Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer composition which absorbs infrared radiation (IR), containing a transparent thermoplastic plastic, an inorganic infrared absorber, also referred to as IR absorber hereinbelow, at least one inorganic nano-scale pigment, and the combination of at least two organic coloring agents of a specific structure, and to the preparation and use of the polymer compositions according to the invention and to products produced therefrom.

Abstract: This invention is directed to perylene-diimide aromatic dianion compounds, process of preparation and uses thereof. The perylene-diimide aromatic dianion compounds of this invention are stable in aqueous solution and can be used for photofunctional and electron transfer systems in aqueous phase. This invention is also directed to supramolecular polymers derived from perylene-diimide compounds and to uses thereof.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device. The device includes: a doped semiconductor having a source region, a drain region, a channel between the source and drain regions, and an extension region between the channel and each of the source and drain regions; a gate formed on the channel; and a screening coating on each of the extension regions. The screening coating includes: (i) an insulating layer that has a dielectric constant that is no greater than about half that of the extension regions and is formed directly on the extension regions, and (ii) a screening layer on the insulating layer, where the screening layer screens the dopant ionization potential in the extension regions to inhibit dopant deactivation.

Abstract: A thermal transfer film and a method of manufacturing an OLED display, the thermal transfer film including a light to heat conversion layer, the light to heat conversion layer being formed of a composition including carbon black having an oil absorption number (OAN) of about 50 cc/100 gram to about 120 cc/100 gram and a mean particle size of about 40 nm to about 200 nm; and a binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing nanoparticles of antimonides of metal element(s) in the form of a colloidal solution, using antimony trihydride (SbH3) as a source of antimony.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a branched nanowire having parasitic nanowires grown at a surface of the branched nanowire, and a method for fabricating the same. The branched nanowire may be fabricated in a fractal form and seeds of the parasitic nanowires may be formed by thermal energy irradiation and/or a wet-etching process. The branched nanowire may effectively be used in a wide variety of applications such as, for example, sensors, photodetectors, light emitting elements, light receiving elements, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent coated with carboxylated mannan, particularly a carboxylated mannan coated superparamagnetic MRI contrast agent specifically targeting antigen presenting cells and having excellent in vivo stability, and a method for producing the same. The MRI contrast agent coated with carboxylated mannan of the present invention can provide excellent in vivo stability and biocompatibility owing to its high surface negative charge, and can be introduced specifically into antigen presenting cells owing to mannose of mannan, so as to visualize the antigen presenting cells and the tissue containing the antigen presenting cells in MRI.

Abstract: Functionalized nanoparticles, which are obtainable by combining in a first step a functionalized dyestuff, a silicon-based spacer and a catalyst, and in a second step reacting the product obtained in the first step with a co-reactive organic silicon, aluminum, zirconium or titanium compound. Optionally, the thus obtained functionalized nanoparticles can be combined or encapsulated with a polymer. The functionalized nanoparticles are useful as colorants and fluorescents in plastics, paints, inks, electronic materials, cosmetic articles, and the like.

Abstract: Surface films, paints, or primers can be used in preparing aircraft structural composites that may be exposed to lightning strikes. Methods for making and using these films, paints or primers are also disclosed. The surface film can include a thermoset resin or polymer, e.g., an epoxy resin and/or a thermoplastic polymer, which can be cured, bonded, or painted on the composite structure. Low-density electrically conductive materials are disclosed, such as carbon nanofiber, copper powder, metal coated microspheres, metal-coated carbon nanotubes, single wall carbon nanotubes, graphite nanoplatelets and the like, that can be uniformly dispersed throughout or on the film. Low density conductive materials can include metal screens, optionally in combination with carbon nanofibers.

Abstract: There is provided a method for suppressing a pro-inflammatory immune response in a cell, comprising providing to a cell sialic acid or analogs thereof, wherein the sialic acid or analogs are presented by a substrate such that a pro-inflammatory immune response in a cell is suppressed or an anti-inflammatory immune response is increased in a cell. Further, there is provided a method of treatment of inflammatory disease in a subject in need thereof. There is also provided a drug delivery device and a biomaterial which can modulate the inflammatory response in a subject.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hollow metal sphere with a mesoporous structure is disclosed, which comprises the following steps: (A) providing a hollow sphere template with a mesoporous structure, wherein the hollow sphere template comprises: a first shell with plural channels penetrating the first shell, the material of the first shell comprises a mesoporous silica material, and the mesoporous silica material has a cubic Ia3d symmetry pore structure; (B) mixing the hollow sphere template with a metal precursor; (C) reducing the metal precursor; and (D) removing the hollow sphere template to obtain a hollow metal sphere with a mesoporous structure. In addition, the present invention also provides a hollow metal sphere with a mesoporous structure prepared by the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of nano zinc oxide particles is disclosed. The process comprises of dissolving a zinc metal precursor in a solvent to obtain a first solution and dissolving a base in an alcohol to obtain an alkali solution. The alkali solution is then added to the first solution over a predetermined period of time to obtain nano zinc oxide particles in solution.

