University Of Iowa Research Foundation

UIRF Ref. No: 07068

MODULATION OF CELL PROLIFERATION USING HYBRID POLYPEPTIDES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Present therapeutic strategies for cancers such as colon cancer often involve highly toxic treatments. Further, in many cases, patients may also develop resistance to the treatments. Thus, a need exists for an effective cancer treatment that is both less toxic and reduces the development of resistance. The current technology consists of inducing expression of a RPA4 gene or a hybrid RPA 2/4 gene to stem uncontrolled cancer cell growth. RPA4 is a gene encoding an alternative subunit to RPA2 of Replication Protein A (RPA), a protein involved in DNA replication and repair. RPA4, found as a natural alternative to RPA2 in placental and colon mucosal tissue, does not allow cell division or proliferation but still appears to allow normal cellular DNA repair.

BENEFITS

• May prevent cancer cell growth and development of resistance while allowing normal cell survival.
• RPA 2/4 Hybrids take advantage of RPA2’s binding stability and RPA4’s anti-proliferative properties
• Likely less toxic and less disruptive of normal cellular functions

INVENTORS

Marc S. Wold and Stuart J. Haring

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

PCT Patent Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 08028

REPEATED ADMINISTRATION OF LENTIVIRAL VECTOR TO RESPIRATORY EPITHELIAL CELLS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The invention describes a method by which to increase the expression level and length of expression of a transgene in the lung (nasal & tracheal delivery). This is accomplished through repeated administration of viral-based vector to (murine) nasal epithelia. This repeated dosing is made possible because the addition of an envelope glycoprotein which causes a reduced immune response to the therapy.

INVENTORS

Paul McCray and Patrick Sinn

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Patent Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 09003

NUCLEIC ACID APTAMERS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This technology relates to aptamers of 45 nucleic acids or less, optimized for the delivery of siRNAs across the plasma membrane of cell in vivo. The invention provides an oligonucleotide which targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) receptors expressed to prostate cancer cells and internalizes pharmacologically active siRNA. The optimized aptamer provides an RNA-based therapeutic treatement for prostate and other solid sarcomas and carcinomas.

INVENTORS

Paloma Giangrande, James McNamara II, and Anton McCaffrey

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Patent Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 06067

BIOACTIVE SUTURES FOR THE TREATMENT OF CANCER

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Present therapeutic strategies for solid cancerous tumors include chemotherapy and radiation therapy following resection. Unfortunately, a large portion of patients are not cured by these therapies, thus alternative strategies are being increasingly investigated. Immunotherapy, using different types of immunostimulators, is an example of one of these new strategies. The current technology demonstrates that immunotherapy may be optimized through the use of delivery of immunostimulators in biodegradable microparticles, such as sutures. Neuroblastoma mice demonstrated the inhibition of tumor reoccurrence with the use of bioactive suture following resection.

BENEFITS

• A continual release of antigen/immunostimulatory compound from the sutures may sustain and further the immune response
• The immunostimulatory sutures can be scaled up and then packaged and stored easily
• Sutures may be loaded with a plurality of tumor specific or tumor general cell antigens and immunostimulatory agents

INVENTORS

Anthony Sandler, George Weiner, and Alisager Salem

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Provisional Patent Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 07074

IMMUNOGENIC COMPOSITIONS FOR ACTIVATING GAMMA DELTA T CELLS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Vg2Vd2 T cells expand during a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic protozoan infections such as tuberculosis, leprosy, typhoid fever, brucellosis, tularemia, ehrlichiosis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis. Vγ2Vδ2 T cells help provide immunity against Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii, and Staphylococcus aureus infections. Unfortunately, currently available small molecule vaccines result in exhaustion of the response after vaccination.

In the present invention, the Salmonella lytB gene has been deleted in the isoprenoid biosynthesis methy-erythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway. This modified MEP pathway results in accumulation of HMBPP, a known bacterial antigen which is recognized by Vg2Vd2 T cells. Genes encoding part of the mevalonate pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis are then transformed into host to produce intermediates required for survival.

In vivo animal data showing the effect of lytB deletion in the isoprenoid biosynthesis MEP in relation to the antigenicity of certain bacteria is available.

BENEFITS

• Mimics natural immunity to bacterial infections resulting in no exhaustion
• Potential for combination with conventional vaccines
• Vg2Vd2T cell activation can persist for months to years
• Use of a salmonella vaccine results in a vaccine that is mild and comparatively easy to engineer
• Can likely be used as a cancer vaccine

INVENTORS

Craig Morita and Bradley Jones

RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS

Morita, et al. Immunological Reviews (2007); 215:59

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

PCT application filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 06081

OPIOID RECEPTOR LIGANDS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Opioid analgesics, derived from the opium poppy, have been used for centuries for the relief of pain and to induce sleep. The numerous benefits of opioid analgesics, such as potency and effectiveness have lead to their widespread use as pain medications and their importance in modern medicine. However, many opioid analgesics have undesirable side effects, such as tolerance, dependence, constipation and respiratory depression. As tolerance develops, increasing amounts of the opioid must be given to achieve the same analgesic or anesthetic effect. This in turn increases the presence of other side effects. This invention provides novel opioid receptor ligands (and methods of making these ligands) that reduce or eliminate tolerance, without affecting their analgesic or anesthetic effects. Animal study data is available.

BENEFITS

• No need to continually escalate dosage to achieve analgesic / anesthetic effect, thus reducing the likelihood of other undesirable side effects
• Similar analgesic or anesthetic effect to morphine
• Composition is likely suitable for oral, topical, inhalation, rectal or parenteral administration
• Compounds with higher activity than U69,593 kappa agonist reference

INVENTORS

Laura Bohn and Thomas Prisinzano

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Patent Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 03036

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR DEGRADATION OF NITROAROMATIC AND NITRAMINE POLLUTANTS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 and other bacterium in the genus 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).

