Abstract: The present invention relates to a reversible fluorescence photoswitch based on the dye-crosslinked dendritic nanoclusters for high-contrast imaging of living biological systems. The dendritic nanocluster according to the present invention consists of two or more dendrimers crosslinked each other to have a globular shape overall, and thereby enhancing the fluorescence intensity and improving the detection sensitivity of the monomeric dendrimers. In addition, the dendritic nanocluster according to the present invention was found to internalize into a living zebrafish by both skin permeation and microinjection, independently. Further, the dendritic nanocluster according to the present invention showed low toxicity and thus it could be useful for both in vivo and in vitro imaging as well as the ex vivo cell tracking applications.

Abstract: A functional molecular element exhibiting its function under the operation of an electrical field is provided. A compound is used in which a pendant molecule, formed by 4-pentyl-4?-cyanobiphenyl, exhibiting positive dielectric constant anisotropy or a dipole moment along the direction of the long axis of the molecule, is covalently bonded to an electrically conductive linear or film-shaped principal-axis molecule having a conjugated system. The pendant molecule is changed in its orientation on application of an electrical field to change the conformation to switch the electrical conductivity of the electrically conductive principal-axis molecule.

Abstract: A method of preparing antimicrobial-containing polymeric products is provided, the method involving electrospinning a dispersion comprising a dispersible polymer, a fiberizing polymer, and one or more antimicrobial agents. The electrospun material is heated to remove solvent and the fiberizing polymer, giving a nonwoven polymeric material having antimicrobial agent incorporated therein. The material can be in the form of, for example, a non-woven sheet, tube, or covering.

Abstract: Boron cage compound-containing materials for shielding and absorbing neutrons. The materials include BCC-containing composites and compounds. BCC-containing compounds comprise a host polymer and a BCC attached thereto. BCC-containing composites comprise a mixture of a polymer matrix and a BCC filler. The BCC-containing materials can be used to form numerous articles of manufacture for shielding and absorbing neutrons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a trialkoxysilanes having structure I wherein R1 and R2 are independently at each occurrence a C1-C3 alkyl group; R3 is independently at each occurrence a hydrogen or a C1-C3 alkyl group; R4 is a C1-C5 aliphatic radical, a C7-C12 aromatic radical, or a C5-C10 cycloaliphatic group; n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; q is 1, 2 or 3; and X? represents a charge balancing counterion. The trialkoxysilanes are useful for the preparation of nanoparticulate diagnostic imaging agent compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic dispersion of inorganic platelets, which includes an organic solvent and H-form inorganic platelets dispersed therein. The H-form inorganic platelets have a particle size of between about 20 and 80 mm and the organic dispersion has a sold content of between about 1 and 20 wt %. A method for forming the organic dispersion is also provided.

Abstract: A composition of matter, and method to make same, for a nano-based material including a nanocarbon support to which is attached an aliphatic amine. In particular, the composition of matter is an aliphatic amine-nanocarbon material that includes a nanocarbon (NC) support, such as C60, nano-graphite, graphene, nanocarbon ribbons, graphite intercalation compounds, graphite oxide, nano-coal, nanohorns, and combinations thereof, and further includes an aliphatic amine, such as polyethyleneimine (PEI).

Abstract: The invention concerns a methionine-derived peptidomimetic represented by the following general formula (II): R?X—C(O)—NH— with X=alkyl or alkyloxy (C1-C4); R??H The invention also concerns a composition for preventing or fighting cutaneous disorders associated to a mitochondrial dysfunction, and the use of a methionine-derived peptidomimetic as a cosmetic agent for protecting and/or stimulating the mitochondria of cutaneous cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a functionalized metal nanoparticle, a buffer layer including the functionalized metal nanoparticle, and an electronic device including the buffer layer. The buffer layer including the functionalized metal nanoparticle according to example embodiments may improve the injection of electrons or holes and the charge mobility between layers in the electronic device, may form ohmic contacts, and may improve the selectivity between electrodes and the buffer layer at the time of forming the buffer layer on the electrodes, thereby improving the efficiency of the electronic device.

