Abstract: A method for performing a non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (“MRA”) for a subject is provided. The method includes directing a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system to perform a pulse sequence to acquire k-space data from imaging slices that are oriented away from an axial direction of the subject. The method includes repeating the pulse sequence for a plurality of imaging slices, wherein a field-of-view (“FOV”) of at least one of the plurality of imaging slices is shifted by a predetermined value. The method also includes reconstructing, using the acquired k-space data, one or more angiographic images indicative of the subject's vasculature.

Abstract: A method for non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (“MRA”) that has a short scan time and is insensitive to patient motion is provided. More particularly, the method provides significant arterial conspicuity and substantial venous signal suppression. A two-dimensional single shot acquisition is employed and timed to occur a specific time period after the occurrence of an R-wave in a contemporaneously recorded electrocardiogram. In this manner, k-space data is acquired that is substantially insensitive to variations in arterial flow velocity, or heart rate, and that further substantially suppresses unwanted venous signal in a prescribed imaging slice.

Abstract: A method for performing a non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (“MRA”) for a subject is provided. The method includes directing a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system to perform a pulse sequence to acquire k-space data from imaging slices that are oriented away from an axial direction of the subject. The method includes repeating the pulse sequence for a plurality of imaging slices, wherein a field-of-view (“FOV”) of at least one of the plurality of imaging slices is shifted by a predetermined value. The method also includes reconstructing, using the acquired k-space data, one or more angiographic images indicative of the subject's vasculature.

Abstract: A method for non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (“MRA”) that has a short scan time and is insensitive to patient motion is provided. More particularly, the method provides significant arterial conspicuity and substantial venous signal suppression. A two-dimensional single shot acquisition is employed and timed to occur a specific time period after the occurrence of an R-wave in a contemporaneously recorded electrocardiogram. In this manner, k-space data is acquired that is substantially insensitive to variations in arterial flow velocity, or heart rate, and that further substantially suppresses unwanted venous signal in a prescribed imaging slice.

Abstract: A method for non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (“MRA”) that has a short scan time and is insensitive to patient motion is provided. More particularly, the method provides significant arterial conspicuity and substantial venous signal suppression. A two-dimensional single shot acquisition is employed and timed to occur a specific time period after the occurrence of an R-wave in a contemporaneously recorded electrocardiogram. In this manner, k-space data is acquired that is substantially insensitive to variations in arterial flow velocity, or heart rate, and that further substantially suppresses unwanted venous signal in a prescribed imaging slice.

Abstract: A method for non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (“MRA”) that has a short scan time and is insensitive to patient motion is provided. More particularly, the method provides significant arterial conspicuity and substantial venous signal suppression. A two-dimensional single shot acquisition is employed and timed to occur a specific time period after the occurrence of an R-wave in a contemporaneously recorded electrocardiogram. In this manner, k-space data is acquired that is substantially insensitive to variations in arterial flow velocity, or heart rate, and that further substantially suppresses unwanted venous signal in a prescribed imaging slice.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a magnetic resonance image of a human. The method includes the steps of applying a plurality of relatively constant spatially non-selective radio frequency pulses to an imaging volume of the human, applying a plurality of combinations of magnitude of phase-encoding gradients in slice-selective and in-plane directions to the imaging volume of the human, wherein the plurality of combinations is adapted to undersample the imaging volume in k-space, detecting magnetic resonance imaging data from the imaging volume using a plurality of receiver coils and forming the magnetic resonance image of the imaging volume.

Abstract: An improved process for manufacturing a dual cure anaerobic/ultraviolet adhesive. The process includes the first step of mixing a polymerizable (meth)acrylate ester monomer, such as methacrylic acid, a chelating agent and an accelerator. The second step is heating the mixture sufficiently to provide anaerobic curing properties. Next, one or more photoinitiators are added to the composition. No chelating agent is added during the addition of the photoinitiators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming a magnetic resonance angiographic image of a human body.

Abstract: A two part structural acrylic adhesive contains as a first part a mixture of acrylate or methacrylate monomers or oligomers, maleic acid, a hydroperoxide, and a source of ferric ions, and as a second activator part a substituted dihydropyridine. The adhesive is fast-curing and stable.

