Abstract: A bondwire transition arrangement for interconnecting a signal port on one IC of a multichip module with a signal port on another, adjacent, IC of the same module employs a distributed signal-transition process in which the signal on one port appears as subsignals at tapping points along a series transmission-line segment arrangement between that port and ground on the same IC and the subsignals are recombined along a second series transmission-line segment arrangement connected between the other port and ground on the other IC. Spatially corresponding tapping points are interconnected via bondwires.

Abstract: A bondwire transition arrangement for interconnecting a signal port on one IC of a multichip module with a signal port on another, adjacent, IC of the same module employs a distributed signal-transition process in which the signal on one port appears as subsignals at tapping points along a series transmission-line segment arrangement between that port and ground on the same IC and the subsignals are recombined along a second series transmission-line segment arrangement connected between the other port and ground on the other IC. Spatially corresponding tapping points are interconnected via bondwires.

Abstract: Microparticles useful for enhancing the ultrasound image of a tissue or organ consist of liquid and/or gas core material which is encapsulated by a biocompatible, tanned protein shell. These stabilized microparticles are useful as ultrasonic imaging agents, and are additionally useful in the further production of functionalized microparticles for in vivo imaging. In particular, targeting molecules such as antibodies or other ligands can be attached to the strengthened exterior surface of the stabilized microparticles to impart target-specificity to the microparticles. The targeting molecules may also provide hydrophilicity to the exterior surface, thus increasing the recirculation time of the microparticles. The targeting molecules may be attached directly to the exterior surface of the microparticles, or they may be attached via a bifunctional spacer arm, which may itself be hydrophilic.

Abstract: Microparticles useful for enhancing the ultrasound image of a tissue or organ consist of liquid and/or gas core material which is encapsulated by a biocompatible, tanned protein shell. These stabilized microparticles are useful as ultrasonic imaging agents, and are additionally useful in the further production of functionalized microparticles for in vivo imaging. In particular, targeting molecules such as antibodies or other ligands can be attached to the strengthened exterior surface of the stabilized microparticles to impart target-specificity to the microparticles. The targeting molecules may also provide hydrophilicity to the exterior surface, thus increasing the recirculation time of the microparticles. The targeting molecules may be attached directly to the exterior surface of the microparticles, or they may be attached via a bifunctional spacer arm, which may itself be hydrophilic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making insoluble gas-filled, pressure-resistant microspheres containing a liquid or solid hydrophobic barrier within the microsphere shell, and products of this process. This barrier serves to decrease the rate of gas exchange between the microsphere and the aqueous environment surrounding the microsphere and thus enhances resistance to pressure due to gas exchange.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oil-in-water emulsion that is of a water-insoluble gas-forming chemical and a stabilizer. The emulsion being capable of forming microbubbles of gas upon application of ultrasonic energy. This composition allows for site specific imaging as the image enhancing microbubbles can be released upon the application of ultrasonic energy at the specific location where the image is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making insoluble gas-filled, pressure-resistant microspheres containing a liquid or solid hydrophobic barrier within the microsphere shell, and products of this process. This barrier serves to decrease the rate of gas exchange between the microsphere and the aqueous environment surrounding the microsphere and thus enhances resistance to pressure due to gas exchange.

Abstract: Elastic protein microspheres, filled with water insoluble gases, have been produced by ultrasound and mechanical cavitation without the present of oxygen. The microspheres are highly echogenic. The microspheres exhibit greatly enhanced static pressure stability, up to 40 psig. The microspheres are resistant to coalescence and to expansion due to differential gas diffusion. The microspheres are resistant to collapse when suspended in a gas-depleted aqueous solution.