Abstract: A display device includes a first base substrate, a second base substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a conductive protrusion structure and an electrode structure. The second base substrate is disposed opposite to the first base substrate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first and second base substrates. The conductive protrusion structure is disposed on one of the first and second base substrates. The electrode structure is at least disposed on the first or second base substrate having the conductive protrusion structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method for obtaining solid micro- or nanoparticles with a homogeneous structure. A method is provided for obtaining solid micro- or nanoparticles with a homogeneous structure having a particle size of less than 10 ?m where the processed solid compound has the natural, crystalline, amorphous, polymorphic and other features associated with the starting compound. In accordance with the invention a method which also makes it possible to obtain solid micro- or nanoparticles with a substantially spheroidal morphology is provided.

Abstract: A self-assembled carbon structure such as a carbon opal is disclosed herein. The structure is composed of hydrophilic carbon spheres oriented in a periodic colloidal crystal structure, wherein the carbon spheres have a porous surface, wherein the carbons spheres have an average particle diameter less than 3000 nm. Also disclosed is an inverse opal structure that includes a plurality of voids in the structural material. The voids are regularly arranged in an ordered periodic structure, the voids having a spherical shape. The inverse opal structure has a specific surface area greater than 100 m2/g and method for making the same together with materials that employ the same.

Abstract: A nanoparticle for detecting or treating a tumor is provided. The nanoparticle includes a plurality of polymer backbones and at least one first detectable substance, of which each of the polymer backbones includes a hydrophobic region, a hydrophilic region and a chelating region, and the first detectable substance is bound to the chelating region of the polymer backbone. The hydrophobic regions of the polymer backbones form a core block, and the hydrophilic regions of the polymer backbones form a shell block surrounding the core block. A method for detecting or treating a tumor using the nanoparticle is also provided.

Abstract: A ligand design allows compact nanoparticle materials, such as quantum dots (QDs), with excellent colloidal stability over a wide range of pH and under high salt concentrations. Self-assembled biomolecular conjugates with QDs can be obtained which are stable in biological environments. Energy transfer with these ligands is maximized by minimizing distances between QDs/nanoparticles and donors/acceptors directly attached to the ligands or assembled on their surfaces.

Abstract: Iron oxide nano contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging which have superior T2 contrast effect, and also can be used as a storage or a carrier for drugs and so on, are disclosed. The iron oxide nano contrast agents can be prepared by the steps of: coating surfaces of hydrophobic FeO nanoparticles with a coating material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol-phospholipid conjugate, dextran, chitosan, dimercaptosuccinic acid and mixtures thereof in an organic solvent to form hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles having hydrophilic surfaces and dispersibility in water; dispersing the hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles in water to oxidize FeO; and exposing the oxidized hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles to an acidic buffer to dissolve and remove interior unoxidized FeO portions, and thereby to form Fe3O4 nanoparticles having an interior space.

Abstract: An interconnect structure for use in an integrated circuit is provided. The interconnect structure includes a first low-K dielectric material. The first low-K material may be modified with a first group of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and disposed on a metal line. The first low-K material is modified by dispersing the first group of CNTs in a solution, spinning the solution onto a silicon wafer and curing the solution to form the first low-K material modified with the first CNTs. The metal line includes a top layer and a bottom layer connected by a metal via. The interconnect structure also includes a second low-K dielectric material modified with a second group of CNTs and disposed on the bottom layer. Accordingly, embodiments the present disclosure could help to increase the mechanical strength of the low-K material or the entire interconnect structure.

Abstract: A method of producing carbon-metal nanocomposites includes (a) treating a material containing at least one o-catechol unit with a first solution of hexamine such that the material becomes hexamine treated; (b) treating the material with a second solution having a plurality of metal ions such that the material becomes metal treated; (c) treating the material with a third solution of alkali such that the material becomes alkali treated; and (d) heating the alkali, metal and hexamine treated material after (a), (b), and (c) for a predetermined period of time such that a plurality of carbon-metal nanocomposites having metal nanoparticles dispersed in the material are produced.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of measuring pressure or temperature using a sensor including a sensor element composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes. In one example, the resistance of the plurality of carbon nanotubes is measured in response to the application of temperature or pressure. The changes in resistance are then recorded and correlated to temperature or pressure. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for independent measurement of pressure or temperature using the sensors disclosed herein.

