UNIVERSITY OF
IOWA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
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LICENSING
OPPORTUNITIES
July 2007
LICENSING
OPPORTUNITIES
We at the
The
The
The list
includes inventions which:
(a) have
been patented (date of issuance & patent number is provided),
(b) are
filed for patenting (date of filing is provided), or
(c)
are under consideration for patenting
At any
point, you can, under a confidentiality agreement, review technologies of
interest to you under categories (b) and (c).
The brochure
is organized under the following headings:
BIOTECHNOLOGY, PHARMACEUTICALS & THERAPEUTICS
MISCELLANEOUS
We invite
inquiries regarding these technologies and welcome any opportunities to be
partners with industry in promoting the transfer of technology. Please direct
all your inquiries regarding the technologies in this brochure or for further
information on other technologies, to:
Ms. Pamela
K. York, Executive Director
Ms. Brenda L. Akins, Associate
Director
Mr. John R.
Weis, Senior Licensing Associate
Mr.
Ms. Kathryn
E. Cox, Licensing Associate
214 Technology Innovation Center
Phone: (319) 335-4546
FAX: (319) 335-4486
B I O T E C H N O L O G Y / P H A R
M A C E U T I C A L S / T H E R A P E U T I C S
#83007
CMV PROMOTER FOR INCREASED EXPRESSION
Inventor(s):
Mark F. Stinski, Professor, Department of Microbiology,
Status:
Available for non-exclusive
licensing by fields of use.
Description:
These patents describe the cloning and usefulness of a human cytomegalovirus
(HCMV) immediate-early regulatory DNA sequence termed the CMV promoter, that
functions in a variety of different cell types. This promoter has been shown to
be capable of significantly increasing the expression of a wide variety of
genes. These genes cover a broad eukaryotic host range, thus making the CMV
promoter particularly useful for both recombinant protein production as well as
gene therapy/genetic immunization protocols. These patents are being licensed
non-exclusively by fields of use. License terms have currently been set for
licenses executed before December 1, 2005. License terms are subject to change
after this date. To learn more about license terms for your specific field of
use for the CMV promoter, please call or write to the University of Iowa
Research Foundation: Brenda L. Akins; Phone: 319/ 335-4546 Fax: 319/335-4486.
E-Mail: brenda-akins@uiowa.edu
--
#07061
Zinc-finger nuclease and RNA
interference mediated inactivation of viral genomes
Inventors:
Anton P. McCaffrey and Thomas J. Cradick
Status:
Provisional Patent Application Filed
Description:
The present invention provides methods and compositions for targeted cleavage
of viral genomes using recombinant zinc-finger proteins (ZFN), and target
inactivation of viral gene expression using RNA interference. Specifically,
the methods and compositions of the invention may be used to target viral
hepatitis sequences.
#07040
Method of
making cyclic polypeptides with inteins
Inventor:
Alexander R. Horswill
Status:
Description:
The present invention describes biologic methods for producing and screening
internally cyclized polypeptides. The present invention provides a
biological platform for efficiently synthesizing internally cyclized polypeptides
and for making a library of cyclic polypeptides that
provides a high through-put method for screening biological activity. The
methods provided may be used, for instance, to produce and optimize novel
cyclic peptides for use in treating Staphylococcal infections.
The methods described are both
easier and cheaper than current chemical synthesis methods.
#07041
A Zebrafish
based screen for agents with ability to prevent cell death
Inventor:
Robert A. Cornell
Status:
Description:
The present invention describes a zebrafish mutant useful for the screening of
candidate therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as
Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The
invention further describes methods of screening candidate therapeutics to
treat neurodegenerative diseases and diseases or disorders characterized by
melanocyte cell death, using the zebrafish mutant, or other teleosts deficient
in the same gene.
Further, the invention provides
methods for screening of candidate therapeutics for the treatment of
melanomas.
The invention provides targets and
methods for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and melanomas.
Relevant Publication: McNeill,
M. S., Paulsen, J., Bonde, G., Burnight, E., Hsu, M.-Y., and Cornell, R. A.
(2007). Cell death of melanophores in zebrafish trpm7 mutant embryos depends on
melanin synthesis. J. Investigative Dermatology (in press)
Elizondo, M. R., Arduini, B. L.,
Paulsen, J., MacDonald, E. L., Sabel, J. L., Henion, P. D., et al. (2005).
Defective skeletogenesis with kidney stone formation in dwarf zebrafish mutant
for trpm7. Curr Biol 15, 667-71.
Cornell, R. A.,
Yemm, E., Bonde, G., Li, W., d'Alencon, C., Wegman, L., et al. (2004). Touchtone promotes survival
of embryonic melanophores in zebrafish. Mech Dev 121, 1365-76.
#07015
Methods AND COMPOSITIONS RELATED TO
PLUNC related surfactant polypeptides
Inventor(s): Paul B.
McCray, Jr., Jennifer Bartlett, Lokesh Gakhar, Rama K. Mallampalli, and
Subramanian Ramaswamy
Status:
Description:
The present invention describes novel surfactant compositions and methods for
lowering the surface tension of a liquid-air interface. The compositions
comprise all or part of a polypeptide of the PLUNC family.
Surfactants facilitate respiration
by continually modifying the surface tension of the fluid normally present
within the alveoli. Surfactants are necessary in order to keep airways
open and able to absorb oxygen.
Surfactants are generally useful in treating respiratory distress syndrome
(RDS), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD) in premature infants,
The PLUNC proteins described in the invention may be produced recombinantly in
E. coli or other suitable hosts and therefore could be used as a topical agent
for respiratory, oral, and other applications.
#05035
NOVEL SIALIC ACID PERMEASE OF HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE
Inventor(s): Michael A.
Apicella, Simon Allen, Bradford W. Gibson, Anthony Zaleski
Status:
Description:
Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae is an opportunistic pathogen and
a common cause of otitis media in children and of chronic bronchitis
and pneumonia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease. H. influenzae utilizes sialic acid, a sugar readily available in
the respiratory tract. This invention consists of a method to treat or prevent
a Haemophilus influenzae infection by administering a sialic acid permease
inhibitory agent in an amount that reduces the uptake of sialic acid by the
bacterium. In the absence of sialic acid transporters siaP or
siaT, H. influenzae cannot incorporate sialic acid into its
lipooligosaccharides, making the organism unable to survive when
exposed to human serum and causing reduced viability in biofilm
growth. This technology also provides methods for determining both the
inhibitory activity and binding activity of the sialic acid transporters.
This invention may also be used to treat Haemophilus somnus, H. gallarium, Vibrio
vulnificus, Vibrio cholera, Shigella flexneri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Helicobacter pylori, Pasturella multicidia, or Salmonella enteritidis.
Relevant Publications: Allen, Simon,
Zaleski, Anthony, Johnston, Jason W., Gibson, Bradford W., and
Contact: Brenda
L. Akins; Phone: 319/ 335-4546 Fax: 319/335-4486. E-Mail: brenda-akins@uiowa.edu
#02051
MUTANT STRAIN OF NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS (NMBAII K3) WHICH LACKS
LIPOOLIGOSACCHARIDE (LOS) AND RMP PROTEIN
Inventor(s): Michael A.
Apicella, Deborah M. Post
Status:
Description:
Neisseria meningitidis is
one of the major causative agents of bacterial meningitis and septicemia in
children and young adults, with an estimated 500,000 cases and 50,000 deaths
per year worldwide, a number that is frequently accentuated by epidemic
outbreaks. The rapid progression of meningococcal disease makes proper
diagnosis and subsequent treatment often vital to the survival of infected
individuals. If not properly diagnosed and treated, meningococcal
infections can lead to shock and death within a matter of hours. Better
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of meningococcal infections are
needed. This technology provides for a vaccine to protect against N.
meningitidis colonization or infection. The vaccine contains an immunogenic
amount of isolated and purified transgenic N. meningitidis cell in combination
with a physiologically-acceptable, non-toxic vehicle. The purified cell
contains a disrupted msbB gene, where the disruption results in altered
acyltransferase activity, such that the cell has reduced lipooligosaccharide
expression. Vaccines of this invention can also include effective amounts
of immunological adjuvants, known to enhance an immune response.
Relevant Publications: Post, D.M.,
Ketterer, M.R.,
Phillips, N.J.,
Gibson, B.W.,
Apicella, M.A.,
The msbB mutant of Neisseria meningitidis strain NMB has a defect in
lipooligosaccharide assembly and transport to the outer membrane, Infect. Immun.,
71(2): 647-655 (2003).
Contact:
Brenda L. Akins; Phone: 319/ 335-4546 Fax: 319/335-4486. E-Mail: brenda-akins@uiowa.edu
#01025
Vaccine and Compositions for the Prevention and Treatment of Gonorrhea
Inventor(s): Michael A.
Apicella, Eric
Status:
Allowed Claims for
Allowed Claims for
Description: Over 300,000 women per year contract
gonorrhea in the
Relevant Publications:
Edwards, J. L. and Apicella, M. A.,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae: The molecular mechanisms that initiate infection differ
between men and women., Clin. Microbiol. Rev., 17 (4): 965-981 (2004).
Edwards, J. L., Entz, D.D. and
Apicella, M. A., Gonococcal phospholipase d modulates the expression and
function of complement receptor 3 in primary cervical epithelial cells, Infect. Immun.71(11):6381-91, (2003).
Contact: Brenda
L. Akins; Phone: 319/ 335-4546 Fax: 319/335-4486. E-Mail: brenda-akins@uiowa.edu
#02003
FLUORINATED ALKYL PHENOL COMPOUNDS AND THEIR USE AS MEDICINAL AGENTS
Inventor(s): Max T.
Baker, Mohammed Naguib
Status:
US Patent Application Filed
Description:
Alkyl phenols, such as the widely used intravenous anesthetic propofol, have a
broad range of medicinal properties ranging from central nervous system (CNS)
effects (anesthesia, sedation, anti-nausea) to direct antioxidant
activity. The response of the CNS to alkyl phenols is generally sedative
in nature which is thought to be due the interaction of these compounds with
inhibitory GABAA receptors. This
invention discloses novel alkyl phenol compounds that
are fluorine substituted on the alkyl side groups. If was found that some in
this class of compounds exhibit greater effectiveness than propofol onGABA receptor
and exhibit anesthetic effects of shorter duration than propofol when
administered intravenously possibly due to improved pharmacokinetics. These
compounds may also exhibit the other desirable properties of propofol such as
antimigraine and bronchodilation effects; the latter if administered by
inhalation. These compounds can be formulated in emulsions, polyermic micelles
or cyclodextrins similar to propofol.
E-mail:
#93026-1
DEUTERATED SEVOFLURANE AS AN INHALATION ANESTHETIC
Inventor(s): Max T.
Baker, John H. Tinker
Status:
Description: Sevoflurane is a
desirable fluorocarbon anesthetic widely used in the
Relevant
Publications: Baker MT, Ronnenberg WC, Ruzicka JA, Chiang C-K, Tinker JH.
Inhibitory effects of
deuterium substitution on the metabolism of sevoflurane by the rat. Drug Metab
Dispos, 1993:21;1170-1171.
E-mail: zev-sunleaf@uiowa.edu
#00072
MELATONIN FOR INDUCTION OF GENERAL ANESTHESIA
Inventor(s):
Mohammed Naguib
Status:
US Patent No. 6,552,064
Description:
Melatonin exerts a broad range of beneficial effects including sleep promotion,
sedation, anesthesia, anti-oxidation, and protection of organs to chemical,
infectious and cardiovascular damage. Melatonin
is a water-insoluble compound that cannot be administered to patients by
injection using an aqueous vehicle. Melatonin also cannot be formulated
into an organic solvent that is free of undesirable side effects, nor can it be
formulated in oil-in-water emulsions due to its insolubility in oil.
This invention has as its primary
objective the development of pineal hormone melatonin
(N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) or its biologically active analogues as a
general anesthetic which can be used without any significant anesthesia
hangover.
Relevant Publications: Naguib M,
Samarkandi AH. Premedication with melatonin: a double-blind,
placebo-controlled comparison with midazolam. British Journal of
Anesthesia, 1999:82 (6); 875 – 80.
________________________________________________________________________________
#02035
THE USE OF MELATONIN FOR INDUCTION OF GENERAL ANESTHESIA
Inventor(s):
Max T. Baker, Mohammed Naguib
Status:
US Patent No. 6,638,966
Description:
This invention discloses a novel use of melatonin, or biologically
active analogues of melatonin, for induction of general anesthesia. It is
anticipated that the use of melatonin agonists for sedation and anesthesia will
result in less post anesthetic discomfort. The invention provides compounds
useful for general anesthesia that will have limited toxicity to patients and
less of what is known as “anesthesia hangover.”
Relevant
Publications: (none)
E-mail:
#04003
MELATONIN ANALOG PRODRUG
Inventor(s):
Max T. Baker and Mohammed Naguib
Status:
US Patent Application Filed
Description:
Melatonin exerts a broad range of beneficial effects including sleep promotion,
sedation, anesthesia, anti-oxidation, and protection of organs to chemical,
infectious and cardiovascular damage. Melatonin
is a water-insoluble compound that cannot be administered to patients by
injection using an aqueous vehicle. Melatonin also cannot be formulated
into an organic solvent that is free of undesirable side effects, nor can it be
formulated in oil-in-water emulsions due to its insolubility in oil.
This invention discloses compounds
that are prodrugs to melatonin analogs and that are soluble in nontoxic
solvents. A
prodrug is a drug which is administered in a significantly less active
form. Once administered, the prodrug is metabolized or degrades in the
body to release the active substance. These disclosed compounds will
exert the beneficial effects of melatonin and can be administered in high
concentrations in aqueous vehicles. This invention thereby overcomes the
poor solubility of melatonin and melatonin analogs in nontoxic formulations so
that the melatonin related compounds can be administered intravenously in
adequate doses.
Relevant
Publications: (none)
E-mail:
#03014
PHOTOCHEMICAL METHOD TO ELIMINATE OXYGEN INHIBITION OF FREE RADICAL
POLYMERIZATIONS
Inventor(s): Alec
Scranton, Lijing Gou
Status:
Description:
Current free radical polymerization methods are vulnerable to inhibition by
oxygen. This oxygen inhibition reduces the polymerization rate, reduces
the primary polymer chain length, and limits the ultimate attainable conversion
in photopolymerization systems. This technology is a method for overcoming the
oxygen inhibition of free radical polymerizations. The method involves a
light-absorbing molecule interaction with oxygen to create singlet oxygen, and
use of a compound which traps the singlet oxygen. This technology allows
for either light-induced polymerizations or thermally-induced polymerizations,
will allow for increased chain length of the primary polymer, provides a
simplified process, and is much less expensive than inerting equipment.
This technology can be applied to almost all industrial processes that involve
free radical mechanism, including, but not limited to, coating and paint
industries, adhesives, optics, dental filling, sealing compound, and
stereo-lithography.
Relevant
Publications:
Gou, Lijing,
Gou, Lijing, Opheim, Blaine,
Contact: Brenda
L. Akins; Phone: 319/ 335-4546 Fax: 319/335-4486. E-Mail: brenda-akins@uiowa.edu
#01055
CCT PROMOTERS TO ENHANCE PROTEIN EXPRESSION
Inventor(s):
Rama K. Mallampalli
Status:
Description:
Two novel gene sequences, termed the CCTp208 and CCTp240 promoters, stimulate
the expression of genes in a variety of cell types. Their activity is robust
with several fold greater activity compared to existing viral promoters (e.g.,
SV40 promoter). The murine-based promoters are able to retain enhanced
expression of desired genes in a stable fashion. The relatively small
size of these mammalian sequences will permit easy packaging into adenoviral
vectors for gene delivery. Because the promoters are not viral-based sequences,
they circumvent effects of inflammatory host responses that turn off activity
of commonly available promoters. These promoters can be used to generate
recombinant proteins, and to express reporter genes in gene therapy and vaccine
products.
--
#05069
HYDROFLUOROALKYL PHENOLS HAVING ANESTHETIC PROPERTIES
Inventor(s):
Max T. Baker
Status:
US Patent Application Filed
Description:
Alkyl phenols have a broad range of medicinal properties ranging from central
nervous system (CNS) effects to antioxidant activities. The effects of
alkyl phenols on the CNS are generally sedative in nature. This
invention discloses hydrofluoroalkyl phenols that have effects on the central
nervous system including anesthesia and sedation. Other potential effects
include muscle relaxation, pulmonary smooth muscle relaxation, anti-spasticity,
and inhibition of endocannabinoid catabolism. Substitution of alkylphenols
with fluorine is believed to be advantageous because in some cases fluorine can
improve chemical and metabolic stability of a compound, and can favorably
affect the pharmacokinectics/pharmadynamics of small molecules.
The compounds disclosed in this
invention are useful for inducing anesthesia and sedation in mammals.
Furthermore, compound MB009 has a shorter
duration than propofol and may be useful in clinical situations when it is
desirable to use a more rapidly acting anesthetic.
Relevant
Publications: (none)
E-mail:
#05059
SYNTHESIS OF RACEMIC AND (s)-modafinil
Inventor(s):
Horacio F. Olivo
Status:
US Patent Application Filed
Description:
Modafinil is a psychostimulant agent that has gained much attention because of
its recent approval by the FDA for the treatment of excessive daytime
sleepiness. The agent has also received attention due to its low
likelihood of potential for abuse. Recent work suggests that modafinil
might also be of utility as a treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer’s disease, and in treating opioid-induced sedation.
This invention discloses the first
asymmetric synthesis of (+)-(S)-modafinil. This is the
first report of a biocatalytic one-flask oxidation/amidation utilizing a
whole-cell transformation. The racemic synthesis of modafinil was
accomplished in two steps, one chemical and one microbial transfromation. The
enantioselective synthesis of (S)-modafinil was accomplished in just
three steps, one chemical and two microbial transformations (60% overall
yield). The new method provides a time savings and involves processes involving
low environmental impact.
Relevant Publications: Olivo, H.F.,
Osrio-Lozada, A., and
#06029
suppressing polyglutamine aggregation and
toxicity
Inventor(s):
Henry Paulson and Victor Miller
Status:
US Patent Application Filed
Description: The invention provides
for methods of increasing the amount of C-terminal heat shock protein
70-interacting protein (CHIP) in a subject, as part of the treatment of
Huntington’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s
disease. The invention also provides for decreasing aggregation of, or
increasing the solubility of polyglutamine proteins.
Relevant Publications: Miller, V.M.,
Nelson, R.F., Gouvion, C.M., Williams, A., Rodriguez-Lebron, E., Harper, S.Q.,
Davidson, B.L., Rebagliati, M.R., and Paulson, H.L., CHIP Suppresses
Polyglutamine Aggregation and Toxicity In Vitro and In Vivo; J of
Neuroscience; 2005; 25(40); 9152-9161.
#06012
Diagnosis and treatment of brain cancer
Inventor(s):
Rajeev Vibhakar, Beverly L. Davidson, and Anup Madan
Status:
Description: Certain embodiments of
the present invention provide methods for determining the presence of a brain
tumor or cancer and methods for predicting the recurrence of a brain tumor or
cancer. The invention describes diagnosis methods, based on the detection
of the silencing of a series of genes in the Wnt pathway, in a patient.
The diagnostic methods described are for solid and childhood tumors, including
specifically, medulloblastoma. Embodiments of the invention also include
methods of treating patients having brain tumors or cancers, comprising the
administration of specific nucleic acids. The methods described
demonstrate that re-expression of certain, silenced genes, decrease cancer cell
growth and increase cancer cell apoptosis.
Relevant Publication: Vibhakar, R., Foltz, J.Y.,
Field, L., Lee, H., Ryu, G., Pierson, J., Davidson, B. L., and Madan, A.;
Dickkopf-1 is an epigenetically silenced candidate tumor suppressor gene in
medulloblastoma; Society for Neuro-Oncology; 2007, 136-144
#06006
Compositions for treating hearing loss and
methods of use
Inventor(s):
Richard Smith
Status:
Description:
This invention includes compounds, compositions, and methods useful for
modulating the expression and activity of genes involved in deafness caused,
including mutations in GJB2, by dominant negative mechanism of action by
RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In one
embodiment, the invention features one or more nucleic acid molecules and
methods that independently or in combination modulate the expression of genes
encoding proteins involved in deafness caused by dominant negative mechanism of
action. The present invention provides a method of reducing the
expression of GJB2 in a cell, which may decrease hearing loss.
