Abstract: A coated metal reinforcement element for polymeric or elastomeric materials comprises a coating of: a polymer or prepolymer compatible with and co-polymerizable, co-vulcanizable or crosslinkable with said polymeric or elastomeric material to be reinforced, and bearing functional groups; either covalently bonding to the metal surface of said reinforcement element; or forming covalent bonds with the outward directed first functional groups of a mono-or multimolecular layer of a bifunctional adhesion promotor intercalated between said metal by its second functional groups. A method for the coating includes a one step and a two step procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and devices for monitoring cardiovascular performance. The invention also includes methods of measuring capillary related interstitial fluid, as well as cardiac and vascular function. Specific devices, particularly probes, are provided for such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive substance for improved adhesion between a vulcanizable polymer and a metallic reinforcing carrier.The use of an adhesive substance with the following structure is proposed in order to produce an improved adhesion between rubber and a metallic reinforcing carrier:X--(R).sub.n --(Ar).sub.i --(R).sub.m --Y,whereinX: --SH; --Si(Cl).sub.3 ; --Si(OR.sub.1).sub.3 ; --COOHwith R.sub.1 : alkyl remainder (branched and unbranched), particularly --CH.sub.3 ; --C.sub.2 H.sub.5 or --C.sub.3 H.sub.7 ;R: --CH.sub.2 --; --CF.sub.2 --; wherein 0.ltoreq.n,m.ltoreq.12, or--CH.sub.2 --CO--NH--CH.sub.2 --; --CF.sub.2 --CO--NH--CF.sub.2 --; --CH.sub.2 --CO--NH--CF.sub.2 --; --CF.sub.2 --CO--NH--CH.sub.2 --, wherein 0.ltoreq.n,m.ltoreq.4Ar: aromatic and/or heteroaromatic system, comprised of one or several of the following molecules:benzene, phenylene, aniline, thiophene, pyrrole, furane,with or without substituentswherein 0.ltoreq.i.ltoreq.

Abstract: The invention provides for ultrasonic methods and devices that provide for reproducible positioning of an ultrasonic transducer(s) in the heel using anatomic landmarks for broadband ultrasonic attenuation or speed of sound measurements. The invention provides for improved interrogation devices that reproducibly position transducer(s) over an interrogation site in the heel.

Abstract: The invention provides for ultrasonic methods, compositions and devices. particularly methods, compositions and devices that provide for reproducible positioning of the ultrasonic transducer(s) over an anatomic region using anatomic landmarks. The invention provides for improved interrogation devices that reproducibly position transducer(s) over an interrogation site.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of measuring layer thickness in an object comprising 1) transmitting at least a first and a second ultrasound pulse from at least a first and second position, 2) measuring at least one reflective distance from the first pulse and at least one reflective distance from the second pulse, wherein the reflective distance is from the object's external surface (or probe) to a reflective interface of at least one layer, 3) selecting the reflective distance having the shortest reflective distance to indicate the distance between the external surface (or probe surface) and the reflective interface of at least one layer, wherein the selecting of the shortest reflective distance reduces ultrasound transmission parallax of the first and second pulses relative to a plane in the object. Other ultrasound methods and devices are disclosed for measuring layer thickness in patients or subjects in need thereof, particularly subjects in need of fat or muscle measurement.

Abstract: An in vivo diagnostic method for differentiating normal from diseased tissue is described, using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Differences in molecular diffusion between viable and necrotic tissue, and normal and diseased tissue, are measured using diffusion-weighted MRI techniques to evaluate the success of a medical treatment regimen.