Abstract: A biomedical implant according to this invention comprises ceramic complex, which includes a surface-modified basic ceramic particles, which are basic ceramic particles modified their surface with first biodegradable polymers, and the second biodegradable polymers. The first and second biodegradable polymer are combined each other and form a stereo complex. The biomedical implant has a superior effect to suppress inflammation caused by degradation of biodegradable polymers with improving its mechanical property.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal nanoparticle that is surface-modified with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic functional group, and a composition for optical detection comprising the same. The surface-modified nanoparticles according to the present invention form clusters suitable for optical detection, for example, suitable as an X-ray contrast agent, and have surface plasmon energy in the visible region, thereby being usefully applied to a variety of optical detection methods.

Abstract: A method for producing nanoparticle/block copolymer composites is provided. The method includes mixing nanoparticles having an organic ligand L and a block copolymer A-b-B having block repeating units A and B with different solubility parameters in a solvent S to form micelles by self-assembly. The solubility parameters of the organic ligand L, the block repeating units A and B of the block copolymer A-b-B and the solvent S satisfy the following inequalities: 29??S??A??(1) ?S??B?29??(2) |?L??A|?5 or |?L??B|?5??(3) in which ?S, ?A, ?B and ?L represent the solubility parameters of the solvent S, the block repeating unit A, the block repeating unit B and the ligand L, respectively. According to the method, the inherent electrical, magnetic, optical, chemical and mechanical properties of the nanoparticles can be maintained or improved without the need to modify the surface of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Polyurethane gels are produced by converting a polyurethane system comprising (A1) one or more polyether alcohols of hydroxyl number 28 to 90 mg KOH/g produced primarily from propylene oxide added to a starter molecule of hydroxyl functionality between 2 and 4, (A2) one or more polyether alcohols of hydroxyl number 240 to 850 mg KOH/g produced primarily from propylene oxide added to a starter molecule of hydroxyl functionality between 2 and 4, (b1) one or more diisocyanates, (B2) one or more triisocyanates preferably produced by trimerisizing diisocyanates, (A3) at least one additive material fulfilling a prescribed function, and (A4) at least one additive material having a particle size in the range from 1 to 650 nm in the presence of one or more catalysts (A5) for forming polyurethane.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the invention, a method of forming a metal-insulator-metal stack is provided. The method includes forming a first conducting layer, forming a resistivity-switching carbon-based material above the first conducting layer, and forming a second conducting layer above the carbon-based material, wherein the carbon-based material has a thickness of not more than ten atomic layers. Other aspects are also described.

Abstract: A polyacrylamide-based composition as a microemulsion is provided in the form of a water-in-oil microemulsion with polyacrylamide dissolved in the water phase, and further comprising ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer. Specifically, the present invention includes, dissolved in the water phase, a polyacrylamide copolymer and an EO/PO block copolymer, with the water phase mixed with an oil phase. Preferably, the present invention may further comprise the presence of at least one fatty acid and/or at least one nonionic surfactant to stabilize the microemulsion. In addition, the present invention may further comprise effective amount of other components, such as pesticides and/or fertilizers, that may be delivered to trees, plants or other vegetation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the preparation and use of aromatic polyimide nanowebs with amide-modified surfaces. Uses include as a filtration medium, and as a separator in batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries. The invention is also directed to a filtration apparatus comprising the aromatic polyimide nanoweb with amide-modified surface. The invention is further directed to a multi-layer article comprising the aromatic polyimide nanoweb with amide-modified surface, and to an electrochemical cell comprising the multi-layer article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polycarbonate resin composition comprising a polycarbonate (A), a styrene copolymer resin (B), carbon nano-tubes (C) and a carbon black (D).