Relevant Publication: Yukihide Maeda, Kunihiro
Fukushima, Kazunori Nishizaki, and Richard J.H. Smith; In vitro and in
vivo suppression of GJB2 expression by RNA interference; Human
Molecular Genetics; 2005, 14, 12; 1641-1650
#05064
Vaccine formulations for leishmania
Inventor(s):
Mary Wilson, Daniella Martins, John Donelson,
Noah Craft, and Jeffrey Miller
Status:
PCT Patent Application Filed
Description:
This invention comprises a vaccine constructed from antigens found through screening
a library of individuals with visceral leishmaniasis. The vaccine may comprise
isolated or recombinant Leishmania protein as well as Leishmania DNA which
codes for the applicable proteins. A particular delivery system for these
antigens is an engineered avirulent recombinant strain of the bacterium
Listeria monocytogenes. The present invention also includes methods of
treating humans and animals with pharmaceutical compositions made using the
Leishmania antigens.
#05055
Lectin binding to choroidal
neovascularization
Inventor(s):
Robert Mullins
Status:
US and International Patent Applications Filed
Description: The invention provides a method of identifying choroidal
neovascularization (CNV) in a subject, comprising (a) contacting a Choroidal
membrane and or Bruch’s membrane of the subject with a lectin; (b) assessing
the binding of said lectin to said Choroidal membrane and/or Bruch’s membrane;
and (c) comparing binding patterns of said lectins to the known structure of
CNV. The invention further provides methods of diagnosing wet macular
degeneration.
The invention describes methods of targeting therapeutics to choroidal
neovascularization.
#05016
USE OF THE SODIUM IODINE SYMPORTER TO EFECT UPTAKE OF IODINE
Inventor(s):
Frederick Domann, Andrew Gaut, Douglas Trask, Gang Niu, and Kimberly Krager
Status:
Description: The invention includes methods for testing the ability of cells to take
up and retain iodine. The invention describes methods for rendering a cell
susceptible to iodine uptake and retention as part of the treatment of a
variety of cancers. As a method of increasing iodine uptake and retention,
the invention describes methods for decreasing the expression of the amino acid
protein pendrin. The invention also includes methods of rendering a
cancer cell, particularly head and neck squamous carcinoma cells, susceptible
to radio-iodine therapy comprising introducing into the cell an expression
construct encoding an iodide symporter.
Relevant Publications: Gaut,
A., Niu, G, Krager, K, Graham, M., Trask, D., and Domann, F. Genetically
Targeted Radiotherapy of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using the
Sodium-Iodide Symporter (
#05014
OPIOD RECEPTOR LIGANDS AND METHODS FOR THEIR PREPARATION
Inventor(s):
Thomas Prisinzano
Status:
Description:
The invention provides novel compounds that are
opioid receptor ligands. The invention also provides pharmaceutical
compositions comprising such compounds as well as methods for treating diseases
associated with opioid receptor function by administering such compounds to a
mammal in need of treatment. The invention also provides an improved
method for isolating an intermediate compound useful for preparing the novel
compounds.
#05005
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS RELATED TO MODIFIED RETROVIRAL VECTORS
Inventor(s):
Paul B. McCray, Jr. Patrick L. Sinn, Dan Voytas and Junbiao Dai
Status:
Description:
The present invention provides a retrovirus virion pseudotyped with a
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) envelope glycoprotein. The
invention also describes a pseudotyped feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
virion comprising an envelope glycoprotein from LCMV. The invention
provides a method to pseudotype retroviruses to attain high titers suitable for
ex vivo and in vivo gene transfer. The invention will be
useful for gene therapy applications using retroviral vectors and provide a
novel method for increasing the transduction efficiency and the targeting of
specific cell types that were previously poorly accessible. In particular
these methods may have applications for targeting tissues such as airway
epithelia, cells of the CNS, hepatocytes and others. The methods may also
facilitate the production of stable packaging cell lines for vector production.
Relevant Publication: Sinn PL, Burnight ER, Hickey MA,
Blissard GW, McCray PB Jr. Persistent gene expression in mouse nasal epithelia
following feline immunodeficiency virus-based vector gene transfer. J Virol.
2005 Oct;79(20):12818-27.
#05004
A Bardet-biedl susceptibility gene and
uses thereof
Inventor(s):
Edwin Stone, Val Sheffield, Thomas Casavant, Terry Braun, and Darryl Nishimura
Status:
US and International Patent Applications Filed
Description: The invention provides an isolated and purified nucleic acid encoding
ADP-ribosylation factor-like 6, designated as BBS3. The invention further
includes oligonucleotides and polypeptides comprising BBS3. The invention
describes methods of diagnosing Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS), a debilitating
genetic disorder, based on mutations in BBS3. The invention further
provides methods of identifying individuals genetically predisposed to BBS
related maladies, including obesity, diabetes, renal defects, retinopathy,
hydrogonadism, polydactyly, and or mental retardation.. The invention
relates to specific sequences in Fibulin 1, 2, 4 and 5 and kits for detecting
those sequences.
Relevant Publications: Chiang,
A. P., Nishimura, D., Searby, C., Elbedour, K., Carmi, R., Ferguson, A.L.,
Secrist, J., Braun,
T., Casavant, T., Stone, E. M., Sheffield, V. C. “Comparative
Genomic Analysis Identifies an ADP-Ribosylation Factor-like Gene as the Cause
of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS3). American Journal of Human Genetics, 2004
Sep;75(3):475-84. Epub 2004 Jul 16.
#04051
METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR SCREENING
INVOLVING ENDOTHELIAL CELLS UNDER SHEARING CONDITIONS
Inventor(s):
Khalid Kader and Christian H. Coyle
Status:
Description:
The present invention includes methods and compositions for screening
endothelial cells under conditions that mimic physiological stress conditions.
The invention provides methods for identifying or characterizing agents or
pathways in endothelial cell function and processes of screening for candidate
drugs to relieve oxidative stress in endothelial cells. Thus, the present invention
has ramifications for the fields of cardiology, diabetes, and other areas
involving endothelial cells under oxidative stress. The present invention
further provides methods and compositions for evaluating candidate substances
for their ability to modulate vascular endothelial cells in a relevant
physiological context. Methods of the present invention include a method
of identifying a protein involved in endothelial cell function.
The present invention also includes methods of for a candidate drug to relieve
or reduce oxidative stress in an endothelial cell, and for treating chronic
oxidative stress in an animal comprising administering to an endothelial cell
in the animal an effective amount of an inhibitor of eNOS or nicotinamide
adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH).
--
#04035
Alterations of Fibulin genes in macular
degeneration
Inventor(s):
Edwin Stone and Val Sheffield
Status:
US and International Patent Applications Filed
Description: The invention describes mutations in various fibulin genes that are
predictive of and causative for macular degeneration. The invention
further provides methods for detecting and treating specific age-related
macular degeneration phenotypes. The invention relates to specific
sequences in Fibulin 1, 2, 4 and 5 and kits for detecting those sequences.
Relevant Publications: Edwin M.
Stone, Terry A. Braun, Stephen R. Russell, Markus H. Kuehn, Andrew J. Lotery,
Paula A. Moore, Christopher G. Eastman, Thomas L. Casavant, and Val C.
Sheffield. Missense Variations in the Fibulin 5 Gene in Association with
Age-Related Macular Degeneration. NEJM, 351; 4, 20-27; 2004.
#04033M
Methods of Inhibiting
manganese-containing superoxide dismutase 2 (Mnsod)
Inventor(s):
Douglas Trask and Jonathan Bock
Status:
Description:
The present invention provides RNA molecules (e.g., antisense, RNAi, or
siRNA) specific for MnSOD, and further provides methods of reducing expression
of MnSOD. Several RNA molecules have been identified that are specific
for MnSOD and that can selectively reduce expression of MnSOD. The
invention provides for such MnSOD RNA molecules, the DNA molecules encoding
such RNA molecules, and also provides for methods of using the nucleic acid
molecules of the invention to reduce the expression of MnSOD in a cell. A
representative cell in which MnSOD expression can be reduced is a cancer
cell. Such cancer cells can be epithelially-derived, and can include, for
example, a head and neck cancer cell, a breast cancer cell, a colon cancer
cell, and a prostate cancer cell.
--
#04033V
Methods of Inhibiting vegf-c
Inventor(s):
Douglas Trask and Jonathan Bock
Status:
Description:
The present invention provides RNA molecules (e.g., antisense, RNAi, or
siRNA) specific for VEGF-C, and further provides methods of reducing expression
of VEGF-C. Several RNA molecules have been identified that are specific
for VEGF-C and that can selectively reduce expression of VEGF-C. The
invention provides for such VEGF-C RNA molecules, the DNA molecules encoding
such RNA molecules, and also provides for methods of using the nucleic acid molecules
of the invention to reduce the expression of VEGF-C in a cell. A
representative cell in which VEGF-C expression can be reduced is a cancer
cell. Such cancer cells can be epithelially-derived, and can include, for
example, a head and neck cancer cell, a breast cancer cell, a colon cancer
cell, and a prostate cancer cell.
--
#04033C
Methods of Inhibiting cox-2
Inventor(s):
Douglas Trask and Jonathan Bock
Status:
Description:
The present invention provides RNA molecules (e.g., antisense, RNAi, or
siRNA) specific for COX-2, and further provides methods of reducing expression
of COX-2. Several RNA molecules have been identified that are specific
for COX-2 and that can selectively reduce expression of COX-2. The
invention provides for such COX-2 RNA molecules, the DNA molecules encoding
such RNA molecules, and also provides for methods of using the nucleic acid
molecules of the invention to reduce the expression of COX-2 in a cell. A
representative cell in which COX-2 expression can be reduced is a cancer
cell. Such cancer cells can be epithelially-derived, and can include, for
example, a head and neck cancer cell, a breast cancer cell, a colon cancer cell,
and a prostate cancer cell.
--
#04028
ANTIBODIES TO PHOSPHORYLATED TAU, METHODS OF MAKING AND METHODS OF USE
Inventor(s):
Gloria Lee
Status:
Description:
The present invention provides a purified antibody that selectively binds to a
human tau epitope comprising a phosphorylated tyrosine residue corresponding to
the tyrosine residue.
--
#04024
Methods for Producing and using in
vivo pseudotypeD retroviruses using envelope glycoproteins from
lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (lcmv)
Inventor(s):
Paul B. McCray, Jr. and Beverly L. Davidson
Status:
U.S. Patent 7,160,727, issued January 9, 2007
Description:
The present invention provides a retrovirus virion pseudotyped with a
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) envelope glycoprotein. The
invention also describes a pseudotyped feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
virion comprising an envelope glycoprotein from LCMV. The invention
provides a method to pseudotype retroviruses to attain high titers suitable for
ex vivo and in vivo gene transfer. The invention will be
useful for gene therapy applications using retroviral vectors and provide a
novel method for increasing the transduction efficiency and the targeting of
specific cell types that were previously poorly accessible. In particular
these methods may have applications for targeting tissues such as airway
epithelia, cells of the CNS, hepatocytes and others. The methods may also
facilitate the production of stable packaging cell lines for vector production.
Relevant Publication: Stein CS,
Martins I,
Davidson BL.;
The lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus envelope glycoprotein targets lentiviral
gene transfer vector to neural progenitors in the murine brain. Mol Ther.
2005 Mar;11(3):382-9.
#04017
METHODS FOR PRODUCING AND USING IN VIVO PSEUDOTYPE D RETROVIRUSES
Inventor(s):
Paul B. McCray, Jr. and Beverly L. Davidson
Status:
Description:
The present invention provides a retrovirus virion pseudotyped with a
baculovirus envelope glycoprotein. In one embodiment, the glycoprotein is
glycoprotein-64 (GP64) derived from Autographa californica multinuclear
polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV). In another embodiment, the glycoprotein is
glycoprotein-75 (GP75) from a type D influenzae virus. The present
invention further provides a vector containing a nucleic acid encoding a
baculovirus envelope glycoprotein, an envelope glycoprotein from a type D
influenzae virus, an F protein from an insect virus, or a metaviridae envelope
protein. The present invention also provides a packaging cell containing a
nucleic acid encoding a pseudotyping envelope glycoprotein.
The invention provides a method to
pseudotype retroviruses to attain high titers suitable for ex vivo and
in vivo gene transfer. The invention will be useful for gene therapy
applications using retroviral vectors and provide a novel method for increasing
the transduction efficiency and the targeting of specific cell types that were
previously poorly accessible. In particular these methods may have
applications for targeting tissues such as airway epithelia, cells of the CNS,
hepatocytes and others. The methods may also facilitate the production of
stable packaging cell lines for vector production.
Relevant Publications: Sinn, P. L.,
Shah, A. J., Donovan, M. D., and McCray, P. B., Viscoelastic Gel Formulations
Enhance Airway Epithelial Gene Transfer with Viral Vectors, Am J Respir Cell
Mol Biol, 32, 404-410, 2005
Sinn, P. L., Burnight, E. R.,
Hickey, M. A., Blissard, G. W., and McCray, P. B., Persistent Gene Expression
in Mouse Nasal Epithelia following Feline Immunodeficiency Virus-Based Vector Gene
Transfer, J Virology, 79:20, 12818-12827, 2005
Kan, Y, Xie, L, Tran, D. T., Stein,
C. S., Hickey, M., Davidson, B. L., McCray, P. B., Persistent expression of
factor VIII in vivo following nonprimate Lentiviral gene transfer, Gene
Therapy, 106:5, 1552-1558, 2005
--
#04007
RNA INTERFERENCE IN RESPIRATORY CELLS
Inventor(s):
Paul McCray, Beverly Davidson, Anthony Fischer, Hong Peng Jia, Maureen Donovan,
Patrick Sinn and Mark Behlke
Status:
Description: The present invention
presents an RNAi molecule capable of mediating expression of a respiratory
virus-specific messenger RNA in the respiratory epithelium, including tissues
lining the sinuses, the nasal airways, the conducting airways and the alveolar
epithelium, as a means to treat a variety of disorders. Specifically,
methods and compositions are presented for the delivery of inhibitory nucleic
acids to pulmonary epithelia. In certain embodiments of the present invention,
the RNAi targets pro-inflammatory processes, viral pathogens, and other agents
involved in airway diseases. Examples of such target diseases include
asthma, cystic fibrosis, or interstitial lung disease.
--
#04002
GALLIUM INHIBITS BIOFILM FORMATION
Inventor(s):
Bradley E. Britigan and Pradeep Singh
Status:
Description:
The present invention provides a gallium-containing composition for
coating/impregnating a medical and/or industrial device or other device surface
in order to prevent biofilm growth formation. The present invention also
provides a method of preventing or inhibiting biofilm growth formation.
--
#03075
METHOD AND KIT FOR
IDENTIFYING VANCOMYCIN-RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCUS (VRE)
Inventor(s):
Kirsty Dodgson
Status:
Description: The present invention
relates to polynucleotide-based methods, compositions, kits and devices useful
in the detection of the vanA and vanB genes. These genes
are each associated with vancomycin resistance of microorganisms. The
invention describes rapid real time PCR for the detection of both vanA
and vanB positive enterococci, including novel primers and fluorescent
probes specific for the vanA gene and all known vanB genes.
The overall sensitivity and specificity of the described assay is 93.4% and
99.1%, respectively.
Relevant Publications:
Dodgson, K. J., VRE Detection: A New Gold Standard, Clinical Microbiology
Newsletter, 26:4, 25-30, 2004
--
#03068
POLYSACCHARIDES AND METHODS AND INTERMEDIATES USEFUL FOR THEIR PREPARATION
Inventor(s):
Robert Linhardt, Nathalie Karst, Tasneem Islam
Status:
Description: The present invention
provides sulfo-protected polysaccharides and methods for preparing
sulfo-protected polysaccharides, as well as intermediate compounds useful in
such methods. In particular, the invention includes a method of
protecting and deprotecting molecules with multiple hydroxyl functionalities or
a combination of hydroxyl and amine functional groups using sulfo protecting
groups. The sulfo protected monosaccharides of the invention can be used
in glycolsylation reactions to form polysaccharides and can also be used as
building blocks in the preparation of glycosaminoglycans, such as chondroitin
sulfate.
#03065
COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS RELATED TO A DIMERIC CLASS I AND II-LIKE MOLECULE
(dsMHC I and dsMHC II)
Inventor(s):
Nicholas Zavazava and Martin Kroenke
Status:
Description:
The present invention relates generally to the fields of medicine and
immunology. More particularly, it concerns compositions and methods
related to identification, modulation and/or abrogation of alloreactive T
cells. Embodiments of the invention include dimeric soluble MHC molecules
(dsMHCs) and compositions and methods for their use. The molecules may be
used to downregulate activated T cells. The dsMHCs may be administered by
intraperitoneal infusion into a tissue or an organ recipient. The
administration of dsMHCs molecules may also be supplemented with immunosupressant
to induce the engraftment of allografts. dsMHCs molecules may also be
used for visualization of alloreactive T cells in various tissues or organs.
--
#05026
GB VIRUS C
(HEPATITIS G VIRUS) NS5A Protein for the Treatment of HIV
Inventor(s) Jack T.
Stapleton, Jinhua Xiang, Qing Chang and James McLinden
Status:
Description: The invention includes
a composition comprising a GBV-C (Hepatitis G Virus) NS5A peptide or
polypeptide. The invention describes methods to treat, inhibit or prevent
HIV infection comprising administering a composition including the NS5A peptide
or polypeptide. Embodiments of the invention include therapeutic and
preventative compositions comprising a GBV-C NS5A peptide or polypeptide alone,
or in combination with other compositions.
Relevant
Publications: Xiang J, McLinden, J H, Chang Q, Kaufman TM, and Stapleton
JT. An 85-aa segment of the GB virus type C NS5A phosphoprotein inhibits
HIV-1 replication in CD4+ Jurkat T cells. 2006. PNAS 103, 42,
15570-15575.
Xiang J,
#03053
GB VIRUS C (HEPATITIS G VIRUS) FOR THE TREATMENT OF HIV
Inventor(s):
Jack T. Stapleton, Jinhua Xiang and Donna Klinzman
Status:
Description: The invention includes
methods to treat, inhibit or prevent HIV infection. Embodiments of the
invention include therapeutic and preventative compositions comprising a GBV-C
polypeptide, antibody, or peptide binding agent, wherein the composition
attenuates HIV infectivity. The invention describes a therapeutic use for
antibodies and/or binding agents that bind GBV-C proteins, and antigens used
for producing these antibodies or binding agents. In certain embodiments,
an HIV vaccine composition includes peptides derived from GBV-C
polypeptides.
Relevant Publication: McLinden, JH; Kaufman, TM; Xiang, J;
Chang, Q; Klinzman, D; Engel, AM; Hess, G; Schmidt, U; Houghton, M; and
Stapleton JT. Characterization of an Immunodominant Antigenic Site on GB
Virus C Glycoprotein E2 That is Involved in Cell Binding. Journal of
Virology. 80, 24:12131-12140, 2006
--
#03021
FULL-LENGTH GB VIRUS C (HEPATITIS G VIRUS) RNA TRANSCRIPTS ARE INFECTIOUS IN
PRIMARY CD4 POSITIVE T CELLS AND METHODS OF TREATING HIV
Inventor(s):
Jack Stapleton, Jinhua Xing and Sarah George
Status:
Description:
The present invention is directed to methods of preparing or producing an
infectious GBV-C (Hepatitis C Virus). More particularly, it concerns an
infectious clone of GBV-C, which can be used in treatment of other related
hepatitis viruses infections and HIV, as well as broader uses in therapeutic
and preventative therapies.
Relevant Publication: George S, Xiang J, Stapleton JT.
Clinical isolates of GB virus type C vary in their ability to persist and
replicate in peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures. Virology.
316:191-201, 2003
--
#00046
FULL-LENGTH GB VIRUS C (HEPATITIS G
VIRUS) RNA TRANSCRIPTS ARE INFECTIOUS IN PRIMARY CD4 POSITIVE T CELLS AND
METHODS OF TREATING HIV
Inventor(s):
Jack Stapleton, Jinhua Xing, Sabina Wunschmann, and Warren Schmidt
Status:
Description:
GB virus C (GBV-C or hepatitis G virus) is a recently described flavivirus that
frequently leads to chronic viremia in humans. Although associated with acute
post-transfusion hepatitis, it is not clear if GBV-C is pathogenic for humans.
