Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of methods, synthetic DC, and compositions for T cell activation. The present disclosure provides for synthetic dendritic cells (DCs), methods of generating synthetic dendritic cells (DCs), methods of generating T cell-encapsulated gelatin microspheres and microcapsules, methods of activating T cells using synthetic DCs, methods for expanding T cells against individualized antigen-specific mutational antigens using synthetic DCs, and methods of treating a chronic disease (e.g., HIV, HPV) or cancer using the synthetic DCs.

Abstract: Combination therapies for treating cancer comprising administration of a topoisomerase-1 inhibitor and a PARP inhibitor are provided. The topoisomerase-1 inhibitor can be delivered as a liposomal formulation that provides for prolonged accumulation of the topoisomerase-1 inhibitor within a tumor relative to outside of the tumor. Therapeutic benefit can thereby be obtained by delaying the administration of the PARP inhibitor after each administration of a liposomal irinotecan formulation until the accumulation of the topoisomerase inhibitor in the tumor is sufficiently greater than outside the tumor to result in increased efficacy of the PARP inhibitor and topoisomerase inhibitor within the tumor, while reducing the peripheral toxicity of the combination therapy. The therapies disclosed herein are useful in the treatment of human cancers with solid tumors, including cervical cancer.

Abstract: A memory device includes a first terminal and a second terminal; a magnetic tunnel junction coupled to the second terminal; wherein the magnetic tunnel junction comprises a magnetic free layer, and the magnetic tunnel junction is configured to be displaced by a plurality of distances from a center position of the device; a nonmagnetic metallic spin harvesting conductor coupled to the magnetic tunnel junction; wherein the nonmagnetic metallic spin harvesting conductor has a lateral dimension that is larger than that of the magnetic tunnel junction; an electrically insulating spin conductor coupled to the nonmagnetic metallic spin harvesting conductor; wherein the electrically insulating spin conductor has relatively less electrical conductivity than the nonmagnetic metallic spin harvesting conductor; wherein the nonmagnetic metallic spin harvesting conductor collects spin current from the electrically insulating spin conductor; and a spin orbit conduction channel coupled to the electrically insulating spin con

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to protocells or nanoparticles, which are optionally coated with a lipid bilayer, which can be used for targeting bone tissue for the delivery of bioactive agents useful in the treatment and/or diagnosis of bone cancer, often metastatic bone cancer which often occurs secondary to a primary cancer such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and ovarian cancer, among numerous others. These protocells or nanoparticles target bone cancer especially metastatic bone cancer with bioactive agents including anticancer agents and/or diagnostic agents for purposes of treating, diagnosing and/or monitoring the therapy of the bone cancer. Osteotropic protocells or nanoparticles, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a population of osteotropic protocells or nanoparticles and methods of diagnosing, treating and/or monitoring therapy of bone cancer are representative aspects.

Abstract: A nanoparticle for diagnostic, therapeutic, and/or theranostic applications includes a rod-shaped plant virus like particle (VLP), one or more gadolinium T1 contrast agents conjugated to an interior surface of the VLP, and a layer of polydopamine (PDA) coated over a portion of the exterior surface of the VLP.

Abstract: A magnetic particle is disclosed. The magnetic particle comprises a magnetic material having a maximum field strength in a range of from about 20 emu/g to about 250 emu/g and a remanence in a range of from about 0 emu/g to about 30 emu/g. The magnetic particle further comprises an outer surface containing a ligand. The ligand interacts with an analyte of interest in the sample solution.

Abstract: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) enhancement agent includes a plurality of particles, each particle including: a metal core; a dielectric shell disposed on the metal core comprising at least one MRI contrast agent; and a metal shell disposed on the exterior surface of the dielectric shell that encapsulates the dielectric shell.

Abstract: The invention is directed to hydrophilic and hydrophobic superparamagnetic nanoparticles and their use as contrast agents for NMR including agents that distinguish oil and water in NMR logging of geological formations containing oil or water. Methods of making these SPIONs are also described.

Abstract: The absorbance or emission wavelength of composite materials comprising a transition metal doped shell disposed over a rare earth doped core and a functionalizable group on the surface of the transition metal doped shell can change upon subjection to a carboxylic acid. This method of changing the absorbance or emission wavelength of a composite material can be used to identify counterfeit currency using an ink comprising a composite material.

