WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160135452 | METHODS TO CONVERT LIGNIN TO PHENOLIC AND CARBOXYLATE COMPOUNDS - A method of converting lignin to phenolic compounds and dicarboxylates in high yield is described. The method involves the use of peroxy acids to react with lignin at a moderated treatment conditions. The peroxy acids can be used along or in combination of other catalysts that have the capability to lower the molecular weight of lignin. A phenolic compounds yield is achieved (>60%) and these phenolic compounds represents high value precursors for various applications include but not limited to antioxidants, health improvement agents, anticorrosive agents, liquid fuel components and performance enhancing agents, resin and adhesives. Dicarboxylic acids can be used for polymer applications or hydrodeoxygenation to hydrocarbon fuel. | 05-19-2016 |
20160083742 | Modified Plants for Producing Aroma/Fine/Specialty Chemicals - The present disclosure describes genetically modified plants that contain one or more exogenous genes associated with aroma/fine/specialty compound biosynthesis, which are capable of producing aroma/fine/specialty compounds. | 03-24-2016 |
20150337024 | NOVEL LEAD COMPOUND FOR OTOPROTECTION: TARGETING HGF SIGNALING WITH DIHEXA - A novel method of preventing or reducing ototoxicity in vertebrates undergoing treatment with therapeutically effective amounts of platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin or aminoglycoside antibiotics is disclosed herein. The method(s) comprise administering an effective amount of an otoprotective agent comprising Dihexa prior to, concomitantly with, or subsequently to administration of the platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent or aminoglycoside antibiotic. | 11-26-2015 |
20150327522 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OR PREVENTING CONDITIONS AND DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH MANNHEIMIA HAEMOLYTICA - Particular aspects show that the signal peptide remains intact on the mature CD18 molecule on ruminant leukocytes rendering these cells susceptible to cytolysis by Lkt. Comparative amino acid sequence analysis of the signal peptide of CD18 of eight ruminants and five non-ruminants revealed that the ruminant CD18 signal peptides contain ‘cleavage-inhibiting’ glutamine (Q), compared to ‘cleavage-conducive’ glycine in non-ruminants, at position −5 relative to the cleavage site. Mutagenesis of Q at position −5 of the bovine CD18 signal peptide to G resulted in the abrogation of Lkt-mediated cytolysis of transfectants expressing bovine CD18 carrying the Q(−5)G mutation. Provided is novel technology to clone cattle and other ruminants expressing CD18 without the signal peptide on their leukocytes, providing ruminants that are less susceptible to | 11-19-2015 |
20150239812 | PROCESS FOR MAKING BIOBASED FUEL ADDITIVES - Wholly biobased MTBE and ETBE fuel additive materials are described, together with fuel compositions including such additives and processes for making the wholly biobased MTBE and ETBE using isobutene prepared from acetic acid in the presence of a Zn | 08-27-2015 |
20150239803 | PROCESS FOR MAKING BIOBASED ISOPRENE - Processes are described for making biobased isoprene, wherein a biobased isobutene prepared from acetic acid in the presence of a catalyst is combined with a formaldehyde source to form a reaction mixture, and the reaction mixture is reacted to yield biobased isoprene. In certain embodiments, methyl-tert-butyl ether prepared by reacting the same biobased isobutene with methanol serves as a formaldehyde source, being oxidatively cracked to produce formaldehyde as well as isobutene for being converted to the biobased isoprene. | 08-27-2015 |
20150239800 | PROCESS AND CATALYST FOR CONVERSION OF ACETIC ACID TO ISOBUTENE AND PROPYLENE - A process is disclosed for converting acetic acid to propylene and isobutene as the principal hydrocarbon products made, in the presence of a catalyst and in the further presence of hydrogen. In certain embodiments, a Zn | 08-27-2015 |
20150239799 | PROCESS AND CATALYST FOR CONVERSION OF ACETIC ACID TO ISOBUTENE - A process is disclosed for converting acetic acid to isobutene in the presence of a catalyst. In certain embodiments, a Zn | 08-27-2015 |
20150218077 | PROCESSES FOR MAKING METHACRYLIC ACID - Processes are described for making methacrylic acid via methacrolein from a biobased isobutene, wherein the biobased isobutene is prepared from ethanol or from acetic acid in the presence of a Zn | 08-06-2015 |
20150217273 | STABLE MIXED OXIDE CATALYSTS FOR DIRECT CONVERSION OF ETHANOL TO ISOBUTENE AND PROCESS FOR MAKING | 08-06-2015 |
20150210608 | RENEWABLE ISOBUTENE AND ISOPRENE FROM A MIXTURE OF ACETIC ACID AND PROPIONIC ACID - A process is described for making renewable isobutene and renewable isoprene, comprising converting a mixed acid feed including acetic acid and propionic acid to a product mixture including isobutene and at least one or both of 2-methyl-1-butene and 2-methyl-2-butene in the presence of a catalyst, separating isobutene from the product mixture and dehydrogenating either or both of the 2-methyl-1-butene and 2-methyl-2-butene in the remainder to provide isoprene. | 07-30-2015 |
20150201538 | Red rasberry cultivar 'Cascade Harvest' - This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of red raspberry plant ( | 07-16-2015 |
20150099868 | APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR PREPARING REACTIVE LIGNIN WITH HIGH YIELD FROM PLANT BIOMASS FOR PRODUCTION OF FUELS AND CHEMICALS - Provided are methods for aqueous isolation of depolymerized lignin in high yield from a lignin-containing biomass composition, comprising positioning a lignin-containing biomass composition into a flowthrough thermal reactor chamber to provide for passage of an aqueous fluid therethrough, contacting the lignin biomass composition with the aqueous fluid under elevated temperature conditions sufficient to provide for lignin release and depolymerization, flowing the aqueous fluid through the reactor chamber under the elevated temperature conditions, to provide an output aqueous fluid comprising released depolymerized lignin, and collecting the depolymerized lignin. Particular aspects further comprise hydrogenation and/or hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of the released depolymerized lignin with a catalyst or catalyst system for deconstruction of the released depolymerized lignin into lower molecular weight reactive lignin moieties and oligomers amenable for subsequent removal of oxygen to produce hydrocarbon fuels and/or chemicals and/or compounds. Systems for practicing the methods are also provided, along with highly purified depolymerized lignin. | 04-09-2015 |