Abstract: A high-efficacy, long-acting formulation of silymarin, comprising silymarin solid dispersion, silymarin-loaded silica nanoparticles, slow-release matrix material and release enhancer, wherein the mass ratio of these components is silymarin solid dispersion:silymarin-loaded silica nanoparticles:slow-release matrix material:release enhancer=1:0.5˜1.25:0.1˜0.3:0.1˜0.3; the drug loading rate of the said silymarin-loaded silica nanoparticles is 51.95%-52.87%; the said silymarin solid dispersion contains povidone K30, soybean lecithin and acrylic resin IV, and the mass ratio between silymarin and other medical accessories in silymarin solid dispersion is silymarin:povidone K30:soybean lecithin:acrylic resin IV=1:1˜3:0.3˜0.8:0.2˜0.5. Compared with the existing formulations, the half life of the high-efficacy, long-acting formulation of silymarin disclosed in this invention is 2.3 times longer while the mean residence time (MRT) of which is 9.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical photosensitizer-loaded nanoparticle formulations and their methods of preparation for photodynamic therapy, comprising a hydrophobic or hydrophilic photosensitizer, nanoparticulate calcium phosphate and in certain cases auxiliary reagents such as stabilizers. The calcium phosphate-based nanoparticle formulations of the present invention provide excellent storage stability and therapeutically effective amounts of photosensitizer for intravenous or topical administration. In a preferred embodiment, tetrapyrrole derivatives such as porphyrins, chlorins and bacteriochlorins, are the preferred hydrophobic photosensitizers to be formulated in calcium phosphate nanoparticle formulations for photodynamic tumor therapy. Additionally, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-phosphonooxyphenyl)porphine (pTPPP) is a preferred hydrophilic photosensitizer for photodynamic tumor therapy.

Abstract: This invention provides novel nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates and structures comprising such substrates for use in various medical devices, as well as methods and uses for such substrates and medical devices. In one particular embodiment, methods for enhancing cellular functions on a surface of a medical device implant are disclosed which generally comprise providing a medical device implant comprising a plurality of nanofibers (e.g., nanowires) thereon and exposing the medical device implant to cells such as osteoblasts.

Abstract: A paste composition for forming a back surface electrode of a solar cell 10 provided by the present invention contains, as solid matter, an aluminum powder, a glass powder, and a composite powder composed of a granular composite material of titanium oxide and an organic or inorganic compound containing silicon. When the total amount of the composite powder, the aluminum powder, and the glass powder is 100% by mass, the composite powder is contained in a ratio of 0.45% by mass or more and 1% by mass or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of vaccination via hair follicles that makes it possible to target vaccine components to the antigen-presenting cells in order to induce a protective and effective immune response against pathogens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing particulate composite materials. According to the method, solid inorganic or organic particle agglomerates or particle aggregates that are provided in a dry state, particularly in powder form, are first reduced in size in the gas phase or in a gaseous carrier medium in the presence of organic matrix particles by applying energy. The obtained comminuted particles are dispersed into the organic matrix particles, especially embedded thereinto and/or attached thereto. The composite materials produced in said manner can be used in many different ways and are suitable in particular for use in a large variety of plastic materials, coating materials, paints, and lacquers, especially coating powders, to modify properties during use in the corresponding products and similar.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to isoflavone nanoparticle compositions comprising isoflavone in the form of nanoparticles and preferably a carrier. The isoflavone nanoparticle compositions are particularly useful for preparing cosmetic compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, foodstuff, food and feed additives. In the compositions comprising the isoflavone nanoparticle compositions recrystallization of the isoflavone to bigger particles is retarded.

Abstract: A method for preparing nanoscale hydroxyapatite particles by combining an amount of a calcium ion source, which includes calcium acetate, and an amount of a phosphate ion source, wherein the amounts are sufficient to produce nanoscale hydroxyapatite particles and the amounts are combined under ambient conditions to produce the hydroxyapatite particles. Nanoscale hydroxyapatite particles are also presented.