Abstract: A targeting nanoparticle composition and method of treatment for diseases associated with major basement membrane components of blood vessels accessible from blood stream is presented. The composition includes pegylated perfluorocarbon nanoparticles having a targeting ligand attached that targets the basement membrane components, specifically collagen IV. The targeted nanoparticles may contain at least one pharmaceutically active agent capable of treating a glomerular disease such as lupus nephritis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for compositions of magnetic nanoparticles and methods of making magnetic nano-particles with large magnetic diameters.

Abstract: The invention in suitable embodiments is directed to dynamic bio-nanoparticle elements and bio-nanoparticle platforms employing such bio-nanoparticle elements. In one aspect, one or more elements of one or more types, formed from isolated, synthetic and or recombinant amino acid residues comprising in whole or in part one or more types of Clathrin and or Coatomer I/II proteins of one or more isoforms, execute one or more functions and or effect one or more ends, in vivo and or in vitro.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device package may comprise providing a semiconductor device, preparing a thermal interface layer on the semiconductor device, and disposing a heat spreader on the thermal interface layer, wherein the thermal interface layer comprises a core shell composite containing a metal core and a carbon shell surrounding the metal core.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a device and method for examining and using an electrical field in a magnetic gradient field, containing magnetic particles in an examination area of an object under examination, including introducing magnetic particles into at least part of the examination area of the object under examination; generating an electrical field at least in part of the examination area; generating a magnetic field having a spatial magnetic field strength profile with a first sub-zone with a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone with a higher magnetic field strength in the examination area; varying a spatial position of the two sub-zones in the examination area such that a magnetization of the particles changes locally; detecting signals which depend on the magnetization in the examination area influenced by this variation; evaluating the signals to obtain information about the spatial distribution of the magnetic particles in the examination area; and determining a conductivi

Abstract: Polymeric particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene and/or a derivative thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles may also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Such particles may be provided to a user in specific selected sizes to allow for selective embolization of certain sized blood vessels or localized treatment with an active component agent in specific clinical uses. Particles of the present invention may further be provided as color-coded microspheres or nanospheres to allow ready identification of the sized particles in use. Such color-coded microspheres or nanospheres may further be provided in like color-coded delivery or containment devices to enhance user identification and provide visual confirmation of the use of a specifically desired size of microspheres or nanospheres.

Abstract: Disclosed are quantum dots and quantum dot articles stabilized by a fluorochemical copolymer having pendent arsine, stibine or phosphine stabilizing groups; and pendent fluorochemical groups.

Abstract: To solve the problem of differentiating veins from lymphatics in MRI images, among other uses, the disclosed embodiments relate to compositions, kits, systems, and methods that include an MRI contrast agent and an MRI suppression agent that is also a blood pool agent. Using appropriate MRI techniques, the MRI suppression agent will suppress signal in its location, while signal enhanced by the MRI contrast agent in other locations will not be suppressed. The result is a clarified MRI image with only non-vascular regions enhanced.

Abstract: A composite particle comprising a fluorescent core/shell nanoparticle and a perfluoroether ligand bound the surface thereof is described.

Abstract: A marker includes a core and an outer region. The core has a first material with porous hydroxyapatite. The outer region completely covers the core, and has a second material with less porous hydroxyapatite, wherein ultrasonic or radiative imaging reveals a difference between the marker and tissue.

Abstract: A magnetic marker for marking a site in tissue in the body. In one embodiment, the marker comprises a magnetic metallic glass. In another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 9. In yet another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 6. In yet another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 3.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are iron oxide nanoparticles prepared through high-temperature thermal decomposition of an Fe3+ precursor and an M+ or M2+ (M=Li, Na, K, Mg, and Ca) precursor in an oxygen atmosphere. The iron oxide nanoparticles are nanoparticles, in which an alkali metal or alkali earth metal is doped into an Fe vacancy site of ?-Fe2O3, and generate explosive heat even in a biocompatible low AC magnetic field. Through both in vitro and in vivo tests, it was proven that cancer cells could be killed by performing low-frequency hyperthermia using the iron oxide nanoparticles set forth above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phosphate adsorbent on the basis of maghemite or maghemite/magnetite comprising (i) an iron oxide core comprising a crystal structure of inverse spinel iron oxide, (ii) a coating selected from monomeric carbohydrates, in particular monosaccharides or disaccharides, alditols, or mixtures thereof, and/or (iii) a pharmaceutical excipient selected from polymeric carbohydrates, wherein the phosphate adsorbent has the form of nanoparticles with a particle size of the iron oxide core (i) of less than 20 nm. The present invention further relates to a method for the production of a phosphate adsorbent on the basis of maghemite or maghemite/magnetite, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the phosphate adsorbent, and to medical uses thereof, especially for the prevention and/or treatment of hyperphosphatemia.