A full-length cDNA was constructed from the plasma of a person with chronic
GBV-C viremia. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) transfected with
full-length RNA transcripts from this GBV-C clone resulted in viral replication,
demonstrating an isolated infectious GBV-C nucleic acid molecule. In addition
to composition involving an isolated infectious GBV-C nucleic acid molecule,
the present invention concerns methods of inhibiting and treating HIV
infections.
Relevant Publication: Xiang J, Wuenschmann S, Diekema D,
Klinzman DJ, Patrick KD, George SL, Stapleton JT. Effect of Co-Infection
with GB Virus C on Survival Among Patients with HIV Infection.
N.Engl.J.Med. 345:707-714, 2001.
--
#03052
CHLORHEXIDINE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THEIR SYNTHESIS AND USE
Inventor(s):
David Drake and Cindy Marek
Status:
Description:
The present invention relates to new methods for producing oral antibacterial
compositions containing chlorhexidine. The present invention describes
alcohol-free chlorhexidine compositions for oral use, which are less likely to
cause discomfort and xerostomia in a patient. The invention also provides
methods for making hydrocolloidal compositions including chlorhexidine and
sweetening or flavoring agents, in which case, the additional agents do not
reduce the antibacterial activity of the chlorhexidine.
The inventions described include
better tasting and alcohol free chlorhexidine compositions. Such
compositions may lead to increased usage and compliance among patients,
particularly based on decreased irritation and improved flavoring.
--
#03047
METHODS AND COMPOSITIOS RELATED TO HIGH-TITER PSEUDOTYPED RETROVIRUSES
Inventor(s)
Paul McCray, Patrick Sinn and Hung Fan
Status:
Description: The invention includes
methods and compositions for increasing the titer, altering the tropism, and/or
increasing the stability of retroviral or other pseudotyped viral
preparations. Certain embodiments of the invention include compositions
and uses of the envelope glycoprotein from the Jaaksiekte sheep retrovirus
(JSRV).
High titer viral preparations of the invention may be used in
various therapeutic methods and compositions including, but not limited to the
delivery of therapeutic genes. The high titer viral compositions may be
used in vitro, ex vivo and/or in vivo for the treatment of
various disorders and conditions.
--
#03041
BINDING PROTEINS AS CHEMOTHERAPY
Inventor(s):
Robert S. Bar, Mary Boes, Brian Dake, and Barbara Booth
Status:
Description:
The invention describes IGFBP and fusion proteins derived from members of the
insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs). The fusion products
of the invention include binding proteins that may function as a growth
inhibitor as well as proteins which possess an ability to bind to cells.
Binding proteins of the invention may be used in methods of treating,
alleviating, or inhibiting hyperproliferative and cancerous disorders.
Such disorders include hematological malignancies, restenosis, cancer,
multi-drug resistant cancer, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid
arthritis, osteoarthritis and metastatic tumors.
Relevant Publication: “Effect of IGFBP Fusion
Protein on Thymidine Incorporation in Neuroblastoma and Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell
Lines”, Brian L. Dake, Mary Boes, Leon A. Bach, and Robert S. Bar,
ENDOCRINOLOGY, April 2004, doi:10.1210/en.2003-1667.
--
#02049
Somatic Cell gene targeting vectors and
methods of use thereof
Inventor(s):
Gail Bishop and Bruce S. Hostager
Status:
Description: The invention includes
the design of a novel targeting vector and methods useful for disrupting genes
of interest in a somatic cell lines. The vector and methods included are
generally applicable to a diverse range of cell types and genes. The
materials and methods of the invention include disruption of gene expression
accomplished through homologous recombination with the targeting vector,
resulting in complete and permanent disruption of gene expression. Using the
invention described, genes that are difficult or impossible to disrupt in a
mouse, e.g., by knock-out methodology can be successfully targeted in somatic
cell lines using our approach.
Relevant Publications:
Hostager, B.S., S.A. Haxhinasto, S.L.
Rowland, and G.A. Bishop. 2003. TRAF2-deficient B lymphocytes reveal novel
roles for TRAF2 in CD40 signaling. J. Biol. Chem. 278:45382-45390.
Xie, P., B.S. Hostager, and G.A.
Bishop. 2004. Requirement for TRAF3 in Signaling by LMP1 But Not CD40 in B Lymphocytes.
J. Exp. Med. 199:661-671.
#03025
TOTAL SYNTHESIS OF DAURICHROMENIC ACID (anti-HIV NATURAL PRODUCT)
Inventor(s):
Zhendong Jin and Ying Kang
Status:
Description:
A new efficient synthesis was developed for benzo[b]pyrene (chromo-3-ones),
which includes the potent anti-HIV natural product daurichromenic acid, as well
as related compounds including intermediates useful for the synthesis of
it. This method specifically prepares 2H-benzo[6]pyrans by
microwave-assisted tandem aldol reaction of a phenolic enolate followed by
intramolecular SN2’ type cyclization to form the 2H-benzo[6]pyran core
structure. These compounds provide a therapeutic or diagnostic method to
inhibit HIV growth in vitro or in vivo. They can be
combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid or solid to treat human
patients.
--
#04022
siRNA-MEDIATED GENE SILENCING
Inventor(s):
Victor Miller, Cynthia Gouvion, Beverly Davidson and Henry Paulson
Status:
Description: The present invention
provides a method of silencing the expression of a single allele of a targeted
gene in a cell, including specifically the neurodegenerative disease genes
encoding amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau mutations. The invention
further provides a method of substantially silencing the target allele while
allowing substantially continued expression of a wild-type allele. The
targeted gene may be a gene associated with a condition amenable to siRNA
therapy. The therapy methods described may be useful in treating a
variety of neurodegenerative disorders, viral diseases such as hepatitis, and
cancers.
The present invention also provides a method of screening of allele-specific
siRNA duplexes and determining if the mutant allele is substantially silenced while
the wild-type allele retains substantially normal activity. The invention
further describes a method for determining the function of an allele by
contacting a cell containing a predetermined allele with an siRNA with a known
sequence, and determining if the function of the allele is substantially
modified.
--
#03054
ALLELE-SPECIFIC SILENCING OF DISEASE
GENES
Inventor(s):
Henry Paulson, Scott Harper, Victor Miller, Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre, Beverly L. Davidson,
Haibin Xia, and Qinwen Mao
Status:
US and International Patent Applications Filed
Description: The present invention
provides a method of silencing the expression of a single allele of a targeted
gene in a cell. The invention further provides a method of substantially
silencing the target allele while allowing substantially continued expression
of a wild-type allele. The targeted gene may be a gene associated with a
condition amenable to siRNA therapy. The therapy methods described may be
useful in treating a variety of neurodegenerative disorders, viral diseases
such as hepatitis, and cancers.
The present invention also provides a method of screening of allele-specific
siRNA duplexes and determining if the mutant allele is substantially silenced
while the wild-type allele retains substantially normal activity. The
invention further describes a method for determining the function of an allele
by contacting a cell containing a predetermined allele with an siRNA with a
known sequence, and determining if the function of the allele is substantially
modified.
Relevant Publications: “Allele-specific silencing of
dominant disease genes”, Victor M. Miller, Haibin Xia, Ginger L Marrs,
Cinthia M. Gouvion, Gloria Lee, Beverly L. Davidson,
and Henry L. Paulson, PNAS, 2003, 100, 12, 7195-7200.
“Toward therapy for DYT1 dystonia:
Allele-specific silencing of mutant TorsinA”, Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre, Victor H.
Miller, Beverly L. Davidson, and Henry L. Paulson, Annals Neurology, 2003,
53:781-787
--
#02062
siRNA-MEDIATED GENE SILENCING WITH VIRAL VECTORS
Inventor(s):
Beverly L. Davidson,
Haibin Xia, and Qinwen Mao
Status:
Description: The present invention
provides a method of reducing the expression of a gene in a mammalian
cell. The invention describes the process of contacting the cell with a viral
vector containing an expression cassette, where the cassette contains an
isolated nucleic acid sequence encoding a small interfering RNA molecule
(siRNA), targeted against the desired gene. This viral-mediated strategy
is useful in reducing the expression of targeted genes in order to model
biological processes and to provide therapy for human diseases. The
method may be superior to plasmid-based siRNA systems as it provides for high
level expression both in vitro in dividing and nondividing cells, and in vivo
in multiple tissues. The therapy methods described may be useful in
treating a variety of neurodegenerative disorders, viral diseases such as
hepatitis, and cancers.
Relevant Publication: “siRNA-mediated gene silencing with recombinant
viral vectors”, Haibin Xia, Quinwen Mao, Henry L. Paulson and Beverly L.
Davidson, Nature Biotechnology, 2002, 20, 1006-1010,
doi:10.1038/nbt739
--
#03024
DNA-DEPENDENT MRI CONTRAST AGENTS
Inventor(s):
Sonya Franklin
Status:
Description: The present
invention provides a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent including a
synthetic peptide or polypeptide having domains that specifically bind nucleic
acid and one or more domains that specifically bind a parmagnetic metal,
wherein at least one domain that specifically binds the paramagnetic metal is
between domains that specifically bind nucleic acid. The madnetic
resonance imaging contract agent of the invention may translocate into cells,
i.e., cross cell membranes and preferably localize in the nucleus. The
synthetic peptide or polypeptide exploits the specificity achieved by DNA
binding proteins to deliver a paramagnetic metal to a cell or tissue.
--
#02059
BARDET-BIEDL SUSCEPTIBILITY GENE AND USES THEREOF
Inventor(s):
Val C. Sheffield, Edwin Stone, Kirk Mykytyn, Darryl Nishimura, and Charles
Searby
Status:
Description:
The invention relates the fields of genetics and molecular biology. In
particular, the invention relates to the identification of a gene that is
involved in Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), designated here as BBS1. Defects
in this gene are associated with a variety of clinical symptoms including
diabetes, hypgonadism, high blood pressure, renal cancer and other defects,
retinal degeneration, congenital heart defects, limn deformity or polydactyly,
mental retardation and obesity. Also provided are methods of therapy and
methods of screening for therapeutic compositions.
--
#02050
COMPOUNDS AND
METHODS FOR DETECTING TRIPEPTIDYL PROTEASE I
Inventor(s):
David Wiemer and Beverly Davidson
Status:
Description:
The invention describes compounds, methods and kits useful in the histochemical
evaluation of CNS therapies for the treatment of Tripeptidyl Protease 1 (TPP-1)
deficient diseases such as late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
(LINCL), Jansky-Bielschowsky disease, CLN2 deficiency, or pepinase
deficiency. The methods, compounds and kits in the invention describe the
construction of substrates designed to detect (TPP-1) distribution,
specifically as part of enzyme replacement and/or gene therapy. The
invention provides the ability to detect TPP-1 distribution in biological
samples, including central nervous system tissues and fluids.
The present invention provides
compounds useful for the detection of the enzyme tripeptidyl protease I (TPP-1).
The invention also provides methods of making such compounds, methods of using
such compounds, and kits and compositions containing such compounds. In one
embodiment, Gly-L-Pro-L-Ser-1-anthraquinonylhydrazide, in combination with
p-anisaldehyde, is used to detect TPP-1.
Relevant
Publications: "Tripeptide probes for tripeptidyl protease I production via
gene transfer", Kim M, Mao Q, Davidson BL, Wiemer DF, J Med Chem. 2003 Apr
24;46(9):1603-8.
“EDC-mediated condensation of
1-chloro-5-hydrazino-9,10-anthracenedione, 1-hydrazino-9,10-anthracenedione,
and the corresponding anthrapyrazoles”, Kim, M, and Wiemer, D, Tetrahedron
Letters. 2004: 45: 4977-4980.
--
#02006
HUMAN AND MOUSE B-DEFENSIN, ANTIMICROBIAL PEPTIDES
Inventor(s):
Paul McCray, Brian Schutte, Hong Jia, Thomas Casavant, and Michael Welsh
Status:
Description:
This invention details 34 human and 48 mouse Beta Defensins. B-defensins
are cationic peptides with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. The
invention comprises novel antimicrobial peptides, their compositions and
methods for use in the prevention of microbial growth. The newly
identified B-defensins are the result of uniquely combined computer search
methods.
Relevant Publication: “Discovery of
Five Conserved B-Defensin Gene Clusters Using a Computational Search Strategy”,
Brian C. Schutte, Joseph P. Mitros, Jennifer A. Bartlett, Jesse D. Walters,
Hong Peng Jia, Michael J. Welsh, Thomas L. Casavant, and Paul B. McCray, Proceedings
of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS),
2002, 99, 2129-2133
--
#02017
THERAPEUTIC AGENTS THAT INHIBIT THE TUP1 PATHWAY
Inventor(s)
David R. Soll, Shawn Lockhart, Rui Zhao
Status:
U.S.
Patent 6,720,151 B2 issued April 13, 2004
Description:
A gene previously identified in the context of controlling filamentous growth
in C. albicans, TUP1, plays a central role in the regulation of
phenotype switching in Candida cells. Accordingly, compounds and
therapeutic protocols can be screened for an ability to disrupt the pathway,
controlled by TUP1, that is comprised of genes the expression of which
affect switching specifically. Agents thus identified are candidates for
use in treating or preventing candidiasis.
--
#02013
REGENERATED CELLULOSE AND OXIDIZED REGENERATED CELLULOSE MEMBRANES AS POTENTIAL
BIODEGRADABLE SCAFFOLDS FOR DRUG DELIVERY AND TISSUE ENGINEERING
Inventor(s):
Vijay Kumar
Status:
Description:
The present invention describes the use of regenerated celluloses (RC) and
oxidized regenerated celluloses (ORC) in the manufacture of scaffolds for drug
delivery and tissue engineering. The RC and ORC are biodegradable and
biocompatible. The carboxyl, aldehyde, or ketone groups present on
the ORC scaffold serve as sites for cell, drug, protein and/or peptide
attachment or further chemical modification to induce cell adhesion and
subsequent proliferation. The method of manufacture of these membrane
structures is simple, and produces flexible structures that maintain their
strength when hydrated.
--
#01049
GENE DISCOVERY FOR DETECTION AND AMELIORATION OF JUVENILE POLYPOSIS
Inventor(s):
James Howe and Lauri Aaltonen
Status:
Description:
A new gene discovery may allow for earlier detection of carriers of juvenile
polyposis (JP), and possibly help to prevent the development of associated
cancers through improved screening of patients. JP is an autosomal
dominant disease characterized by a predisposition to hamartomatous
gastrointestinal polyps and gastrointestinal cancer. Germline mutations
in the genes BMPR1A and SMAD4 have been demonstrated to be responsible for
about 40% of JP cases, and the genetic basis of the remainder of the cases is
unknown. This invention allows for the presymptomatic diagnosis of gene
carriers, allowing for more careful screening of affected patients to prevent
the development of gastrointestinal cancers, and reduction of endoscopic
screening in non-carriers of the mutant gene.
--
#01038
BARDET-BIEDL SUSCEPTIBILITY GENE AND USES THEREOF
Inventor(s):
Val C. Sheffield, Edwin Stone, Kirk Mykytyn
Status:
Description:
The invention relates the fields of genetics and molecular biology. In
particular, the invention relates to the identification of a gene that is
involved in Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), designated here as BBS4. Defects
in this gene are associated with a variety of clinical symptoms including
diabetes, hypgonadism, high blood pressure, renal cancer and other defects,
retinal degeneration, congenital heart defects, limn deformity or polydactyly,
mental retardation and obesity. Also provided are methods of therapy and
methods of screening for therapeutic compositions.
--
#01030
NOVEL ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITIES OF PRIMATE THETA DEFENSINS AND MAMMALIAN
CATHELICIDINS
Inventor(s):
Wendy Maury, Paul McCray, Richard Roller, Jack Stapleton, Mark Stinski, Brian
Tack
Status:
Description:
This invention provides new methods, combined compositions, and kits for use in
inhibiting viral growth and proliferation, reducing viral burden and shed,
inhibiting resistance to conventional anti-viral medications, and providing
novel anti-virals for treating infections, including HIV. The described
anti-viral peptides included are both natural and artificial, and adopt either
amphiphilic alpha-helical or a theta structure where the homodimeric or heterodimer
peptides are joined by both cysteine bonds and circularization or the
peptides.
--
#99028
ALPHA HELICAL PEPTIDES WITH BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY THAT ARE
INSENSITIVE TO SALT
Inventor(s):
Brian Tack, Paul McCray, Michael Welsh,
Status:
Applications Filed
Description:
The present invention provides new methods, combined compositions, and kits for
use in inhibiting microbial growth and proliferation, reducing resistance to
antimicrobials, and providing novel antibiotics for treating disease. The
peptides developed have broad spectrum antimicrobial activities and salt
insensitivity and are useful alone or in combination with other agents or antimicrobials
in treating cystic fibrosis or other respiratory system diseases. These
peptides also have broad spectrum, antibacterial activity against Gram positive
and Gram negative bacterial strains, including several multiply drug resistant
strains.
#01024
NEW PROCESS FOR PREPARING SAPONIN COMPOUNDS
Inventor(s):
Zhendong Jin and Wensheng Yu
Status:
Patent No. 6,753,414 issued June 22, 2004
Description:
A new process was developed for preparing saponin compounds. This new
process can also provide for the preparation of compounds and intermediates
leading thereto. The compounds are related to naturally occurring
saponins such as OSW-1 (Ornithogalum saundersiae) and analogues that are very
useful as anticancer drugs.
--
#01023
ADENOVIRUS SEROTYPE 30 (Ad30)
Inventor(s):
Beverly Davidson and Lane Law
Status:
Patent 6,635,466 issued October 21, 2003
Additional U.S. Patent Applications filed
Description:
The present invention provides an adenovirus serotype 30 (Ad30) fiber amino
acid sequence. The present invention also provides polynucleotides and
expression vectors encoding an Ad30 fiber and viral particles and cells
containing such expression vectors. The present invention further provides
methods of treating genetic diseases or cancers in a mammal using the
polynucleotides, polypeptides, expression vectors, viral particles and cells of
the present invention to transduce cells lacking CAR, specifically a
neuroprogenitor or stem cell.
The present invention describes a
new adenovirus serotype 30 (Ad30) fiber amino acid sequence, which shows
improved tropism to neurons and human endothelial cells. This application
also provides polynucleotides and expression vectors encoding an Ad30 fiber and
viral particles and cells containing such expression vectors.
This new serotype is shown to have higher efficiency of transduction in both
CNS (central nervous system) and HUVECs (human umbilical vein epithelial
cells). Methods are provided of treating genetic diseases or cancers in a
mammal using the polynucleotides, polypeptides, expression vectors, viral
particles and cells of the present invention.
Relevant publication:
“Adenovirus serotype 30 fiber does not mediate transduction via the
coxsackie-adenovirus receptor”, Lane Law and Beverly Davidson, J Virology.
2002, 76(2), 656-61.
--
#01018
PTD-MODIFIED PROTEINS
Inventor(s):
Beverly Davidson, Haibin Xia and Quinwen Mao
Status:
Patent Application filed
Description:
The invention provides polynucleotides and expression vectors containing a
sequence encoding a soluble lysosomal enzyme and a sequence encoding Tat
protein transduction domain (PTD), and the corresponding polypeptides.
This invention describes methods for changing biodistribution of proteins used
during gene therapy for lysosomal storage or neurodegenerative diseases in the
brain. Specifically provided are polynucleotides, vectors, and
polypeptides with a lysosomal enzyme, a secreted protein, a nuclear protein, or
a cytoplasmic protein linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a protein
transduction domain (PTD). The practices disclosed significantly increase
the proportion of tissue exposed to, and taking up replacement proteins.
A method is described for protein therapy that is capable of both localized and
systemic delivery of a therapeutically effective dose of the therapeutic
agent. The invention demonstrates the utility of these protein fusions in
altering the bioavailability of proteins for use in treating genetic diseases
or acquired diseases. A method of treating a lysosomal storage disease
(LSD) in a mammal comprising administering a polynucleotide comprising a
nucleic acid sequence encoding a lysosomal enzyme operably linked to a nucleic
acid sequence encoding a protein transduction domain (PTD). The invention
further provides cell expression systems, and methods of treating a genetic
disease or cancer in a mammal using the polynucleotides, polypeptides, or
expression system of the present invention. LSD is infantile
or late infantile ceroid lipofuscinoses, Gaucher, Juvenile Batten, Fabry, MLD,
Sanfilippo A, Late Infantile Batten, Hunter, Krabbe, Morquio, Pompe,
Niemann-Pick C, Tay-Sachs, Hurler (MPS-I H), Sanfilippo B, Maroteaux-Lamy,
Niemann-Pick A, Cystinosis, Hurler-Scheie (MPS-I H/S), Sly Syndrome (MPS VII),
Scheie (MPS-I S), Infantile Batten, GM1 Gangliosidosis, Mucolipidosis type
II/III, or Sandhoff disease.
