Abstract: Disclosed is a weighting agent comprising processed taconite, and methods of applying the weighting agents during the completion of subterranean wells. The processed taconite is ground such that the particle-size distribution is comparable to and compatible with other suspended solids in fluids such as, but not limited to, drilling fluids, lost-circulation-control fluids, spacer fluids, cement slurries and temporary pills.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contrast agent of Formula I V-L-Z Formula I where V is a non-peptidic vector having affinity for the Angiotensin II receptor, L is a bond, a spacer or a linker moiety and Z represents a moiety detectable in an in vivo imaging procedure of a human or animal body.

Abstract: The invention relates to new peptide-based compounds for use as diagnostic imaging agents or as therapeutic agents wherein the agents comprise targeting vectors which bind to integrin receptors.