Abstract: A method of inducing lymphangiogenesis in the brain or central nervous system of a subject is provided in which an effective amount of a lymphangiogenesis inducer is administered. A method of inducing lymphangiogenesis in a tumor in the brain or central nervous system of a subject is provided in which an effective amount of a lymphangiogenesis inducer is administered. A method of treating a cancer of the brain or central nervous system is also provided in which an effective amount of a lymphangiogenesis inducer is administered. An example of a lymphangiogenesis inducer is VEGFC. The lymphangiogenesis inducer can be in the form of a protein or a polynucleotide encoding the protein, such as an mRNA or AAV. The lymphangiogenesis inducer can be administered to the cistema magna or directly into the lymphatic system. An immunotherapeutic agent, such as a checkpoint inhibitor, may also be administered.

Abstract: Nanoparticle compositions including one or more active agents, and strategies for enhanced delivery of the active agents, are provided. In preferred embodiments, the nanoparticles are composed of block copolymers of one or more hydrophobic polymers that form the core, and a hyperbranched polymer that forms a shell or corona. In some embodiments, the particles include an acid-sensitive, poly(amine-co-ester) (PACE) that can increase release of the active agent in acidic environments, for example within endosomes. The compositions can include one or more targeting moieties. Preferred targeting moieties include adenosine agonists and pHLIP which can enhance delivery to tumor cells. Methods of using the compositions to treat diseases and disorders of the central nervous system, for example, brain cancers such as glioma, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides VEGF-C muteins having selective binding for VEGFR-3 over VEGFR-2. The present invention also provides method of inducing lymphangiogenesis in a subject in need thereof by administering to the subject an effective amount of a disclosed VEGF-C mutein. The present invention also provides methods for treating a disease or condition (e.g., cancer) in a subject in need thereof by administering to the subject an effective amount of a disclosed VEGF-C mutein.

Abstract: This patent document relates to systems, structures, devices, and fabrication processes for ceramic matrix composites suitable for use in a nuclear reactor environment and other applications requiring materials that can withstand high temperatures and/or highly corrosive environments. In one exemplary aspect, a method of joining and sealing ceramic structures is disclosed. The method comprises forming a joint of a ceramic structure and an end plug using a sealing material, wherein the end plug has a hole that goes through a top surface and a bottom surface of the end plug; filling the ceramic structure with a desired gas composition through the hole; heating a material into a molten form using a heat source; and directing the material into the hole, wherein the material solidifies to seal the end plug.

Abstract: A method of inducing lymphangiogenesis in the brain or central nervous system of a subject is provided in which an effective amount of a lymphangiogenesis inducer is administered. A method of inducing lymphangiogenesis in a tumor in the brain or central nervous system of a subject is provided in which an effective amount of a lymphangiogenesis inducer is administered. A method of treating a cancer of the brain or central nervous system is also provided in which an effective amount of a lymphangiogenesis inducer is administered. An example of a lymphangiogenesis inducer is VEGFC. The lymphangiogenesis inducer can be in the form of a protein or a polynucleotide encoding the protein, such as an mRNA or AAV. The lymphangiogenesis inducer can be administered to the cistemamagna or directly into the lymphatic system. An immunotherapeutic agent, such as a checkpoint inhibitor, may also be administered.

Abstract: This patent document relates to systems, structures, devices, and fabrication processes for ceramic matrix composites suitable for use in a nuclear reactor environment and other applications requiring materials that can withstand high temperatures and/or highly corrosive environments. In one exemplary aspect, a method of joining and sealing ceramic structures is disclosed. The method comprises forming a joint of a ceramic structure and an end plug using a sealing material, wherein the end plug has a hole that goes through a top surface and a bottom surface of the end plug; filling the ceramic structure with a desired gas composition through the hole; heating a material into a molten form using a heat source; and directing the material into the hole, wherein the material solidifies to seal the end plug.

Abstract: Nanoparticle compositions including one or more active agents, and strategies for enhanced delivery of the active agents, are provided. In preferred embodiments, the nanoparticles are composed of block copolymers of one or more hydrophobic polymers that form the core, and a hyperbranched polymer that forms a shell or corona. In some embodiments, the particles include an acid-sensitive, poly(amine-co-ester) (PACE) that can increase release of the active agent in acidic environments, for example within endosomes. The compositions can include one or more targeting moieties. Preferred targeting moieties include adenosine agonists and pHLIP which can enhance delivery to tumor cells. Methods of using the compositions to treat diseases and disorders of the central nervous system, for example, brain cancers such as glioma, are also provided.