INVENTORS

Jerald Schnoor and Benoit Van Aken

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Granted U.S. Patent No. 7,214,509; U.S. Patent Application Pending

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 06063

Compounds Offering Protection Against Gastrointestinal Pathogens

TECH FIELDS

Pharmaceuticals - Neonatal
Health - Nutraceuticals

FEATURES

• Discovery of a novel use for a known, readily available compound
• Prevents and treats patient populations at risk of developing systemic infection from the gastrointestinal tract such as newborns, cancer patients or critically ill patients in an ICU
• Can be administered using milk or water as a carrier
• May be used to supplement breast milk or to optimize infant formula or other infant food
• Likely one of the immunoprotective compounds in breast milk

BENEFITS

• Prevents neonatal gastrointestinal infections and sepsis, common in premature infants, as well as other patient populations
• Not an antibiotic so no risk of contributing to the production of antibiotic resistant bacteria

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

In animal studies, surfactant-associated proteins produced by newborns or their mothers conferred protection against neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, and the associated morbidity and mortality. Mice lacking the surfactant-associated protein A (SP-A) gene, deliver similarly to normal mothers, however, newborns of the SP-A null mothers died at a higher rate when exposed to environmental bacteria. Surfactant-Associated Protein D (SP-D) mRNA and protein are produced in the lactating mammary gland but are not present in non-lactating mammary tissue. SP-D is present in milk.

INVENTORS

Caroline George, Jeanne Snyder, Fred Lamb

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Patent Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 83007

CMV PROMOTER FOR INCREASED EXPRESSION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Available for non-exclusive licensing by fields of use.

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.

INVENTORS

Mark F. Stinski, Professor, Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Patent Nos. 5,168,062 issued December 1, 1992 and 5,385,839 issued January 31, 1995.

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 04024

METHODS FOR PRODUCING AND USING IN VIVO PSEUDOTYPED RETROVIRUSES USING ENVELOPE GLYCOPROTEINS FROM LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS VIRUS (LCMV)

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Paul B. McCray, Jr. and Beverly L. Davidson

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 04017

METHODS FOR PRODUCING AND USING IN VIVO PSEUDOTYPE D RETROVIRUSES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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

INVENTORS

Paul B. McCray, Jr. and Beverly L. Davidson

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 01023

ADENOVIRUS SEROTYPE 30 (Ad30)

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Beverly Davidson and Lane Law

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 98076

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR INCREASING THE INFECTIVITY OF GENE TRANSFER VECTORS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Beverly L. Davidson, Paul McCray, Guoshun Wang, DouglasJolly, Mordechai Bodner and Steven Hermann

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 99065

USE OF RECOMBINANT GENE DELIVERY VECTORS FOR TREATING OR PREVENTING LYSOSOMAL STORAGE DISORDERS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 Battens disease, mucolipidosis type IV, mucopolysaccharidoses type VII, CLN2 deficiency, infantile cystinosis, Chediak-Higashi syndrome, spinal cerebellar ataxias, Huntingtons disease, Alzheimers 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.

INVENTORS

Beverly L. Davidson, Colleen Stein, Jason Heth, Thomas W. Dubensky, Jr., Douglas Jolly, and Sybille L. Sauter

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 05044

2, 4, 6-TRISUBSTITUTED PHENOLS HAVING ANESTHETIC PROPERTIES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

A new group of synthesized Propofol derivatives. The new compounds are shorter acting, for quicker anesthetic induction. The new compounds have also shown anticonvulsant activity. The compounds have a more predictable duration of action and cause less pain upon injection.

INVENTORS

Max Baker

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent applications pending

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 05069

HYDROFLUOROALKYL PHENOLS HAVING ANESTHETIC PROPERTIES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Max T. Baker

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 02035

THE USE OF MELATONIN FOR INDUCTION OF GENERAL ANESTHESIA

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Max T. Baker, Mohammed Naguib

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 04003

MELATONIN ANALOG PRODRUG

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.Z

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.

INVENTORS

Max T. Baker and Mohammed Naguib

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00072

MELATONIN FOR INDUCTION OF GENERAL ANESTHESIA

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Mohammed Naguib

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 02003

FLUORINATED ALKYL PHENOL COMPOUNDS AND THEIR USE AS MEDICINAL AGENTS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Max T. Baker, Mohammed Naguib

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 93026-1

DEUTERATED SEVOFLURANE AS AN INHALATION ANESTHETIC

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Sevoflurane is a desirable fluorocarbon anesthetic widely used in the U.S. It is nonpungent and has a fast onset and offset of action. However, it is metabolized in the body to release considerable amounts of fluoride, a potential kidney toxin, and other metabolites that may affect the liver. This invention discloses a deuterated form of sevoflurane (fluoro-dideutero-methyl 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl ether) and methods for its synthesis. Deuterated sevoflurane is a fast, non-pungent, easy-to-vaporize, non-blood pressure dropping, nonflammable anesthetic that does not poise a fluoride threat to the kidneys, nor a metabolism-based threat to other organs. Deuterium substitution strongly inhibits the metabolism of this compound by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Deuterated sevoflurane has the desirable anesthetic properties of sevoflurane, but undergoes considerably less metabolism and fluoride release. It may be particularly desirable for use as a long term conscious sedation agent.

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.

INVENTORS

Max T. Baker, John H. Tinker

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 96034

PROCESS FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF HEXAFLUOROISOPROPYL ETHERS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This invention relates to a method of synthesizing hexafluoroisopropyl ether compounds from the reaction of methoxymalanonitrile with a bromine trifluoride composition.