Relevant Publication : “The HIV Tat
protein transduction domain improves the biodistribution of B-glucuronidase
expressed from recombinant viral vectors”, Haibin Xia, Qinwen Mao, and Beverly
L. Davidson, Nature Biotechnology, 2001, 19, 640-644.
--
#01016
NEW METHOD FOR REDUCING ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME LEVELS IN TUMOR CELLS USING
ANTISENSE OLIGONUCLEOTIDES
Inventor(s):
Larry Oberley, Christine Weydert and Benjamin Smith
Status:
Patent Application filed
Description:
Antisense technology can be used to alter the expression of antioxidant enzymes,
some of which protect cancer cells. This invention provides an antisense
oligonucleotide that specifically binds to an antioxidant enzyme start codon so
as to inhibit the level of antioxidant enzymes in the cell. This
methodology can be used to treat an antioxidant enzyme malfunction disorder in
a mammal by reducing the antioxidant enzyme levels in a cell, thus sensitizing
it for various antitumor modalities. The antioxidant enzyme mRNA to which
these oligonucleotides bind may be manganese superoxide dismutase, copper and
zinc superoxide dismutase, catalase, phospholipid glutathione peroxidase, or
cytosolic glutathione peroxidase.
--
#01007
NOVEL AUTOINDUCER MOLECULES AND USES THEREFOR
Inventor(s):
E. Pete Greenberg, Barbara Iglewski, Andrew Kende, Jared Milbank, James
Pearson,
Status:
Patent Application Filed
Description:
The invention includes the discovery of a novel autoinducer molecule,
Pseudomonas Quinoline Signal (PQS), which may lead to the development of
antibiotics for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.
P aeruginosa is one of the most prevalent Gram negative bacterium found
in patients with hospital-acquired bacterial infections (patients with AIDS, cancer,
burns and Cystic Fibrosis are particularly susceptible to P aeruginosa).
PQS functions in the intracellular signal molecule in the cell-to-cell
communication system of P aeruginosa. The invention includes the
PQS molecules, and their ability to regulate gene expression and activity in
the LasR and/or Rh1R proteins.
Relevant Publication: “Quinoline
Signaling in the Cell-to-Cell Communication System of Pseudomonas aeruginosa”,
Everett Pesci, Jared Milbank, James Pearson, Susan McKnight, Andrew Kende, E.
Pete Greenberg and Barbara Iglewski, PNAS, 1999, Vol. 96, 11229-11234.
--
#00066
S-METHYLCYSTEINE, S-ETHYLCYSTEINE AND RELATED S-ALKYLTHIOLS AS ANTAGONISTS TO
THE EFFECTS OFS-NITROSOTHIOLS AND NITRIC OXIDE
Inventor(s):
James N. Bates and Stephen Lewis
Status:
Description:
The invention describes methods of inhibiting the actions of S-nitrosothiols and
nitric oxide which often occur in conditions such as septic shock, chronic or
acute pain syndromes, uterine hypotonus, or certain gastrointestinal
disorders. The method involving inhibiting the cellular binding of
s-nitrosothiols to their cellular receptors or the signal transduction that
would result. This is accomplished by administering an S-alkylthiol such
as S-methyl-L-cysteine or S-ethyl-L-cysteine to a patient as an antagonist of
S-nitrosothiol.
--
#00057
METHODS TO PREPARE AND USE EPIDERMAL STEM CELLS
Inventor(s):
Jackie R. Bickenbach and Martine Dunnwald
Status:
Patent No. 6,927,060 issued August 9, 2005
Description:
The invention describes a method to prepare epidermal stem cells, which are
undifferentiated self-renewing cells. The method comprises separating a
population of mammalian epidermal cells comprising epidermal stem cells into a
substantially pure population of epidermal stem cells and, preferably, at least
one population of cells that does not comprise a substantial portion, e.g.,
less than a detectable amount, of epidermal stem cells. The invention
also provides for epidermal stem cells and methods of using epidermal stem
cells, e.g., for cell based therapies.
#00052
NEW GENE THERAPY FOR CANCER UTILIZING Ad-TRAIL
Inventor(s):
Tom Griffith and Tim Ratliff
Status:
Patent No. 6,900,185 issued May 31, 2005
Description:
This new gene therapy method describes the production of an adenovirus
engineered to encode the gene for human TRAIL (Ad-TRAIL). TRAIL
(TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) is a member of the TNF (tumor necrosis
factor) superfamily of cytokines that induces apoptosis in a variety to cancer
cells, but not to normal cells and tissues. Introduction of the human
TRAIL gene into TRAIL-sensitive tumor cell targets using Ad-TRAIL leads to the
rapid production and expression of the TRAIL protein, and subsequent apoptotic
death of the tumor cells. The generation of Ad-TRAIL is a novel method of
using TRAIL as an anti-tumor therapeutic, and suggests the potential use for an
adenovirus encoding TRAIL as a method of gene therapy for numerous cancer types
in vivo. It is anticipated that Ad-TRAIL could be used as a treatment for
many types of solid tumors, such as breast, prostate, bladder, melanoma and
colon.
--
#00049
HUMAN BETA-DEFENSIN-3 (hbd-3), A HIGHLY CATIONIC BETA-DEFENSIN ANTIMICROBIAL
PEPTIDE
Inventor(s):
Paul McCray, Brian Tack, Hong Jia, Brian Schutte
Status:
Patent 6,809,181 October 26, 2004
Description:
This invention describes a previously unidentified antimicrobial peptide, human
beta-definsin-3 (hbd-3). The peptide, nucleic acid sequences, and methods of
use for each are provided. The hbd-3 peptide is of particular interest
because it does not appear that microbial species have selectively developed
resistance to its effects. Embodiments of the invention include dispersal
within pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for topical, oral or parenteral (by
injection or inhalation) administration. Kit claims for the peptide are
also included.
Relevant Publication: “Discovery of
new human ?-defensins using a genomics-based approach”, Jia H.P., Schutte B.C.,
Schudy A., Linzmeier R., Guthmiller J.M., Johnson G.K., Tack B.F., Mitros J.P.,
Rosenthal A., Ganz T., and McCray P.M . Jr., Gene , 2001, 263:211-218.
--
#00031
POWDERED/MICROFRIBRILLATED OXIDIZED CELLULOSE
Inventor(s):
Vijay Kumar
Status:
Patent 6,821,531 issued November 23, 2004
Description:
This invention relates to the preparation of a cellulose excipient for use in
the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and agricultural fields. The new material
serves as a binder, filler, and/or disintegrant in the design and development
of a solid dosage form. It can be readily converted into an aqueous dispersion
for use in topical formulations and in a bead form use in drug delivery and
related applications. Further, the material may also be used as a suspending
agent. Another advantage of this material is that it is cost effective and can
be manufactured to comply with the existing USP specifications for
microcrystalline cellulose.
--
#00027
BIODEGRADEABLE OXIDIZED CELLULOSE ESTERS
Inventor(s):
Vijay Kumar; Yang Dong
Status:
Description: The present
invention relates to the preparation of a series of oxidized cellulose esters
suitable for use as a drug carrier in the development of biodegradable
controlled and/or sustained release pharmaceutical, agricultural, and
veterinary compositions, such as films, compacts, microspheres, and pellets.
The esters are prepared by acylation of oxidized cellulose having at least 3%
carboxyl groups. The resulting oxidized cellulose esters are soluble in aqueous
alkaline solutions, water, and a variety of organic solvents.
--
Drug delivery field of use is not
available for licensing.
#00022
POWDERED OXIDIZED CELLULOSE
Inventor(s):
Vijay Kumar
Status:
Description:
This invention relates to the development of a new method to produce oxidized
cellulose in high yields and different levels of oxidation. Oxidized cellulose is
a biodegradeable, biocompatible polymer commonly used to stop bleeding
during surgery and to prevent the formation of adhesions following surgery. The
present invention allows the preparation of microparticles and aqueous
dispersions of oxidized cellulose suitable for use in pharmaceutics as an
immobilizing matrix for a variety of drugs, chemicals and biological
macromolecules. Additional uses of the technology include; the development of
implantable biomaterials and implantable/injectable drug delivery systems.
--
#00020
CANDIDA HEMOLYSIN-LIKE PROTEINS
Inventor(s):
David Soll, Srikantha Thyagarajan, Salil Lachke
Status:
Description:
Candida yeast such as C. glabrata, express a hemolysin-like
protein (HLP) that is structural similarity to hemolysins in other
pathogens. HLP polypeptides are antigenic and are useful as vaccine
components to raise a protective immune response against Candida.
HLP expression is regulated by phenotype sqitching in C. glabrata and
coincides with the hemolytic activity of the phenotype.
--
#00015
RAPID GENERATION OF RECOMBINANT ADENOVIRAL VECTORS
Inventor(s):
Status:
Patent 6,830,920 December 12, 2004
Description:
The present invention describes a novel adenovirus backbone plasmid, which when
co-transfected with a shuttle vector, is useful for rapid production of
recombinant viruses. The invention also provides host cells and a cloning
system for generating recombinant adenoviruses.
The recombinant viruses may be
useful as research tools and for use in therapeutic gene therapy.
Relevant Publications: “A simple method for the rapid
generation of recombinant adenovirus vectors”, RD Anderson, RE Haskell, H Xia,
BJ Roessler and BL Davidson, Gene Therapy, 2000, 7, 1034-1038.
--
#00011
VARIANT VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUSES AND METHODS OF USE
Inventor(s):
Charles Grose and Richard Santos
Status:
Patent Nos. 6,528,066
issued March 4, 2003
Divisional Application Filed
Description:
This invention describes a new isolate of VZV which has lost an antigenic site
on one of its surface proteins and which includes several, previously
unreported gene sequences. The invention also provides a method for
producing a modified attenuated VZV and is directed to a vaccine composition
that includes a modified attenuated Varicella Zoster virus. The invention
provides a method for detecting antibodies that specifically bind to a
Varicella Zoster polypeptide and describes kits for detecting antibodies that
specifically bind to a Varicella Zoster peptide. This invention provides
a method for detecting the presence of a Varicella Zoster virus in an animal
and also describes a method for diagnosing a disease, for instance chicken pox
and shingles, caused by VZV.
Relevant Publication : “Antigenic
Variation of Varicella Zoster Fc Receptor gE: Loss of a Major B Cell Epitope in
the Ectodomain”, Richard A. Santos, Jorge A. Padilla, Christopher Hatfield and
Charles Grose, Virology, 1998, 49, 21-31.
--
#99065
USE OF RECOMBINANT GENE DELIVERY VECTORS FOR TREATING OR PREVENTING LYSOSOMAL
STORAGE DISORDERS
Inventor(s):
Beverly L. Davidson,
Colleen Stein, Jason Heth, Thomas W. Dubensky, Jr., Douglas Jolly,
and Sybille L. Sauter
Status:
Patent 6,730,297 May 4, 2004 and
Description: The
invention describes compositions and methods for treating, preventing or
inhibiting diseases of the eye. The compositions consist of a variety of
lentivirus and feline immunodeficiency vectors (FIV). The methods include
the intravitreous administration of the composition vector, which would direct
the expression of one or more polypeptides, proteins or enzymes, so that the
retinal disease of the eye is treated or prevented. Some of the diseases
for which these compositions and methods may be effective include macular
degeneration, Glaucoma, Sly syndrome, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Congenital
amaurosis, Cone or cone-rod dystrophy, Retinitis pigmentosa, and diabetic
retinopathy.
The invention also provides compositions and methods for treating, preventing
or inhibiting diseases of the brain and central nervous system related to
lysosomal storage disorders. A variety of gene delivery vectors and
injection sites and methods are described for different diseases. Some of
these diseases may include Batten’s disease, mucolipidosis type IV,
mucopolysaccharidoses type VII, CLN2 deficiency, infantile cystinosis,
Chediak-Higashi syndrome, spinal cerebellar ataxias, Huntington’s disease,
Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome.
Relevant Publications: “Functional
Correction of Established Central Nervous System Deficits in an Animal Model of
Lysosomal Storage Disease with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus-based Vectors”,
Andrew I. Brooks, Colleen S. Stein, Stephanie M. Hughes, Jason Heth, Paul M.
McCray, Jr., Sybille L. Sauter, Julie C. Johnston, Deborah A. Cory-Slechta,
Howard J. Federoff, and Beverly L. Davidson, PNAS, 2002, 99, 6216-6221.
“Transduction of murine cerebellar
neurons with recombinant FIV and AAV5 vectors”, J. M. Alisky, S. M. Hughes,
Sybille L. Sauter, Douglas J. Jolly, Thomas W. Dubensky Jr, P. D. Staber, J. A.
Chiorini, and Davidson BL, NeuroReport, 2000, 11(12):2669-2673.
--
#99079
Therapeutics and diagnostics for ocular
abnormalities
Inventor(s):
Status:
US Patent Application Filed
Description:
Methods and compositions for treating ocular disorders such as retinal
detachment and macular degeneration and methods and compositions for prognosing
or diagnosing retinal detachment or macular degeneration in a subject are
disclosed. In one aspect, the invention provides isolated or recombinant IPMC
(interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM)) polynucleotides. (IPM) is an
extracellular matrix comprised of an array of proteins, glycoproteins, and
proteoglycans, occupying the space between the apical surfaces of the neural
retina and the RPE (retinal pigment epithelium).
Discovery of novel IPM components
allows identification of novel therapeutic and diagnostic agents for diseases
or conditions associated with abnormal IPM, such as retinal detachment,
chorioretinal degenerations, retinal degenerations and macular degenerations
such as AMD, or other dystrophies or degenerations involving IPM, cones or
rods.
In still another aspect, the
invention provides methods for treating or preventing the development of a
disease or condition in a subject by administering to the subject an effective
amount of an IPMC therapeutic. In some methods, the disease or condition to be
treated is photoreceptor death. In other methods, the disease or condition to
be treated is retinal detachment. In some methods, the IPMC therapeutic
administered is a IPMC polynucleotide. In some methods, the IPMC therapeutic
administered is a IPMC polypeptide. In some methods, the IPMC therapeutic is an
antibody that specifically binds to an IPMC polypeptide.
The present invention further
provides methods for identifying a compound capable of modulating IPMC gene
expression in a cell.
#99059
diagnostics and therapeutics for
arterial wall disruptive disorders
Inventor(s):
Status:
US and International Patent Applications Filed
Description: The invention provides
diagnostics, therapeutics and drug screening assays for arterial wall
disruptive disorders, based on the discovery of a high level of correlation
between the incidence of arterial wall disruptive disorders and the incidence
of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). In one aspect of the invention, the
arterial wall disruptive disorder is an aortic aneurysm (AAA). The
invention relates to the discovery that the incidence of an arterial wall
disruptive disorders, including but not limited to aortic aneurysm,
intra-cranial aneurysm, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and thoracic aortic
aneurysm, in a subject correlates with the incidence of AMD. The present
invention therefore provides a novel method for diagnosing arterial wall
disruptive disorders or a predisposition to developing arterial wall disruptive
disorders, methods for treating or preventing the development of arterial wall
disruptive disorders in a subject, by administering to the subject, a
pharmaceutically effective amount of a macular degeneration therapeutic, and in
vitro and in vivo assays for screening test compounds to identify arterial wall
disruptive disorder therapeutics.
#99031
diagnostics and therapeutics for Macular
degeneration
Inventor(s):
Status:
US and International Patent Applications Filed
Description: The invention provides
diagnostics, therapeutics and drug screening assays for Age Related Macular
Degeneration (AMD) based on the discovery of a high level of correlation
between the incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and the incidence of
AMD. The present invention therefore provides a novel method for
diagnosing AMD, methods for treating or preventing the development of AMD in a
subject, and in vitro and in vivo assays for screening test compounds to
identify and treat AMD.
#99039
METHOD FOR INHIBITING INFLAMMATORY RESPONSES, INCLUDING ASTHMA
Inventor(s):
Timothy Ratliff and Joel Kline
Status:
Patent No. 6,638,518 issued October 28, 2003
Description:
This invention provides for treating at least one symptom of an inflammatory
response in a mammal by administering a polypeptide to the mammal. The
polypeptide can be a microbial polypeptide or a Mycobacterial
polypeptide. It further provides an inflammation reaction inhibiting
composition that includes a microbial polypeptide and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier. The polypeptide can be administered prior to exposure
to at least one suspected or known inflammation response-inducing agent, or
administered during or after exposure to at least one suspected or known
inflammation response-inducing agent.
--
#99038
MACULAR DEGENERATION DIAGNOSTICS AND THERAPEUTICS
Inventor(s):
Edwin Stone and Val Sheffield
Status:
U.S.
Patent 6,417,342 issued July 9, 2002
U.S. Patent 6,593,104 issued July 15, 2003
Description: In one aspect the invention features
methods for diagnosing a subject with macular degeneration or with a
predisposition for developing macular degeneration. In a preferred embodiment,
the diagnostic methods utilize a set of primers and/or probes for amplifying
and/or detecting regions of the macular degeneration causing gene, and means
for analyzing the macular degeneration causing gene for differences (mutations)
from the normal coding sequence. For example, the MD causative mutation can be
detected by any of a variety of available techniques, including: 1) performing
a hybridization reaction between a nucleic acid sample and a probe that is
capable of hybridizing to the allele; 2) sequencing at least a portion of the allele;
or 3) determining the electrophoretic mobility of the allele or fragments
thereof (e.g., fragments generated by endonuclease digestion).
Relevant Publications: Stone EM;
Lotery AJ; Munier FL; Heon E; Piguet B; Guymer RH; Vandenburgh K; Cousin P;
Nishimura D; Swiderski RE; Silvestri G; Mackey DA; Hageman GS; Bird AC;
Sheffield VC; Schorderet DF, “A single EFEMP1 mutation associated with
both Malattia Leventinese and Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy.” Nat Genet,
22, 2, 1999, 199-202.
--
#99017
HIV-ENCODED CHEMOATTRACTANT
Inventor(s):
David R. Soll and Damon Shutt
Status:
U.S.
Patent 6,878,685 issued April 12, 2005
Description: The
combination of HIV proteins Tat and Nef is chemotactic for CD4+ cells. Utilizing
the capacity of Tat and Nef to modulate CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration,
the invention provides various treatment modes for individuals infected with
HIV. The invention further provides treatment modes for other localized
diseases by controlling CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration. In
particular, the invention provides methodology for promoting CD4+ cell
chemotaxis to a localized site of infection as a means of augmenting the
efficacy of extant chemotherapeutic methods. The invention further
provides methodology for diverting CD4+ cell infiltration from a localized site
where the presence of CD4+ cells is detrimental to the clinical outcome, by
providing a composition comprising Tat and Nef at a distinct site, such as
blood, within the individual where the accumulation of CD4+ cells is less
detrimental.
--
#98082
UTILIZING A COLLAGEN SPONGE MATRIX TO DELIVER GENE VECTORS AND DRUGS
Inventor(s):
Timothy Ratliff, et. al.
Status:
Patent Applications filed
Description:
The invention utilizes genetic engineering techniques to provide a recombinant
nucleotide expression system delivery composition. This composition
unexpectedly provides for increased expression levels of the polynucleotide as
well as the continued persistence of the expression system in vivo, and thus
improved efficiency. The composition consists of a therapeutic nucleotide
sequence, the expression of which is desired in a cell and a biocompatible
collagen-based carrier. The invention further encompasses vector delivery
compositions containing the recombinant expression delivery systems defined
above, cells transformed with such vectors, and genetic engineering protocols
using these components. As an example, anti-tumor expressions systems
absorbed into a collagen carrier composition resulted in markedly enhanced
delivery of the vector to pre-established subcutaneous tumor nodules.
This invention can also provide a
novel immunostimulating delivery system that generates a specific antibody
response and specific T cell response to delivered antigens. The antigen
or nucleotide encoding the same is contained within, impregnated in or
associated with a biocompatible collagen-based carrier composition.
Methods and compositions for practicing the invention are also available.