20140332331 | LINEAR MR-BRAKE AS A HIGH FORCE AND LOW OFF-STATE FRICTION ACTUATOR - A novel method and apparatus is introduced to provide a new and robust alternative design for linear magnetorheological (MR) brakes, i.e. MR-brakes. The novel embodiments herein combines a serpentine flux path concept to eliminate conventional piston-cylinder arrangements and as a beneficial result when coupled with the linear brake embodiment disclosed herein, significantly reduce off-state friction and facilitates such devices to provide longer stroke length (i.e., infinite stroke lengths) beyond that as provided in conventional systems. The present linear brake embodiments disclosed herein thus provides, for example, for a ratio of the off-state friction force to the maximum force output at about 3% compared to 10% up to about 27% for similar conventional/commercial brake mechanisms. At the same time, the compactness is beneficially improved be being about half the size of a commercially available product.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Paul_Patent_2939952_Fig5.gif | 11-13-2014 |
20140315085 | BATTERIES WITH NANOSTRUCTURED ELECTRODES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Several embodiments related to batteries having electrodes with nanostructures, compositions of such nanostructures, and associated methods of making such electrodes are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for producing an anode suitable for a lithium-ion battery comprising preparing a surface of a substrate material and forming a plurality of conductive nanostructures on the surface of the substrate material via electrodeposition without using a template. | 10-23-2014 |
20140312942 | PHASE-LOCKED LOOP OUTPUTS WITH REDUCED REFERENCE SPURS AND NOISE - In some examples, a circuit is described. The circuit may include a voltage-controlled oscillator that may be configured to generate an output signal. The circuit may also include a control signal generation unit that may be configured to generate a control signal based on the output signal. The control signal generation unit may also be configured to provide the control signal to the voltage-controlled oscillator. The voltage-controlled oscillator and the control signal generation unit may be part of a phase-locked loop (PLL) included in the circuit. The circuit may also include a feed-forward network. The feed-forward network may be configured to provide a portion of the control signal to the voltage-controlled oscillator. The voltage-controlled oscillator may generate the output signal based on the control signal from the control signal generation unit and the portion of the control signal from the feed-forward network. | 10-23-2014 |
20140308696 | REACTION-BASED FLUORESCENT PROBES FOR SULFANE SULFUR AND THE APPLICATION IN BIOIMAGING - Reaction-based fluorscent probes are provided which detect, for example, biologically important sulfane sulfur species (persulfide, polysulfide, and elemental sulfur) in, for example, complex and living systems. The probes are high in selectivity and sensitivity to sulfane sulfurs. Moreover, probes are suitable for bioimaging sulfane sulfurs in living cells. | 10-16-2014 |
20140283151 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY, RESISTANCE, OR TOLERANCE TO INFECTION BY MYCOBACTERIA AND BOVINE PARATUBERCULOSIS USING PROMOTER VARIANTS OF EDN2 - Provided are methods for determining susceptibility, resistance or tolerance to | 09-18-2014 |
20140215570 | Systems and Methods for Collecting and Accruing Labor Activity Data Under Many-to-Many Employment Relation and with Distributed Access - A system and methods enable distributed users to have controlled and distributed access to labor data, and the labor data are produced as the results of monitoring and accruing labor activities with many-to-many employment relation. One method further comprises: (1) a method of importing data as the result of monitoring labor activities, and resolving the employment relation under which a labor activity is performed; (2) a method of accruing labor activities using input data according to the employment relation identified by method (1), and; (3) a method of enabling controlled access to labor and payroll data for distributed users. Labor monitoring software system (a) accrues labor activities from field-collected labor monitoring data, (b) identifies the employment relation, and (c) prepares payroll report based on the terms defined in the employment relation. Authorized users may access the data in raw or processed format from a variety of Internet-connected devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. The system may be used in a variety of applications in which an employee has multiple employers, and distributed access to labor data is needed. | 07-31-2014 |
20140213758 | VERSATILE NATIVE CHEMICAL LIGATION TECHNOLOGIES - Novel methods of native chemical ligation are provided. The methods involve reacting a thioacid (e.g. a peptide thioacid) with an aziridinyl compound (e.g. an aziridinyl peptide) or glycosylamine under mild conditions without the use of protecting groups, and without requiring that a cysteine residue be present in the ligation product. Initial coupling of the thioacid and the aziridinyl compound yields a ligation product containing an aziridinyl ring. Optional subsequent opening of the aziridinyl ring (e.g. via a nucleophilic attack) produces a linearized and modified ligation product. Coupling of a peptide thioacid and glycosylamine yields a glycosylated peptide. | 07-31-2014 |
