11.   But the Liggett papers indicate that researchers were working to maintain high nicotine levels while reducing the harshness of the smoke, for example.

12.   But they were much more sensitive to nicotine levels.

13.   Cigarette companies have long said certain nicotine levels are the result of blending tobacco to enhance characteristics like taste.

14.   Company officials have acknowledged Philip Morris scientists did research on nicotine levels but say the research was never used to develop or alter their brands.

15.   Congress can grant the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate nicotine levels and it can authorize restrictions on tobacco marketing.

16.   For more than a decade, anti-tobacco groups have tried to force cigarette makers to lower nicotine levels because of its alleged addictive nature.

17.   Former Food and Drug Administration chief David A. Kessler predicts that the unveiling of more company documents will show cigarette companies manipulating nicotine levels to hook smokers.

18.   Former researchers for Philip Morris Cos. have said that the companies also set nicotine levels in lower-tar cigarettes to satisfy the craving of smokers.

19.   He described equipment used to track nicotine and related compounds so that nicotine levels could be raised if they fell below specifications.

20.   However, some witnesses questioned whether the FDA would act to reduce nicotine levels because research on the effect of lowering nicotine levels is inconclusive.