Abstract: Nanosilver coated bacterial cellulose nanofiber and a method of producing the nanosilver coated bacterial cellulose nanofiber. The nanosilver coated bacterial cellulose nanofiber is produced by preparing a suspension of bacterial cellulose fibers, oxidizing bacterial cellulose fibers; adding the thio- group to the polymer backbone; reacting the resulting product with silver proteinate and enhancing the nanosilver particle size. The nanosilver coated bacterial cellulose nanofibers exhibit antimicrobial properties.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions for attracting noctuid moths, which include at least one pheromone and at least one synergist. The synergist is a naturally-occurring phytochemical compound. The synergist is preferably ?-caryophyllene, iso-caryophyllene, ?-humulene, or combinations thereof. The invention also provides traps containing the composition for attracting noctuid moths, and methods for attracting, capturing, killing or sterilizing noctuid moths using the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispersible and electrically conductive nano graphene platelet (NGP) material comprising at least a single-layer or multiple-layer graphene sheet, wherein the NGP material has an oxygen content no greater than 25% by weight and no less than 5% by weight. This NGP material can be produced by: (a) preparing a pristine NGP material from a graphitic material; and (b) subjecting the pristine NGP material to an oxidation treatment. Alternatively, the production process may comprise: (A) preparing a graphite oxide (GO) from a laminar graphite material; (b) exposing the GO to a first temperature for a first period of time to obtain exfoliated graphite; and (c) exposing the exfoliated graphite to a second temperature in a protective atmosphere for a second period of time.

Abstract: A gated electrical device includes a non-conductive substrate and a graphene structure disposed on the non-conductive substrate. A metal gate is disposed directly on a portion of the graphene structure. The metal gate includes a first metal that has a high contact resistance with graphene. Two electrical contacts are each placed on the graphene structure so that the metal gate is disposed between the two electrical contacts. In a method of making a gated electrical device, a graphene structure is placed onto a non-conductive substrate. A metal gate is deposited directly on a portion of the graphene structure. Two electrical contacts are deposited on the graphene structure so that the metal gate is disposed between the two electrical contacts.

Abstract: Inorganic particle/polymer composites are described that involve chemical bonding between the elements of the composite. In some embodiments, the composite composition includes a polymer having side groups chemically bonded to inorganic particles. Furthermore, the composite composition can include chemically bonded inorganic particles and ordered copolymers. Various electrical, optical and electro-optical devices can be formed from the composites.

Abstract: A fluorescence sensory material with high sensitivity, selectivity, and photostability has been developed for vapor probing of organic amines. The sensory material is a perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxyl compound having amine binding groups and the following formula where A and A? are independently chosen from N—R1, N—R2, and O such that both A and A? are not O, and R1 through R10 are amine binding moieties, solubility enhancing groups, or hydrogen such that at least one of R1 through R10 is an amine binding moiety. This perylene compound can optionally be formed into well-defined nanofibers. Upon deposition onto a substrate, the entangled nanofibers form a meshlike, highly porous film, which enables expedient diffusion of gaseous analyte molecules within the film matrix, leading to a milliseconds response for vapor sensing.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to optical nanosensors comprising photoluminescent nanostructures are generally described. Generally, the nanosensors comprise a photoluminescent nanostructure and a polymer that interacts with the photoluminescent nanostructure. In some cases, the interaction between the polymer and the nanostructure can be non-covalent (e.g., via van der Waals interactions). The nanosensors comprising a polymer and a photoluminescent nanostructure may be particularly useful in determining the presence and/or concentration of relatively small molecules, in some embodiments. In addition, in some instances the nanosensors may be capable of determining relatively low concentrations of analytes, in some cases determining as little as a single molecule. In some embodiments, the interaction between the analyte and the nanosensor (e.g.