20140212768 | FLEXIBLE SOLID STATE CONDUCTORS INCLUDING POLYMER MIXED WITH PROTEIN - Various embodiments of solid-state conductors containing solid polymer electrolytes, electronic devices incorporating the solid-sate conductors, and associated methods of manufacturing are described herein. In one embodiment, a solid-state conductor includes poly(ethylene oxide) having molecules with a molecular weight of about 200 to about 8×10 | 07-31-2014 |
20140206540 | Methods for Improving Fruit Production and Fruit Quality - Disclosed herein are methods for improving fruit production or fruit quality in fruit trees, such as decreasing cold damage, increasing fruit size, increasing fruit quality, and/or increasing fruit set. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods include methods of decreasing cold damage to a fruit tree including applying an effective amount of a composition including DL-β-aminobutyric acid to the fruit tree, thereby decreasing cold damage, for example as compared to a control. In other embodiments, the disclosed methods include methods of increasing fruit size or fruit quality of fruit from a fruit tree, including applying an effective amount of a composition including prohexadione-calcium to the fruit tree after anthesis, thereby increasing fruit size or fruit quality, for example as compared to a control. In further embodiments, the disclosed methods include methods of increasing fruit size of fruit from a fruit tree or increasing fruit set of a fruit tree including applying an effective amount of a composition including 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid to the fruit tree, thereby increasing fruit size or fruit set, for example as compared to a control. | 07-24-2014 |
20140194331 | HIGH PERFORMANCE BIOHYDRAULIC FLUID - A biohydraulic fluid which has high performance attributes and which is environmentally acceptable includes trimethylolpropane (TMP) esterified to monounsaturated fatty acids of unsaturated vegetable oils or vegetable oil blends. The process for making the TMP esters can be accomplished in a manner similar to biodiesel production wherein methyl oleates obtained from reacting methanol with the vegetable oils or vegetable oil blends are reacted with TMP. Production of the TMP esters can be achieved without the use of catalysts. | 07-10-2014 |
20140128650 | RENEWABLE OLEFINS FROM A MIXTURE OF ACETIC ACID AND PROPIONIC ACID - A process is described for making a product mixture including isobutene, propylene, 1-butene, 2-butene 2-methyl-1-butene and 2-methyl-2-butene from a mixture of acetic acid and propionic and through reaction in the presence of a source of hydrogen and of a mixed oxide catalyst, for example, a Zn | 05-08-2014 |
20140121430 | RENEWABLE PARA-XYLENE FROM ACETIC ACID - A process is described for making renewable para-xylene, comprising converting acetic acid to isobutene in the presence of a catalyst then converting the acetic acid-derived isobutene to a product composition including para-xylene. The catalyst can be a Zn | 05-01-2014 |
20140121110 | CONTROL OF RIPENING AND SENESCENCE IN PRE-HARVEST AND POST-HARVEST PLANTS AND PLANT MATERIALS - Methods of controlling the maturation of plants and/or plant products (e.g. fruit, vegetable, ornamentals, etc.) by manipulating Alternative Oxidase (AOX) activity. An increase in activity hastens the maturation process while a decrease in activity slows or stops maturation. | 05-01-2014 |
20140109256 | GLYPHOSATE-TOLERANT WHEAT GENOTYPES - The present invention provides methods for producing glyphosate-tolerant wheat genotypes by mutagenesis, glyphosate wheat plants produced by such methods, and related compositions and methods. | 04-17-2014 |
20140094413 | HEPATOCYTE GROWTH FACTOR (HGF) MIMICS AS THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - Small molecule, peptidic hepatocyte growth factors mimics, which act as both mimetics and antagonists, have been generated. These molecules have been shown or predicted to have therapeutic potential for numerous pathologies including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrphic lateral sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative diseases, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, cancer, and defective wound healing. | 04-03-2014 |
20140088004 | Hepatocyte Growth Factor Mimics as Therapeutic Agents - Small molecule, peptidic hepatocyte growth factors mimics, which act as both mimetics and antagonists, have been generated. These molecules have been shown or predicted to have therapeutic potential for numerous pathologies including dementia, neurodegenerative disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, cancer, and defective wound healing. | 03-27-2014 |
20140085765 | MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF CONTROL - Embodiments of magnetorheological systems, devices, and associated methods of control are described below are described herein. In one embodiment, a magnetorheological device includes an magnetorheological fluid, a shaft proximate and mechanically coupled to the magnetorheological fluid, and a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic flux through the magnetorheological fluid along a magnetic flux path. The magnetorheological device also includes a sensor positioned in the magnetic flux path and configured to measure a current value of magnetic inductance of the magnetic flux flowing through the magnetorheological fluid. | 03-27-2014 |
20140071260 | DIGITAL CONFOCAL OPTICAL PROFILE MICROSCOPY - Various embodiments of microscopy systems, devices, and associated methods of analysis are described herein. In one embodiment, a method of operating a microscope includes acquiring a profile of a light signal from a sample with a photo detector without passing the light signal through a physical pinhole. The method also includes determining a parameter of the sample based on generally the entire acquired profile of the light signal. | 03-13-2014 |