INVENTORS

Max Baker, John Tinker and Jan Ruzicka

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 97010

PROCESS FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF HEXAFLUOROPROPANES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The invention relates to a method of synthesizing 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropanes.

INVENTORS

Max Baker and Jan Ruzicka

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 01020

BARDET-BIEDL SUSCEPTIBILITY GENE AND USES THEREOF

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

A method of diagnosing Bardet-Biedl Syndrome comprising identification of a mutation in a NGVN polypeptide or nucleic acid. BBS is characterized by diverse symptoms such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, mental retardation, renal cancer, retinopathy and hypogonadism. The human NGVN protein is 731 amino acids in length and coded for by a gene spanning 17 exons.

INVENTORS

Val C. Sheffield, Edwin Stone, and Darryl Nishimura

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Patent 7,008,782 issued March 7, 2006

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 07061

ZINC-FINGER NUCLEASE AND RNA INTERFERENCE MEDIATED INACTIVATION OF VIRAL GENOMES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Anton P. McCaffrey and Thomas J. Cradick

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 07040

METHOD OF MAKING CYCLIC POLYPEPTIDES WITH INTEINS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The present invention describes biologic methods for producing and screening internally cyclized polypeptides and 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 invention also describes cyclic peptides for use in treating Staphylococcal infections.

The methods described are both easier and cheaper than current chemical synthesis methods.

Relevant Publications: "Biosynthesis of Staphylococcus aureus autoinducing peptides using the Synechocystis DnaB mini-intein.", C. M. Malone, B. R. Boles and A. R. Horswill. 2007, Appl Environ Microbiol, 73;19:6036-6044.

INVENTORS

Alexander R. Horswill

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 07041

A ZEBRA FISH BASED SCREEN FOR AGENTS WITH ABILITY TO PREVENT CELL DEATH

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The present invention describes a zebrafish mutant useful for the screening of candidate therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsons, 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.

INVENTORS

Robert A. Cornell

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 07085

HALIDES IN THE TREATMENT OF PATHOGENIC INFECTION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This technology consists of the re-introduction of a core substrate in the respiratory system's endogenous defense against infection enhancing mucosal antiviral immunity in the lung. This family of substrates is missing in CF patients because the substrates are typically supplied to the lung interior surface by the cystic fibrosis conductance regulator (CFTR), the channel that it inactivated by mutation in CF. When these substrates are re-introduced into the lungs, the endogenous host defense pathway is re-activated and that portion of host anti-viral and anti-microbial defenses becomes functional.

BENEFITS

• Simple treatment
• Cost effective
• Multi-spectrum protection
• Lower risk of side-effects
• Lower risk of reistance
• Can be used for treatment and prophylaxis

INVENTORS

Paul B. McCray, Jr., Botund Banfi, Anthony Fischer, Joseph Zabner

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 07015

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS RELATED TO PLUNC RELATED SURFACTANT POLYPEPTIDES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Paul B. McCray, Jr., Jennifer Bartlett, Lokesh Gakhar, Rama K. Mallampalli, and Subramanian Ramaswamy

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UIRF Ref. No: 05035

NOVEL SIALIC ACID PERMEASE OF HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 Apicella, Michael A., Novel Sialic Acid Transporter of Haemophilus influenzae, Infect. Immun., 73 (9): 5291-5300 2005.

INVENTORS

Michael A. Apicella, Simon Allen, Bradford W. Gibson, Anthony Zaleski

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UIRF Ref. No: 02051

MUTANT STRAIN OF NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS (NMBAII K3) WHICH LACKS LIPOOLIGOSACCHARIDE (LOS) AND RMP PROTEIN

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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).

INVENTORS

Michael A. Apicella, Deborah M. Post

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UIRF Ref. No: 01025

VACCINE AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF GONORRHEA

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Over 300,000 women per year contract gonorrhea in the U.S. Gonorrhea is a major cause of infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, and is a major co-factor in the spread of HIV1. The sexually transmitted pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent in gonorrhea, discriminates between the sexes and uses different mechanisms to infect men than for infection of women. This invention discloses vaccines and chemotherapeutics to prevent and treat gonorrhea in women. The invention consists of various strains of gonococcal proteins released by the gonococcus bacteria. The genes of these proteins are present in gonococcal DNA and are vaccine candidates.

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).

INVENTORS

Michael A. Apicella, Eric Brown, Jennifer Lynn Edwards, Bradford W. Gibson, and Karoline Scheffler

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UIRF Ref. No: 03014

PHOTOCHEMICAL METHOD TO ELIMINATE OXYGEN INHIBITION OF FREE RADICAL POLYMERIZATIONS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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, Coretsopoulos, Chris N., Scranton, Alec B. Measurement of the dissolved oxygen concentration in acrylate monomers with a novel photochemical method. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem., 42(5):1285-1292 (2004).

Gou, Lijing, Opheim, Blaine, Coretsopoulos, Chris N., Scranton, Alec B., Consumption of the Molecular Oxygen In Polymerization Systems Using Photosensitized Oxidation of Dimethylanthracene, Chem. Eng. Commun., 193(5):620-627 (2006)

INVENTORS

Alec Scranton, Lijing Gou

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UIRF Ref. No: 01055

CCT PROMOTERS TO ENHANCE PROTEIN EXPRESSION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Rama K. Mallampalli

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UIRF Ref. No: 05059

SYNTHESIS OF RACEMIC AND (s)-modafinil

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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), Alzheimers 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 Peeples, Tonya L., Microbial Amidation/Oxidation of Benzhydrylsulfanyl Acetic Acid. Synthesis of (+)-Modafinil; Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 2005, 16, 3507-3511.

