Abstract: Provided are alloy flakes for rare earth sintered magnet, which achieve a high rare earth component yield after pulverization with respect to before pulverization and a uniform particle size after pulverization, and a method for producing such alloy at high energy efficiency in an industrial scale. The method includes (A) preparing an alloy melt containing R composed of at least one element selected from rare earth metal elements including Y, B, and the balance M composed of Fe, or of Fe and at least one element selected from transition metal elements other than Fe, Si, and C, (B) rapidly cooling/solidifying the alloy melt to not lower than 700° C. and not higher than 1000° C. by strip casting with a cooling roll, and (C) heating and maintaining, in a particular temperature range, alloy flakes separated from the roll by rapid cooling and solidifying in step (B) before the flakes are cooled to not higher than 500° C., to obtain alloy flakes having a composition of 27.0 to 33.0 mass % R, 0.90 to 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-strength steel sheet including: C: 0.03 to 0.25 mass %, Si: 0.1 to 2.0 mass %, Mn: 0.5 to 3.0 mass %, P: not more than 0.05 mass %, T.O: not more than 0.0050 mass %, S: 0.0001 to 0.01 mass %, N: 0.0005 to 0.01 mass %, acid-soluble Al: more than 0.01 mass %, Ca: 0.0005 to 0.0050 mass %, and a total of at least one element of Ce, La, Nd, and Pr: 0.001 to 0.01 mass %, with a balance including iron and inevitable impurities, in which the steel sheet contains a chemical component on a basis of mass that satisfies 0.7<100×([Ce]+[La]+[Nd]+[Pr])/[acid-soluble Al]?70 and 0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnesium alloy material having excellent tensile strength and favorable ductility. Therefore, the magnesium alloy sheet material formed by rolling a magnesium alloy having a long period stacking order phase crystallized at the time of casting includes in a case where a sheet-thickness traverse section of an alloy structure is observed at a substantially right angle to the longitudinal direction by a scanning electron microscope, a structure mainly composed of the long period stacking order phase, in which at least two or more ?Mg phases having thickness in the observed section of 0.5 ?m or less are laminated in a layered manner with the sheet-shape long period stacking order phase.

Abstract: A safe and industrially advantageous production method is disclosed for producing a rare earth-Mg—Ni based hydrogen storage alloy which realizes production of a nickel-hydrogen rechargeable battery having excellent cycle characteristics and a large capacity. The method is for producing a rare earth-Mg—Ni based hydrogen storage alloy including element A, Mg, and element B, wherein element A is composed of at least one element R selected from rare earth elements including Sc and Y, and optionally at least one element selected from Zr, Hf, and Ca, and element B is composed of Ni and optionally at least one element selected from elements other than element A and Mg. The method includes first step of mixing an alloy consisting of elements A and B and Mg metal and/or a Mg-containing alloy having a melting point not higher than the melting point of Mg metal, and second step of heat-treating a mixture obtained from first step for 0.5 to 240 hours at a temperature 5 to 250° C.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preventing the elution of Bi from copper alloy, in which the elution of Bi is prevented in leadless copper-alloy plumbing equipment and the like containing a trace of lead and a predetermined amount of Bi. The present invention relates to a method for preventing the elution of Bi from copper alloy in which at least Bi present on the surface of copper alloy containing Bi is selectively removed by preferentially dissolving Bi in a 4 to 20 mass % concentration of nitric acid while suppressing Cu dissolution. Furthermore, elution of Pb is suppressed using a 10-20 mass % concentration of nitric acid. In this case, by removing at least Bi present on the surface of copper alloy containing Bi using nitric acid and then treating the surface of the copper alloy by shot-blasting corrosive products, such as oxides, produced from the nitric acid are removed, and gloss is imparted to the surface.