--
#98076
METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR INCREASING THE INFECTIVITY OF GENE TRANSFER
VECTORS
Inventor(s):
Beverly L. Davidson,
Paul McCray, Guoshun Wang, Douglas Jolly,
Mordechai Bodner and Steven Hermann
Status:
Patent 6,855,549 issued February 15, 2005
Description:
The invention includes methods and compositions for increasing viral vector
infection of epithelial cells and increasing the susceptibility of target cells
to gene transfer vectors for the purpose treating or inhibiting a variety of
diseases. The invention provides methods for expressing a polypeptide in
cells of epithelial tissues. Specific examples in the area of treating
Cystic Fibrosis with the CTFR gene, as well as a variety of other diseases and
conditions for which genetic therapy may be appropriate are described in the
invention. In the case of Cystic Fibrosis, a method of increasing
transport of chloride ions in airway epithelial tissue is described as well as
a method for transducing epithelial cells with a viral vector comprising
delivering to said epithelial cells a packaged viral vector and EGTA in a
hypotonic solution.
Relevant
Publications: “Influence of cell polarity on retroviral-mediated gene transfer
to differentiated human airway”, Wang G., Davidson B.L., Melchert P., van Es
H.H.G., Slepushkin V.A., Bodner M., Jolly D.J., and McCray P.B. Jr., J Virol,
1998, 72:9818-9826.
“Feline immunodeficiency virus
vectors persistently transduce non-dividing airway epithelia in vivo and
correct the CF defect”, Wang G., Slepushkin V.A., Zabner J., Keshavjee S.,
Johnston J.C., Sauter J.C., Sauter S.L., Jolly D.J., Dubensky T., Davidson
B.L., and McCray P.B. Jr., J Clin. Invest, 1999 104:R55-R62.
“Increasing epithelial junction
permeability enhances gene transfer to airway epithelia in vivo”, Wang
G., Zabner J., Deering C., Launspach J., Shao J., Bodner M., Jolly D.J.,
Davidson B.L., McCray P.B. Jr., Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol, 2000,
22:129-138.
--
#98068
METHODS TO IDENTIFY MODULATORS OF FKHL7 DNA-BINDING ACTIVITY
Inventor(s):
Val C. Sheffield, Wallace L.M. Alward, Edwin M. Stone, Darryl Nishimura, and
Shiva Patil
Status:
Patent 6,833,239
issued December 21, 2004
U.S. Patent 6,207,450 issued March
27, 2001
U.S. Patent 6,087,107 issued July 11, 2000
Description: Methods and
compositions for treating a congenital heart disease and methods and
compositions for prognosing or diagnosing a congenital heart disease in a
subject are disclosed.
--
#98048
METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING PROSTATE CANCER BY IRON REDUCTION IN A HUMAN
Inventor(s):
John Kemp and Robert Dreicer
Status:
Patent No. 6,352,834
issued March 5, 2002
Description:
This recently developed method provides a better diagnostic for prostate
cancer. It is based on the idea of increasing the production of prostate
specific antigen (PSA) by the prostate cancer cells by reducing the amount of
iron available to the cells. It comprises of the following steps.
First, determine an initial prostate specific antigen (PSA) level in the
designated individual. Second, reduce the iron in the individual by a
number of available means, to include administering an iron chelator. Third,
determine a post iron treatment total PSA in the individual. A comparison
of the PSA levels should indicate the presence of prostate cancer cells.
--
#98030
METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CATARACTS (Gene
PITX3)
Inventor(s):
Jeff Murray and Elena Semina
Status:
Patent No. 6,306,586
issued October 23, 2001
Description:
A new gene discovery may create better diagnostics and treatment for
cataracts. The gene, Pitx3, and its associated DNA sequence are involved in
the development of the eye lens and contribute to diseases and disorders of the
lens, such as cataracts. Variants or mutants forms of this gene were
found in individuals having cataracts, but not in others. Thus, this
invention provides methods for predicting whether a person has or is at risk of
developing cataracts or other diseases associated with an aberrant Pitx3.
Methods for treating cataracts or diseases or conditions associated with an
aberrant Pitx3 are also disclosed, as well as assays for identifying Pitx3
therapeutics.
--
#97081
CANDIDA ALBICANS TWO-COMPONENT HYBRID KINASE GENE, CANIK1, AND USE
THEREOF
Inventor(s):
David Soll and Srikantha Thyagarajan
Status:
United State Patent 6,803,191
issued October 12, 2004
Description: A Candida
albicans gene, CaNik1, is involved in phenotypic switching which is
significant because of a direct correlation between the switching and the level
of virulence of the organism. A method of screening for anti-fungal
pharmaceutical candidates entails bringing a test substance into contact with
cells containing a CaNik1 gene or a variant thereof and then monitoring the
effect, if any, on the level of expression of the gene.
--
#97058
FE(O)-BASED BIOREMEDIATION OF AQUIFERS CONTAMINATED WITH MIXED WASTES
Inventor(s):
Pedro J. Alvarez, Brian A. Till, Lenly J. Weathers, Gene F. Parkin and Jerald
L. Schnoor
Status:
Patent No. 6,719,902, issued on April 13, 2004
Only
Description:
This invention relates to a synergistic combination process for removing pollutants
from contaminated fluids, including ground waters. The combination comprises
zero-valent iron, Fe(0), and autotrophic bacteria and is useful in removing
various organic and inorganic compounds from ground waters. The use of
so-called reactive Fe(0) barriers to minimize subsurface migration of such
reducible contaminants is one possible means for implementing this technology.
Advantages over current single process technologies include (i) low biomass
accumulation; (ii) improved reactant kinetics; and (iii) continuous operation
without the addition of new reactants; and (iv) more innocuous end products.
--
#97010
process for the synthesis of
hexafluoropropanes
Inventor(s):
Max Baker and Jan Ruzicka
Status:
Description: The invention relates
to a method of synthesizing 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanes.
#96034
process for the synthesis of
hexafluoroisopropyl ethers
Inventor(s):
Max Baker, John Tinker and Jan Ruzicka
Status:
Description:
This invention relates to a method of synthesizing hexafluoroisopropyl ether
compounds from the reaction of methoxymalanonitrile with a bromine trifluoride
composition.
#96053
DNA SEQUENCES ENCODING A BRAIN SODIUM CHANNEL PROTEIN
Inventor(s):
Michael J. Welsh and Margaret P. Price
Status:
Patent No. 5,892,018,
issued April 6, 1999
Description:
This invention describes cDNA sequences encoding a novel, non-voltage dependent
human brain sodium channel protein. Various expression systems, capable of
producing large quantities of these sodium channel proteins as well as related
poly- and oligo-peptides, are also described along with uses of particular
expression systems for assaying in vivo channel characteristics. For
example, one of these expression systems (i.e., Xenopus oocytes) is
particularly well suited to studying functional characteristics of native
sodium channels including ion selectivity, gating-kinetics, ligand preferences,
and sensitivity to pharmacological agents. These assays could be useful in the
identification of agonists and antagonists of the channel. Drugs identified
from such assay protocols could then be used for treatment of brain diseases
such as depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, anxiety, hyperactivity, autism,
dyslexia, insomnia, seizures, and the sequela of strokes.
Relevant Publication: “Cloning and
expression of a novel Human Brain Na+ Channel,” Margaret P. Price, Peter M.
Snyder, and Michael J. Welsh, The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1996,
Vol. 271, No. 14, 7879-7882.
--
#96037
POSITIVELY-CHARGED OLIGONUCLEOTIDES AS POTENTIAL REGULATORS OF GENE EXPRESSION
Inventor(s):
Daniel Weeks and John Dagle
Status:
Patent 5,734,040
issued March 31, 1998;
U.S. Patent 6,274,313
issued August 14, 2001
U.S. Patent 6,331,617
issued December 18, 2001.
Some fields of use licensed, call for availability of
others.
Description:
Current technologies involving the use of unmodified, purine-rich oligodeoxynucleotides
(ODN) to alter gene expression by forming triplex structures with specific DNA
sequences, are severely restricted since triplex formation is greatly inhibited
at physiological levels of potassium. This invention discloses a novel class of
chemically modified triplex forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) that are capable of
binding to double stranded DNA under physiological (i.e., 1mM Mg;130mM KCl)
salt concentrations. More specifically, by replacing phosphodiester bonds with
positively charged phosphoramidate linkages, the ability of the modified TFOs
to form triplex DNA increases dramatically in the presence of potassium. The
ability of this new class of ODN to form triplex DNA under physiological
conditions suggests that these compounds may prove useful for in vivo
applications.
Relevant Publication : “Positively
charged oligonucleotides overcome potassium-mediated inhibition of triplex DNA
formation,” John M. Dagle and Daniel L. Weeks, Nucleic Acids Research,
1996, Vol.24, No.11, 2143-2149.
--
#96031
PEPTIDE TAG FOR IMMUNODETECTION AND IMMUNOPURIFICATION
Inventor(s):
Charles Grose, Pediatrics Department
Status:
Patent No. 5,710,248,
issued January 20, 1998
Description:
This invention describes a short (< 20 amino acid) epitope defined by a
monoclonal antibody. Using a technique termed recombination polymerase chain
reaction, this amino acid epitope has been inserted into a foreign viral
protein. Following the expression of this epitope-containing viral protein in a
transfection system, its cytoplasmic localization could easily be observed
microscopically using a two-step staining procedure which employs the
monoclonal antibody and a second fluorescently labeled anti-mouse antibody.
Thus, this epitope-antibody identification system should be useful for analysis
of a wide variety of cloned proteins. Potential uses for this epitope-antibody
combination include, but are not necessarily limited to:
• use as a research reagent
for protein purification by immuno-affinity chromatography (the epitope is
efficiently bound by the antibody even in the presence of 1% SDS)
• use as a probe for
identifying newly synthesized proteins and for following their intracellular
processing pathways
• use of the highly antigenic
epitope as a component in a multivalent anti-viral vaccine
• use in ex vivo gene
therapy protocols
Relevant Publication : “Epitope
mapping and tagging by recombination PCR mutagenesis,” Christopher Hatfield,
Karen M. Duus, Douglas H. Jones and Charles Grose, BioTechniques, 1997,
Vol. 22, No. 2, 332-337.
--
#96020
HEPATITIS C VIRUS Fc-BINDING FUNCTION
Inventor(s):
Jack Stapleton, Jian-Qiu Han, Douglas LaBrecque, and Warren Schmidt
Status:
Patent No. 5,846,735
issued December 8, 1998
Description:
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and
remains the most common cause of post-transfusion non-A, non-B hepatitis.
The present invention involves the detection and purification of Hepatitis C
Virus (HCV). More particularly, the invention involves the exploitation of a
newly discovered Fc-binding function in HCV to capture HCV from infected
samples. The methods described are easy to perform, and will enable the
detection of HCV RNA in sera without an RNA extraction step, as well as the removal
of the virus from infected plasma for research purposes, or from human blood
prior to transfusions. This permits greatly simplified methods of
diagnosis, improved methods of treatment and, in addition, the first
opportunity to purify significant quantities of HCV.
--
#96006
GALLIUM-CONTAINING COMPOUNDS FOR THE TREATMENT OF INFECTIONS CAUSED BY
INTRACELLULAR PATHOGENS AND PATHOGENS CAUSING CHRONIC PULMONARY INFECTION
Inventor(s):
Larry Schlesinger and Bradley Britigan
Status:
Patent 6,203,822
issued March 20, 2001
U.S. Patent 5,997,912 issued December
7, 1999
Description:
The invention relates to the use of gallium-containing compounds, to inhibit
intracellular pathogens including pathogens that are members of the genus
Mycobacteria, Legionella, Histoplasma, and Leishmania and to organisms causing
chronic pulmonary infection such P. aeruginosa.
--
#95052
ß-DYSTROGLYCAN NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCE, MUTATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
Inventor(s):
Kevin Campbell, et. al., Physiology & Biophysics
Status:
Patent No. 5,672,694
issued September 30, 1997
Description:
Defects in the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) have been implicated in
several forms of muscular dystrophy. This invention describes a DNA sequence
encoding a mammalian DGC component, DNA expression constructs, and cells which
harbor such constructs which are useful in producing an immunogen for use in
stimulating the production of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. Another
aspect of this invention relates to nucleic acid probes which hybridize
specifically to mutant forms of this DGC component, but not to the DNA of the
wild-type form of the gene. Such probes would be useful, for example, in
connection with the diagnosis of autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular
dystrophy.
--
#95034
METHODS FOR DETECTING PRIMARY SARCOGLYCANOPATHY
Inventor(s):
Kevin P. Campbell, Steven L. Roberds, Yoshihide Sunada, Frederica Piccolo, Marc
Jeanpierre, and Jean-Claude Kaplan
Co-Owner:
INSERM
Status:
Patent No. 5,733,732,
issued March 31, 1998
Description:
This invention is useful for diagnosing a specific form of muscular dystrophy.
This invention describes compositions and methods for the detection of primary
sarcoglycanopathy. Primary sarcoglycanopathy is one of two types of myopathies
associated with alpha-sarcoglycan deficiency. It is characterized by a mutation
of the alpha-sarcoglycan gene which has been mapped to chromosome 17q21.
Specifically, this inventions relates to nucleic acid probes which hybridize
specifically, under stringent hybridization conditions, to a mutant
alpha-sarcoglycan gene or the complement thereof, but not to the corresponding
region of a wild-type alpha-sarcoglycan gene. Another aspect of this invention
relates to methods for the detection of a mutation in the human
alpha-sarcoglycan gene which is responsible for primary sarcoglycanopathy. Such
methods include the use of nucleic acid probes of the invention for detection
of the myopathy for hybridization, as well as detection by direct DNA
sequencing techniques.
--
#95008
PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS AND USES OF INORGANIC PYROPHOSPHATE (PPi)
Inventor(s):
Michael J. Welsh
Status:
Patent 5,686,114
issued November 11, 1997
U.S. Patent 5,958,907 issued September 28, 1999
Description:
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins are a class of membrane transporters having
diverse functions and substrate specificities. Four mammalian family members
are currently known and defects in their biosynthesis are believed to lead to
specific metabolic diseases. For example, mutations in a gene called the cystic
fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) are responsible for causing the disease
Cystic Fibrosis due to improper chloride ion transport out of pulmonary
epithelial cells. This invention is based on the discovery that inorganic
pyrophosphates, or their analogs, can alter the activity of ABC proteins. The
patent application discloses pharmaceutical compositions of PPi in a form that
renders the PPi accessible to ABC proteins when administered to a subject in
vivo, and methods of treating specific ABC protein associated diseases
(e.g., Cystic Fibrosis, Zellweger syndrome, MHC-linked transport protein, and
multidrug resistance caused by P-glycoprotein) with inorganic pyrophosphate.
Relevant publication : Welsh, et al,
“Pyrophosphate stimulates wild-type and mutant cystic fibrosis transmembrane
conductance Regulator Cl channels”, J Biol Chem, 270:20466-20472, 1995.
--
#95007
BACTERIAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE AND METHODS FOR USE OF THE SAME
IInventor(s):
John P. Rosazza and Yijun Chen
Status:
Patent. 5,759,835 issued June 2, 1998
Description:
Nitric oxide (NO), one of the products of mammalian nitric oxide synthase
(NOS), plays a pivotal role in a wide variety of physiological and pathological
processes including vasodilation and maintenance of vascular tone as well as
hypotension associated with endotoxic shock. This invention relates to methods
for the purification and characterization of the first bacterial NOS (isolated
from Nocardia) thus far described. This discovery can be used to detect similar
enzymes in other pathogenic organisms. It also presents new opportunities to
exploit possible differences between microbial and mammalian enzymes.
Furthermore, bacterial NOS itself may be useful in the development of selective
bacterial NOS inhibitors which in turn can be tested in bacterial NOS enzyme
systems. Such NOS inhibitors would be useful in combating bacterial infections
and their pathological consequences.
--
#94069
ESTERIFIED VASOACTIVE LIPIDS FOR INCREASING PERFUSION PRESSURE OF THE
CARUNCULAR ARTERIAL BED IN MAMMALS
Inventor(s):
John P. N. Rosazza, et. al.
Status:
Patent 5,607,971 issued March 4, 1997
Description:
Needles from Pinus ponderosa, or western yellow pine, cause cattle to undergo
early parturition if they are consumed during late gestation. This invention
describes methods for the isolation of specific vasoactive lipid substances
from extracts of P. ponderosa pine needles. This invention also further
describes structures of individual lipid components in these extracts that
possess vasoactive properties when assayed with an in vitro placentome
bioassay. These new structural classes of vasoactive lipids, when administered
orally to impregnated guinea pigs, induce premature parturition with 3 days of
feeding. Because these new vasoactive compounds appear to be selectively active
for uterine vasculature, this invention provides a basis for the synthesis and
biological evaluation of a new series of related compounds useful in the
treatment or prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, induction of labor, and
inducement of parturition in mammals.
--
#94036
IMMUNOGENIC RYANODINE DERIVATIVE AND RELATED USES
Inventor(s):
Kevin P. Campbell, et. al.
Status:
Patent 5,492,839 issued February 20, 1996
Description:
Ryanodine is a naturally occurring plant-derived compound that is known to act
as an agonist/antagonist of calcium channel activity via its specific binding
to the ryanodine receptor/calcium release channel. This invention describes the
synthesis of a novel immunogenic ryanodine derivative. Surprisingly, the
affinity of this novel compound for the ryanodine receptor is remarkably
mimicked by its affinity for the anti-ryanodine antibodies produced following
immunization. Thus, the anti-ryanodine antibodies are useful as an affinity
reagent for high-throughput screening for ryanodine-like compounds. Such
compounds could subsequently be tested for their ability to modulate calcium
channel activity and used clinically in the treatment of a variety of
cardiovascular, neuromuscular and neurological disorders which are known to be
characterized by irregularity in intracellular calcium concentrations. In
addition, such compounds represent candidate insecticidal compounds which can
be subsequently tested in an appropriate assay for such activity. This
invention further discloses a method for identifying the ryanodine binding site
on the ryanodine receptor using a radiolabeled ryanodine derivative.
Information derived using this method would help in further defining receptor
structure and function.
--
#94020
POTENTIAL USE OF HUMAN THROMBOMODULIN IN ACCELERATION OF WOUND HEALING
Inventor(s):
Steven Lentz, Thomas Raife, and Donna Lager
Status:
Patent 5,583,102 issued December 10, 1996
Description:
Thrombomodulin is a cell-surface glycoprotein that inhibits the procoagulant
activities of thrombin and accelerates activation of the anticoagulant protein
C. Although initially identified as an endothelial cell protein, thrombomodulin
is now known to be synthesized by multiple cell types. Recent results reported
by Prof. Lentz, et al, demonstrate that thrombomodulin is synthesized in
significant quantities by human keratinocytes both in vivo and in
vitro, and that thrombomodulin expression strongly correlates with
keratinocyte differentiation. The potent cofactor activity of keratinocyte
thrombomodulin indicates that thrombomodulin may regulate thrombin function
within the epidermis. The patent application is directed towards the use of
human thrombomodulin as an agent for stimulating wound regeneration.
Related Publication: Lentz, et al., “Thrombomodulin
expression by human keratinocytes: induction of cofactor activity during
epidermal differentiation,” Journal of Clinical Investigation, 1994,
93:1846-1851.
--
#93028
CAPILLARY BED ELECTROPHORESIS FOR POTENTIAL PREPARATIVE (LARGE-SCALE)
RESOLUTION
Inventor(s):
Ravindra Datta and Robert A. Beardsley
Status:
Patent 5,332,480 issued July 26, 1994
Description:
Electrophoresis is a widely-used separation process based on the differential
migration velocities in an electric field of the species being separated. It is
a powerful, cost-effective technique on the analytical scale. Attempts to apply
it at large scales, however, have been disappointing, primarily because of the
loss of “resolution” or ability to completely separate two species, in larger
devices. Two of the difficulties in scaling up electrophoresis have been the
large convective fluid currents which occur as device size increases and the Joule
heat generated by the passage of the electric current through the fluid. One of
the solutions to the convection problem has been the use of “beds” of
anti-convective packing, such as gels or beads. These types of packing,
however, lead to reduced throughput or lost resolution. In the case of Joule
heating, the traditional solution has been to remove the heat at one or more
walls of the device. These designs, however, create large temperature gradients
across a device, causing additional loss of resolution due to convection and
other thermal effects. This invention is essentially of a novel anti-convective
bed design which will also allow heat removal from throughout the bed, rather
than at the outer walls.
The invention discloses a capillary
bed electrophoresis device for separating and collecting preparative or
industrial-scale electrophoretic samples. The invention relates to an
improvement in the anticonvective packing and cooling system comprising a
parallel “bundle” of capillaries through which the sample and an eluent/buffer
are driven by force. The sample is separated via an electrical gradient
established axially within the capillaries while a coolant may be circulated
intimately around the exterior of said capillaries to remove any Joule heating.