Abstract: A composition containing fine silver particles which have a uniform particle size, can form a fine drawing pattern, and have a small environmental impact, a method for producing that composition, a method for producing fine silver particles, and a paste having fine silver particles are provided. The fine silver particles are produced by carrying out a fluid preparation step of preparing a reduction fluid, a silver reaction step, and a filtration/washing step. The reaction step is carried out by adding an aqueous silver nitrate fluid to a reduction fluid whose temperature has been increased to a range between 40 and 800 ° C. The aqueous silver nitrate fluid is added at a stretch. The composition containing fine silver particles is produced by dispersing the composition containing the fine silver particles in a polar fluid.

Abstract: A device is made by forming sacrificial fibers on a substrate mold. The fibers and mold are covered with a first material. The substrate mold is removed, and the covered fibers are then removed to form channels in the first material.

Abstract: The invention provides active agents, such as paclitaxel, rapamycin, or 17-DMAG, encapsulated by safe poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactic acid) (“PEG-b-PLA”) micelles. The compositions provide effective solubilization of drug combinations, such as paclitaxel, rapamycin, and 17-DMAG, as well as others described herein. A significant advantage of PEG-b-PLA as a carrier is that it is less toxic than Cremophor® EL or DMSO, which are used in currently known compositions. Additionally, PEG-b-PLA micelles are easier to handle than DMSO and they do not possess a foul odor, which is a problem with formulations currently in clinical trials. Accordingly, the invention provides stable and biocompatible drug formulations that improve bioavailability without causing toxicity. It was also found that larger doses of individual drugs in micelle formulations can be administered compared to non-micelle formulations.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns and sheets having enhanced mechanical strength using infused and bonded nano-resins. A CNT yarn or sheet is surface-activated to produce open bonds in the CNT walls prior to resin infusion. The CNT yarn or sheet is infused with a low viscosity nano-resin that penetrates spaces between individual CNTs and is cured to cross-link and chemically bond to the CNT walls, either directly or through a functional molecule, to bond the individual CNTs or ropes to each other. The nano-resin can comprise dicyclopentadiene having an uncured viscosity near that of water. The cross-linking process involves ring-opening metathesis polymerization and catalysis of the nano-resin in combination with a functionalizing material such as norbornene, to enhance bonding between the carbon and nano-resin. The process increases load capability, tensile strength, and elastic modulus of the yarns and sheets, for use as a structural component in composite materials.

Abstract: An aromatic polycarbonate resin composition including 100 parts by mass of a polycarbonate resin (A) containing an aromatic polycarbonate resin (a-1) and/or a silicone-copolymerized polycarbonate (a-2), and 0.01 to 30 parts by mass of a nanoporous carbon (B). A molded body of the resin composition is also provided. The aromatic polycarbonate resin composition has improved flame retardancy, moisture resistance and stability at a high temperature molding stage because of the addition of the nanoporous carbon to the polycarbonate resin containing an aromatic polycarbonate and/or a silicone-copolymerized polycarbonate, and is suitably used as, for example, a casing for OA appliances, electric and electronic appliances or communication appliances.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds from which nanofibers can be produced, the resulting nanofibers produced from the compounds, and nanofiber reinforced polymers prepared using the nanofibers and a polymer. The compounds used in forming the nanofibers include chemical linkage moieties that are capable of forming non-covalent bonds with portions of the polymer so as to form the nanofiber reinforced polymers. The nanofiber reinforced polymers are useful as biomaterials in medical devices.