Abstract: Air is purified through the use of a photo catalytic oxidation (PCO) and ultraviolet C (UVC) photon treatment. A single-stage PCO/UVC reactor includes an activated carbon filter (ACF) having titanium dioxide embedded therewithin or thereupon. A UVC set of lamps are disposed upstream and downstream of the ACFs. The UVC sets of lamps impinge UVC photons on the ACFs, initiating the PCO process and completely oxidizing toxic VOCs into carbon dioxide and water. The ACFs act to absorb and hold the VOCs (and intermediate breakdown organic compounds, such as formaldehyde) until the PCO process can completely break down the VOCs into carbon dioxide and water. A multiple stage UVC/PCO reactor may be used, if required and depending on the concentration of contaminants in the incoming air. In addition to detoxification, the UVC and PCO together sterilize the air by destroying viruses, bacteria and molds.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure combine a suitable photocatalyst with a non-conducting matrix such as plastic, glass or rubber for the purpose of the production of activated electrons, needed in the creation of hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of light of a suitable frequency or frequencies and water. A suitable photocatalyst such as anatase titanium dioxide is combined with a plastic such as polypropylene as one would a pigment. The impregnated plastic can be immersed in water whereupon activated electrons and holes (electron absences in the valence band of the plastic substrate acting as a semiconductor) are produced on the surface of the photocatalyst upon irradiation. Activated electrons are an excellent oxidizer, disinfectant, purifier and go on to kill bacteria, algae, etc. in the water, as well as to reduce water hardness including mineral deposits. Unused hydrogen peroxide breaks down into hydrogen ion and free oxygen in a short time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for quickly decontaminating and sterilizing preferably thermolabile goods using a plasma gas that is preferably generated from air as a process gas, with the subsequent humidification of said plasma gas with water. The method comprises the following steps: generating a plasma from air as the process gas, which forms reactive nitrogen and oxygen species; oxidizing NO to form NO2 at temperatures below 400° C. so that a plasma-activated gas mixture forms having an NO2 content of at least 0.3%; bringing said plasma-activated gas mixture in contact with water in one or more of the states of aggregation thereof; bringing the latter gas mixture in contact with the objects to be decontaminated or sterilized.

Abstract: An oxygenator combines, in a single structure, a heat exchanger, a gas exchanger, an arterial filter, and a filter frame. Such an oxygenator permits fewer fluid connections and thus may simplify an extracorporeal blood circuit, including a heart-lung machine and a blood reservoir, in which it is used. In some embodiments, the oxygenator may be configured to include multiple purge ports for purging bubbles both before and after filtering the blood.

Abstract: A blood processing apparatus may include a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger. At least one of the heat exchanger and the gas exchanger may be configured to impart a radial component to blow flow through the heat exchanger and/or gas exchanger. The heat exchanger may be configured to cause blood flow to follow a spiral flow path.

Abstract: A microfluidic device capable of detecting whether a test is conducted as designed using a single chamber, and a microfluidic system including the same are provided. The microfluidic device includes a platform, a plurality of chambers disposed in the platform and configured to contain a fluid, and at least one channel connecting the chambers, wherein at least one of the chambers comprises a first container and a second container, a depth of the first container is greater than a depth of the second container, and a cross-sectional area of the first container is different from a cross-sectional area of the second container.

Abstract: Multiple catalytic processing stations couple with a system which produces volatile gas streams from biomass decomposition at discrete increasing temperatures. These catalytic processing stations can be programmed to maximize conversion of biomass to useful renewable fuel components based on input feedstock and desired outputs.

Abstract: A method for preparing contaminated plastics ground into flakes, such as RPET or such polymers, having at least decontamination and SSP treatment steps, with at least one reactor, with heating to the process temperature taking place essentially outside the reactor. Also, a device for carrying out the method, and having at least one decontamination reactor and at least one SSP reactor, a device for heating plastic flakes to the process temperature being arranged upstream of the decontamination reactor. Also an SSP reactor having at least two individual reactors, and preferably between 3 and 7 individual reactors.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for distributing a mixed phase fluid to a monolith catalyst bed within a reactor, wherein a mixed phase fluid may be generated by a nozzle tray comprising a plurality of nozzles, the mixed phase fluid may be distributed by the nozzles to a mixed phase distributor system, and the mixed phase fluid may be further distributed by the mixed phase distributor system to a plurality of monolith channels within the reactor.

