing mixed anion and cation exchange resin beads while a second liquid is passed through concentrating compartments free of ion exchange resin beads. Ions, under influence of an electrical potential, pass from the depleting compartments into the concentrating compartments through ion permeable membranes. A spacer for each depleting compartment is provided which retains the beads within the compartment, promotes even flow through the compartment and prevents plugging of the compartment inlet by the beads and external foulants.

Abstract: A learning device for infants is provided which includes two mirrors in a frame means adapted to be positioned substantially perpendicular to each other and wherein at least one mirror is provided with a shade. A movable rod with a handle and arm is rotatably mounted between the two mirrors. An object is connected to the arm which can be moved by the infant. The device also includes a transparent retainer having a movable shade. The retainer is adapted to house an object connected to a flexible line that can be moved by the infant. A series of timer devices can be included which are manipulated by the infant.

Abstract: Blood pressure is increased in a patient having a condition which effects rapid firing of neurons in the sympathetic nervous system and low blood pressure by administering tyrosine to the patient. The tyrosine composition can be administered alone or concomitantly with a drug which increases noradrenergic neurotransmission in the sympathetic nervous system.

Abstract: Capsules are formed herein a liquified core while avoiding capsule core gelation by adding drops of a solution of either an anionic polymer composition or a cationic polymer composition to a solution of an ionic polymer of opposite charge. The drops contain an active ingredient such as a cell or microorganism capable of producing a biologically active product or can contain a biological or chemical composition. The interface of the ionic polymers form a permeable membrane surrounding the liquid drops.

Abstract: Oxygen partial pressure and temperature are measured in living tissue by inserting a thin probe into living tissue. The probe includes a plurality of spatially separated thermal sensors secured to the probe substrate. A plurality of oxygen sensors is positioned along the length of the probe substrate and each oxygen sensor is associated with and positioned adjacent to or is an integral part of one of the thermal sensors. Electrical parameters of the sensors located on the probe are measured and used to determine oxygen partial pressure and to determine temperature at each of a plurality of sites along the probe.

Abstract: Choline or a choline precursor is administered to a patient together with an amino acid which is a precursor to a neurotransmitter in order to give a synergistic result for the two components.

Abstract: A multilayer membrane separator which permits serial and tangential contact of a retentate with a plurality of membranes within the separator. The separator is formed from a plurality of contiguous separator units each consisting of two membrane layers, two retentate layers, a filtrate spacer layer and two adhesive layers. The adhesive layers, in cooperation with a liquid inlet to the separator and a liquid outlet from the separator effect the desired retentate flow and prevent mixing of retentate and filtrate.

Abstract: A multiwell filtration apparatus for the assay of microliter quantities is provided which prevents fluid loss by capillary action and gravity flow through a microporous membrane or ultrafilter. The filtration apparatus is particularly advantageous in assays requiring maintenance of fluid within the reaction wells for substantial time periods and in small sample volume assays in the range of 100 microliter volumes.

Abstract: An ionic gel formed by polymerization of isopropylacrylamide in the presence of an ion-containing monomer, a crosslinking agent and a suitable liquid medium is provided. The gel is capable of drastic volume change in response to solvent composition, temperature, pH, or ion composition.