Abstract: Methods of using cerium oxide nanoparticles to promote angiogenesis are described. In a particular embodiment, a method of promoting angiogenesis in animal tissue comprises contacting the tissue with a composition comprising cerium oxide nanoparticles effective for stimulating proliferation of endothelial cells associated with the tissue.

Abstract: A water treatment composition capable of effectively adsorbing pollutants from water is described. The composition includes magnetic extractants, which comprise magnetite nanoparticles containing functional groups. The composition is used to remove from water and aqueous streams oils and other contaminants. A process for removing contaminants from water and apparatus used in the process are also described.

Abstract: Discrete microstructures of predefined size and shape are prepared using sol-gel phase-reversible hydrogel templates. An aqueous solution of hydrogel-forming material is covered onto a microfabricated silicon wafer master template having predefined microfeatures, such as pillars. A hydrogel template is formed, usually by lowering the temperature, and the formed hydrogel template is peeled away from the silicon master template. The wells of predefined size and shape on the hydrogel template are filled with a solution or a paste of a water-insoluble polymer, and the solvent is removed to form solid structures. The formed microstructures are released from the hydrogel template by simply melting the hydrogel template in water. The microstructures are collected by centrifugation. The microstructures fabricated by this method exhibit pre-defined size and shape that exactly correspond to the microwells of the hydrogel template.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrically conductive polymer compositions, and their use in electronic devices. The compositions are an aqueous dispersion including: (i) at least one electrically conductive polymer doped with a non-fluorinated polymeric acid; (ii) at least one highly-fluorinated acid polymer; and (iii) electrically insulative oxide nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed are a light conversion member, a display device including the same, and a method for fabricating the same. The light conversion member includes a host, a plurality of light conversion particles in the host, and a ferroelectric material in the host.

Abstract: The invention provides a simple an efficient method for the synthesis of CaS nanoparticles, where a solution of CaAc in DMSO is warmed in a microwave oven.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing grafted Group IV nanoparticles is provided and includes a source of Group IV nanoparticles. A chamber is configured to carry the nanoparticles in a gas phase and has an inlet and an exit. The inlet configured to couple to an organic molecule source which is configured to provide organic molecules to the chamber. A plasma source is arranged to generate a plasma. The plasma causes the organic molecules to break down and/or activate in the chamber and bond to the nanoparticles. A method of producing grafted Group IV nanoparticles is also provided and includes receiving Group IV nanoparticles in a gas phase, creating a plasma with the nanoparticles, and allowing the organic molecules to break down and/or become activated in the plasma and bond with the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nitride nanoparticle comprises manufacturing the nitride nanostructure from constituents including: a material containing metal, silicon or boron, a material containing nitrogen, and a capping agent having an electron-accepting group for increasing the quantum yield of the nitride nanostructure. Nitride nanoparticles, for example nitride nanocrystals, having a photoluminescence quantum yield of at least 1%, and up to 20% or greater, may be obtained.

Abstract: Structures and methods of making a supercapacitor may include a first electrode comprising a first conductive plate and a 3-dimensional (3D) aggregate of sintered nanoparticles electrically connected one to another and to the first conductive plate. The supercapacitor may also include a dielectric formed on surfaces of the 3D aggregate of sintered nanoparticles. The supercapacitor may further include a second electrode comprising a solid second conductor that fills interstices between surfaces of the dielectric and electrically connects to a second conductive plate of a solid second conductor, disposed above an outermost portion of the dielectric.

Abstract: A technique is provided for performing sequencing with a nanodevice. Alternating graphene layers and dielectric layers are provided one on top of another to form a multilayer stack of heterojunctions. The dielectric layers include boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, and/or hafnium disulfide layers. A nanopore is formed through the graphene layers and the dielectric layers. The graphene layers are individually addressed by applying individual voltages to each of the graphene layers on a one to one basis when a particular base of a molecule is in the nanopore. Each of the graphene layers is an electrode. Individual electrical currents are measured for each of the graphene layers as the particular base moves from a first graphene layer through a last graphene layer in the nanopore. The base is identified according to the individual electrical currents repeatedly measured for the base moving from the first through last graphene layer in the nanopore.