20140051633 | Hepatocyte Growth Factor Mimics as Therapeutic Agents - Small molecule, peptidic hepatocyte growth factors mimics, which act as both mimetics and antagonists, have been generated. These molecules have been shown or predicted to have therapeutic potential for numerous pathologies including dementia (e.g. Alzheimer's) and Parkinson's disease. | 02-20-2014 |
20140010856 | MATERIALS WITH MODIFIED SURFACES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING - Various embodiments of surface-modified devices, components, and associated methods of manufacturing are described herein. In one embodiment, an implantable device suitable for being implanted in a patient includes an implantable material having a utile shape and a surface and a modification material deposited on at least a portion of the surface of the implantable material. The modification material has a release rate in an implantation environment in the patient. The modification material at the release rate is effective as bactericidal without being cytotoxic to the patient. | 01-09-2014 |
20130319059 | INTEGRATED CARBON CAPTURE AND ALGAE CULTURE - The feasibility of using CO | 12-05-2013 |
20130318653 | AROGENATE DEHYDRATASES AND LIGNIFICATION - Provided are methods for decreasing carbon flow into lignin in plants, comprising reducing or eliminating, using mutagenesis and/or recombinant means, expression and/or activity of at least one chloroplast-localized arogenate dehydratase (ADT) sufficient to reduce phenylalanine (Phe) availability for metabolism into Phe-derived phenylpropanoids, wherein the amount, level or distribution of lignin is reduced relative to control plants. In particular aspects, the plant has a plurality of chloroplast-localized ADTs, and reducing or eliminating comprises reducing or eliminating expression and/or activity of at least two of the plurality of ADTs. Also provided are recombinant plants or parts or cells thereof, comprising at least one mutation, genetic alteration or transgene that reduces or eliminates the expression and/or activity of at least one chloroplast-localized ADT, wherein the amount, level or distribution of lignin is reduced relative to normal. Further provided are reduced lignin plant products. | 11-28-2013 |
20130306484 | MODIFIED METAL MATERIALS, SURFACE MODIFICATIONS TO IMPROVE CELL INTERACTIONS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES, AND METHODS FOR MODIFYING METAL SURFACE PROPERTIES - The present disclosure is directed to modified metal materials for implantation and/or bone replacement, and to methods for modifying surface properties of metal substrates for enhancing cellular adhesion (tissue integration) and providing antimicrobial properties. Some embodiments comprise surface coatings for metal implants, such as titanium-based materials, using (1) electrochemical processing and/or oxidation methods, and/or (2) laser processing, in order to enhance bone cell-materials interactions and achieve improved antimicrobial properties. One embodiment comprises the modification of a metal surface by growth of in situ nanotubes via anodization, followed by electrodeposition of silver on the nanotubes. Other embodiments include the use of LENS™ processing to coat a metal surface with calcium-based bioceramic composition layers. These surface treatment methods can be applied as a post-processing operation to metallic implants such as hip, knee and spinal devices as well as screws, pins and plates. | 11-21-2013 |
20130253051 | CONTROLLED CHEMICAL RELEASE OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE - Agents of formula: where R1 and R2 vary independently and are acyl, sulfonyl, phosphoryl, alkyl, substituted alkyl, halogen, aryl, arylalkyl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycle, or heteroatoms; and R3 is H or a member of a ring structure which includes R2, are provided; as are agents of formula: where R1, R2 and R3 vary independently and: R1=OH, OR′, NHR′, NR′R″ (with R′ R″=alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, etc); R | 09-26-2013 |
20130203598 | USE OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC PIGMENT STABILIZING AGENTS TO REGULATE RIPENING AND QUALITY IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES - Methods and compositions to temporarily delay the ripening, maturation, senescence and pathogen infection of produce such as fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants are provided. The methods involve the application of a photosynthetic pigment and/or membrane stabilizing chemical (e.g. glycine betaine) to produce which is identified as in need of such delay. Application may be prior to harvest, at or during harvest or post-harvest. | 08-08-2013 |
20130183419 | Enhancement of Potato Tuber Sprouting Inhibitors Using Various Combinations of Agents - Compositions and methods for inhibiting the sprouting of potato tubers are provided. The compositions comprise combinations of i) α,β-unsaturated aliphatic aldehydes, and ketones,C3 to. C14 aliphatic aldehydes and ketones, and/or C3 to C7 saturated or unsaturated primary and secondary aliphatic alcohols; and 2) conventional sprout Inhibitors, The effect of the combinations is additive and/or synergistic, and less of the conventional inhibitor is required to achieve the same or improved levels of sprout inhibition. | 07-18-2013 |
20130165392 | HEPATOCYTE GROWTH FACTOR MIMICS AS THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - Small molecule, peptidic hepatocyte growth factors mimics, which act as both mimetics and antagonists, have been generated. These molecules have been shown or predicted to have therapeutic potential for numerous pathologies including dementia, neurodegenerative disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, cancer, and defective wound healing. | 06-27-2013 |
20130131311 | AZIRIDINE MEDIATED NATIVE CHEMICAL LIGATION - Improved methods of native chemical ligation are provided. The methods involve reacting a thioacid (e.g. a peptide thioacid) with an aziridinyl compound (e.g. an aziridinyl peptide) under mild conditions without the use of protecting groups, and without requiring that a cysteine residue be present in the ligation product. Initial coupling of the thioacid and the aziridinyl compound yields a ligation product which contains an aziridinyl ring. Subsequent opening of the aziridinyl ring (e.g. via a nucleophilic attack) produces a linearized and modified ligation product. | 05-23-2013 |
