Abstract: A mixed coil catheter includes a hollow inner liner defining a lumen, having an exterior surface, and defining a middle point, a single support cord coiled around the exterior surface of the inner liner starting from an intermediate point in a distal direction up to a support end plane and then reversed in the proximal direction proximally away from the support end plane at least past the middle point of the inner liner, having a maximum outer diameter, and forming an end wall at the support end plane, and an outer liner covering the inner liner and the support cord to fix the support cord in place.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to novel targeted contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The present invention is also directed to methods of making such targeted MRI contrast agents, and to methods of using such MRI contrast agents. Typically, such targeted MRI contrast agents provide enhanced relaxivity, improved signal-to-noise, targeting ability, and resistance to agglomeration. Methods of making such MRI contrast agents typically afford better control over particle size, and methods of using such MRI contrast agents typically afford enhanced blood clearance rates and biodistribution.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A set of compounds that includes an active-agent labeled species and a pretargeting conjugate is disclosed. The active agent-labeled species includes a ligand coupled to an active agent. The pretargeting conjugate includes a protein conjugated to a targeting species having a targeting moiety capable of binding to an in-vivo target or a biomarker produced by or associated with the target. The protein and the ligand are covalently attached. Also disclosed are methods of administering the pretargeting species and the active-agent labeled species to a subject for diagnosing or treating a disease condition, or assessing the effectiveness of a treatment of the disease condition.

Abstract: A set of compounds that includes an active-agent labeled species and a pretargeting conjugate is disclosed. The active agent-labeled species includes a ligand coupled to an active agent. The pretargeting conjugate includes a protein conjugated to a targeting species having a targeting moiety capable of binding to an in-vivo target or a biomarker produced by or associated with the target. The protein is substantially free of a cofactor. Also disclosed are methods of administering the pretargeting species and the active-agent labeled species to a subject for diagnosing or treating a disease condition, or assessing the effectiveness of a treatment of the disease condition.

Abstract: A cationic nanoparticle having an inorganic core and at least one outer cationic coating is described. The at least one outer cationic coating substantially covers the inorganic core and has at least one organo-silane. The organo-silane includes: —Si(R1)3 wherein R1independently at each occurrence is an alkoxy group, a hydroxyl group, a halide, an alkyl group, or hydrogen, and wherein at least one R1 of the three R1s is not an alkyl group. A nanocomplex having a cationic nanoparticle and at least one oligonucleotide attached to the cationic nanoparticle is also described. Methods of making cationic nanoparticles and nanocomplexes are also described. Also described are methods of delivering an oligonucleotide into a cell in-vitro, to a subject in-vivo, and monitoring the delivery of an oligonucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) agents. In particular, the present invention is directed to cationic, nonagglomerated, nontoxic SPIO agents, methods for imaging conditions associated with inflammatory responses using the disclosed SPIO agents, and methods for managing inflammatory conditions using the disclosed SPIO agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Heat Shock Proteins and fragments thereof as targeting ligand. The Heat Shock Protein may be labeled with imaging agents that are capable of binding lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LOX-1) or may be attached to a therapeutic agent. The sequences are useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases as well as means for internalizing signaling moieties and therapeutics.

Abstract: The present technique provides for the analysis of a data series to identify sequences of interest within the series. The analysis may be used to iteratively update a grammar used to analyze the data series or updated versions of the data series. Furthermore, the technique provides for the calculation of a minimum description length heuristic, such as a symbol compression ratio, for each sub-sequence of the analyzed data sequence. The technique may then compare a selected heuristic value against one or more reference conditions to determine if additional iteration is to be performed. The grammar and the data sequence may be updated between iterations to include a symbol representing a string corresponding to the selected heuristic value based upon a non-termination result of the comparison. Alternatively, the string corresponding to the selected heuristic value may be identified as a sequence of interest based upon a termination result of the comparison.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relates to compounds labeled with imaging agents that also are capable of binding lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LOX-1). The labeled compounds are useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases in which inflammation plays a role, such as various cardiovascular diseases including but not limited to atherosclerosis, vulnerable plaque, and coronary artery disease, as well as rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: A voting system and technique is disclosed for determining a selected subset of participants from a plurality of candidates wherein each of the participants receive an equitable ownership interest of an item in exchange for a contribution. According to the present invention, the voting system and its method is used to select investors to participate in an investment vehicle, wherein the investment vehicle characteristically has a potentially high venture capital-type ROI (“return on investment”). The system and method optimizes asset diversification to meet the needs of holders of large blocks of private equity.