Abstract: Techniques, systems and material are disclosed for thermochemical regeneration of biomass into renewable engineered fuel, storage of the renewable engineered fuel, respeciation of the renewable engineered fuel and transport. In one aspect, a method includes generating low density hydrogen fuel from biomass dissociation at a first location of a low elevation. The low density hydrogen fuel is self-transported in a pipeline to a second location at a higher elevation than the first location by traveling from the first location to the second location without adding energy of pressure. A high density hydrogen carrier is generated at the second location of higher elevation by reacting the low density hydrogen fuel with at least one of a carbon donor, a nitrogen donor and an oxygen donor harvested from industrial waste. The high density hydrogen carrier is delivered to a third location of a lower elevation than the second location while providing pressure or kinetic energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrocatalytic system for the joint treatment of oxidizing polluting entities of the NOx type and reducing polluting entities of the hydrocarbons HC or CO type present in a gas to be purified, in particular an exhaust gas resulting from a combustion engine, said system comprising: a catalyst A for reduction of the polluting entities of the NOx type, a catalyst B for oxidation of the polluting entities of the hydrocarbons HC type and CO, a compound E which conducts electrons and ions by oxide ions, said catalysts A and B being in contact with the compound E, said compound E being composed of an oxide which conducts ions and electrons corresponding to the molar formulation: Ce1-y-zO2-xMyNz in which Ce is cerium, M is an element chosen from: Gd, Y, Sc, Sm, La, Pr, Nd, Er or Tb, y is between 0.01 and 0.4, N is an element having several degrees of valency chosen from: Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni or Cu, z is less than 0.4 and x is greater than 0.05.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold cooling jacket has internal passages for the circulation of liquid coolant and encloses an exhaust manifold such that a gap is created between the exhaust manifold and cooling jacket. Flowing coolant through the jacket regulates outer jacket temperature while enabling high intra-manifold exhaust gas temperatures for thorough intra-manifold combustion and improved emissions. A liquid-cooled exhaust system includes a turbocharger disposed between manifold and elbow, with liquid coolant flowing from manifold to elbow through the turbocharger. Another liquid-cooled exhaust manifold contains an internal exhaust combustion catalyst wrapped in an insulating blanket. In some marine applications, seawater or fresh water coolant is discharged into the exhaust gas stream at an attached exhaust elbow.

Abstract: A reaction vessel and an ozonated liquid dispensing unit are described herein. The unit produces and dispenses an ozonated liquid that may be used to clean and sanitize a variety of articles or used in conjunction with cleaning processes and other apparatus. The reaction vessel is incorporated into the unit to reduce bubbles of ozone gas and to break up bubbles of ozone gas in the ozonated liquid to provide a more effective and longer lasting cleaning and sanitizing solution.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a syringe, method and system for delivering a therapeutic amount of ozone are disclosed. An exemplary syringe can have a gas chamber and one or more electrodes. A portion of at least one electrode can be within the gas chamber. Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or both electrodes can be attached to the outside of an exemplary syringe. One or more electrical contact points can be outside the gas chamber. Each electrical contact point can be connected to an electrode. Oxygen gas can provided within the gas chamber of the exemplary syringe. A medical ozone generator can be connected to the syringe via the electrical contact points. Corona discharge can be effectuated via the electrodes, which can result in an amount of ozone gas can being produced from the oxygen gas.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a system for producing an organic, the system including at least one high shear mixing device having at least one rotor and at least one stator separated by a shear gap, wherein the shear gap is the minimum distance between the at least one rotor and the at least one stator; a pump configured for delivering a fluid stream comprising liquid medium and light gas to the at least one high shear mixing device, wherein the at least one high shear mixing device is configured to form a dispersion of the light gas in the liquid medium; and a reactor comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, wherein the at least one inlet of the reactor is fluidly connected to the at least one high shear mixing device, and wherein the at least one outlet is configured for extracting the organic therefrom.

Abstract: A method for the oxidative coupling of hydrocarbons includes providing an oxidative catalyst inside a reactor and carrying out the oxidative coupling reaction under a set of reaction conditions. The reactor surfaces that contact the reactants and products do not provide a significant detrimental catalyzing effect. In an embodiment the reactor contains an inert lining or a portion of the reactor inner surface is treated to reduce the detrimental catalytic effects. In an embodiment the reactor contains a lining that includes an oxidative catalyst.