20120266268 | GENETIC MANIPULATION OF THE AT-HOOK DOMAIN IN PLANT AHL GENES TO MODULATE CELL GROWTH - Provided are methods for generating modified plants, seedlings or seeds, comprising introducing into, or engineering in a plant cell, a nucleic acid encoding a mutant AHL protein having a mutation of the AT hook domain that confers a dominant negative phenotype as disclosed herein. Nucleic acids encoding a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:6, a polypeptide having at least 93% or at least 95% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:3, or a polypeptide having at least 75% or at least 80% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO:6 are provided, along with such polypeptides having a mutation of the AT hook domain that confers a dominant negative phenotype as disclosed herein. In particular aspects, the polypeptide lacks the AT hook domain thereof. In certain aspects, the polypeptide comprises an intact or functional PPC domain, and preferably additionally comprises the linker region between the PPC domain and the AT-hook domain. | 10-18-2012 |
20120136643 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GLOBAL VOLTAGE SECURITY ASSESSMENT IN POWER SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for global voltage security assessment in power systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for assessing voltage security in a power system having a number (i) of buses includes capturing a change in bus voltage and a change in line reactive power for at least some of the buses in the power system, for each of the i number of buses, calculating a voltage assessment index) (Γ | 05-31-2012 |
20120004862 | ION MOBILITY SPECTROMETRY SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF OPERATION - Ion mobility spectrometry systems, devices, and associated methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for performing ion mobility spectrometry includes ionizing a sample in gas phase and applying an electric field to the ionized sample in the gas phase, thereby moving the ionized sample along a drift region. The applied electric field has a plurality of strength values with respect to time, and the individual strength values being generally constant during a corresponding period of time. The method further includes detecting an ion intensity and a drift time of the ionized sample moving through the drift region under the applied electric field with the plurality of strength values. | 01-05-2012 |
20110296545 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OR PREVENTING CONDITIONS AND DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH MANNHEIMIA HAEMOLYTICA - Particular aspects show that the signal peptide remains intact on the mature CD18 molecule on ruminant leukocytes rendering these cells susceptible to cytolysis by Lkt. Comparative amino acid sequence analysis of the signal peptide of CD18 of eight ruminants and five non-ruminants revealed that the ruminant CD18 signal peptides contain ‘cleavage-inhibiting’ glutamine (Q), compared to ‘cleavage-conducive’ glycine in non-ruminants, at position −5 relative to the cleavage site. Mutagenesis of Q at position −5 of the bovine CD18 signal peptide to G resulted in the abrogation of Lkt-mediated cytolysis of transfectants expressing bovine CD18 carrying the Q(−5)G mutation. Provided is novel technology to clone cattle and other ruminants expressing CD18 without the signal peptide on their leukocytes, providing ruminants that are less susceptible to | 12-01-2011 |
20110156533 | ENERGY CONVERTERS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Energy converters and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an energy converter includes a first structural member spaced apart from a second structure member, a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element individually coupled to the first structural member and the second structural member, and a deflection member tensionally suspended between the first and second piezoelectric elements. The deflection member is substantially rigid. | 06-30-2011 |
20110131678 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DIFFERENTIAL REGULATION OF FATTY ACID UNSATURATION IN MEMBRANE LIPIDS AND SEED OIL - Aspects of the invention provide methods for differential regulation of fatty acid unsaturation in seed oil and membrane lipids of plants based on modulation of a previously unknown biosynthetic pathway involving a novel phosphatidylcholine: diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase (PDCT) that regulates phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in developing oil seed plants. Specific aspects relate to inventive PDCT polypeptides including, for example, variants, deletions, muteins, fusion proteins, and orthologs thereof (collectively PDCT proteins), to nucleic acids encoding same, to plants comprising such PDCT sequences or proteins or devoid or depleted of such PDCT proteins or sequences, and to methods for generating plants having altered or no PDCT expression and/or activity, including but not limited to methods comprising mutagenesis, recombinant DNA, transgenics, etc. | 06-02-2011 |
20100266627 | ALLELIC EXCHANGE MUTAGENESIS IN MAP - Particular aspects provide efficient allelic exchange methods to generate directed mutations within genes of slow-growing stains of mycobacteria (e.g., | 10-21-2010 |
20100251440 | Apple Tree Named 'WA 2' - A new and distinctive variety of an | 09-30-2010 |
20100223839 | SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING BIO-FUELS FROM LIGNOCELLULOSIC MATERIALS - A selective pyrolysis process for the production of bio-oils enriched in pyrolytic sugars and phenols and conversion of these compounds into second generation bio-fuels is disclosed herein. One embodiment of the process comprises pre-treating a biomass with superheated steam or gases in a selected range of temperatures, followed by fast pyrolysis using synthesis gas as a carrier, and a two-step condensation operation. The aqueous phase from the second condenser can then be reformed to produce hydrogen or can be gasified together with the charcoal to produce syngas. | 09-09-2010 |