The separated components are then collected at the discharge end of the
capillaries. The system may be used with either continuous or batch
electrophoresis devices.
--
#91036
METHOD FOR DETECTING CARDIOMYOPATHY
Inventor(s):
Kevin P. Campbell, et. al.
Status:
Patent 5,418,139 issued May 23, 1995
Description:
Methods are preferably immunological methods in which the level of binding of a
monoclonal or polyclonal antibody to a 50 kD glycoprotein component of an
experimental mammalian muscle tissue is determined. This level of binding is
compared to the level of binding observed when non-dystrophic tissue is treated
in an otherwise identical manner. A substantial reduction in the level of
binding to the 50 kD glycoprotein in the experimental mammalian muscle tissue
has been determined to be diagnostic of primary cardiomyopathy.
--
#89012
ELECTROPHORESIS-BASED SEQUENCING FOR ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF NEUTRAL OR
WEAKLY ACIDIC OLIGOSACCHARIDES
Inventor(s):
Robert Linhardt, et. al.
Status:
Patent 5,284,558 issued February 8, 1994; non-exclusive licenses available
Description:
The electrophoretic isolation and monosaccharide sequence determination of
neutral or weekly acidic oligosaccharide species of interest are disclosed. A
labeling compound and a charged group are coupled to the reducing end of the
species of interest, thereby facilitating electrophoretic separation and
detection of the separated species. The resolved species of interest can then
be recovered from the electrophoretic medium, for example, by electrophoretic
transfer to a charged solid support. Following isolation, monosaccharide units
can be cleaved successively from the non-reducing end of the species of
interest to reveal the monosaccharide sequence. The identity of each
monosaccharide unit is determined by correlating cleavage data with known
exoglycosidase specificities.
--
#89011
MEASURING NON-DYSTROPHIN PROTEINS AND DIAGNOSING MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY
Inventor(s):
Kevin Campbell, et. al.
Status:
Patent 5,187,063 issued February 16, 1993
U.S. Patent 5,430,129 issued July 4, 1995
U.S. Patent 5,449,616 issued September 12, 1995
Description:
Defects in the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) have been implicated in
several forms of muscular dystrophy. These inventions describe methods for the
purification of dystrophin and the DGC, methods of isolating components of this
complex, and nucleic acid sequences encoding specific components of the DGC. Diagnostic
methods utilizing antibody and nucleic acid probes for identifying specific
types of muscular dystrophy (i.e., Duchenne’s or Becker’s; severe childhood
autosomal recessive MD; and autosomal recessive limb-girdle MD) are also
described herein. Gene therapeutic methods, employing expression vectors
encoding dystrophin-associated proteins, are also described for individuals
suffering from muscular dystrophy (e.g., severe childhood autosomal recessive
MD). Relevant Publications: Nature Genetics, 11:257-265(1995); Cell,
80:675-679(1995).
--
#88033
ADDITIVE TO ENHANCE SURVIVAL AND FUNCTION OF TRANSFUSED PLATELETS BY CONTROL OF
pH DURING BLOOD STORAGE
Inventor(s):
Theodore Koerner
Status:
Patent 5,147,776, issued September 15, 1992; Field of use license available
Description:
The survival and function of transfused platelets is very sensitive to the
storage pH. The control of platelet pH with the non-toxic additive
2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol is described. The compound has been found to stimulate
lactic acid production in the platelets and to favorably modulate pH in
standard polyolefin platelet storage containers. 2,5-Anhydro-D-Mannitol is
added to blood platelet storage containers at a sufficient level to maintain ph
stability of blood platelets within the suitable range (pH 7.2 to 7.4) for use
in blood transfusions.
--
#86008
DIHYDROPYRIDINE RECEPTOR AND MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES FOR IMMUNOPRECIPITATION FROM
SKELETAL MUSCLE
Inventor(s):
Kevin P. Campbell, et. al.
Status:
Patent 4,912,202, issued March 27, 1990
Description:
Monoclonal antibodies capable of immunoprecipitating labeled dihydropyridine
receptor material from digitonin-solubilized skeletal muscle triads are
disclosed. Said antibodies recognize a 170,000 dalton protein subunit of the
dihydropyridine receptor.
--
#84004
(a) HEPARIN FRAGMENTS WITH REDUCED
ANTICOAGULATION ACTIVITY AS INHIBITORS OF COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION
Inventor(s):
Robert Linhardt, et. al.
Status:
Patent 4,847,338 issued July 11, 1989
U.S. Patent 4,916,219 issued April 10, 1990
Description:
There is disclosed oligosaccharide compounds having heparin-like anticomplement
activity and reduced anti-coagulant activity as compared with heparin on a
weight or molar basis. The oligosaccharide compounds have at least 5 and no
greater than 25 saccharide units. The oligosaccharides can have an even number
of saccharide units with a terminus nonreducing sugar, or an odd number of
saccharide units without a terminus nonreducing sugar. There is also disclosed
anticomplement pharmaceutical compositions with reduced anticoagulant side
effect activity and a process for preparing the oligosaccharide compounds.
--
#06035
apparatus and semiconductor co-crystal
Inventor(s):
Leonard R. MacGillivray
Status:
Patent Applications Filed
Description:
The invention provides a method to enforce face-to-face stacking of organic
semiconductors in the solid state that employs semiconductor co-crystal formers
(SCCFs), to align semiconductor building blocks (SBBs). Single-crystal
X-ray analysis reveals orbital overlap optimal for organic semiconductor device
applications, including such devices as display devices, chips, field-effect
transistors, and smart cards.
The invention provides an apparatus
comprising: an organic semiconductor co-crystal including a source
contact coupled to the organic semiconductor co-crystal, a drain contact
coupled to the organic semiconductor co-crystal, and a gate contact coupled to
the organic semiconductor co-crystal through an insulative layer.
In another embodiment the invention provides an apparatus comprising: an
electronic circuit; and an organic semiconductor co-crystal switch coupled to
the electronic circuit.
In another embodiment the invention provides a method comprising: forming
a thin film including an organic semiconductor co-crystal on a substrate; and
forming an active electronic device in the organic semiconductor co-crystal.
In another embodiment the invention provides an apparatus comprising: a
first electronic device; a second electronic device; and an organic
semiconductor co-crystal to couple the first electronic device to the second
electronic device.
Relevant
Publication: Anatoliy N. Sokolov, Tomislav Friscic, Leonard R. MacGillivray,
Enforced Face-to-Face Stacking of Organic Semiconductor Building Blocks within
Hydrogen-Bonded Molecular Co-Crystals, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 10.1021/ja057939a.
#05020
MILD METHODS FOR GENERATING PATTERNED SILICON SURFACES
Inventor(s):
Ned Bowden
Status:
Provisional Patent Application Filed
Description:
The invention provides methods for making, ordered, patterned, organic
self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on hydrogen-terminated slicon surfaces using a
sterically-hindered free radical source. Examples of sterically-hindered
free radical sources include 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO), TEMPO-like
molecules and derivatives thereof. The invention also provides processes,
sterically hindered free radical sources, and intermediates useful for the
preparation of coated or layered silicon surfaces. The methods,
processes, free radical sources and intermediates of the invention can be used
to create patterned composite structures on a surface via layer-by-layer
deposition of thin films.
--
#04081
DATA STORAGE MATERIALS
Inventor(s):
Leonard R. MacGillivray
Status:
Description: The invention describes
materials and devices for use as an information storage system or for use as a
material having a characteristic fluorescent energy. The materials and
design of the invention include a first metal-organic complex comprising two or
more metal atoms wherein one metal atom is associated with a first organic
group comprising one or more double bonds and another metal atom is associated
with a second organic group comprising one or more double bonds such that one
or more double bonds in the first organic group are spatially oriented to react
with one or more double bonds in the second organic group to form a second
metal-organic complex containing one or more cyclobutane rings.
The invention further describes an
apparatus comprising: a substrate; and having formed on the substrate a
metal-organic complex comprising two or more metal atoms wherein one metal atom
is associated with a first organic group comprising one or more double bonds and
another metal atom is associated with a second organic group comprising one or
more double bonds such that one or more double bonds in the first organic group
are spatially oriented to react with one or more double bonds in the second
organic group.
#04023
BIODEGRADABLE OXIDIZED CELLULOSE ESTERS AND THEIR USES
AS MICROSPHERES
Inventor(s):
Vijay Kumar and Yang Dong
Status:
Application Filed
Description:
A new cellulose excipient, OCCAE, suitable for use as a binder, filler, and/or
disintegrant in the development of solid dosage forms and as a bodying agent or
a drug carrier in the preparation of topical formulations is described. The
cellulose excipient is formed by reacting an oxidized cellulose ester with an
alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The invention also describes the
formation of controlled release microspheres using OCCAE and/or oxidized
cellulose esters that may be used to control the release of drug in a patient
over a time period of several hours to several days.
Drug delivery field of use is not
available for licensing.
#03070
METHOD FOR PREPARING LADDERANES
Inventor(s):
Leonard R. MacGillivray
Status:
Description:
The invention describes a method for preparing a ladderane comprising,
associating two polyene molecules with a template such that the polyene
molecules are properly aligned to allow for formation of the ladderane, and
reacting the polyene molecules under conditions suitable to provide the
ladderane.
Ditopic molecules in the form of
linear reaction templates have been used to construct ladder-like hydrocarbons
known as ladderanes. The templates assemble and position reactant molecules in
the solid state by way of hydrogen bonds for photodimerization. The products,
which are based on recently identified naturally occurring frameworks, form
stereospecifically, in gram quantities, and in quantitative yield.
Relevant Publication: Friscic,
T.; MacGillivray, L.R., “Cyclophanes and Ladderanes: Molecular Targets for
Supramolecular Chemists.”, Supramol. Chem. 2005, 17, 47-51
Gao, X.; Friscic, T.; MacGillivray,
L.R., “Supramolecular Construction of Molecular Ladders in the Solid State.”,
Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2004, 43, 232.
#03068
Method for Synthesizing
Glycoaminoglycans
Inventor(s):
Robert Linhardt, Nathalie Karst Tasneem Islam
Status:
Description:
The invention is related to sulfo protected nitrogen-containing
monosacchardies, methods of making the same, and to methods of making
polysaccharides using sulfo protected monosaccharides or other
polysaccharides. More specifically, the present invention includes a
method of protecting and deprotecting molecules with multiple hydroxyl
functionalities or a combination of hydroxyl and amine functional groups using
sulfo protecting groups.
Keywords: Polysaccharides,
Methods, Intermediates, Preparation
--
#03007
MAGNETICALLY MODIFIED PARTICLES AND ELECTRODES
Inventor(s):
Johna Leddy and Pengcheng Zou
Status:
Patent 6,890,670 issued May 10, 2005
Description:
The present invention is directed to methods for making magnetically modified
electrodes. Such electrodes are useful as electrodes in batteries, such
as Ni-MH (Nickel-metal hydride) batteries, Ni-Cd batteries, Ni-ZN batteries and
Ni-Fe batteries.
--
#02088
CARBOXYLIC ACID REDUCTASE POLYPEPTIDE, NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCE ENCODING SAME AND
METHODS OF USE
Inventor(s):
John Rosazza, Ian Fotheringham, Lacy Daniels, Tao Li
Status:
EP,
Description:
The invention provides the nucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence for the
enzyme carboxylic acid reductase isolated from bacteria. Expression
cassettes, vectors, transformed cells, and variants are also provided as
methods for use of recombinant biocatalytic reagents in production of
synthetic, aromatic, aliphatic and alicyclic aldehydes and alcohols.
#02086 GAS STORAGE MATERIALS
AND DEVICES
Inventor(s): Leonard R. MacGillivray and Giannis Papaefstathiou
Status:
Description: The invention describes a novel synthetic processes and
intermediates for the production of porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for
the storage of gases, such as hydrogen.
The storage of hydrogen, and other gases, is important for production of
fuel cells. The invention provides a
fuel storage cell comprising the MOFs described. The invention further provides a method for
storing a gas comprising contacting he metal organic framework of the
invention, which includes organic functional groups directed into, or lining
the cavities of the MOF, with gas under conditions suitable for the gas to
enter the cavities of the framework and react with the organic groups so as to
become fixed to the organic groups.
The
MOFs described are can also be used for removing gas contaminants, for example
in the capture and containment of radioactive gases.
Relevant Publications:
Papaefstathiou, G.S.; Friscic, T.; MacGillivray, L.R., “Design and Construction
of a Metal Organic Framework with Multiple Cavities: A 2-Uniform Net based on a
Paracyclophane that Codes for Multiply-Fused Nodes”, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005,
127, 14160.
Papaefstathiou, G.S.; Milios, C.;
MacGillivray, L.R., “A 2D Metal-Organic Framework with Two Different
Rhombus-Shaped Cavities: A Rare Example of a (4,4)-Net with Alternating Metal
and Organic Nodes.”, Microporous Mesoporous Mater. 2004, 71, 11.
Papaefstathiou, G.S.; MacGillivray,
L.R. “An Inverted Metal-Organic Framework with Compartmentalized Cavities
Constructed by Using an Organic Bridging Unit Derived from the Solid State.”,
Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 2002, 41, 2070.
#02023
ISOFLAVONE AND TRITERPENE GLYCOSIDES FROM SOYBEANS
Inventor(s):
John Rosazza and Mohammed Hosny
Status:
Description:
The invention provides new isoflavonoid and triterpene compounds isolated from
a soybean phytochemical concentrate. The new compounds have exhibited
cytotoxic activity against selected tumor cell lines. Pharmaceutical
compositions comprising the new compounds and methods for use thereof are
provided by the invention.
--
#01037
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING ULTRA-TRACE AMOUNTS OF ARSENIC, SELENIUM AND
ANTIMONY
Inventor(s):
Simeonsson, Josef B.;
Status:
Patent Application Filed – US
Publication 20030059950
Description:
An analytical apparatus including a hydride generator coupled with a a
laser-based detection device, with the generator suitable for generating hydrides
from a sample, and the detection device positioned to receive hydrides from the
hydride generator, and to provide information regarding quantity, identity,
presence and/or species of the hydride. A method of processing a sample
includes generating hydrides from the sample, and generating information
regarding quantity, identity, presence and/or species of the hydride.
--
#01014
ARTIFICIAL ENDONUCLEASE
Inventor(s):
Sonya Franklin.
Status:
Patent #7,091,026, issued August 15, 2006
Description:
The invention provides an artificial (synthetic) endonuclease that exploits the
exquisite specificity achieved by DNA binding proteins to deliver a metal to,
i.e., in close proximity to, a gene or other nucleotide sequence for selective
damage, e.g., the metal binding portion of the artificial endonuclease has
catalytic endonuclease activity. Although several goups have been
successful in maintaining protein tertiary structure while mutating residues,
loops and even domains, including designing new metal binding functionality
into known protein scaffolds, in contract, the present invention employs a
chimeric motif comprising at least two domains, i.e., domains based on those
found in proteins in nature, including a nucleic acid binding domain and a
metal binding domain which promotes supersecondary turn structure and has a
hydrolytic or redox active site.
--
#99047g
PRODUCTION OF Glyoxylic Acid
#99040g
#99048g
#99041g
Status:
Patents 5,221,621, 5,219,745, 5,439,813 5,693,490, and 5,834,262 issued
respectively June 21, 1993, June 15, 1993, August 8, 1995, December 2, 1997,
and November 10, 1998.
Description:
The
Email: brenda-akins@uiowa.edu
--
99045g
PRODUCTION OF PYRUVIC ACID
Status:
Patent 5,538,875 issued July 23, 1996
Description:
The
Email: brenda-akins@uiowa.edu
--
#99042g
PRODUCTION OF GLYPHOSATE
#99043g
#99046g
#99044g
#99047g
Status:
Patents 5,135,860, 5,180,846, 5,559,020, 5,541,094 and 5,221,621 issued
respectively August 4, 1992, January 19, 1993, September 24, 1996, July 30,
1996, and June 22, 1993.
Description:
The
Email: brenda-akins@uiowa.edu
--
#99001
NAPHTHALENE DIOXYGENASE COMPOUNDS AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE
Inventor(s):
Rebecca Parales, David Gibson, Sol Resnick, and Kyoung Lee
Status:
Patent 6,794,167 issued September 21, 2004
Description:
This new enzyme of naphthalene dioxygenase (NDO) provides an NDO or NDO related
complex where at least one alpha-subunit polypeptide comprises a substituted
amino acid. The invention also provides DNA encoding such polypeptides,
host cells augmented by such DNA, and methods for using the enzymes or host
cells to provide useful and novel synthons. NDOs belong to a family of
bacterial enzymes that have an essential role in the recycling of carbon in
nature. These enzymes are especially important in the degradation of
aromatic hydrocarbons and related environmental pollutants. Knowledge of
the NDO reaction mechanism is thus important in the development of
bioremediation strategies for cleaning up environments contaminated with
hazardous aromatic compounds.
--
#98032
CHEMICAL SENSING ARRAY AND SENSOR STRUCTURE
Inventor(s):
Jonathan Dordick, Jungbae Kim, and Xiaoqiu Wu
Status:
Patent No. 6,406,668 issued June 18, 2002
Description:
A new chemical sensor made from an array of one or more fluorescent polymers
selected to detect one or more analytes in a solution. The fluorescent
polymers comprise of phenolic repeating units and one or more fluorophore
units. These units may associate with a given analyte or analytes, which
may include various metal ions or volatile organic compounds, to form
sensor-analyte complexes. The sensor and sensing array include an
excitation light to stimulate a fluorescent response from the sensor-analyte complexes
indicative of the analytes and a detector to register this response. In
particular, the sensing array may provide a pattern of responses operable as a
chemical nose to identify one or more of the analytes.
--
#98011
MOLTEN METAL CATALYST FOR USE IN COMMERCIAL CATALYTIC REACTIONS
Inventor(s):
Ravindra Datta, Ajeet Singh, Istvan Halasz, and Manuela Serban
Status:
Patent No. 6,218,326 issued April 17, 2001
Description:
This invention relates to a method for using an entirely new class of catalysts
which will replace some of the existing precious metal catalysts used in the
production of fuels, commodity chemicals, and fine chemicals, as well as in
combating pollution. More specifically, the invention comprises molten metal
catalysts coated on a support which itself may possess a catalytic function.
Advantages of the invention over existing precious metal catalysts include (i)
high catalytic activity per unit mass; (ii) rate enhancement of 3 to 4 orders
of magnitude; and (iii) almost a complete absence of corrosion problems.
Compared to solid metal catalytic systems, the technique may improve
selectivity because it offers a more uniform reactive surface and additionally
limit catalyst deactivation caused by coking and sintering. Furthermore, these
advantages are coupled with the facts that no sophisticated techniques are
necessary for preparing the catalyst and the use of low cost relatively
abundant metals.
--
#97015
METHOD FOR SYNTHESIZING C-GLYCOSIDES OF ULOSONIC ACIDS
Inventor(s):
Robert Linhardt, Iontcho Vlahov
Status:
Patent No. 6,376,662, issued April 23,2002
European Patent Application Granted – translations filed in
Description:
A method for synthesizing C-glycosides of ulosonic acids such as Neu5Ac, by
which diastereocontrolled synthesis of alpha-C-glycosides of ulosonic acids is
attained. In the method of the present invention, an ulosonic acid
sulfone or phosphite is reacted with an aldehyde or ketone compound in the
presence of a lanthanide metal halide.
--
#96012
OPTICAL SENSOR WITH RADIOLUMINESCENT LIGHT SOURCE
Inventor(s):
Han Chang and Mark Arnold
Status:
Patent No. 5,708,957 issued January 13, 1998
Description:
This invention treats self-powered optical sensors able to indicate the
presence or concentration of a specified substance. Such sensors may prove
particularly useful in environments where obtaining power for sensors is
difficult. Further, the present invention describes an oxygen sensor that is
energized by a radioluminescent light source to detect a selected substance in
a test medium. The sensor includes a luminophore matrix exposed to the test medium
that absorbs light from the radioluminescent source. The sensing matrix
provides an optical characteristic in response to the absorption of light from
the radioluminescent source that varies with the presence of the selected
substance. A photodetector detects the optical characteristic and provides a
corresponding signal to indicate detection of the selected substance in the
test medium.
