Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of traits, diseases and conditions that respond to the modulation of CTNNB1 gene expression and/or activity, and/or modulate a beta-catenin gene expression pathway. Specifically, the invention relates to double-stranded nucleic acid molecules including small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules that are capable of mediating or that mediate RNA interference (RNAi) against CTNNB1 gene expression.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include nanoparticulate products of a flash nanoprecipitation process, the products comprising, in combination, pre-formed nanoparticles having properties of an upconversion phosphor and a hydrophobic organic compound having the properties of a photosensitizer, and a method of photodynamic therapy comprising the use of the nanoparticulate products is described.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to sterically stabilized colloidal constructs comprising preformed colloidal particles encapsulated within a polymeric shell. The constructs, which are controllably sized, are nanoparticles comprising hydrophobic elements, electrostatically charged particles with hydrophobic surfaces, hydrophobic inorganic nanostructures, and amphiphilic copolymers with hydrophobic domains and hydrophilic domains. The constructs are made by a process that allows for the simultaneous encapsulation of a preformed colloidal agent as well as a dissolved hydrophobic active within the core of the polymeric nanoparticle. Among the actives incorporated in various embodiments are organic fluorescent dyes, metal nanostructures and superparamagnetic materials for use in combined fluorescence, optical and magnetic resonance imaging applications, and hydrophobic drugs for therapeutic applications.