20100223690 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MODULATING PLANT DISEASE RESISTANCE AND IMMUNITY - Provided are methods for enhancing plant cell disease resistance, comprising (1) generating a homozygous gene modification of AtSR1 (or AtSR1 ortholog or homolog) in a plant or plant cell characterized by sialic acid-mediated systemic acquired resistance (SA-mediated SAR), wherein said gene modification reduces or eliminates the calmodulin-binding activity of the respective AtSR1 or AtSR1 ortholog or homolog; or (2) expression of a recombinant or mutant AtSR1 sequence (or AtSR1 gene ortholog or homolog sequence) encoding a modified AtSR1, or AtSR1 ortholog or homolog protein, in a plant or plant cell, wherein said protein modification reduces or eliminates the calmodulin-binding activity of the respective AtSR1 or AtSR1 ortholog or homolog protein. Plants and/or plant cells comprising said modified AtSR1, or AtSR1 ortholog or homolog proteins, and/or said expression means (e.g., recombinant expression vector or expressible recombinant and/or mutant sequences), along with nucleic acids encoding said modified proteins are provided. | 09-02-2010 |
20100223687 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY, RESISTANCE, OR TOLERANCE TO INFECTION BY MYCOBACTERIA AND BOVINE PARATUBERCULOSIS - Provided are methods for determining resistance or tolerance of a subject to | 09-02-2010 |
20100215915 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURE AND COATING OF NANOSTRUCTURED COMPONENTS - The synthesis of nanostructures uses a catalyst that may be in the form of a thin film layer on a substrate. Precursor compounds are selected for low boiling point or already exist in gaseous form. Nanostructures are capable of synthesis with a masked substrate to form patterned nanostructure growth. The techniques further include forming metal nanoparticles with sizes <10 nm and with a narrow size distribution. Metallic nanoparticles have been shown to possess enhanced catalytic properties. The process may include plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition to deposit Ni, Pt, and/or Au nanoparticles onto the surfaces of SiO2, SiC, and GaN nanowires. A nanostructure sample can be coated with metallic nanoparticles in approximately 5-7 minutes. The size of the nanoparticles can be controlled through appropriate control of temperature and pressure during the process. The coated nanowires have application as gas and aqueous sensors and hydrogen storage. | 08-26-2010 |
20100197029 | DIRECT METHOD AND REAGENT KITS FOR FATTY ACID ESTER SYNTHESIS - Provided are efficient, cost-effective and water tolerant methods (e.g., single-vial methods) for preparing fatty acid esters from organic matter, comprising: obtaining organic matter comprising at least one fat substituent, contacting the organic matter in a reaction mixture with a basic solution under conditions suitable to provide for hydrolytic release of monomeric fatty acids from the at least one fat substituent to provide a base-treated reaction mixture, and esterifying the monomeric fatty acids of the base-treated reaction mixture by acidification of the reaction mixture and treating in the presence of an organic alcohol to provide fatty acid esters. The methods optionally further comprise, prior to esterifying, neutralizing the base-treated reaction mixture to provide for neutralized fatty acids, separating the neutralized fatty acids from the neutralized reaction mixture, and dissolving the separated fatty acids in the esterification reaction mixture. Also provided are related methods and kits for fat analysis. | 08-05-2010 |
20100196396 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MODULATING GHRELIN-MEDIATED CONDITIONS - In certain aspects, the preproghrelin gene, but not the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) is required for normal integration of thermoregulation and sleep in mice. Particular aspects provide methods for modulation of thermoregulation and other ghrelin-mediated conditions (e.g., reduction of appetite or food intake, reduction of body weight or treatment of obesity, reduction of body temperature or induction of hypothermia, etc.), comprising administration of an inhibitor of ghrelin expression, and including, e.g., siRNA inhibition for treatment of obesity and for modulation of thermoregulation (e.g., induction of hypothermia in surgical settings benefiting from same). Additionally provided are methods for reducing body temperature or induction of hypothermia, comprising administration to a mammalian subject in need thereof an amount of an anti-obestatin antibody agent sufficient to reduce body temperature or induce hypothermia. Further methods comprise administration of a ghrelin peptide antagonist. | 08-05-2010 |
20100143411 | METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF T-LYMPHOCYTE ANTIGENS - A method for high-throughput identification of antigens is disclosed. The method involves generating transcriptionally active PCR (TAP) products of one or more antigen candidates and expressing the TAP products in an in vitro translation transcription (IVTT) system. The TAP products are purified using identifiable tags. The purified TAP products are presented to isolated antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which are in turn are presented to T-cells. The ability of the antigen candidates to induce activation of the T-cells is determined. Activation of the T-cells identifies the antigen candidate as an antigen. Immunogenic compositions and methods of treatment using such compositions are also disclosed. | 06-10-2010 |