Abstract: A technique is provided for performing sequencing with a nanodevice. Alternating graphene layers and dielectric layers are provided one on top of another to form a multilayer stack of heterojunctions. The dielectric layers include boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide, and/or hafnium disulfide layers. A nanopore is formed through the graphene layers and the dielectric layers. The graphene layers are individually addressed by applying individual voltages to each of the graphene layers on a one to one basis when a particular base of a molecule is in the nanopore. Each of the graphene layers is an electrode. Individual electrical currents are measured for each of the graphene layers as the particular base moves from a first graphene layer through a last graphene layer in the nanopore. The base is identified according to the individual electrical currents repeatedly measured for the base moving from the first through last graphene layer in the nanopore.

Abstract: Hybrid radical energy storage devices, such as batteries or electrochemical devices, and methods of use and making are disclosed. Also described herein are electrodes and electrolytes useful in energy storage devices, for example, radical polymer cathode materials and electrolytes for use in organic radical batteries.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for manufacturing composite nanoparticles. The apparatus comprises: a first precursor supply unit vaporizing a first precursor and supplying it to a reaction unit; a second precursor supply unit vaporizing a second precursor and supplying it to the reaction unit; the reaction unit producing composite nanoparticles by reacting the vaporized first precursor with the vaporized second precursor; an oxygen supply line supplying an oxygen source to the reaction unit; and a collection unit collecting the composite nanoparticles produced by the reaction unit. Since gas phase synthesis occurs in different stages using the U-shaped reaction chamber, aggregation is prevented and composite nanoparticles of uniform size and high specific surface area can be produced easily.

Abstract: A transparent polymeric nanocomposite hydrogel is provided, wherein the polymeric nanocomposite hydrogel is made from a water insoluble polymer, i.e. poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) or/and crosslinked PHEMA and a water insoluble nanofiber, i.e., bacterial cellulose (BC). Disclosed is a synthetic route for polymeric nanocomposites hydrogels. The preferred polymeric nanocompositions are produced through free radical polymerization of HEMA monomer in the presence of bacterial cellulose with an assistance of ultrasound to enhance the mixing of bacterial cellulose, initiator, and the monomers. The polymeric nanocomposite hydrogel is then formed by immersion of the dry polymeric nanocomposite in water. Disclosed is a high transmittance polymer nanocomposite hydrogel with a preferred BC loading less than 0.1%, water content of about 40% in weight, good mechanical integrity and strength.

Abstract: A process for preparing a palladium nanoparticle ink comprises reacting a reaction mixture comprising a palladium salt, a stabilizer, a reducing agent, and an optional solvent to directly form the palladium nanoparticle ink. During the formation of the palladium nanoparticle ink, the palladium nanoparticles are not isolated from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to perovskite nanostructures of Formula ABO3, wherein A and B represent one or more metals with A having a valence lower than B, to methods of making the perovskite nanostructures of Formula ABO3 comprising their synthesis within and precipitation from reverse micelles, and the use of the perovskite nanostructures of Formula ABO3 as capacitors, and their use in dynamic random access memory, electromechanics, and non-linear optics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a population of monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles with a diameter between 1 and 100 nm which are coated with a layer with hydrophilic end groups. Herein the layer with hydrophilic end groups comprises an inner layer of monosaturated and/or monounsaturated fatty acids bound to said nanoparticles and bound to said fatty acids, an outer layer of a phospholipid conjugated to a monomethoxy polyethyleneglycol (PEG) comprising a hydrophilic end group, or comprises a covalently bound hydrophilic layer bound to said nanoparticles.

Abstract: There are provided a conductive paste for internal electrodes, a multilayer ceramic electronic component including the same, and a method of manufacturing the same. The conductive paste for internal electrodes including: a nickel (Ni) powder; a nickel oxide (NiO) powder having a content of 5.0 to 15.0 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the nickel powder; and an organic vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates a metal passivator additive comprising: a rare earth component; alumina; clay; colloidal silica; and a zeolite having high silica to alumina ratio.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing cubic diamond nanocrystals (10) comprising the following successive steps: (a) providing crystalline diamond powder where the maximum particle size of the powder is equal or more than 2 um and equal or less than 1 mm; (b) milling said crystalline micron diamond powder using nitrogen jet milling micronization so as to manufacture a fine powder; (c) nanomilling the fine powder of step b) using a planetary tungsten carbide ball mill; (d) acid treating the nanomilled powder of step c); (e) extracting the cubic diamond nanocrystals (10) by centrifugation. Advantageously round-shaped cubic diamond nanocrystals are manufactured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a strontium cerate luminescent material having a chemical formula of Sr2CeO4:xM and comprising the luminescent material Sr2CeO4 and metal nanoparticle M, and the preparation method thereof, where M is at least one of Ag, Au, Pt and Pd, and x is a molar ratio of M to the luminescent material Sr2CeO4 and 0<x?1×10?2. The strontium cerate luminescent material of the present invention, through doping the luminescent material with metal particles, improves luminous intensity of the luminescent material by making use of the surface plasmon resonance generated by surface of the metal particles; besides, the doped metal ion can improve electrical conductivity of the luminescent material, and guarantee that the luminescent material has higher brightness in field emission devices or LEDs. The preparation method of the present invention has the advantages of simple operation, no pollution, easy control, low requirements for equipment, and being favorable to industrialized production.