INVENTORS

Horacio F. Olivo

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UIRF Ref. No: 06029

SUPPRESSING POLYGLUTAMINE AGGREGATION AND TOXICITY

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 Huntingtons disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimers 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.

INVENTORS

Henry Paulson and Victor Miller

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UIRF Ref. No: 06012

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF BRAIN CANCER

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Rajeev Vibhakar, Beverly L. Davidson, and Anup Madan

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UIRF Ref. No: 06006

COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING HEARING LOSS AND METHODS OF USE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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

INVENTORS

Richard Smith

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UIRF Ref. No: 05064

VACCINE FORMULATIONS FOR LEISHMANIA

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Mary Wilson, Daniella Martins, John Donelson, Selma Jeronimo, Kevin Bruhns, Noah Craft, and Jeffrey Miller

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UIRF Ref. No: 05055

LECTIN BINDING TO CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The invention provides a method of identifying choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a subject, comprising (a) contacting a Choroidal membrane and or Bruchs membrane of the subject with a lectin; (b) assessing the binding of said lectin to said Choroidal membrane and/or Bruchs 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.

INVENTORS

Robert Mullins

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UIRF Ref. No: 05016

USE OF THE SODIUM IODINE SYMPORTER TO EFECT UPTAKE OF IODINE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 (NIS). Head and Neck, 26(3)2004, 265-271

INVENTORS

Frederick Domann, Andrew Gaut, Douglas Trask, Gang Niu, and Kimberly Krager

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 05014

OPIOID RECEPTOR LIGANDS AND METHODS FOR THEIR PREPARATION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Thomas Prisinzano

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UIRF Ref. No: 05005

COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS RELATED TO MODIFIED RETROVIRAL VECTORS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Paul B. McCray, Jr. Patrick L. Sinn, Dan Voytas and Junbiao Dai

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UIRF Ref. No: 05004

A BARDET-BIEDL SUSCEPTIBILITY GENE AND USES THEREOF

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Edwin Stone, Val Sheffield, Thomas Casavant, Terry Braun, and Darryl Nishimura

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

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UIRF Ref. No: 04051

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR SCREENING INVOLVING ENDOTHELIAL CELLS UNDER SHEARING CONDITIONS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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).

INVENTORS

Khalid Kader and Christian H. Coyle

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UIRF Ref. No: 04033M

METHODS OF INHIBITING MANGANESE-CONTAINING SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE 2 (MNSOD)

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Douglas Trask andJonathan Bock

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UIRF Ref. No: 04033V

METHODS OF INHIBITING VEGF-C

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Douglas Trask and Jonathan Bock

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 04033C

METHODS OF INHIBITING COX-2

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Douglas Trask and Jonathan Bock

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 04028

ANTIBODIES TO PHOSPHORYLATED TAU, METHODS OF MAKING AND METHODS OF USE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Gloria Lee

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UIRF Ref. No: 04007

RNA INTERFERENCE IN RESPIRATORY CELLS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Paul McCray, Beverly Davidson, Anthony Fischer, Hong Peng Jia, Maureen Donovan, Patrick Sinn and Mark Behlke

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

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UIRF Ref. No: 03075

METHOD AND KIT FOR IDENTIFYING VANCOMYCIN-RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCUS (VRE)

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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

INVENTORS

Kirsty Dodgson

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UIRF Ref. No: 03068

POLYSACCHARIDES AND METHODS AND INTERMEDIATES USEFUL FOR THEIR PREPARATION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Robert Linhardt, Nathalie Karst, Tasneem Islam

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

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UIRF Ref. No: 05026

GB VIRUS C (HEPATITIS G VIRUS) NS5A PROTEIN FOR THE TREATMENT OF HIV

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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, Martinez-Smith C, Gale Jr. M, Chang Q, LaBrecque DR, Schmidt WN, Stapleton JT. GB Virus type C NS5A sequence polymorphisms: Association with interferon susceptibility and inhibition of PKR-mediated eIF-2a phosphorylation. In Press. J Interferon Cytokine Res, 2005

INVENTORS

Jack T. Stapleton, Jinhua Xiang, Qing Chang and James McLinden

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UIRF Ref. No: 03053

GB VIRUS C (HEPATITIS G VIRUS) FOR THE TREATMENT OF HIV

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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

INVENTORS

Jack T. Stapleton, Jinhua Xiang and Donna Klinzman

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

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UIRF Ref. No: 03021

FULL-LENGTH GB VIRUS C (HEPATITIS G VIRUS) RNA TRANSCRIPTS ARE INFECTIOUS IN PRIMARY CD4 POSITIVE T CELLS AND METHODS OF TREATING HIV

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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

INVENTORS

Jack Stapleton, Jinhua Xing and Sarah George

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00046

FULL-LENGTH GB VIRUS C (HEPATITIS G VIRUS) RNA TRANSCRIPTS ARE INFECTIOUS IN PRIMARY CD4 POSITIVE T CELLS AND METHODS OF TREATING HIV

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Jack Stapleton, Jinhua Xing, Sabina Wunschmann, and Warren Schmidt

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 03052

CHLORHEXIDINE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THEIR SYNTHESIS AND USE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

David Drake and Cindy Marek

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 03047

METHODS AND COMPOSITIOS RELATED TO HIGH-TITER PSEUDOTYPED RETROVIRUSES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Paul McCray, Patrick Sinn and Hung Fan

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

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UIRF Ref. No: 03025

TOTAL SYNTHESIS OF DAURICHROMENIC ACID (ANTI-HIV NATURAL PRODUCT)

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Zhendong Jin and Ying Kang

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UIRF Ref. No: 03024

DNA-DEPENDENT MRI CONTRAST AGENTS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Sonya Franklin