Abstract: Microfluidic cartridges for agglutination reactions are provided. The cartridges include a microfluidic reaction channel with at least two intake channels, one for an antigen-containing fluid and the other for an antibody-containing fluid, conjoined to a reaction channel modified by incorporation of a downstream flow control channel. At low Reynolds Number, the two input streams layer one on top of the other in the reaction channel and form a flowing, unmixed horizontally-stratified laminar fluid diffusion (HLFD) interface for an extended duration of reaction. Surprisingly, the design, surface properties, and flow regime of microfluidic circuits of the present invention potentiate detection of antibody mediated agglutination at the stratified interface. Antigen:antibody reactions involving agglutination potentiated by these devices are useful in blood typing, in crossmatching for blood transfusion, and in immunodiagnostic agglutination assays, for example.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a calibration cartridge for an in vitro medical diagnostic device. The device also includes a removable assay cartridge containing a polymer body with channels for fluid movement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enhancing the consistency of performance of assays, such as multiplexed assays, by printing features in a particular pattern, such that the outer edge of the pattern has a shape that is substantially similar to the shape of the test well. For example, the pattern is a circular or oval pattern along the bottom of multiplexed wells. The assay substrates prepared according to the methods described result in more accurate, precise, and sensitive chemical and/or biological analyses.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Abstract: SOx removal equipment for reducing sulfur oxides from flue gas from a boiler, a cooler which is provided on the downstream side of the SOx removal equipment, for reducing the sulfur oxides from the flue gas and decrease a gas temperature, CO2 recovery equipment including an absorber for bringing CO2 in the flue gas into contact with a CO2 absorption liquid so as to be reduced and a regenerator for causing the CO2 absorption liquid to emit CO2 so as to recover CO2 and regenerate the CO2 absorption liquid, and demister for reducing a mist generation material which is a generation source of mist that is generated in the absorber of the CO2 recovery equipment before introducing the flue gas to the CO2 recovery equipment, are included.

Abstract: A composition is described that includes zirconium oxide, cerium oxide and yttrium oxide, or zirconium oxide, cerium oxide and at least two oxides of two rare earths different from cerium in a mass proportion of at least 20% of zirconium oxide and of at most 70% of cerium oxide, wherein the composition further includes, after calcination at 900° C. for 4 hours, two populations of pores having respective diameters centered, for the first population, about a value of 20 nm to 40 nm and, for the second, about a value of 80 nm to 200 nm. The composition can be used for processing exhaust gases of internal combustion engines.

Abstract: Diesel oxidation catalysts comprising a first washcoat layer including a platinum group metal impregnated on a promoted non-zeolitic support are described. The promoter is one or more of tin, manganese, indium, group VIII metals. Methods of making and using the diesel oxidation catalyst, including emissions treatment systems, are also described.

Abstract: SOx removal equipment for reducing sulfur oxides from flue gas from a boiler, a cooler which is provided on the downstream side of the SOx removal equipment, for reducing the sulfur oxides from the flue gas and for decreasing a gas temperature, CO2 recovery equipment including: an absorber for bringing CO2 in the flue gas into contact with a CO2 absorption liquid so as to be reduced; and a regenerator for causing the CO2 absorption liquid to emit CO2 so as to recover CO2 and regenerate the CO2 absorption liquid, and a wet type electric dust collector for reducing a mist generation material which is a generation source of mist that is generated in the absorber of the CO2 recovery equipment before introducing the flue gas to the CO2 recovery equipment, are included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method adapted for integration with a carbonate absorption/stripping process for removal of carbon dioxide, the method and system including the steps of: converting a source of alkali from a first industry to a non-carbonate alkali; feeding the non-carbonate alkali as makeup to a carbonate absorption system for stripping carbon dioxide from emissions from a second industry; recovering an output from the system for stripping carbon dioxide, and in the process of conversion of the alkali from the first industry, utilising energy from the second industry.

Abstract: A process for the selective absorption of normally gaseous acid components from hydrocarbon gas mixtures containing both the acidic components and gaseous non-acidic components which is carried out in a gas separation unit located at an offshore marine production installation. The sorbent used in the process comprises a severely sterically hindered amino ether. The process is capable of selectively removing H2S from gas mixtures which also contain CO2 in addition to the hydrocarbon components.

Abstract: A sorbent for CO2 wherein K2CO3 is supported on FeOOH.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification catalyst is made as a composition comprising titanium oxide (TiO2), aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3), an oxide of vanadium (V), and an oxide of molybdenum (Mo) and/or tungsten (W), wherein on titanium oxide having sulfate ions and aluminum ions adsorbed thereon obtained by making contact with aluminum sulfate at more than 1 wt % and not more than 6 wt % relative to titanium oxide in the presence of water, an oxo acid salt of vanadium or a vanadyl salt and an oxo acid or an oxo acid salt of molybdenum and/or tungsten are supported in a proportion of more than 0 atom % and not more than 3 atom %, respectively. By this, the degradation of catalyst performance can be suppressed even with exhaust gas containing potassium compounds at a high concentration in combustion ash.