20100063774 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADAPTIVE SMART ENVIRONMENT AUTOMATION - Several embodiments of systems and methods for adaptive smart environment automation are described herein. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method includes determining a plurality of sequence patterns of data points in a set of input data corresponding to a plurality of sensors in a space. The input data include a plurality of data points corresponding to each of the sensors, and the sequence patterns are at least partially discontinuous. The method also includes generating a plurality of statistical models based on the plurality of sequence patterns, and the individual statistical models corresponding to an activity of a user. The method further includes recognizing the activity of the user based on the statistical models and additional input data from the sensors. | 03-11-2010 |
20100047814 | PROTEIN INTERACTION REPORTER AGENTS AND METHODS FOR USING SAME - Particular aspects provide novel protein interaction reporter (PIR) compounds (e.g., formulas I and II), comprising at least two protein reactive moieties (e.g., N-hydroxysuccinamide), each linked to a reporter moiety (e.g., mass reporter) by a covalent labile bond that is differentially cleavable with respect to peptide bonds (e.g., by a method such as collisional activation in a mass spectrometer, activation by electron capture dissociation (ECD), photoactivation, etc.), wherein the reporter moiety is operatively releasable from the PIR agent upon cleavage of the labile bonds, the released reporter moiety having a characteristic identifying property or label (e.g., m/z value). Particular PIRs comprise a mass reporter moiety, and further comprise an affinity group, (e.g., biotin), linked to the PIR (e.g., to the mass reporter moiety) by a selectively cleavable bone (e.g. photo-labile bond)). Additional aspects provide methods for characterizing intermolecular or intramolecular protein interactions using one or more inventive PIR compounds. | 02-25-2010 |
20100036211 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF A BODY - Systems and methods for measuring physiological parameters of a body are described. In some embodiments, the system employs a physiological monitoring device capable of measuring, amplifying, digitizing and transmitting events ranging in frequency from 0 (DC) to 10 kHz. | 02-11-2010 |
20100031398 | GENES ENCODING CHAVICOL/EUGENOL SYNTHASE FROM THE CREOSOTE BUSH LARREA TRIDENTATA - Particular aspects provide novel methods for redirecting carbon allocation in plants or cell culture from lignification to inherently more useful and tractable materials, and to facilitate the generation of, e.g., biofuels from the remaining plant roculture biomass. Particular aspects provided novel methods for converting monolignols into allyl/propenyl phenols, and for chavicol/eugenol formation or production. Additional aspects relate to the discovery of novel chavicol/eugenol synthases that convert p-coumaryl/coniferyl alcohol esters into chavicol/eugenol, and to novel compositions (e.g., novel proteins and nucleic acids encoding same), and novel methods using same for producing or forming chavicol/eugenol and other derivatives in cell culture and/or genetically modified plants, and for re-engineering the composition of plant biomass. Particular aspects provide novel methods for generation in culture or in planta of liquid/combustible allyl/propenyl phenols, and these phenolic products are utilized for (non-ethanol) biofuel/bioenergy purposes, while the remaining plant biomass facilitates the generation of other biofuels. | 02-04-2010 |
20090320152 | MUTATION BREEDING FOR RESISTANCE TO DISEASE AND OTHER USEFUL TRAITS - Particular aspects provide novel mutant plants and plant parts thereof, derived via mutagenesis, having disease resistance and other useful traits. Particular embodiments provide a wheat genotype ‘RRR Scarlet’ (‘Scarlet-Rz1’), plants and seeds thereof, methods for producing a plant comprising crossing ‘Scarlet-Rz1’ plants with another wheat plant, hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing ‘Scarlet-Rz1’ plants with another line or plant, and creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of ‘Scarlet-Rz1’. Additional aspects provide methods for producing other varieties or breeding lines derived from ‘Scarlet-Rz1’ and to varieties or breeding lines produced thereby. Further aspects provide for mutant plants and plant parts thereof that are resistant and/or tolerant to plant root fungal pathogens such as | 12-24-2009 |
20090276056 | RESORBABLE CERAMICS WITH CONTROLLED STRENGTH LOSS RATES - Particular aspects provide bioresorbable and biocompatible compositions for bioengineering, restoring or regenerating tissue or bone, comprising a three-dimensional porous or non-porous scaffold material comprising a calcium phosphate-based ceramic having at least one dopant therein selected from metal ion or ion dopants and metal oxide dopants, wherein the composition is sufficiently biocompatible to provide for a cell or tissue scaffold, and resorbable at a controlled resorption rate for controlled stregthloss, depending on dopant composition, under body, body fluid or simulated body fluid conditions. Preferably, the at least one dopant is selected from the group consisting of Zn | 11-05-2009 |
20090222144 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTROMECHANICAL OSCILLATION MONITORING - Systems and methods for electromechanical oscillation monitoring are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for monitoring electromechanical oscillation in a power system includes forming a power density spectrum in frequency domain based on phasor measurements collected from a plurality of locations in the power system and identifying an oscillation in the power density spectrum. The oscillation has a power density larger than other oscillations. The method also includes analyzing the identified oscillation in time domain to determine a damping characteristic of the identified oscillation and indicating that an insufficiently damped oscillation exists in the power system if the determined damping characteristic of the oscillation meets a predetermined condition. | 09-03-2009 |