Abstract: A dispersion, comprising 0.1 to 25% by weight hydrophobized silica, 8 to 90 wt % of at least one alcohol selected from the group consisting of ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol, 7 to 89 wt % of water, 0 to 30% by weight solvent immiscible with water, and 0.04 to 5 wt % of at least one carboxyvinyl polymer present in neutralized form, can be applied to a surface using a non-drip application method and, by modifying the surface with hydrophobized silica, imparts water-repelling and self-cleaning properties to the surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides fluorescent nanoparticle composites themselves, the process of preparing such composites, to systems for rapid diagnosis (as “kits”) containing such composites, and to the use of such composites. In a preferential embodiment, the composites of the present invention have an affinity for biological molecules, such as DNA. The present invention also comprises the preparation of probes containing biological material, upon which are added fluorescent nanoparticle composites, making viable a rapid and economic biological diagnosis of, for example, diseases and genetic traits, notably in the medical and veterinarian fields.

Abstract: A method for preparing latex emulsion compositions uses a steam-driven emulsification process, and a method for preparing a toner using the latex emulsion compositions. The method includes contacting a resin with an organic solvent and optionally a neutralization agent; and applying steam or heated water vapor to contact the resin to prepare a latex emulsion. An apparatus can perform the method.

Abstract: Hydrotalcite particles having an extremely small average secondary particle diameter and a production process therefor. A resin composition comprising hydrotalcite fine particles and having excellent transparency and a molded article thereof. The hydrotalcite fine particles have an average secondary particle diameter measured by a dynamic light scattering method of 5 to 100 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating recurrent cancer (such as recurrent ovarian, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer) in an individual, comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of a composition (such as Nab-paclitaxel or Abraxane®) comprising nanoparticles comprising a taxane and a carrier protein.

Abstract: Coating compositions, and methods for depositing them on the surface of an article to produce an antireflection coating, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the coating composition includes a (meth)acrylate-functional silicon alkoxide, silica particles, a (meth)acrylate monomer, an epoxy (meth)acrylate oligomer, a photoinitiator, a solvent, an acid, and water. The relative amounts of these constituents are controlled such that, when the coating composition is deposited onto the surface of an article and cured, it has a refractive index less than about 1.60 at a wavelength of 510 nm. In another embodiment, the coating composition includes an organo-metallic compound other than an organo-metallic compound of silicon, an epoxy-functional silicon alkoxide, a non-epoxy-functional silicon alkoxide, a curing agent compatible with epoxy-functional molecules, a solvent, an inorganic acid, and water.

Abstract: A system for targeted delivery of agents (e.g., molecular probes, diagnostic agents, therapeutic agents, imaging agents, research or analytical compounds, enzymes, peptides, proteins, lipids, lipoproteins, sugars, hormones, vitamins, nucleic acids, viruses, bacteria, and/or cells) including use of a composition containing the agent and a targeting moiety, specific for a determinant at the target location. An exemplary composition of the system includes a targeting moiety of one of peptides ?3, 2?3, 3?3, A1, B7, B8, B9, B1O, and D6, specific for targeting ICAM-I. The system enables effective, versatile, and safe targeting and transport of agents. The system is useful in research applications, as well as in the context of translational science and clinical interventions.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a method of forming graphene structures. Initially, a cluster of particles is received. The cluster of particles comprises a plurality of particles with each particle in the plurality of particles contacting one or more other particles in the plurality of particles. Subsequently, one or more layers are deposited on the cluster of particles with the one or more layers comprising graphene. The plurality of particles are then etched away without substantially etching the deposited one or more layers. Lastly, the remaining one or more layers are dried. The resultant graphene structures are particularly resistant to the negative effects of aggregation and compaction.