Abstract: The avoiding of uncomfortable-to-the-touch ear loops and the like in the attaching insertion of oxygen-delivering inserts of a cannula into a patient's nose which uses a 0.25 inch diameter in a circular base of a U-shape of the cannula to provide a chord which in width wise size is smaller than the width wise size of a patient's typical columella which divides in two the nasal cavities, such that the size difference results in a "pinch" fit which holds the cannula in place during its use, and the referred to columella not being sensitive-to-touch thus does not contribute to patient discomfort.

Abstract: A thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer matrix having sized carbon fibers incorporated therein for reinforcement. The carbon fibers are coated on their surface with a sizing composition comprising a rigid polyimide coating which is derived from the reaction of at least one aromatic diamine, at least one dianhydride, and at least one aromatic tetracarboxylic acid diester in which the carboxylic acid groups and ester groups are ortho disposed. By the use of appropriate amounts of heat and pressure, multifilamentary bundles of carbon fibers are readily impregnated with thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer to form a prepreg having a uniform distribution of carbon fiber throughout.

Abstract: This is a thermally conductive adhesive having excellent die shear strength, in film form, and having a weight average molecular weight of about 100,000 to 150,000, prepared from a mixture of a dietherdianhydride, a meta-substituted benzenediamine, a polysiloanediamine, and a thermally conductive filler, that is suitable as a die attach adhesive: it bonds rapidly without the need for curing or baking off-line; does not produce excess stress on the die; requires no refrigeration; provides uniform bond line thickness between the die and paddle; can be used at temperatures that do not oxidize copper lead frames or produce excessive thermal stress; can be reworked; and can exert adequate adhesion during the processes of wire bonding and molding.

Abstract: A composition comprising a multifunctional glycidyl ether having at least three epoxy groups per molecule with a hardening amount of a mixture of a rigid aromatic diamine and an aromatic diaminopolysiloxane can be thermally cured to a compatible composition. Glycidylamines cannot be used in this composition. Optionally, a diglycidyl ether can be included.The cured compositions have higher glass transition temperatures than previously observed with epoxy/silicone systems. They also have improved resistance to atomic oxygen over that shown by epoxy formulations lacking a polysiloxane species therein.

Abstract: A die attach adhesive film having excellent die shear strength is provided by a polysiloxaneimide having a weight average molecular weight of at least 100,000 and a aromatic diamine segment with substituents in the meta position.

Abstract: Polyimidesulfone and polyimideketone resins are rendered moldable while still retaining solvent resistance and high temperature physical and mechanical properties by incorporating an aromatic diaminopolysiloxane at a level between about 1 and about 20 mole % of the total diamine content, into the polymer.

Abstract: Polyamic acids prepared from the condensation of dianhydrides (or trianhydrides) and diamines and preferably dissolved in a suitable solvent produce polyimide shaped articles (e.g. films) relatively free of voids, pinholes, cracks and bubbles when about 0.75 to about 5 mole percent of a polysiloxane is incorporated in the backbone of the polyamic acid.

Abstract: A method of modifying the properties of siloxane-containing polymers is provided which comprises heating said siloxane-containing polymer in the presence of an organic alcohol, a phenol or a thiol which contains at least two reactive hydrogen-containing groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in a process for preparing carbon fiber reinforced polyimide compositions from a mixture of monomers by the application of heat in two stages. The improvement comprises incorporating a cyclic peroxyketal catalyst, such as 3,6,6,9,9,-pentamethyl-3-(ethylacetate)-1,2,4,5-tetraoxycyclononane, into the monomer mixture prior to reaction.

Abstract: Carbon fibers are provided which bear an improved finish coating upon the surface which is capable of withstanding the high temperatures (e.g., above 500.degree. F.) commonly encountered during the formation of composite structures employing a polyimide matrix. The sized carbon fibers prior to the curing to form a rigid polyimide coating are flexible, may be readily handled without significant damage, and are amenable to good impregnation with the matrix resin thereby facilitating the formation of quality composite structures. The finish comprises a mixture of selected precursors for the formation of a rigid polyimide (as described). More specifically, the size composition is formed from at least one aromatic diamine, at least one aromatic dianhydride, and at least one aromatic tetracarboxylic acid diester.