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 02059

BARDET-BIEDL SUSCEPTIBILITY GENE AND USES THEREOF

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Val C. Sheffield, Edwin Stone, Kirk Mykytyn, Darryl Nishimura, and Charles Searby

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 02013

REGENERATED CELLULOSE AND OXIDIZED REGENERATED CELLULOSE MEMBRANES AS POTENTIAL BIODEGRADABLE SCAFFOLDS FOR DRUG DELIVERY AND TISSUE ENGINEERING

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Vijay Kumar

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 01038

BARDET-BIEDL SUSCEPTIBILITY GENE AND USES THEREOF

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Val C. Sheffield, Edwin Stone, Kirk Mykytyn

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 99028

ALPHA HELICAL PEPTIDES WITH BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY THAT ARE INSENSITIVE TO SALT

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Brian Tack, Paul McCray, Michael Welsh, Sue Travis, Robert Lehrer

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 01024

NEW PROCESS FOR PREPARING SAPONIN COMPOUNDS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Zhendong Jin and Wensheng Yu

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 01007

NOVEL AUTOINDUCER MOLECULES AND USES THEREFOR

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

E. Pete Greenberg, Barbara Iglewski, Andrew Kende, Jared Milbank, James Pearson, Everett Pesci

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00066

S-METHYLCYSTEINE, S-ETHYLCYSTEINE AND RELATED S-ALKYLTHIOLS AS ANTAGONISTS TO THE EFFECTS OFS-NITROSOTHIOLS AND NITRIC OXIDE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

James N. Bates and Stephen Lewis

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00052

NEW GENE THERAPY FOR CANCER UTILIZING Ad-TRAIL

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Tom Griffith and Tim Ratliff

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00031

POWDERED/MICROFRIBRILLATED OXIDIZED CELLULOSE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Vijay Kumar

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00027

BIODEGRADEABLE OXIDIZED CELLULOSE ESTERS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Vijay Kumar; Yang Dong

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00022

POWDERED OXIDIZED CELLULOSE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Vijay Kumar

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 04023

BIODEGRADABLE OXIDIZED CELLULOSE ESTERS AND THEIR USES AS MICROSPHERES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Drug delivery field of use is not available for licensing.
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.

INVENTORS

Vijay Kumar and Yang Dong

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 06089

CELLULOSE BASED HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

An inventor at The University of Iowa has found that cellulose-based pliable and porous prosthesis structures can be molded into a solid matrix and formed to various geometries such as thin films, membranes, hollow tubes, heart valves, including an aortic heart valve. The porous prosthesis structures provide cell adhesive sites for in-growth, provide geometrical guidance to the attached cells, and can bear the stresses encountered with positioning in different parts of the body.

BENEFITS

• Porous prosthesis structures can support cell adhesion and growth, allowing use in a variety of surgical and/or implantation applications such as, for example, heart valve replacement surgery
• Fabrication is simple, cost effective and allows construction of the porous prosthetics in a single piece
• Cellulose is a natural biostable and biocompatible polymer material
• Modifications of the physical characteristics of the resulting prosthesis, such as pore size, wall thickness, surface chemistry, and mechanical and hemodynamic properties can be readily and simply achieved.

INVENTORS

Vijay Kumar

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00015

RAPID GENERATION OF RECOMBINANT ADENOVIRAL VECTORS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 Publication: 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.

INVENTORS

Richard Anderson, Beverly L. Davidson, Ronald Haskell, and Haibin Xia

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00011

VARIANT VARICELLA-ZOSTER VIRUSES AND METHODS OF USE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Charles Grose and Richard Santos

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 98079

THERAPEUTICS AND DIAGNOSTICS FOR OCULAR ABNORMALITIES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Gregory Hageman and Markus Kuehn

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 99059

DIAGNOSTICS AND THERAPEUTICS FOR ARTERIAL WALL DISRUPTIVE DISORDERS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Gregory Hageman

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 99039

METHOD FOR INHIBITING INFLAMMATORY RESPONSES, INCLUDING ASTHMA

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Timothy Ratliff and Joel Kline

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 99038

MACULAR DEGENERATION DIAGNOSTICS AND THERAPEUTICS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 Publication: 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.

INVENTORS

Edwin Stone and Val Sheffield

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 99017

HIV-ENCODED CHEMOATTRACTANT

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

David R. Soll and Damon Shutt

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 98068

METHODS TO IDENTIFY MODULATORS OF FKHL7 DNA-BINDING ACTIVITY

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Val C. Sheffield, Wallace L.M. Alward, Edwin M. Stone, Darryl Nishimura, and Shiva Patil

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 98048

METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING PROSTATE CANCER BY IRON REDUCTION IN A HUMAN

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

John Kemp and Robert Dreicer

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 98030

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CATARACTS (Gene PITX3)

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Jeff Murray and Elena Semina

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 97058

FE(O)-BASED BIOREMEDIATION OF AQUIFERS CONTAMINATED WITH MIXED WASTES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Pedro J. Alvarez, Brian A. Till, Lenly J. Weathers, Gene F. Parkin and Jerald L. Schnoor

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 96053

DNA SEQUENCES ENCODING A BRAIN SODIUM CHANNEL PROTEIN

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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, Alzheimers, 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.

INVENTORS

Michael J. Welsh and Margaret P. Price

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 96037

POSITIVELY-CHARGED OLIGONUCLEOTIDES AS POTENTIAL REGULATORS OF GENE EXPRESSION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Daniel Weeks and John Dagle

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 96031

PEPTIDE TAG FOR IMMUNODETECTION AND IMMUNOPURIFICATION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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, or 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.