Abstract: An oil-in-water emulsion comprises an emulsifier which is a non-gelled branched polymer (e.g. a branched vinyl polymer), wherein the ends of at least some of the chains of said polymer terminate in an alkyl chain of 5 carbon atoms or more, and wherein the oil-in-water emulsion takes the form of particles having a z-average diameter of no greater than about 1000 nm. This is useful in, for example, facilitating the carrying of hydrophobic materials within aqueous systems, to enhance oral drug delivery. The oil-in-water emulsion may be prepared by mixing an oil phase with an aqueous phase in the presence of an emulsifier, wherein said emulsifier is a non-gelled branched polymer, wherein the ends of at least some of the chains of said polymer terminate in an alkyl chain of 5 carbon atoms or more, and wherein the oil-in-water emulsion takes the form of particles having a z-average diameter of no greater than about 1000 nm.

Abstract: Nanoparticles for use as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents are described. The nanoparticles are made up of a polymeric support and a manganese-oxo or manganese-iron-oxo cluster having magnetic properties suitable of a contrast agent. The manganese-oxo clusters may be Mn-12 clusters, which have known characteristics of a single molecule magnet. The polymer support may form a core particle which is coated by the clusters, or the clusters may be dispersed within the polymeric agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of capturing, enriching, purifying, detecting or measuring a cell in a sample at a sub-nanogram level comprising providing a nanocomposition, contacting the sample with the nanocomposition to form a mixture solution and allowing the binding of the cell with the nanocomposition, applying a magnetic field to the mixture, and evaluating the presence of or absence of the cell. The nanocomposition is capable of capturing or enriching an analyte at a sub-nanogram level, and comprise a nanostructure operably linked to an analyte-capturing member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for noninvasively determining the function capacity of the kidney are provided. In the methods, first contrast agent is injected into the vasculature of a subject. The contrast agent is to be bound with functioning glomeruli of the kidney of the subject. Then, the kidney is imaged with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system to acquire MRI images of the kidney. In the images, signal magnitudes or phases of voxels of regions bound with the contrast agent are different from signal magnitudes or phases of voxels of regions not bound with the contrast agent. Afterwards, the function capacity of the kidney is determined using the MRI images. Lastly, a report of the function capacity of the kidney is generated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to highly biocompatible or nontoxic PVP (poly(n-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) coated silver prussian blue nanoparticles (SPB-NPS: Ag3[Fe(CN)6] where PVP acts as stabilizing or capping agent. The as-synthesized nanoparticles (SPB-NPs) have been thoroughly characterized by several analytical tools. The SPB-NPs are highly stable for more than two weeks towards different physiological buffers or solutions with different pH (pH=6, ?7.4 & ?8). These nanoparticles (SPB-NPs) exhibit biocompatibility towards various normal cells (HUVEC, CHO, & ECV304) but show significant inhibition of proliferation of different cancer cells in vitro and tumor growth in C57/BL6/J mice model (aggressive murine melanoma cancer model: B16F10). Additionally, the SPB-NPs show excellent antibacterial activity towards gram-negative (E. coli) and gram-positive (B. subtilis) bacteria.

Abstract: Provided are a nanophosphor and a silica composite including the nanophosphor. The nanophosphor has a core/first shell/second shell structure or a core/first shell/second shell/third shell structure, wherein the core includes a Yb3+-doped fluoride-based nanoparticle, the first shell is an up-conversion shell including a Yb3+ and Tm3+-codoped fluoride-based crystalline composition, the second shell is a fluoride-based emission shell, and the third shell is an outermost crystalline shell.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions containing functionalized nanoporous silicon particles, useful in a variety of diagnostic and/or therapeutic regimens for delivery of genetic constructs to one or more cells, tissues, and/or organs of interest. Also provided are methods for introducing into selected host cells one or more selected nucleic acid molecules. The present disclosure is also directed to a method of treating a tumor, comprising the step of administering to an individual one or more of the compositions and formulations thereof as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanocomposition capable of capturing or enriching an analyte at a sub-nanogram level and methods thereof. The nanocomposition can comprise a nanostructure operably linked to an analyte-capturing member.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing microparticles using an emulsion based synthesis route including: Providing a first fluid phase and a second fluid phase, wherein the first fluid phase is a continuous phase and the second fluid phase is a dispersed phase comprising a dispersed material, wherein the continuous phase is immiscible with the dispersed phase; Mixing the first continuous phase and the second dispersed phase in the presence of a surfactant in a shear device to form an emulsion of droplets of controllable size and having a narrow drop size distribution; Drying the emulsion to form microparticles of controllable size and having narrow size distribution, and wherein the microparticles may comprise spherical, crumpled, dimpled, porous or hollow microparticles morphology. Also provided is a system including shear device and drying arrangement. Also provided are micro particles of controllable size and morphology formed by the method.