Abstract: A device is provided by use of a helical substituted polyacetylene. The device comprises a structure comprised of a helical substituted polyacetylene having a helical main chain, and a pair of electrodes for applying a voltage or electric current to the structure, wherein the molecule of the helical substituted polyacetylene has a length larger than the distance between the pair of the electrodes.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane and a method of making the same. The membrane includes at least one non-reinforced layer and at least one reinforced layer. Both layers include a proton-conductive ionomer, while the reinforced layer additionally includes nanofiber-supported catalyst that improve mechanical and chemical durability of the membrane. The nanofiber-supported catalyst is made up of structural fibers onto which an electrocatalyst is coated, deposited or otherwise formed. The structural nanofibers give increased strength and stiffness to the layers that include them, while the electrocatalyst helps to resist electrochemical degradation to the membranes that include them. Such a membrane may form the basis of a fuel cell's membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture for attracting charged nanoparticles using a graphene nanomesh. The method includes creating a graphene nanomesh by generating multiple holes in graphene, wherein each of the multiple holes is of a size appropriate to a targeted charged nanoparticle, selectively passivating the multiple holes of the graphene nanomesh to form a charged ring in the graphene nanomesh by treating the graphene nanomesh with chemistry yielding a trap with an opposite charge to that of the targeted nanoparticle, and electrostatically attracting the target charged nanoparticle to the oppositely charged ring to facilitate docking of the charged nanoparticle to the graphene nanomesh.

Abstract: A method of uncoupling mitochondria in a subject including administering nanotubes to the subject in a therapeutically effective amount, wherein the nanotubes are self-rectifying is provided. A method of decreasing reactive oxygen species and decreasing detrimental loading of Ca2+ into mitochondria is provided, including administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of nanotubes into the subject. A method of reducing weight, treating cancer, reducing the effects of traumatic brain injury, or reducing the effects of ageing, in a subject including administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of nanotubes into the subject is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conjugate having a peptide with from about 10 to about 100 amino acids, wherein the peptide adopts a helical structure. The conjugate also includes a first polymer covalently linked to the peptide, and a hydrophobic moiety covalently linked to the N-terminus of the peptide, wherein the hydrophobic moiety comprises a second polymer or a lipid moiety. The present invention also provides helix bundles form by self-assembling the conjugates, and particles formed by self-assembling the helix bundles. Methods of preparing the helix bundles and particles are also provided.

Abstract: This invention describes the use of anti-TNF-a antibody as a targeting agent attached to liposomes incorporating anti-inflammatory drugs to treat arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. A variety of steroidal and non-steroidal drugs and disease modifying drugs and other anti-inflammatory compounds may be incorporated into the anti-TNF-a coated liposomes. The anti-TNF-a coated drug liposomes will accumulate within the inflamed site where the drug is released for maximum therapeutic effect. Other nanosized drug delivery vehicles such as dendrimers, micelles, nanocapsules and nanoparticles may be similarly coated with anti-TNF-a antibody and used to deliver the drug to the site of inflammation. Also in lieu of the anti-TNF-a antibody other TNF-a binding agents such as aptamers and binding peptides may be used to coat the various nanosized drug delivery vehicles such as micelles, dendrimers, nanocapsules and nanoparticles in order to deliver the drug to the site of inflammation.

Abstract: Provided herein are high-load, solid and liquid pesticidal compositions containing a low-melting active ingredient, which exhibit good physical and chemical stability, and equivalent or improved biological efficacy compared to liquid compositions when used to control pests in crop or non-crop environments.

Abstract: Basic zinc cyanurate fine particles are produced by subjecting a mixed slurry to wet dispersion using a dispersion medium at a temperature in the range of 5 to 55° C., the mixed slurry being formed by blending water, cyanuric acid, and at least one component selected from zinc oxide and basic zinc carbonate such that the cyanuric acid concentration is 0.1 to 10.0 mass % with respect to water.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an anti-angiogenic factor, and a polymeric carrier. Representative examples of anti-angiogenic factors include Anti-Invasive Factor, Retinoic acids and derivatives thereof, and paclitaxel. Also provided are methods for embolizing blood vessels, and eliminating biliary, urethral, esophageal, and tracheal/bronchial obstructions.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for improving therapeutic potential of mithramycin (MTM) or MTM analogues are disclosed. For example, in certain aspects, methods for preparing a composition containing MTM or an MTM analogue nanoparticulate formulation and uses thereof are described. Furthermore, methods for delivering MTM or MTM analogues are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a customized composition comprising three-dimensional (3D) nanofiber webbing. The present invention further relates to the process of producing the composition comprising 3D nanofiber webbing and uses thereof such as treatment of age-related macular degeneration or regeneration/repair of tissue.