INVENTORS

Charles Grose, Pediatrics Department

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 96020

HEPATITIS C VIRUS Fc-BINDING FUNCTION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Jack Stapleton, Jian-Qiu Han, Douglas LaBrecque, and Warren Schmidt

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 95052

ß-Sarcoglycan Nucleic Acid Sequence, and Nucleic Acid Probes

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Kevin Campbell, et. al., Physiology & Biophysics

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 95034

METHODS FOR DETECTING PRIMARY SARCOGLYCANOPATHY

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Kevin P. Campbell, Steven L. Roberds, Yoshihide Sunada, Frederica Piccolo, Marc Jeanpierre, and Jean-Claude Kaplan}Co-Owner: INSERM

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 95008

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS AND USES OF INORGANIC PYROPHOSPHATE (PPi)

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Michael J. Welsh

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 95007

BACTERIAL NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE AND METHODS FOR USE OF THE SAME

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

John P. Rosazza and Yijun Chen

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 94020

POTENTIAL USE OF HUMAN THROMBOMODULIN IN ACCELERATION OF WOUND HEALING

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Steven Lentz, Thomas Raife, and Donna Lager

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 93028

CAPILLARY BED ELECTROPHORESIS FOR POTENTIAL PREPARATIVE (LARGE-SCALE) RESOLUTION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Ravindra Datta and Robert A. Beardsley

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 91036

METHOD FOR DETECTING CARDIOMYOPATHY

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Kevin P. Campbell, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 89012

ELECTROPHORESIS-BASED SEQUENCING FOR ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF NEUTRAL OR WEAKLY ACIDIC OLIGOSACCHARIDES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Robert Linhardt, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 89011

MEASURING NON-DYSTROPHIN PROTEINS AND DIAGNOSING MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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., Duchennes or Beckers; 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).

INVENTORS

Kevin Campbell, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 88033

ADDITIVE TO ENHANCE SURVIVAL AND FUNCTION OF TRANSFUSED PLATELETS BY CONTROL OF pH DURING BLOOD STORAGE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Theodore Koerner

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 86008

DIHYDROPYRIDINE RECEPTOR AND MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES FOR IMMUNOPRECIPITATION FROM SKELETAL MUSCLE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Kevin P. Campbell, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 84004(a)

HEPARIN FRAGMENTS WITH REDUCED ANTICOAGULATION ACTIVITY AS INHIBITORS OF COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Robert Linhardt, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 06035

APPARATUS AND SEMICONDUCTOR CO-CRYSTAL

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Leonard R. MacGillivray and Anatoliy N. Sokolov

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 05020

MILD METHODS FOR GENERATING PATTERNED SILICON SURFACES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Ned Bowden

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 04081

DATA STORAGE MATERIALS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Leonard R. MacGillivray

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 03070

METHOD FOR PREPARING LADDERANES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Leonard R. MacGillivray

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 03068

METHOD FOR SYNTHESIZING GLYCOAMINOGLYCANS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Robert Linhardt, Nathalie Karst Tasneem Islam

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 03007

MAGNETICALLY MODIFIED PARTICLES AND ELECTRODES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Johna Leddy and Pengcheng Zou

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 02088

CARBOXYLIC ACID REDUCTASE POLYPEPTIDE, NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCE ENCODING SAME AND METHODS OF USE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

John Rosazza, Ian Fotheringham, Lacy Daniels, Tao Li

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

EP, Canada, Australia Patent Applications Filed

U.S. Patent 7,056,714 issued on June 6, 2006

U.S. Patent 7,425,433 issued on September 16, 2008

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 02086

GAS STORAGE MATERIALS AND DEVICES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Leonard R. MacGillivray and Giannis Papaefstathiou

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 02023

ISOFLAVONE AND TRITERPENE GLYCOSIDES FROM SOYBEANS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

John Rosazza and Mohammed Hosny

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 01014

ARTIFICIAL ENDONUCLEASE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Sonya Franklin

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 99047g,99040g,99048g,99041g

PRODUCTION OF GLYOXYLIC ACID

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The University of Iowa Research Foundation owns domestic and international patent rights to proprietary processes for the production of glyoxylic acid from glycolic acid and oxygen in the presence of a whole cell catalyst containing enzymes glycolate oxidase and catalase. These processes are run under relatively mild conditions, produce higher yields of glyoxylic acid compared with other processes, and generates fewer undesirable waste streams. The primary use of glyoxylic acid is in the production of synthetic vanillin. Vanillin is used predominantly in flavorings, fragrances, pharmaceutical intermediates, agrochemical production and industrial chemicals.

INVENTORS

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 99045g

PRODUCTION OF PYRUVIC ACID

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The University of Iowa Research Foundation owns domestic and international patent rights to a proprietary process for the production of pyruvic acid and its derivatives. This process converts a low cost form of lactic acid into pyruvic acid by using a whole cell catalyst. Pyruvic acids, salts, and esters are most notably used in specialty / niche markets as a chemical intermediate in the manufacturing of products such as cosmetics, a semiconductor cleaning agent, a substrate from amino acid synthesis, and a neutralizing agent in a disinfecting system for contact lenses. Ethyl and methyl pyruvate are becoming more attractive intermediate candidates in the manufacture of new agrochemicals. Pyruvic acid is also used in the manufacture of calcium pyruvate, which is marketed as a dietary supplement.

INVENTORS

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 99042g,99043g,99044g,99046g,99047g

PRODUCTION OF GLYPHOSATE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The University of Iowa Research Foundation owns domestic and international patent rights to proprietary processes for the production of glyphosate. Glyphosate is a highly effective, non-selective, post emergent herbicide that provides low cost control of grasses and most broadleaf weeds.