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticles, methods for making nanoparticles, and methods for using nanoparticles. An important attribute of a drug delivery system is its ability to allow for spatial and temporal regulated drug release, thereby minimizing side effects and improving therapeutic efficacy of conventional pharmaceuticals. Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs), specifically Fe304 nanoparticles, possess many appropriate qualities that make them a viable choice for drug delivery.

Abstract: A core-shell nanoparticle is provided that includes a core comprising a first isotope of an element; an isolation layer surrounding the core; and a shell layer surrounding the isolation layer, wherein the shell layer comprises a second isotope of the element, with the first isotope being different than the second isotope. Methods are also provided for forming such core-shell nanoparticles.

Abstract: A composite magnetic nanoparticle drug delivery system provides targeted controlled release chemotherapies for cancerous tumors and inflammatory diseases. The magnetic nanoparticle includes a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, a magnetic nanoparticle, the biological targeting agent human serum albumin, and a therapeutic pharmaceutical composition. The composite nanoparticles are prepared by oil-in-oil emulsion/solvent evaporation and high shear mixing. An externally applied magnetic field draws the magnetic nanoparticles to affected areas. The biological targeting agent draws the nanoparticles into the affected tissues. Polymer degradation provides controlled time release delivery of the pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: A material for use in a magnetic resonance system includes a carrier material and a doping material. The carrier material and the doping material are admixed in a specific proportion. A volume of the material smaller than 1 mm2 contains a substantially homogeneous intermixing of the carrier material and the doping material.

Abstract: A kit for providing a contrast enhancer in a mammal for contrasting during imaging of the mammal comprises functionalized gold nanoparticles configured to be directed to one or more of a target organ, tissue and lesion of the mammal.

Abstract: An activatable nanoprobe is provided having a core component and an active agent associated with the core component via a bond configured to be cleaved upon exposure to an endogenous compound.

Abstract: Compositions of nanoparticles functionalized with at least one zwitterionic moiety, methods for making a plurality of nanoparticles, and methods of their use as diagnostic agents are provided. The nanoparticles have characteristics that result in minimal retention of the particles in the body compared to other nanoparticles. The nanoparticle comprising a nanoparticulate transition metal oxide covalently functionalized with a silane-functionalized non-targeting zwitterionic moiety.

Abstract: The invention relates to peptide derivatives (peptides and pseudo-peptides) and use thereof as vectors for molecules of interest. The invention also relates to conjugates containing a peptide derivative of the invention bound to a molecule of interest. The peptides and prodrug conjugates of the invention can be used to vectorize molecules of pharmaceutical or diagnostic interest, such as, for example, therapeutic molecules, imaging or diagnostic agents, or molecular probes, across cell membranes, and notably to promote their transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Abstract: The invention provides a drug-polymer nanoconjugate that includes a drug covalently bonded to a polymer. The nanoconjugate can include a block copolymer coating and/or an albumin coating. The drug of the drug-polymer nanoconjugate can be one or more of a variety of therapeutic agents linked to the polymer through ether or thioether linkages formed from hydroxyl or thiol groups of the drug. The albumin coating can substantially or completely retard or prevent aggregation of the nanoconjugates in solid form or in solution. The invention further provides compositions that include a plurality of drug-polymer nanoconjugates, as well as methods for using the drug-polymer nanoconjugates, such as in therapeutic or diagnostic applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising a micelle for use in biological applications, the micelle comprising: a substantially water-insoluble conjugated polymer which exhibits luminescence or fluorescence from about 300 nm to about 1500 nm of the electromagnetic spectrum: a biocompatible surfactant and/or lipid: and a MRI active agent.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a nanoparticle preparation at a high temperature is provided. A plurality of nanoparticles are purified to form the preparation, wherein the nanoparticles comprise at least a core and a shell and the shell comprises one or more ligand species attached to the core. The nanoparticle preparation is made by a purified nanoparticle composition, a carrier fluid and an excess of the one or more ligand species not attached to the core. The ligand species attached to the core and the excess ligand species added after purification are structurally identical. The nanoparticle preparation provided by the present invention may be used as contrast agents in medical imaging techniques such as X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: A device for spatially encoding nuclear magnetic resonance signals is provided. The device includes a plurality of spatial-encoding elements configured to produce a spatial-encoding magnetic field in the presence of an external magnetic field, such as the main magnetic field of a magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”) system. The spatial-encoding elements include paramagnetic and diamagnetic spatial-encoding elements. The device further includes a support configured to hold the plurality of spatial-encoding elements in a fixed arrangement. By adjusting the orientation of the device, the spatial-encoding elements are moved relative to each other and thereby produce a plurality of different spatial-encoding magnetic fields. These spatial-encoding magnetic fields are used to spatially encode nuclear magnetic resonance signals emanating from spins in a volume-of-interest adjacent the device. An image reconstruction method for reconstructing images from signals spatially-encoded with the device is also provided.