20090203125 | MIG-7 AS A SPECIFIC ANTICANCER TARGET - Aspects of the present invention provide novel Mig-7 encoding nucleic acids and Mig-7 polypeptides, recombinant DNA expression systems and host cells containing same, as well as methods of inhibiting expression of the subject nucleic acid molecules, inhibiting production of the encoded proteins or polypeptides, inhibiting metastasis of a carcinoma cell in a subject (including in humans), inhibiting migration/invasion of and mimicking of normal cells by carcinoma cells in a subject, detecting the presence of a cancer cell (e.g., a migrating/invading cancer cell or carcinoma cell mimic, and tumor neovascularization) in a sample of a subject's tissue or body fluids, and inhibiting the migration/invasion of or endothelial cell mimicking by a placental cell into the blood stream or vessels of a female mammal. Particular aspects relate to novel anti-Mig-7 antibodies, diagnostic and/or prognostic methods, and therapeutic methods comprising use of the inventive nucleic acids, polypeptides and antibodies or derivatives thereof. | 08-13-2009 |
20090200896 | ENERGY CONVERTERS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Energy converters and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an energy converter includes a first structural member spaced apart from a second structure member, a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element individually coupled to the first structural member and the second structural member, and a deflection member tensionally suspended between the first and second piezoelectric elements. The deflection member is substantially rigid. | 08-13-2009 |
20090192264 | METHOD OF IN SITU BIOPRODUCTION AND COMPOSITION OF BACTERIAL CELLULOSE NANOCOMPOSITES - Provided are novel methods for making cellulose nanocomposites, comprising biosynthesis of cellulose fibrils in situ using a growth medium comprising a polymer matrix material, under conditions suitable to provide for dispersion of the fibril throughout the growth medium as the fibrils are being formed to provide a cellulose nanocomposite material or film wherein the cellulose fibrils are highly or uniformly dispersed in the cellulose nanocomposite material, and wherein fibril structure and/or nanocomposite composition is customizable. Certain method aspects further comprise removing or separating the cellulose nanocomposite material or film from the medium, and may further comprise washing the cellulose nanocomposite material or film to remove residual medium. Particular aspects further comprise freeze-drying the cellulose nanocomposite material or film, and/or further comprise forming a molded product using the cellulose nanocomposite material or film. Compositions made by the methods are provided. | 07-30-2009 |
20090132332 | COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED SCHEDULING SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Computer implemented scheduling systems and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for deriving a roster includes generating a roster within the operational constraint by assigning a plurality of workers to a plurality of individual shifts; calculating a value of the operational outcome based on the assigned shifts in the roster; calculating an overall fatigue value for the assigned individual workers based on the assigned shifts in the roster; and determining whether the generated roster is optimized based on the calculated value of the operational outcome and the overall fatigue value of the workers. | 05-21-2009 |
20090093881 | MODIFIED METAL MATERIALS, SURFACE MODIFICATIONS TO IMPROVE CELL INTERACTIONS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES, AND METHODS FOR MODIFYING METAL SURFACE PROPERTIES - The present disclosure is directed to modified metal materials for implantation and/or bone replacement, and to methods for modifying surface properties of metal substrates for enhancing cellular adhesion (tissue integration) and providing antimicrobial properties. Some embodiments comprise surface coatings for metal implants, such as titanium-based materials, using (1) electrochemical processing and/or oxidation methods, and/or (2) laser processing, in order to enhance bone cell-materials interactions and achieve improved antimicrobial properties. One embodiment comprises the modification of a metal surface by growth of in situ nanotubes via anodization, followed by electrodeposition of silver on the nanotubes. Other embodiments include the use of LENS™ processing to coat a metal surface with calcium-based bioceramic composition layers. These surface treatment methods can be applied as a post-processing operation to metallic implants such as hip, knee and spinal devices as well as screws, pins and plates. | 04-09-2009 |
20090085441 | PIEZOELECTRIC TRANSDUCERS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Piezoelectric transducers and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a piezoelectric transducer includes a support member, a piezoelectric element attached to the support member, and a pressurized chamber at one side of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element comprises a flexible film, and the pressurized chamber contains a fluid that applies a static pressure to a side of the piezoelectric element. | 04-02-2009 |
20090068272 | MESOPOROUS CALCIUM SILICATE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR SYNTHESIS OF MESOPOROUS CALCIUM SILICATE FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF BIOACTIVE AGENTS - Mesoporous calcium silicate compositions for controlled release of bioactive agents and methods for producing such compositions are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, mesoporous calcium silicate is synthesized by acid modification of wollastonite particles using hydrochloric acid. A hydrated silica gel layer having abundant Si—OH functional groups can be formed on the surface of wollastonite after acid modification. Bruhauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area increased significantly due to acid modification and, in one arrangement, reached over 350 m | 03-12-2009 |
20080282427 | Enhancement of Hydroxy Fatty Acid Accumulation in Oilseed Plants - Particular aspects provide six novel | 11-13-2008 |