Abstract: A hybrid electro-electroless deposition process whereby multiple metal films layers are deposited from a single plating solution which includes both electroless and electroplating components. The article to be plated is immersed in the solution, and electric current is selectively applied at determined voltages for predetermined times, at selected intervals to effect electroplating in conjunction with electroless deposition. Electroplated metal layers are interspersed with electroless deposited metal layers.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus, is used to effect multiple images of a tumor in which a contrast agent has been localized as a detectable marker over a selected time to map the change in the imaged marker. The rate of change in the imaged marker and/or contrast intensity of the dyed tissues is used to assess tumor aggressiveness and as an early predictor of response to cancer therapy. In particular, following the marking of tumor or cancerous tissues by the initial localization of an imageable contrast agent, the rate of change in the volume and/or area of the imaged marker is used to provide an indication of tumor interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP).

Abstract: A plating bath for electroless deposition of gold and gold alloy layers on such silicon-based substrates, includes Na(AuCl4) and/or other gold (III) chloride salts as a gold ion source. The bath is formed as a binary bath solution formed from mixing first and second bath components. The first bath component includes gold salts in concentrations up to 40 g/L, boric acid, in amounts of up to 30 g/L, and a metal hydroxide in amounts up to 20 g/L. The second bath component includes an acid salt, in amounts up to 25 g/L, sodium thiosulfate in amounts up to 30 g/L, and suitable acid, such as boric acid in amounts up to 20 g/L.

Abstract: A plating bath for electroless deposition of gold and gold alloy layers on such silicon-based substrates, includes Na(AuCl4) and/or other gold (III) chloride salts as a gold ion source. The bath is formed as a binary bath solution formed from mixing first and second bath components. The first bath component includes gold salts in concentrations up to 40 g/L, boric acid, in amounts of up to 30 g/L, and a metal hydroxide in amounts up to 20 g/L. The second bath component includes an acid salt, in amounts up to 25 g/L, sodium thiosulfate in amounts up to 30 g/L, and suitable acid, such as boric acid in amounts up to 20 g/L.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus, is used to effect multiple images of a tumor in which a contrast agent has been localized as a detectable marker over a selected time to map the change in the imaged marker. The rate of change in the imaged marker and/or contrast intensity of the dyed tissues is used to assess tumor aggressiveness and as an early predictor of response to cancer therapy. In particular, following the marking of tumor or cancerous tissues by the initial localization of an imageable contrast agent, the rate of change in the volume and/or area of the imaged marker is used to provide an indication of tumor interstitial fluid pressure (TIFP).

Abstract: A plating process using an electroless plating bath formed from two separate prepared component solutions. The component solutions mixed within 120 hours prior to plating operations, to provide a highly alkaline plating bath solution. One component solution of the two-part plating bath, is provided with a metal salt or source of plating ions, and which is initially kept in a separate solution from the second other prepared component solution. The second component solution contains formaldehyde, and preferably paraformaldehyde, used to reduce the metal salts into the metal to be deposited on a substrate. Each component solution further includes sodium hydroxide in concentrations selected so that when the two solutions are preferably mixed the final plating bath solution has a pH greater than 11.5.

Abstract: Medical or surgical instrument, such as a catheter, micro-catheter, guide-wire, cannula, blade, and forceps, comprising one or more sensors to allow measurement of parameters around or within the instrument, and methods for making and using the same, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods and apparatuses for measuring fluid characteristics, such as blood characteristics, including, for example, velocity, flow direction, and pressure in a vascular system.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprising providing an electrochemical solution comprising metal ions and a bioactive material such as bioactive molecules, and then contacting the electrochemical solution and a substrate. A bioactive composite structure is formed on the substrate using an electrochemical process, where the bioactive composite structure includes a metal matrix and the bioactive material within the metal matrix.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprising providing an electrochemical solution comprising metal ions and a bioactive material such as bioactive molecules, and then contacting the electrochemical solution and a substrate. A bioactive composite structure is formed on the substrate using an electrochemical process, where the bioactive composite structure includes a metal matrix and the bioactive material within the metal matrix.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanolaminate structure is provided which comprises plating a substrate with layers of substantially a first metal and substantially a second metal using an electrolytic plating process and controlling the plating current to obtain a desired current density at the cathode, which is maintained within a predefined range.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprising providing an electrochemical solution comprising metal ions and a bioactive material such as bioactive molecules, and then contacting the electrochemical solution and a substrate. A bioactive composite structure is formed on the substrate using an electrochemical process, where the bioactive composite structure includes a metal matrix and the bioactive material within the metal matrix.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanolaminate structure is provided which comprises plating a substrate with layers of substantially a first metal and substantially a second metal using an electrolytic plating process and controlling the plating current to obtain a desired current density at the cathode, which is maintained within a predefined range.

Abstract: A nanolaminate structure comprises a plurality of adjacent metal layers with each layer having a thickness of less than about 1000 nanometers. The composition of the adjacent metal layers alternates between a first metal and a second metal, where at least one mechanical property of the nanolaminate is improved over the same mechanical property of the first and second metal.

Abstract: Nesting electrical connectors comprising a substrate and a silver-nickel-carbon electrodeposit atop the substrate. The electrodeposit is at least about 0.5 micrometers thick, and comprises about 10 to about 25 atomic percent nickel which is dispersed as a discontinuous phase throughout a continuous phase of the silver and has a Scherrer grain size less than about 5 nanometers. The carbon comprises about 5 to about 15 atomic percent of the deposit and has a non-crystalline graphite structure.

Abstract: In a preferred method, a zinc-rich alloy coating is applied to a substrate using an electrolysis deposition solution which contains a metal salt of zinc and a metal salt of nickel each in an amount sufficient to provide a weight ratio of zinc to nickel (Zn:Ni) of at least about 1:1; a phosphorus-containing reducing agent in an amount sufficient to cause reduction of the zinc and the nickel to ions thereof; sufficient complexing agent to maintain the nickel ions and the zinc ions in solution; and a buffer in an amount sufficient to achieve a desired pH. Preferably, the surface of the substrate is pretreated or precatalyzed before deposition by a sensitizing step using tin and an activating step using palladium.