INVENTORS

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 99001

NAPHTHALENE DIOXYGENASE COMPOUNDS AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Rebecca Parales, David Gibson, Sol Resnick, and Kyoung Lee

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 98032

CHEMICAL SENSING ARRAY AND SENSOR STRUCTURE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Jonathan Dordick, Jungbae Kim, and Xiaoqiu Wu

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 98011

MOLTEN METAL CATALYST FOR USE IN COMMERCIAL CATALYTIC REACTIONS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Ravindra Datta, Ajeet Singh, Istvan Halasz, and Manuela Serban

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 97015

METHOD FOR SYNTHESIZING C-GLYCOSIDES OF ULOSONIC ACIDS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Robert Linhardt, Iontcho Vlahov

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 96012

OPTICAL SENSOR WITH RADIOLUMINESCENT LIGHT SOURCE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

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.

INVENTORS

Han Chuang and Mark Arnold

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 94005

MAGNETIC COMPOSITES EXHIBITING DISTINCT FLUX PROPERTIES DUE TO GRADIENT INTERFACES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 include batteries (longer life cycle, shorter discharge and recharge), fuel cells (higher flux through greater efficiency and improved kinetics), electrosynthesis (organic electrofluoridation as well as inorganic applications), and others : photo cells, photo voltaics, solar cells, depositions / plating.

INVENTORS

Johna Leddy et al, Chemistry Department

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 93043

COST EFFECTIVE SUGAR-BASED BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS (#91-26 & #88-30)

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 and 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).

INVENTORS

Jonathan Dordick, David Rethwisch and Damodar Patil

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 86012

CATALYST DISPERSED IN SUPPORTED MOLTEN SALT

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Darrell Eyman and Ravindra Datta

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 08027

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR COMPUTING REGIONAL STATISTICAL DISTRIBUTION OVER A MEAN ATOMIC SPACE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This technology relates to quantitative medical image analysis and understanding regional responses of a disease or treatment by computing regional statistical distribution of at least one quantitative measure over a mean anatomic space.

The invention, known as the Active Index Model (AIM) consists of apparatus and methods to compute regional statistical distributions to provide a point-by-point comparison of different parameters from one or multiple predefined clinical populations.

INVENTORS

Punam Kumar Saha and Milan Sonka

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Patent Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 08021

MATERIAL PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHODS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

This technology relates to the identification of properties of nonlinear elastic materials, and to a system and methods of delineating distributive elastic properties, including thin-walled membrane structures.

The system and methods would be useful for analysis of the elastic properties of biological tissues as well as construction materials.

Unlike current methods, the technology is useful for in vivo measurements and account for heterogeneous, point-wise, distribution of properties.

INVENTORS

Jia Lu and Xuefeng Zhao

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Patent Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 05074

EARLY HASH JOIN

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Ramon Lawrence

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 05047

PHONETICS DATABASE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Jerald Moon

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 04044

RAPID COMPUTATIONAL IDENTIFICATION OF TARGETS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 drugs range of application and opening further commercial markets.

INVENTORS

Adrian Elcock and William Rockey

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 03036

METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR DEGRADATION OF NITROAROMATIC AND NITRAMINE POLLUTANTS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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).

INVENTORS

Jerald Schnoor and Benoit Van Aken

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 02072

SYSTEM FOR HANDICAPPED ACCESS TO MARK-SENSE BALLOTS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Douglas W. Jones

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 02046

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY ANALYZING A MOBILE OBJECT

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

David R. Soll and Edward Voss

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 01042

MULTIPLE BEAM LIDAR FOR WIND MEASUREMENT

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

William Eichinger and John Krieger

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00083

UNIPOLAR SPIN DIODE AND TRANSISTOR

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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

INVENTORS

Michael Flatte and Giovanni Vignale

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00073

PASSIVE OPTICAL POWER EQUALIZER FOR FIBER OPTIC NETWORKS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

David Andersen and Winston Chan

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 97066

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EFFLUENTS IN TREATMENT SYSTEMS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Sanjay S. Singhvi and Jerald L. Schnoor

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 97057

ITERATIVE ALGORITHM FOR CONE-BEAM X-RAY MICROTOMOGRAPHY

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 X-ray CT and industrial nondestructive evaluation. This invention describes the optimal iterative process for CT in cone-beam and other geometries. This technique can be applied in many practical cases where projection data are incomplete and noisy, and existing algorithms cannot be satisfactorily used for image reconstruction.

INVENTORS

Ge Wang, Michael Vannier, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 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 BUFFERS OUTPUT STREAM

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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, and 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.

INVENTORS

Chaewoo Lee and Mark Andersland

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 93020

TERNARY SULFIDE ALLOYS THAT SHOW THERMAL BISTABILITY FOR A RANGE OF TEMPERATURES AND PROPERTIES USEFUL FOR SWITCHING ELEMENTS IN MICROELECTRONICS, THERMOSTATS, THERMAL RELAYS, OPTICAL RECORDING AND MEMORY MEDIA.

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Lee Martinson, John Schweitzer and Norman Baenziger

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 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

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

John T. Bahns

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 86025

AXIAL-TORSIONAL EXTENSOMETER FOR DETERMINATION OF MULTIAXIAL PLASTIC DEFORMATION AND DETERMINATION OF FATIGUE FRACTURE UNDER A MODERATELY LARGE STRAIN RANGE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Han-Chin Wu, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 07084

DENTAL COMPOSITE SCULPTING BRUSHES

TECH FIELDS

• Medical Device
• Dental Tool

FEATURES

• Stainless steel, anodized aluminum, or non-metal composite-epoxy type material handle
• Removable brushes
• Numerous brush shapes and bristle types
• Large diameter brush handle

BENEFITS

• Handles are sterilizable long-term at high temperatures, brushes may also be heat sterilized for a limited number of procedures
• Potential for interchangeable brush tips, allows for easy tip replacement for cost effectiveness
• Multiple brush shapes allow for multiple resin shaping applications
• Multiple bristle types can be specialized for each form of resin
• Large diameter handle is easy to hold and manipulate, thus reducing the strain often encountered during resin application
• Ease of use allows for quicker dental procedures

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

The invention is a brush for shaping dental resin composite before it hardens on the tooth. The brush has a handle that is able to withstand high temperature sterilization, and is also larger in diameter making it easier to hold. There may be one brush attached at each end of the instrument that is removable and disposable. The two ends may be positioned at specific, unique angles, thus helping it to reach different areas in the mouth. There are different sizes of tips, including: small pointed, medium pointed, and flat. The brushes are available in various types of bristles such as sable for less viscous resin, and nylon for more viscous resin.