Description: This invention centers
on the use of self-powered radioluminescent light (RL) sources for optical-based
chemical sensors. The merits of RL sources are demonstrated with an optical
sensor for measuring dissolved oxygen in aqueous solutions. The example oxygen
sensor is suitable for a variety of applications in the general fields of
biomedical research, clinical chemistry, biotechnology, fermentation
monitoring, and environmental sciences. RL sources offer several critical
design features. The principal advantage is the fact that RL sources are
noiseless which provides numerous advantages from data analysis and sensor
performance standpoints. In addition, the luminescence from these sources is
constant over time which permits long-term operation with minimal
recalibration. These features of the RL sources made possible the development
of an on line oxygen sensor specifically designed for continuous
monitoring of bioreactor units onboard the Space Shuttle. Initial sensor
prototypes were evaluated during the STS-93 Columbia Space Shuttle mission in
July 1999. By using other indicator chemistries, the invention can be extended
to other critical chemical species, including pH, carbon dioxide, ammonia, etc.
--
#94005
MAGNETIC COMPOSITES EXHIBITING DISTINCT FLUX PROPERTIES DUE TO GRADIENT
INTERFACES
Inventor
(s): Johna Leddy et al, Chemistry Department
Status:
Multiple patent applications filed and issued.
U.S. Patent 5,786,040 issued July 28, 1998
U.S. Patent 5,817,221 issued October 6, 1998
U.S. Patent 5,871,625 issued February 16, 1999
U.S. Patent 5,928,804 issued July 27, 1999
U.S. Patent 5,981,095 issued November 9, 1999
U.S. Patent 6,303,242 issued October 16, 2001
U.S. Patent 6,514,575 issued February 4, 2003
U.S. Patent 6,001,248 issued December 14, 1999
U.S. Patent 6,322,676 issued November 27, 2001
U.S. Patent 6,375,885 issued April 23, 2002
U.S. Patent 6,207,313 issued March 27, 2001
Canadian Patent 2,222,618
Description:
This invention relates generally to a method for forming and exploiting
gradients at the interfaces between components of a composite material as well
as the composite material itself and devices which incorporate the material.
Composites formed with magnetic materials and ion exchange polymers are
microstructured and establish strong, nonuniform magnetic field gradients.
These gradients can be exploited to enhance the transport of paramagnetic ions
and molecules, and to shift electrolysis potentials. These nanostructured
materials have applications in separations and numerous electrochemical
systems, such as metal ion separations, fuel cells, batteries, oxygen sensors,
plating, solar and photocells.
These magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient
interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and effect
transport and separation of different species of materials. A variety of
devices can be made utilizing the composites including a separator, a cell, an
electrode for channeling flux of magnetic species, an electrode for effecting
electrolyte species, a system for separating particles with different magnetic
susceptibilities. some composites can be used to make a dual sensor for
distinguishing between two species of materials and a flux switch to regulate
the flow of a redox species and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a
chemical species. Some composites can control chemical species transport and
distribution.
The use of these magnetic composites results in enhanced transport or flux of
solubilized species and the enhancement is a function of the magnetic
properties of the transported species. Applications envisioned:
o
Batteries (longer life cycle, shorter discharge and recharge)
o
Fuel cells (higher flux through greater efficiency and improved
kinetics)
o
Electrosynthesis (organic electrofluoridation as well as inorganic
applications)
o
Others : Photo cells, Photo voltaics, Solar cells, Depositions / Plating
--
#93043
COST EFFECTIVE SUGAR-BASED BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS
(#91-26 & #88-30)
Inventor(s):
Jonathan Dordick, David Rethwisch and Damodar Patil
Status:
Patent 5,270,421 issued December 14, 1993;
U.S. Patent 5,474,915 issued December 12, 1995
U.S. Patent 5,618,933 issued April 8, 1997
U.S. Patent 5,854,030 issued December 29, 1998
Description:
A new simplified method has been discovered for the preparation of a variety of
new polymers using sugars such as sucrose and raffinose as starting materials.
The method employs highly selective enzymes that eliminate costly and tedious
blocking and blocking steps required by conventional synthesis techniques. The
new polymers are potentially useful in a number of different applications
including water absorbent materials, water treatment chemicals, and drug
delivery systems. In addition, the polymers are biodegradable and therefore
provide increased environmental safety. Very highly absorbent hydrogels
(cross-linked polymers which are insoluble in water, but contain a lot of water
themselves) have also been developed. The sugar-based material:
-- Contains over 80% sugar by weight
-- Can swell to over 300 times its
weight in water
Applications are envisioned in a
variety of the following fields: Drug delivery matrices, Water absorbance,
Biodegradable packaging materials, Flocculants (linear polymers which are water
soluble) for water treatment, Membranes for separations, Biocompatible
implantable materials, Contact lenses, etc.
Related published articles:
“Chemical and biochemical catalysis
to make swellable polymers”, Dordick, Linhardt, Rethwisch, Chemtech,
January 1994.
“Biocatalytic Synthesis of
Sugar-Containing Poly(acrylate)-Based Hydrogels”, Dordick, et al, Macromolecules,
Vol.25, No. 26, 1992, 7081-7085.
“Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Novel
Sucrose-containing Polymers”, Patil, Dordick, Rethwisch, Macromolecules,
1991, 24.
“Enzymatic Synthesis of a
sucrose-containing linear polyester in nearly anhydrous organic media”,
Dordick, et al, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Vol. 37, Pp. 639-646
(1991).
--
#86012
CATALYST DISPERSED IN SUPPORTED MOLTEN SALT
Inventor(s):
Darrell Eyman and Ravindra Datta
Status:
Patent No. 4,898,845 issued February 6, 1990
Description:
This new method uses microcrystallites of various materials as catalysts.
The materials include metals, metal alloys and mixtures, and intermetallic
compounds all of which are used as heterogeneous catalysts on porous
supports. The method is different in that the microcrystallites are
dispersed in molten salts which are to be used as a thin film coated on the
internal surface of porous supports.
--
#83024
AN IMPROVED, SIGNIFICANT, AND INEXPENSIVE METHOD OF PREPARING COMPOUNDS
CONTAINING TRIFLUOROMETHYL GROUPS
Inventor(s):
Donald Burton, et. al.
Status:
Patent No. 4,582,921, issued March 15, 1986
U.S. Patent No. 4,650,887, issued March 17, 1987
U.S. Patent No. 4,749,802, issued June 7, 1988
Description:
Improved, simplified and inexpensive means of introducing the trifluoromethyl
group into both pharmaceutically and agriculturally active compounds:
• The process of direct synthesis of
trifluoromethyl copper and trifluoromethyl aromatics, both intermediate
reagents useful in direct synthesis of certain perfluoralkyl compounds.
• The basic single step process for
preparing trifluoromethyl organocadmium and zinc compounds from
difluorodihalomethane. The prepared compound may be added to a variety of
organic structures in a trifluoromethylating reaction.
--
E N G I N E E R I N G / S O F T W A R E
#05074
Early hash Join
Inventor(s): Ramon
Lawrence
Status:
Description:
The invention describes a hash-based join algorithm, called early hash join,
which can be dynamically configured at any point during join processing to
tradeoff faster production of results for overall execution time. The
algorithm varies how its input are read to improve response time without
significantly sacrificing overall join execution time. The algorithm is
specifically designed for interactive query processing where a fast initial
response time is important, and the algorithm has a significantly shorter
overall execution time than other early join algorithms. The algorithm is
useful for interactive user queries on a centralized database system and for
distributed queries in a mediator system.
#05047
PHONETICS DATABASE
Inventor(s):
Jerald Moon
Status:
Copyright Protected
Description: The English, Spanish,
and German Phonetics libraries are web resources demonstrating features for
each of the consonants and vowels of Spanish and American English. They
include a real-time Flash animated articulatory diagram of each consonant and
vowel, an annotated step-by-step description of how the sound is produced,
video and audio of the sound spoken in context, the classification of
consonants by manner, place or voicing and vowels and an interactive diagram of
the articulatory anatomy.
■
Provides individuals learning English, Spanish, or German with both sound and
visual of a native speaker pronouncing the word
■ Acts as a
resource for adult students and instructors of articulatory phonetics,
linguistics or foreign language.
#04044
RAPID COMPUTATIONAL IDENTIFICATION OF TARGETS
Inventor(s):
Adrian Elcock and William Rockey
Status:
Patent Application Filed
Description:
The present invention is a computer software application that provides
automated predictions of drug-receptor binding affinities, i.e. it functions as
a “virtual protein chip.” The software has been proven in the arena of
protein kinase inhibitors and is expected to be useful for all other drug
target systems for which families of homologous protein receptors exist.
The software may allow new pharmacological targets for already-existing drugs
to be rapidly identified, thus increasing a drug’s range of application and
opening further commercial markets.
#03036
METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR DEGRADATION OF NITROAROMATIC AND NITRAMINE POLLUTANTS
Inventor(s):
Jerald Schnoor and Benoit Van Aken
Status:
Patent and PCT Patent Application Filed
Description: The invention describes
a novel strain of bacteria, and methods and kits for using it to degrade a variety
of Nitroaromatic, Nitramine and other pollutants. These pollutants are
frequently generated in the production of explosives, such as TNT
(2,4,6-trinotrotoluene), RDX (Royal demolition explosive;
hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) and HMX (High melting point explosive;
octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine). Nitroaromatic and
nitramine compounds comprise a class of pollutants known to have both toxic and
carcinogenic properties.
The invention describes methods of use including the distribution of the
bacterium over areas of soil, fresh water or sediment in order for the
conversion of the nitroaromatic or nitramine compounds to a form that has
reduced toxicity and/or are fully degraded (i.e., mineralized).
--
#03015
MULTI-FUNCTION CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR USE AROUND
IN-GROUND FOUNDATIONS
Inventor(s):
Robert Setter, Mehmet Serdaroglu, Colby Swan
Status:
Description: The invention describes
a construction material and method of use comprising stone aggregate having
physical properties like those of limestone and having a substantial majority
of particle sizes between 1 millimeter and 3.35 millimeter. The construction
material is adapted for placement under-slab or between outer walls and ground,
including between footings from base of footings to grade. The material
is optimized to be multi-functional. It can provide drainage, radon
mitigation, structural support and thermal insulation and can be a non-chemical
(physical) barrier to subterranean termites.
#02072
SYSTEM FOR HANDICAPPED ACCESS TO MARK-SENSE BALLOTS
Inventor(s):
Douglas W. Jones
Status:
Description: The present invention
provides methods and an apparatus for allowing people with a variety of
disabilities to use commonplace paper or punched card voting ballots. The
invention provides a system for holding an election ballot, and allowing
visually or audibly challenged people to inspect the ballot using audible and
tactile feedback, and to cast votes. The apparatus described would also
provide feedback relating to whether marks have or have not been made
correctly, potentially increasing the accuracy of the individual voting
process. Because the apparatus would use standardized ballots allowing
current counting mechanisms, it may be less expensive, more reliable, and more
quickly and easily instituted than other, fully computerized systems.
--
#02046
System and Method for Dynamically
Analyzing A
Inventor(s):
David R. Soll and Edward Voss
Status:
Patent Application Filed
Description:
The invention describes a system and method for dynamically analyzing a mobile
object. One embodiment of the invention provides a computerized method
that includes obtaining a plurality of digital representations of the mobile
object, establishing a first and second processing station, processing in
parallel the digital representations on the second processing station to
compute a plurality of parameters representing a motility or morphology of the
mobile object, and displaying a graphical reconstruction of the mobile
object. In one implementation, the computerized method further includes
establishing one or more control panels to control various functionalities of
the first and second processing stations. In another implementation, the
computerized method further includes preserving the first and second processing
stations in the session.
--
#01042
MULTIPLE BEAM LIDAR FOR WIND MEASUREMENT
Inventor(s):
William Eichinger and John Krieger
Status:
Patent No. 6,646,725 issued November 11, 2003
Description:
This new device measures the wind and consists of two lasers, a telescope and a
computer that collects and analyzes the data. The data analysis technique
and multiple beam design are uniquely inventive to this system, and a prototype
exists that was made from commercially available components. This
apparatus improves on existing lidars by providing a simpler and less expensive
system. This device has the potential to provide wind measurements with
at least ten times the spatial and temporal resolution of current
technologies. In a miniature form, it could provide high-speed (10 Hz)
spatially-resolved (< 1m) turbulence measurements over distances of 200
meters. It can be used for meteorology, weather prediction, and measuring
wind shear for aviation purposes. It can also be used for scientific or
pollution control studies.
--
#00083
UNIPOLAR SPIN DIODE AND TRANSISTOR
Inventor(s):
Michael Flatte and Giovanni Vignale
Status:
Patent No. 6,624,490 issued September 23, 2003
U.S. Patent No. 6,696,737 issued February 24, 2004.
Additional Applications filed.
Description:
Bipolar transistors are the large class of transistors consisting of back to
back p-n diodes either in a pnp or npn arrangement. In contrast, the spin
diode and transistor are devices made out of a unipolar (either n or p)
material with variable magnetization. This variable magnetization can be
controlled with shape anisotropy and also with antiferromagnetic exchange
coupling to make the system uniaxial. The domains can either be lateral
in a thin film or vertical in a grown material.
These devices function in very
similar ways to ordinary p-n diodes or npn or pnp transistors, but they use
inhomogeneous spin polarization. One possible application includes uses
for reprogrammable logic because the semiconducting material is uniformly doped
(either n or p) and the magnetization direction is adjustable. It is not
feasible to rewire the transistors in ordinary chips to change their
function. However, for chips having unipolar transistors, the wiring of a
chip can be changed in real-time through an external magnetic filed that
switches the magnetization of regions of the magnetic material. Thus, the
unipolar spin transistor has the semiconducting material with different
magnetic domains performing different logic operations depending on the
orientation of those magnetic domains.
The spin transistor is extremely
sensitive to magnetic fields, so it can also function as a magnetic field
sensor like those used today in hard disk read heads. The major
improvement over current devices relates to the exponential dependence the
unipolar transistor has on the charge current of the applied magnetic
field. The orientation of the magnetic domains can also be used to encode
information, leading to inexpensive nonvolatile memory. Currently,
nonvolatile memory relies on floating gate transistors, which are very slow in
the write phase. Magnetic field pulses are much faster in
comparison. Unipolar transistors can be used for memory by reorienting
the magnetization of the domains of the structure. This reorientation
directly changes the voltage-current relationship of the device, however the
domain magnetization direction has proven to be very stable.
See related article:
http://www.trnmag.com/Stories/032101/Magnetic_transistor_means_changeable_chips_032101.html
--
#00073
PASSIVE OPTICAL POWER EQUALIZER FOR FIBER OPTIC NETWORKS
Inventor(s):
David Andersen and Winston Chan
Status:
Patent No. 6,636,666 issued October 21, 2003
Description:
Many large optical networks use Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFA) to amplify
optical signals. EDFAs, as useful as they are for signal amplification,
create problems if the output is not equalized, especially in large
reconfigurable multi-wavelength networks. This new optical power
equalizer device solves the equalization problem, plus it can adapt to temporal
variations in the optical power, and does not require an external power source.
This device is a filter with a
wavelength dependent, variable transmission coefficient, wherein the
transmission coefficient decreases with increasing power independently for each
wavelength incident on the equalizer. Thus, the highest power wavelength
output from the EDFA will be attenuated more strongly than the lower power
wavelengths, making the output power from the EDFA more evenly distributed
among the wavelengths. The device equalizes the output of an EDFA rather
than its gain, and will function with changing input powers. Such an
equalizer can be placed downstream from each EDFA without destabilizing the
optical network so that no changes need to be made to the EDFA or to the other
components in the system. The device is suitable for splicing into the
fiber transmission system.
--
#97079
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THREE-DIMENSIONAL REPRESENTATIONS OF TORTUOUS
VESSELS
Inventor(s):
Status:
U.
S. Patent 6,148,095
Description:
Three-dimensional reconstructions of tortuous vessels such as coronary arteries
can be obtained by data fusion between biplane angiography and IVUS frames of a
pullback sequence. The 3D course of the tortuous vessel is first determined
from the angiograms and then combined with the 2D representations regarding the
3D course (e.g., segmented IVUS frames of a pullback sequence) using a data
fusion apparatus and method: The determination of the 3D pullback path is
represented by the external energy of the tortuous vessel and the internal
energy of a line object such as a catheter.
--
#97075
A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PORTABLE CHECKPOINTING USING STRUCTURE METRICS
Inventor(s):
Balkrishna Ramkumar and Volker Strumpen
Status:
Patent No. 6,161,219 issued December 12, 2000
Description:
The existence of different processor and operating system configurations has
given rise to heterogeneous network systems in the work place. This diversity
in platforms makes it very difficult to recover from failure on one machine by
using a different machine on the network. Providing fault tolerance in such
environments presents two key challenges: (a) migratable checkpoints: a
universal checkpoint format (UCF) that is generated and recognized by every
architecture, and (b) heterogenous recovery that makes it possible to
write a checkpoint on one architecture, and read it during recovery on a possibly
different architecture. This problem is broadly defined as portable
checkpointing.
In the preferred embodiment of the
invention, a method and apparatus for portable checkpointing is described which
includes the runtime and pre-compiler support needed to implement portable
checkpoints. Furthermore a UCF that permits checkpoints to be ported across
UCF-compatible and UCF-incompatible systems is also described. Thus, according
to one embodiment of this invention, this method will make it easy to render
any C program robust in the presence of faults and recoverable on any
UNIX-based system.
--
#97066
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EFFLUENTS IN TREATMENT SYSTEMS
Inventor(s):
Sanjay S. Singhvi and Jerald L. Schnoor
Status:
Patent No. 6,408,227 B1
Description:
A system and method is provided that predicts operational parameters for all
unit operations in water treatment plants or the like. Initial training
with historical operations data, for example, allows the system and method to
develop equations that can in turn predict the present and future performance
of the plant in real time. In addition, the system and method can control
operations of the plant in real time. The system improves the performance
of the plant to meet predetermined subpoints of various parameters. For
example, the predetermined subpoints can be used to enable the plant to meet
regulatory needs while controlling for other parameters such as cost, chemical
fees, flow rates and power consumption. The system and method include a
non-linear predictive model for turbidity. The system considers the
influent water quality and analyzes treatment options available to predict the
dose of various chemicals required to get desired treatment. It will then
predict plant performance resulting from intended operator changes in real
time. The system preferably includes general regression neural networks
with modeling modifications to learn if the works including learning patterns
to make predictions and cost for operations control of unit operations and/or
the system. The system includes virtual sensors for parameters that
cannot be detected on-line. The system and method determine sufficient
data to monitor and control all water quality parameters in the water treatment
plant. The water treatment plant operations can be predicted and
controlled as a plurality of coupled unit operations. In one embodiment,
a unit operation block consist of a power mixer, a rapid mix basin,
flocculation basin, and settling tank controlled as a coagulation control loop.
--
#97057
ITERATIVE ALGORITHM FOR CONE-BEAM X-RAY MICROTOMOGRAPHY
Inventor(s):
Ge Wang, Michael Vannier, et. al.
Status:
Patent No. 5,909,476 issued June 1, 1999
Description:
The development of techniques for tomographic imaging of 3D structures when
opaque objects are present in the field of view is much needed in the science
and engineering domains. A long-standing example of this is metal artifacts in
medical
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#94064
CONTROL OF CONSECUTIVE PACKET LOSS IN A PACKET BUFFER, A METHOD TO IMPROVE THE
PACKET GAP PERFORMANCE OF ASYNCHRONOUS TRANSFER MODE (ATM) SESSIONS BY
MINIMIZING OR MAXIMIZING THE AVERAGE PACKET GAP IN THE BUFFER’S OUTPUT STREAM
Inventor(s):
Chaewoo Lee and Mark Andersland
Status:
Patent No. 5,629,936 issued May 13, 1997
U.S. Patent No. 5,790,521 issued August 4, 1998
Description:
This patent application, which primarily concerns problems arising in the
telecommunications industry, discloses circuits and methods for dropping
packets that minimize or maximize consecutive packet loss in packet switched
systems in which fixed-length packets, from multiple packet classes with
varying service requirements, must share buffer space. The disclosed circuits
and methods are compatible with existing flow control and priority discarding
mechanisms (e.g., the leaky bucket and its variants), and can be applied at any
buffering point in the packet switched systems (e.g., at source, switching, or
destination buffers). Optimality is established via a detailed proof. The
circuits and methods can also be used to control the gaps between customers in
other fixed-service systems.
The disclosed dropping circuits and
methods have the following clear advantages over existing techniques:
·
they control consecutive packet loss whereas existing techniques
do not
·
they are probably optimal independent of the packet arrival
statistics, buffer size, or buffer location
·
they are fast because only simple pointer updates and context
memory searches are required
·
they can be used alone or “layered” on top of existing dropping
schemes, e.g., leaky bucket schemes
·
they can be applied at any location in a system, e.g., at source,
switching, or destination buffers
·
they can be applied to traffic streams containing single or
multiple packet classes
·
they reach steady-state quickly (within the time required to serve
one buffer of packets)
Preliminary analyses and simulations
suggest that layering the disclosed circuits and methods on top of existing
dropping schemes will provide at least a two-fold improvement of average
consecutive packet loss performance. The packet dropping probabilities achieved
by the underlying scheme are not changed.
Minimizing the average packet gap is
desirable for real-time traffic because it reduces the perceptible distortion.
Maximizing the average packet gap is desirable for non-real-time traffic
because it reduces retransmission overhead.
--
#93020
TERNARY SULFIDE ALLOYS THAT SHOW THERMAL BISTABILITY FOR A
Inventor(s):
Lee Martinson, John Schweitzer and Norman Baenziger
Status:
Patent No. 5,330,708 issued July 19, 1994
U.S. Patent No. 5,380,377 issued January 10, 1995
U.S. Patent No. 5, 574,281 issued November 12, 1996
Description:
The researchers invented new alloy compositions of ternary sulfides which
exhibit a phase transition with hysteresis as a function of temperature for
certain ranges of chemical compositions. The phase transition with hysteresis
in these materials is from a metallic to semiconducting phase with increasing
temperature, i.e., from a low resistance to high resistance phase with a
positive temperature coefficient (PTC). In most other thermally bistable
materials (e.g., vanadium oxides) there is a negative temperature coefficient.
For some applications, a PRC might be essential or desirable.
Resistivity data shows the phase transition
in these sulfur deficient alloys for a range of compositions. This phenomenon
has not been previously observed in any ternary sulfide. The hysteresis gives
rise to bistability over a range of temperature. The large resistance change at
the transition, the ability to control the material properties by varying the
composition, and the stability of the materials are all favorable for
applications. Also, there should be significant changes in the optical
properties at the transition that would be useful for applications. In
addition, it is likely that chemically related alloys can be synthesized that
will show similar phase transitions in the same or quite different temperature
range.
The electrical properties of these
materials suggest that they should be useful for many practical applications
such as switching elements in microelectronics, optical recording and memory
media, and thermostats and thermal relays.
--
#92024
A LASER-GUIDED DISCHARGE TUBE (LGDT) WHICH CAN BE CONSTRUCTED FROM A WIDE RANGE
OF MATERIALS, ELIMINATING THE NEED TO USE ELECTRICAL INSULATOR MATERIALS
Inventor(s):
John T. Bahns
Status:
Patent No. 5,345,465 issued September 6, 1994
Description:
The LGDT is a new and unique type of gaseous electric discharge tube because it
uses a laser beam to guide (initiate, and/or sustain) an electric current (or
electric discharge) through a gas. LGDTs eliminate the need to use electrical
insulator materials in the construction of discharge tube walls. LGDTs can be
constructed of virtually any kind of material, especially metals such as steel
or tungsten which cannot be used to make present day wall-guided discharge
tubes. LGDTs can contain metal vapors as gases. This enables the use of Alkali
and Alkaline Earth metals as gases. This capability enables the production of a
wide variety of new gaseous electric discharge tubes utilizing a wide variety
of new gases, particularly metal vapors. LGDTs possess particular advantages
such as impact resistance, long life, high temperature capability, design
flexibility and scaleability.
--
#86025
AXIAL-TORSIONAL EXTENSOMETER FOR DETERMINATION OF MULTIAXIAL PLASTIC
DEFORMATION AND DETERMINATION OF FATIGUE FRACTURE UNDER A MODERATELY LARGE
Inventor(s):
Han-Chin Wu, et. al.
Status:
Patent No. 4,875,375 issued October 24, 1989
Description:
An axial-torsional extensometer has been designed, constructed and tested. This
extensometer is suitable for use in the experimental determination of
multiaxial plastic deformation and determination of fatigue fracture under
moderately large strain range. The extensometer is applicable to tubular or
solid cylindrical specimens, with enlarged ends, and measures the axial and
shear deformations within a gage section of the specimen. It has been
calibrated, and error bounds are given in terms of linearity, crosstalk, and
hysteresis. The diametral strain can also be measured, which is especially useful
in the testing of materials with voids. An application has been made to
combined axial-torsional loading of a metal tubular specimen. These test
results were presented in the Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology,
Volume 112, July 1990, Pages 330-335.
--
#05053
ventriculostomy catheter with ultrasound
capability
Inventor(s): Sebastian
Schulz-Stübner
Status:
Description: The invention describes a flexible or stiff ventriculostomy catheter
with an integrated or inserted ultrasound probe capable of providing images as
well as Doppler studies integrated in the tip of the device. The
invention would allow imaging from inside the brain and detect hydrocephalus,
brain swelling, intracranial hemorrhage and allow the measurement of
intracerebral blood flow.
#06034
PERONEAL NERVE MONITORING TO OPTIMIZE RESYNCHRONIZATION
THERAPY
Inventor(s):
Brian Olshansky
Status:
Description:
An apparatus for adjusting and correcting hemodynamic decompensation by
monitoring an output of sympathetic nerve activity is provided. The
apparatus includes a
a nerve activity monitoring device adapted for
operative connection to a patient to monitor sympathetic nerve activity of the
patient. The apparatus also includes a cardiac resynchronization therapy
(CRT) programmer adapted to receive sympathetic nerve activity
information. The CRT programmer is adapted to detect hemodynamic
decompensation using the sympathetic nerve activity information and is adapted
to communicate a corrective signal to a CRT device for optimizing
atrio-ventricular and interventricular delay thereby correcting hemodynamic
decompensation. A method and system for using sympathetic nerve activity
to determine how to program a CRT device are also provided.
#03012
BRANCH VESSEL STENT AND GRAFT FOR REPAIRING ANEURYSMS
Inventor(s):
Jamal Hoballah and William Barnhart
Status:
Patent Application filed
Description:
This new endovascular stent graft repairs the portions of the anatomical
vessels damaged after an aneurysm. Specifically it works best when
attached to a graft that is positioned at a junction where a vessel divides or
branches with at least one other vessel for repair of an aneurysm in the region
of the junction. The stent graft can self-expand and will automatically
self-center as it deploys, and can be made from shape memory/superelastic
material.
--
#03008
SYSTEM FOR 3D BIOLUMINESCENT COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC RECONSTRUCTION
Inventor(s):
Ge Wang, Eric Hoffman and Geoffrey McLennan
Status:
Patent Application filed
Description:
A new bioluminescent computed tomographic (BLCT) system was developed that uses
multiple cameras arranged on a spherical surface to permit the detection of
light in three dimensions. The system can be integrated with a CT or
micro-CT scanner and can reconstruct a 3D emission image registered to multiple
corresponding CT or micro-CT sources from different directions marked by
bioluminescent compounds.
--
#02077
SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION USING A
GRANGEAT APPROACH
Inventor(s):
Ge Wang and Seung Wook Lee
Status:
Patent No. 6,983,034 issued January 3, 2006
Description:
This software system reconstructs an image of an object in a three-dimensional
coordinate system in an x-ray computed tomographic system. A partial scan
of the object is performed by rotating an x-ray beam having a cone-beam
geometry around a portion of the object or rotating the object in the
cone-beam. The x-ray beam forms on a scanning trajectory through a
plurality of projection lines from a plurality of successive focal point
locations. The scanning trajectory may be substantially circular,
helical, spiral or spiral-like. The x-ray beam, attenuated by the object
during the spiral scan, is detected to produce detector values. The
detector values are integrated along straight lines on the detector plane to
obtain intermediate data. Three-dimensional Radon values representing
approximate plane integrals of the object are calculated from the intermediate
data using a Grangeat relationship or a modified or extended version of the
Grangeat relationship. The calculated and estimated Radon values are then
reconstructed into an image volume according to the Radon inversion formula.
--
#02076
COVALENT SURFACE COUPLING OF COLLAGEN TYPE IV FOR ENDOTHELIALIZED SMALL
DIAMETER VASCULAR GRAFTS
Inventor(s):
Khalid Kader, David Allison, Nicholas Ludwig, Michael McConney,
and Terrence Vargo
Status:
Patent Application Filed
Description: The present invention
covers the coupling of collagen type IV (CNIV) to small diameter vascular
grafts in order to increase the longevity and usefulness of the grafts.
The modified grafts would facilitate endothelial cell attachment, differentiation
and function. The grafts would not activate platelets, therefore
decreasing the likelihood of restenosis, a re-thickening and re-clogging of the
affected arteries that often occurs after coronary artery bypass grafting
surgery, and other vascular grafts. The grafts would be useful as
implantable devices increasing the long-term survivability of arterial graft
patients.
Relevant Publications: Ludwig, N.
S., Yoder, C., McConney, M., Vargo, T. G., and Kader, K. N., Directed Type IV
collagen self-assembly on hydroxylated PTFE, J Biomedical materials Research,
78A:3, 615-619, 2006
--
#02011
INTERACTIVE BREAST EXAMINATION TRAINING MODEL
Inventor(s):
Alicia Weissman, Greg Gerling, Edwin Dove, and Geb Thomas
Status:
Patent No. 6,945,783 issued September 20, 2005
Description:
The present invention generally relates to training models, and more
specifically, but not exclusively, concerns an interactive breast examination
training model that is able to dynamically change the existence, location,
size, and hardness of simulated tumors. The system includes a model
having an outer shape comparable to a human breast and nodules, which are
embedded at various locations and depths in the model. The training model
is designed to better teach patients how to detect tumors during breast
self-examinations (BSE), and physicians to do the same during clinical breast
examinations (CBE).
--
#01058
Device and method for optical imaging of retinal function
Inventor(s):
Randy Kardon, Young Kwon, Daniel Tso, and Peter Soliz
Status:
Patent No. 7,118,217 issued
October 10, 2006
Description: An Optical Imaging Device of Retinal
Function has been developed to detect changes in reflectance of near infrared
light from the retina of human subjects in response to visual activation of the
retina by a pattern stimulus. The measured changes in reflectance correspond in
time to the onset and offset of the visual stimulus in the portion of the
retina being stimulated. Any changes in reflectance can be measured by
interrogating the retina with a light source. The light source may be presented
to the retina via the cornea and pupil or through other tissues in and around
the eye. Different wavelengths of interrogating light may be used to
interrogate various layers of the retina. Additionally, various novel patterns
and methods of stimulation have been developed for use with the imaging device
and methods
#00075
ELECTRODE ARRAY WITH A FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATE FOR NEUROLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
Inventor(s):
Matthew Howard, Chris Coretsopoulos and Winston Chan
Status:
Patent No. 6,624,510 issued September 23, 2003
Description:
This electrode array device allows all of the series of very thin electrodes to
be in constant contact with the curved surface of the brain because it is made
with a flexible, conformable substrate, preferably a polyimide material.
The purpose of the device is to monitor and to stimulate neural activities with
high spatial resolution requiring a large number of electrodes within a small
area without the damaging effects of penetration. The entire substrate,
except at the specified areas for electrode contact, is covered with a
biocompatible, electrically insulating film, like silicone, for long term
implants.
--
#00038
SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR BOLUS-CHASING ANGIOGRAPHY WITH ADAPTIVE REAL-TIME COMPUTED
TOMOGRAPHY (CT)
Inventor(s):
Ge Wang and Michael Vannier
Status:
Patent No. 6,535,821 issued March 18, 2003
Description:
A software system developed to optimize the contrast enhancement capabilities
utilizing a bolus propagation model (a computerized predictor of the bolus
position) and a real-time tomographic imaging system with an adaptive mechanism
to move the patient and/or the imaging components. The system and method
can be applied to
--
#98064
BRACHYTHERAPY POSITIONING DEVICE
Inventor(s):
William Barnhart
Status:
Patent No. 6,607,476 issued August 19, 2003
Description:
The source of radiation used in brachytherapy must be positioned properly to
ensure uniform dosage to the targeted cells. If not centered correctly in
the walls of the vessel being treated, the unequal dosages could have negative
effects. Some of the current devices trying to solve this problem create
additional problems by blocking or impeding the flow of blood. This
unique brachytherapy positioning device solves both problems. It does
this by employing a plurality of generally parallel wires that each expand and
retract uniformly along a different radius from the centerline of the control
member containing the lumen. While the device is best suited for use in
vascular vessels, such as the coronary, carotid, and renal arteries and veins,
it may also be utilized in any other passageways of the human body.
--
#98055
SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR UNRAVELING CURVED CROSS-SECTIONS SUCH AS THE
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT
Inventor(s):
Ge Wang, et. al.
Status:
Patent No. 6,212,420 issued April 3, 2001
Description:
This software system visualizes and quantifies data associated with biological
curvilinear and/or tubular structures such as the gastrointestinal tract.
This system, utilizing computed tomographic data, digitally straightens or flattens
such structures with curved cross-sections. The system first simulates
electrical charges along the structure’s central path. Each curved
cross-section of the structure is defined by electrical force lines due to
these charges distributed along the path, and is constructed by directly
tracing the force lines. The efficiency of the unraveling is improved by
directly tracing only representative force lines that originate equiangularly
from the current path position. The other force lines are interpolated
from the traced force lines.
--
#97074
SELF-CLEARING BONE BITING SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
Inventor(s):
Matthew Howard
Status:
Patent No. 5,925,050 issued July 20, 1999
Description:
This instrument improves the existing bone biting surgical devices, or
rongeurs, by including an ejection feature. This feature allows the
surgeon to use the instrument repeatedly in an uninterrupted fashion by
self-clearing the bone fragment from the instrument after each cut or bite.
It adds a movable ejection unit to the lower arm of the rongeur which the
surgeon can activate with the handle as a normal part of the operating
procedure.
--
#97073
SINGLE-HANDED CATHETER ADVANCING ASSEMBLY AND SOFT PASSING DEVICE
Inventor(s):
Matthew Howard, et. al.
Status:
Patent No. 6,197,003 issued March 6, 2001
Description:
This single-handed device is a catheter advancing assembly for passing the end
of a ventricular catheter. It contains a stylet including a shaft, and a
catheter advancing piece which includes a rod having a bore. The bore of
the rod accommodates a portion of the shaft of the stylet. A holding unit
affixed to the proximal end of the shaft, to be used in conjunction with a
grasping unit affixed to the rod, allows for holding and manipulating the
catheter advancing assembly with only one hand.
--
#97061
CANCER LESION LOCALIZER FOR NUCLEAR MEDICINE
Inventor(s):
William Barnhart and Kevin Baskin
Status:
Patent No. 6,175,760 issued January 16, 2001
Description:
Cancer lesions existing in hard tissue are hard to locate and remove.
This new lesion localizer device improves the method of localizing lesions
because it utilizes the latest nuclear medicine technology. It consists
of a guide needle with a radioactive capsule embedded in its tip which can be
inserted into the patient and anchored in the bone or other hard tissue near
the lesion, thus marking the location for subsequent excising surgery. This
device assures more accurate localization of bony lesions detected by
radionuclide imaging because both the tip of the guide needle and the lesion
can be seen on the radiation persistence scope. An accumulation of
radioactive isotope given the patient beforehand makes the lesion visible on
the scope. The device also consists of a localizing needle inside the
guide needle with various types of points for attaching it to the hard tissue
or bone.
--
#97053
POSTERIOR SHUNT OPERATION BURR HOLE LOCALIZER
Inventor(s):
Matthew Howard
Status:
Patent No. 6,007,549 issued December 28, 1999
Description:
Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement for hydrocephalus is one of the most
common procedures in neurological surgery. Selection of an appropriate
burr hole site is crucial to correctly placing a catheter within the target
region of the patient’s brain. This posterior burr hole localizer device
determines that optimum site for placement of the posterior burr hole prior to
a parieto-occipital shunt operation. It comprises a headband for
attachment to a patient’s head, a band constriction unit for adjusting the
diameter of the headband, a sagittal plane-aligning piece, and a trajectory
plane-aligning piece. The device is properly positioned on a patient’s
head in relation to the supraorbital rims and the superior attachment point of
the patient’s external ears in order to define an optimum location for a
posterior burr hole site.
--
#97016
REMOTE CONTROLLED SURGICAL COAGULATOR SYSTEM
Inventor(s):
Matthew Howard, et. al.
Status:
Patent No. 5,928,227 issued July 27, 1999
Description:
This device can replace the stationary foot pedal currently used by surgeons to
operate hand-held coagulators. It places the switching pads on or in the
shoes of the surgeon allowing them to control the electrical power to the
coagulators by turning on and off the switches on those pads. This
greatly increases the freedom of movement of the surgeon because they no longer
have to stay fixed to the area of the foot pedal, allowing them to move about
the operating table during the course of the surgical procedure. The
switching pads can be designed to use a number of different transmitting and
receiving signals and types.
--
#96050
ANORECTAL MANOMETRY CATHETER
Inventor(s):
Satish S. C. Rao
Status:
Patent No. 5,924,984 issued July 20, 1999
Description:
Anorectal manometry offers the best objective method of assessing disorders of defecation
(i.e., constipation and fecal incontinence) which are believed to affect up to
20% of the population. This invention describes a multisensor catheter
comprising 6 radially arranged microtransducers for measuring multiple-site
anorectal pressures; a balloon placed several centimeters from the tip and
secured by means of balloon tie rings; and a electromyography (EMG) electrode
for recording integrated EMG signals located very close to the AV mark. This
unique design enables investigators to measure rectosigmoid, rectal and anal
pressure changes and anal EMG signals simultaneously. Using additional
software, vectorgraphic measurements can also be performed.
--
#96008
SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR EXTRACTING TISSUE INGROWTH FROM A PERMEABLE MEMBER OF
AN IMPLANTED CATHETER
Inventor(s):
William Barnhart
Status:
Patent No. 6,361,541 issued March 26, 2002
Description:
This new and unique surgical instrument overcomes the drawbacks associated with
utilizing a scalpel to dissect tissue adhering to the permeable member of an
implanted catheter. It includes two extracting components, which are
pivotally coupled to each other. Both extracting components include a
wedge having a blunted leading edge. When the extracting components are
pivoted to the closed position, these leading edges are sized and shaped to be
lodged adjacent to the adhesion interface between the permeable member and the
tissue of the patient. The extracting components can then be pivoted to
an open position to forcibly pull the tissue ingrowth out of the permeable
member. The wedge’s concave surface is also designed such that after the
complete extraction of the tissue ingrowth from the permeable member, the
wedges, when pivoted back to the closed position, can clench the permeable
member for removal of the catheter tube from the patient.
--
#95046
SURGICALLY IMPLANTABLE FASTENING SYSTEM
Inventor(s):
Joon Park, Vijay Goel, Malcolm Pope, and James Weinstein
Status:
Patent No. 6,004,323 issued December 21, 1999
Description:
This invention describes a better means of fastening vertebral bodies after
discetomy for better fusion and prevention of osteoporosis due to rigid
fixation. The fastener is comprised of a pedicle screw and a nut, which
has a polymeric lining. The polymeric lining is sufficiently elastic and thus prevents
nut loosening. However, with time it gets deformed by the creep process and
results in transfer of the body load through the spinal column. Claims to kits
for connecting together at least one pair of vertebral bodies of the spinal
column with a surgically implantable device are also described in this
invention.
--
#88008
NEW, IMPROVED SINGLE PHOTON EMISSION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (SPECT) SYSTEM, TO
PRODUCE TRANSAXIAL IMAGES IN A PLURALITY OF TRANSAXIAL PLANES THROUGH A BODY
Inventor(s):
Chang and Kirchner
Status:
Patent No. 5,032,728 issued July 16, 1991
Description:
A single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system for producing
transaxial images in a plurality of transaxial planes through a body. The SPECT
system includes a detector system with an in-plane spatial resolution that is
determined by the in-plane spatial resolution of the collimator modules
disposed in a ring around the body to be imaged. Photon detectors and related
circuits merely determine a position in a photon detector matrix having
discrete azimuthal positions that correspond to the physical size of a
collimator module. Axial spatial resolution or slice thickness for the detector
system is determined either by collimator modules or by collimator modules in
conjunction with the intrinsic resolution of the photon detectors.
--
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