Abstract: This invention declares the method of preparation of cerium oxide supported palladium-gold catalysts and the process of destruction of volatile organic compounds in air to remove volatile organic compounds using the above catalysts. Destruction of volatile organic compounds in air stream over these catalysts is carried out in a fixed bed reactor to remove volatile organic compounds in air.

Abstract: The invention relates to solutions of Lewis acids selected from the halogen-containing Lewis acids of the elements of groups 12 and 13 from the periodic table of elements, or mixtures of said Lewis acids, in aprotic, asymmetrically substituted ethers or in solvent mixtures that contain asymmetrically substituted ethers and hydrocarbons, to the production of the solutions according to the invention, and to the use in inorganic, organic and organometallic syntheses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of trichlorosilane by reaction of silicon with HCl gas at a temperature between 250° and 1100° C., and an absolute pressure of 0.5-30 atm in a fluidized bed reactor, in a stirred bed reactor or a solid bed reactor, where the silicon supplied to the reactor contains between 40 and 10.000 ppm by weight barium and optionally 40-10000 ppm by weight copper The invention further relates to silicon for use in the production of trichlorosilane by reaction of silicon with HCl gas, containing between 40 and 10.000 ppm by weight barium and optionally 40-10000 ppm by weight copper, the remaining except for normal impurities being silicon.

Abstract: Biomass gasification systems including a reactor adapted to gasify a biomass feedstock to thermally convert the biomass feedstock into producer gas are provided. The reactor includes an enclosure disposed about a biomass gasification chamber. The enclosure includes an inlet, an outlet, and side walls disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The reactor also includes a plurality of fluid injectors disposed along a length of the side walls and adapted to inject fluid into the gasification chamber. The biomass gasification system also includes a control system communicatively coupled to the plurality of fluid injectors and adapted to independently control each fluid injector of the plurality of fluid injectors to independently control a flow of fluid through each fluid injector.

Abstract: An imaging contrast agent is provided for hydrogen magnetic resonance imaging (H MRI). The agent uses replacement and chemical exchange of hydrogen (H) and deuterium (D) on obtaining MRI images for comparison. An isotonic physiologic saline solution with deuterium oxide (D2O) is made. The solution is intravenously injected to obtain the intensity alterations on MRI images. The injected D2O is perfused into tissue and replace the original water. Exchanges between H and D occur and a solution of hydrogen deuterium oxide (HDO) is obtained. After such mechanisms, MRI images are compared for differences. Thus, a novel, non-radioactive, non-toxic and non-invasive MRI agent is provided for people who are allergic to general imaging agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel. The fuel processor comprises a reformer and a heater. The reformer includes a catalyst that facilitates the production of hydrogen from the fuel; the heater provides heat to the reformer. Multipass reformer and heater chambers are described that reduce fuel processor size. Single layer fuel processors include reformer and heater chambers in a compact form factor that is well suited for portable applications. Some fuel processors described herein place an electrically resistive material in contact with a thermally conductive material to heat fuel entering the fuel processor. This is particularly useful during start-up of the fuel processor. Fuel processors described may also include features that facilitate assembly.

Abstract: Hydrogenated liquid organic compounds are used for storage and supply of hydrogen at near ambient conditions. The hydrogen is released from the hydrogenated liquid organic compounds through a catalytic dehydrogenation reaction using a M/support or M-M?/support catalyst. The M/support catalyst comprises a metal M selected from Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os, or combination thereof, and a support selected from Y2O3 or V2O5 or combinations thereof. The M-M?/support catalyst comprises a first metal M selected from Cu, Ag, Au, or combination thereof, a second metal M? selected from Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os, Fe, Ni, Re, Mo, W, V, Cr, Co or combinations thereof, and a support selected from activated carbon, alumina, alumite, zirconia, silica or combination thereof. Synergistic effects are created by using the combination of the M and M? in the catalyst, which result in shifting of the equilibrium of the reaction favorably to dehydrogenation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microporous crystalline material having pore opening ranging from 3 to 5 Angstroms, where the material comprises a first metal chosen from alkali earth group, rare earth group, alkali group, or mixtures thereof, and a second metal chosen from iron, copper or mixtures thereof; and has a molar silica to alumina ratio (SAR) from 3 to 10. The microporous crystalline material disclosed herein may comprise a crystal structure having building units of double-6-rings (d6r) and pore opening of 8-rings as exemplified with framework types defined by the Structure Commission of the International Zeolite Association having structural codes of CHA, LEV, AEI, AFT, AFX, EAB, ERI, KFI, SAT, TSC, and SAV. There is also disclosed a method of selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides in exhaust gas, comprising at least partially contacting the exhaust gases with an article comprising the disclosed microporous crystalline material.