Abstract: The present application discloses treating water insoluble nanoparticles, particularly nanoparticles of metals and metal compounds which find utility in diagnostic imaging such as MR and X-ray imaging, with an alpha-hydroxyphosphonic acid conjugate with a hydrophilic moiety to render the nanoparticles sufficiently hydrophilic to find utility in diagnostic imaging. Among the modified hydrophilic nanoparticles disclosed are those in which the hydrophilic moieties of the modifying conjugate are ethylene oxide based polymers and copolymers and zwitterions and the nanoparticles are composed of transition metal oxides such as superparamagnetic iron oxide and tantalum oxide. Disclosed are nanoparticles which are sufficiently hydrophilic to form stable aqueous colloidal suspensions. Also disclosed is diagnostic imaging such as MR and X-ray using the modified hydrophilic nanoparticles as contrast agents.

Abstract: A method of preparing a dispersion of stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles that comprise cores and coatings on the cores, which comprise zwitterionic functional groups chemically bound to the cores, using a single solution that comprises dissolved iron ions and a zwitterion silane and/or a hydrolyzed product of the zwitterion silane.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to core/shell nanoparticles, wherein such core/shell nanoparticles comprise a nanoparticle core and a nanoshell disposed about the nanoparticle core such that, in the aggregate, they form a core/shell nanoparticle that is operable for use as an imaging agent in X-ray/computed tomography (CT). Typically, such core/shell nanoparticle-based X-ray CT imaging agents further comprise a targeting species for targeting the imaging agent to diseased sites. Included herein are methods for forming such agents, comprising forming an ensemble of core/shell nanoparticles, wherein the mean diameter of the ensemble of core/shell nanoparticles is selected so as to render the nanoparticles in the ensemble substantially clearable by a mammalian kidney.

Abstract: In accordance with the teaching described herein, systems and methods are provided for providing secure access to a software application on a computing device. The software application may include a security framework having a set of predetermined security requirements. Prior to enabling access to the software application by a user, the computing device may, (i) verify installation of a device security configuration profile on the computing device, wherein the device security configuration profile certifies that the software application includes the set of predetermined security requirements, (ii) receive identifying information from the user via a user interface, (iii) verify the identifying information with an authentication server, and (iv) based on a successful verification of the identifying information, receive and store a security token. Access to the software application on the computing device may be provided for a specified period identified by the security token.

Abstract: Method and compositions are provided that relate to superparamagnetic nanoparticles, including IONP with small diameter and high transverse relaxivity, that are stable in an aqueous environment. The nanoparticle surface coating is functionalized, while minimizing its thickness, to facilitate packaging within biological constructs.

Abstract: The invention provides particles useful for sequential imaging or for diagnostics or therapeutics. Disclosed is a method to image diagnostic or therapeutic cells in a mammal, comprising: introducing to a mammal a composition comprising mammalian cells comprising mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) comprising a lanthanide, a fluorophore and an agent detectable by ultrasound; applying ultrasound and/or a magnetic field to the mammal and recording ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance images that include the MSNs; and detecting the presence, location or amount of the MSNs in the mammal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diagnostic and therapeutic nanoparticles. More particularly, the present invention relates to creating a copper (Cu)-based nanoparticle and a method for making the same. The Cu-based nanoparticles can further be incorporated with additional therapeutic or diagnostic compounds and used for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors.