Abstract: A method of coating a surface with nanoparticles for biological analysis of cells that includes the steps of cleaning the surface with an oxidizing acid, treating the surface with an organosilane, coating the surface with nanoparticles, and then growing cells on the surface coated with the nanoparticles. The surface may be a glass surface, a silica-based surface, a plastic-based surface or a polymer-based surface. The nanoparticles may be gold-based nanomaterials.

Abstract: A method of coating a surface with nanoparticles for biological analysis of cells that includes the steps of cleaning the surface with an oxidizing acid, treating the surface with an organosilane, coating the surface with nanoparticles, and then growing cells on the surface coated with the nanoparticles. The surface may be a glass surface, a silica-based surface, a plastic-based surface or a polymer-based surface. The nanoparticles may be gold-based nanomaterials.

Abstract: Compositions including pH sensitive lipid vesicles comprised of a lipid layer, an agent, and an organic halogen such that the agent is released from the vesicles after exposure to ionizing radiation. Methods of delivering the agent to a target in a subject using the compositions provided herein are also described. The methods allow for controlled release of the agent. The timing of release of the agent from the lipid vesicle may be controlled as well as the location of release by timing and localizing the exposure to ionizing radiation exposure.

Abstract: Compositions including pH sensitive lipid vesicles comprised of a lipid layer, an agent, and an organic halogen such that the agent is released from the vesicles after exposure to ionizing radiation. Methods of delivering the agent to a target in a subject using the compositions provided herein are also described. The methods allow for controlled release of the agent. The timing of release of the agent from the lipid vesicle may be controlled as well as the location of release by timing and localizing the exposure to ionizing radiation exposure.

Abstract: Compositions including pH sensitive lipid vesicles comprised of a lipid layer, an agent, and an organic halogen such that the agent is released from the vesicles after exposure to ionizing radiation. Methods of delivering the agent to a target in a subject using the compositions provided herein are also described. The methods allow for controlled release of the agent. The timing of release of the agent from the lipid vesicle may be controlled as well as the location of release by timing and localizing the exposure to ionizing radiation exposure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for lysing a thrombus or ablating a mass in a subject by administering a plurality of biodegradable nanoparticles and delivering ultrasound to the subject. Also provided is a method for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tumor in a subject by administering a plurality of biodegradable nanoparticles comprising the therapeutic agent and delivering ultrasound to the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the preparation of gas-filled microbubbles, and methods of using for therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. In particular, the methods of the invention allow for the preparation of gas-filled microbubbles having narrow size distributions and defined ultrasonic properties.

Abstract: Compositions including pH sensitive lipid vesicles comprised of a lipid layer, an agent, and an organic halogen such that the agent is released from the vesicles after exposure to ionizing radiation. Methods of delivering the agent to a target in a subject using the compositions provided herein are also described. The methods allow for controlled release of the agent. The timing of release of the agent from the lipid vesicle may be controlled as well as the location of release by timing and localizing the exposure to ionizing radiation exposure.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for the controlled release of a drug or agent from a liposome using light or radiation. Also disclosed are compositions comprising liposomes having a lipid layer, wherein the liposomes contain an agent, an enzyme capable of releasing the agent from the liposome, and an enzyme activator sequestered by a molecular cage. In another aspect, methods of delivering an agent to a target in a subject are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for the controlled release of a drug or agent from a liposome using light or radiation. Also disclosed are compositions comprising liposomes having a lipid layer, wherein the liposomes contain an agent, an enzyme capable of releasing the agent from the liposome, and an enzyme activator sequestered by a molecular cage. In another aspect, methods of delivering an agent to a target in a subject are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the preparation of gas-filled microbubbles, and methods of using for therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. In particular, the methods of the invention allow for the preparation of gas-filled microbubbles having narrow size distributions and defined ultrasonic properties.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for gene therapy using cytolethal distending toxins (CDTs). In a preferred embodiment, a gene therapy vector according to the invention includes a gene encoding a B subunit of a CDT and an antisense oligonucleotide that inhibits a DNA repair mechanism. An inducible promoter is operably linked to the gene and oligonucleotide. Preferably, the promoter is strictly inducible by heat shock.

Abstract: Embodiments include a platform allowing the female breast to be imaged by PET/CT, SPECT, and/or other modalities, while the patient is lying in the prone position. In some embodiments, a cushioned base may support the patient's torso, and articulating head and arm rests may extend from the base. A pair of open-sided lateral openings in the base allows the patient's breasts to hang independently. The articulating head and arm rests may be lockable into a fixed position and may be unlocked and returned to the original locked position. The base may be constructed of a composite material and covered with a cushioning material, with an optional adjustable, pneumatic layer in between. The cushioning material may be form-molded foam or other material. The platform may be attached to an existing PET gantry table via attachment means that allows the platform to be removed and afterward identically repositioned with respect to the gantry table for subsequent imaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing the diffusion of therapeutic agents through mammalian tissue. In one embodiment, invention provides methods and compositions useful for enhancing the diffusion of gene therapy vectors through a mammalian tissue of interest. The method comprises delivering the therapeutic agent and a permeabilizer to the tissue of interest. The method may further comprise inducing hyperthermia in the tissue. In one embodiment, a composition in accordance with the present invention comprises a gene therapy vector containing a polynucleotide and a tissue permeabilizer. A method of destroying tissue is also provided. In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the method includes delivering a high concentration of tissue permeabilizer to the tissue and may also include inducing hyperthermia in the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing the diffusion of therapeutic agents through mammalian tissue. In one embodiment, invention provides methods and compositions useful for enhancing the diffusion of gene therapy vectors through a mammalian tissue of interest. The method comprises delivering the therapeutic agent and a permeabilizer to the tissue of interest. The method may further comprise inducing hyperthermia in the tissue. In one embodiment, a composition in accordance with the present invention comprises a gene therapy vector containing a polynucleotide and a tissue permeabilizer. A method of destroying tissue is also provided. In one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the method includes delivering a high concentration of tissue permeabilizer to the tissue and may also include inducing hyperthermia in the tissue.