Abstract: Calixarene conjugates useful for imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are described. Said calixarene conjugates comprise (i) a calixarene backbone, and (ii) at least one imaging moiety linked thereto, and may be of the formula: ##STR1## wherein at least one of the R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 substituents comprises an imaging moiety, the remaining R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 substituents are spectator groups, J is an ortho-linker, and n is an integer from 4 to 8. Imaging moieties useful for CT imaging include those comprising two or more iodine atoms. Imaging moieties useful for MRI include (i) organic moieties comprising four or more fluorine atoms; (ii) nitroxyl spin labeled moieties; and (iii) metal chelate moieties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas-filled microspheres useful as ultrasound contrast agents. More particularly, the present invention relates to gas-filled microspheres prepared from amphiphilic poly amino acid block co-polymers and a pharmacologically acceptable water-insoluble gas. The hydrophobic block of the co-polymer is formed from amino acids possessing hydrophobic side-chains, for example, leucine, isoleucine, valine, and phenylalanine, and the hydrophilic block of the co-polymer is formed from amino acids possessing hydrophilic side-chains, for example, glutamic acid (and its ionized form, glutamate), aspartic acid (and its ionized form, aspartate), and lysine.

Abstract: A process for making gas-filled, pressure-resistant microspheres containing a liquid or solid hydrophobic barrier within the microsphere shell.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oil-in-water emulsion that is of a water-insoluble gas-forming chemical and a stabilizer. The emulsion being capable of forming microbubbles of gas upon application of ultrasonic energy. This composition allows for site specific imaging as the image enhancing microbubbles can be released upon the application of ultrasonic energy at the specific location where the image is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved imaging agents useful for .sup.19 F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). More particularly, the present invention relates to fluorinated fatty acid sulfonate derivatives, such as those derived by reaction of fluorinated fatty acids with sulfonated compounds such as taurine analogs or isethionic acid analogs, which offer improved water solubility and biocompatibility.

Abstract: Aromatic acid-derived lipophilic polyhalogenated compounds are provided for use as contrast agents in diagnostic imaging or as therapeutic agents. These compounds are particularly useful when incorporated into an oil-in-water emulsion for tissue-specific delivery to the liver. For hepatocyte-selective delivery, the emulsion is chylomicron remnant-like by being in a size range of 50 to 200 nm and having a composition simulating naturally-occuring chylomicron remnants.

Abstract: Calixarene conjugates useful for imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are described. Said calixarene conjugates comprise (i) a calixarene backbone, and (ii) at least one imaging moiety linked thereto, and may be of the formula: ##STR1## wherein at least one of the R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 substituents comprises an imaging moiety, the remaining R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 substituents are spectator groups, J is an ortho-linker, and n is an integer from 4 to 8. Imaging moieties useful for CT imaging include those comprising two or more iodine atoms. Imaging moieties useful for MRI include (i) organic moieties comprising four or more fluorine atoms; (ii) nitroxyl spin labeled moieties; and (iii) metal chelate moieties.

Abstract: Improved ultrasonic imaging contrast agents are provided which are comprised of an aqueous suspension of microspheres comprising at least one gas, preferably a perfluorocarbon, encapsulated by elastic shells of a biocompatible, fluorine-containing amphiphilic material, processes for making the microspheres, and methods of diagnostic imaging using the improved contrast agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oil-in-water emulsion that is of a water-insoluble gas-forming chemical and a stabilizer. The emulsion being capable of forming microbubbles of gas upon application of ultrasonic energy. This composition allows for site specific imaging as the image enhancing microbubbles can be released upon the application of ultrasonic energy at the specific location where the image is desired.

Abstract: Organic compounds for diagnostic imaging which contain at least one aryl group which has been derivatized to contain at least one perfluoro-1H,1H-neopentyl moiety are provided. The perfluoro-1H,1H-neopentyl groups produce a single magnetic resonance to insure a maximum signal to noise ratio. One compound disclosed is 2-O-oleoylglycerol 1,3-bis(7'-{3",5"-di[2"',2"'-di(trifluoromethyl)3"', 3"',3"'-trifluoropropyl]phenyl}heptanoate). In the preferred embodiment, a lipid emulsion is provided as a carrier vehicle to deliver the derivitized analog to a mammalian recipient. Methods to use these compounds in MRI and computerized tomography are provided.