INVENTOR

Michael Meharry

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Filed

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 01058

DEVICE AND METHOD OFR OPTICAL IMAGING OF RETINAL FUNCTION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

An optical imaging device of retinal function comprising a fundus camera for providing a patterned moving visual stimulus to a subject in a green wavelength portion of the visual spectrum. The device simultaneously images the fundus in a layer wavelength range. Changes in reflected intensity from the retina due to the stimulus is recorded as various layers of the retina are interrogated at different wavelengths. The device provides a more effective eye examination to diagnose retinal disorders such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

INVENTORS

Randy Kardon, Young Kwon, Daniel Tso and Peter Soliz

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 05053

VENTRICULOSTOMY CATHETER WITH ULTRASOUND CAPABILITY

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Sebastian Schulz-Stbner

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 03012

BRANCH VESSEL STENT AND GRAFT FOR REPAIRING ANEURYSMS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Jamal Hoballah and William Barnhart

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 03008

SYSTEM FOR 3D BIOLUMINESCENT COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC RECONSTRUCTION

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Ge Wang, Eric Hoffman and Geoffrey McLennan

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 02077

SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION USING A GRANGEAT APPROACH

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Ge Wang and Seung Wook Lee

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 02011

INTERACTIVE BREAST EXAMINATION TRAINING MODEL

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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).

INVENTORS

Alicia Weissman, Greg Gerling, Edwin Dove, and Geb Thomas

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00075

ELECTRODE ARRAY WITH A FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATE FOR NEUROLOGICAL APPLICATIONS

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Matthew Howard, Chris Coretsopoulos and Winston Chan

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 00038

SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR BOLUS-CHASING ANGIOGRAPHY WITH ADAPTIVE REAL-TIME COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT)

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 X-ray CT angiography that relies on bolus peak prediction, real-time CT observation and adaptive table translation. In particular, the discrepancy between the bolus location predicted by a bolus propagation model and the real-time CT measurement is reconciled via a computerized predictor such as a linear extrapolator or a Kalman filter and fed into an adaptive table transport system to drive the table to contrast the bolus accordingly.

INVENTORS

Ge Wang and Michael Vannier

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 98064

BRACHYTHERAPY POSITIONING DEVICE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

William Barnhart

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 98055

SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR UNRAVELING CURVED CROSS-SECTIONS SUCH AS THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 structures 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.

INVENTORS

Ge Wang, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 97074

SELF-CLEARING BONE BITING SURGICAL INSTRUMENT

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Matthew Howard

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 97073

SINGLE-HANDED CATHETER ADVANCING ASSEMBLY AND SOFT PASSING DEVICE

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Matthew Howard, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 97053

POSTERIOR SHUNT OPERATION BURR HOLE LOCALIZER

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 patients 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 patients 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 patients head in relation to the supraorbital rims and the superior attachment point of the patients external ears in order to define an optimum location for a posterior burr hole site.

INVENTORS

Matthew Howard

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 97016

REMOTE CONTROLLED SURGICAL COAGULATOR SYSTEM

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Matthew Howard, et. al.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 96050

ANORECTAL MANOMETRY CATHETER

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Satish S. C. Rao

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 96008

SURGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR EXTRACTING TISSUE INGROWTH FROM A PERMEABLE MEMBER OF AN IMPLANTED CATHETER

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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 wedges 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.

INVENTORS

William Barnhart

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 95046

SURGICALLY IMPLANTABLE FASTENING SYSTEM

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Joon Park, Vijay Goel, Malcolm Pope, and James Weinstein

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 88008

NEW, IMPROVED SINGLE PHOTON EMISSION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (SPECT) SYSTEM, TO PRODUCE TRANSAXIAL IMAGES IN A PLURALITY OF TRANSAXIAL PLANES THROUGH A BODY

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

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.

INVENTORS

Chang and Kirchner

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

CONTACT INFORMATION

UIRF Ref. No: 05065

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING PHYSICIAN ADHERENCE TO GUIDELINES

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

Methods and systems for determining and comparing physician adherence to guidelines. The methods comprise receiving patient data, scoring criteria, determining domain and overall scores, and comparing said scores. The method provides a list of criteria and a scoring algorithm for deriving adherence scores useful for evaluating physician care. The methods allow for the comparison of standards of care between physicians, facilities, and between classes of patients.

This technology allows simultaneous measurement of hypertensive patients with co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, myocardial infarction, CAD and stroke. The technology generates numerical scores for patient cases so that physicians and clinics may be able to evaluate how they compare to other practices when evaluating quality of care.

Relevant Publication: Milchak, JL, Carter, BL, Ardery, G, Black, HR, Bakris, GL, Jones, DW, and Kreiter, CD. Development of explicit criteria to measure adherence to hypertension guidelines. Journal of Human Hypertension, 2006, 20, 426-433.

INVENTORS

MBarry Carter, Gail Ardery, George Bakris, Henry Black, Daniel Jones, and Jessica Milchak

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATUS

Patent applications pending

CONTACT INFORMATION