Abstract: Embodiments concern methods and compositions for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid tumors in a patient based on the expression levels of one or more miRNAs.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that include anti-CD74 immunoconjugates and optionally a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent. In preferred embodiments, the immunoconjugates comprise one or more anti-CD74 antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof, conjugated to a liposome or micelle. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the immunoconjugates and using the immunoconjugates in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In certain preferred embodiments, the therapeutic methods comprise administering to a subject with a CD74-expressing disease an anti-CD74 immunoconjugate and thereby inducing apoptosis of CD74-expressing cells. In more preferred embodiments, the CD74 immunoconjugate is capable of inducing cell death in the absence of any other therapeutic agent, although such agents may be optionally administered prior to, together with or subsequent to administration of the anti-CD74 immunoconjugate. The compositions may be part of a kit for administering the anti-CD74 immunoconjugates or compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides organic arsenicals. Many of these compounds have potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against numerous human tumor cell lines, both of solid and hematological origin, as well as against malignant blood cells from patients with leukemia.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to threads of hyaluronic acid, methods of making such threads and uses thereof, for example, in aesthetic applications (e.g., facial contouring, dermal fillers), surgery (e.g., sutures), drug delivery, negative pressure wound therapy, moist wound dressing, and the like.

Abstract: A recombinant fluorescent protein nanoparticle having high fluorescence intensity and a method of detecting a target material using the same are provided. The protein nanoparticle has higher fluorescence intensity than a fluorescent protein, and is resistant to denaturation of the fluorescent protein at room temperature, thereby having higher structural stability than the fluorescent protein itself. In addition, since a self-assembled protein is used as a fusion partner of the fluorescent protein, the protein nanoparticle is biocompatible and safe. Moreover, when a linker peptide is additionally inserted into the protein nanoparticle, a suitable distance between the self-assembled protein and the fluorescent protein is maintained, thereby considerably increasing fluorescence intensity of the protein nanoparticle. The probe-binding protein nanoparticle can control distances between the fluorescent proteins on the surface thereof, thereby maximizing fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to polymers, crosslinked polymers, functionalized polymers, nanoparticles, and functionalized nanoparticles and methods of making and using same. In one aspect, the invention relates to degradable polymers and degradable nanoparticles. In one aspect, the invention relates to methods of preparing degradable nanoparticles and, more specifically, methods of controlling particle size during the preparation of degradable nanoparticles. In one aspect, the degradable nanoparticles are useful for complexing, delivering, and releasing payloads, including pharmaceutically active payloads. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Targeting of imaging probes specifically to diseased tissues such as cancer is attractive because it potentially allows the improvement of tumor detection. One of the problems associated with conventional, low molecular weight imaging probes is the limited tumor:background ratio. To circumvent this, imaging probes may be conjugated to polymeric carriers to target solid tumors by either passive accumulation of macromolecules into tumor tissues due to the “enhanced permeability and retention” effect (EPR effect) or active targeting through the incorporation of cell-specific recognition ligands that mediate binding to cancer-specific antigens. This invention describes an innovative targeting strategy for the selective delivery of diagnostic agents into solid tumors by means of polymer-NIR fluorochrome conjugates modified with targeting ligands that bind to antigens or receptors that are uniquely expressed or over-expressed on the target cells relative to normal tissues.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring MR imaging data from a subject includes administering positively-charged nitroxides or gadolinium chelates for in vivo mitochondrial labeling, acquiring MR imaging data from the subject, and reconstructing an image of the subject having enhanced contrast in areas including metabolic and/or mitotic activity.

Abstract: Described herein, are compositions comprising an effective amount of a basic amino acid in free or salt form, and a water soluble strontium salt; and methods of making and using the same.