| THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120104325 | Materials and Methodss for the Preparation of Nanocomposites - Disclosed herein is an isolable colloidal particle comprising a nanoparticle and an inorganic capping agent bound to the surface of the nanoparticle, a solution of the same, a method for making the same from a biphasic solvent mixture, and the formation of structures and solids from the isolable colloidal particle. The process can yield photovoltaic cells, piezoelectric crystals, thermoelectric layers, optoelectronic layers, light emitting diodes, ferroelectric layers, thin film transistors, floating gate memory devices, imaging devices, phase change layers, and sensor devices. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120028915 | 6"-AMINO-6"-DEOXYGALACTOSYLCERAMIDES - This invention relates to galactosylceramide compounds. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120014947 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS TO REDUCE LIVER DAMAGE ASSOCIATED WITH CONDITIONS OR THERAPIES THAT AFFECT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM - One side-effect arising from the use of antibodies against TNF receptor family members as therapeutics can be liver damage which precludes the completion of clinical trial. A novel LT-dependent pathway is described that mediates liver cell injury in several disease models. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20110287504 | Method and System for Converting Electricity Into Alternative Energy Resources - A method of using electricity to produce methane includes maintaining a culture comprising living methanogenic microorganisms at a temperature above 50° C. in a reactor having a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a proton permeable barrier, the first chamber comprising a passage between an inlet and an outlet containing at least a porous electrically conductive cathode, the culture, and water, and the second chamber comprising at least an anode. The method also includes coupling electricity to the anode and the cathode, supplying carbon dioxide to the culture in the first chamber, and collecting methane from the culture at the outlet of the first chamber. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110274661 | Attentuated Herpesvirus Encoding a Mek Pathway Polypeptide - The disclosure provides materials and methods for the treatment of cells exhibiting a cell proliferative disorder with a herpes simplex virus having a deficiency in the expression of active ICP34.5 and comprising an expression control element effective in modulating at least one component of the MEK pathway to ensure that infected cells are MEK+. Cell proliferative diseases, disorders or conditions, such as cancers, rheumatoid arthritis and macular degeneration, are amenable to treatment using these HSVs. Further provided are methods for preventing such cell proliferative disorders by administering the HSVs as well as methods for ameliorating a symptom associated with a cell proliferative disorder by administering such HSVs. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110245168 | CONTROL OF GROWTH AND REPAIR OF GASTRO-INTESTINAL TISSUES BY GASTROKINES AND INHIBITORS - A novel group of gastrokines called Gastric Antrum Mucosal Protein is characterized. A member of the group is designated AMP-18. AMP-18 genomic DNA, cDNA and the AMP-18 protein are sequenced for human, mouse and pig. The AMP-18 protein and active peptides derived from it are cellular growth factors. Surprisingly, peptides capable of inhibiting the effects of the complete protein, are also derived from the AMP-18 protein. Cytoprotection and control of mammalian gastro-intestinal tissue growth and repair (restitution) is facilitated by the use of the proteins, making the proteins candidates for therapies in inflammatory bowel disease, mucositis, and gastric ulcers. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110200998 | Prognosis and Therapy Predictive Markers and Methods of Use - Disclosed is a set of genes differentially expressed in chemotherapy and radiation resistant tumors useful in predicting response to therapy and assessing risk of local-regional failure, survival and metastasis in cancer patients. Also disclosed are methods for characterizing tumors according to gene expression and kits for use in the methods of the invention. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110189774 | PLANT CENTROMERE COMPOSITIONS - The present invention provides for the nucleic acid sequences of plant centromeres. This will permit construction of stably inherited recombinant DNA constructs and minichromosomes which can serve as vectors for the construction of transgenic plant and animal cells. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110177963 | Variation in the CHI3L1 Gene Influences Serum YKL-40 Levels, Asthma Risk and Lung Function - The present invention is based on the discovery that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) present the chitinase 3-like 1 gene (CHI3L1) encoding YKL-40 or a regulatory domain of the CHI3L1 gene, is associated with elevated YKL-40 levels, as well as an increased risk for developing a lung disorder, including asthma, bronchial hyperresponsivity, and/or reduced lung function. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110177609 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRESSURE-DRIVEN PLUG TRANSPORT - The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110177586 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRESSURE-DRIVEN PLUG TRANSPORT - The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110177494 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRESSURE-DRIVEN PLUG TRANSPORT - The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110176966 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRESSURE-DRIVEN PLUG TRANSPORT - The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110174622 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRESSURE-DRIVEN PLUG TRANSPORT - The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110165674 | NK-1 Receptor Mediated Delivery of Agents to Cells - Provided herein are conjugates including a targeting vehicle coupled to an agent. The targeting vehicle includes a tachykinin receptor ligand and a reactive moiety. Conjugates including a tachykinin receptor ligand attached to an antibody or fragment thereof that is specific for an intracellular target are also provided. Also provided are methods of delivering agents to cells expressing tachykinin receptors, methods of delivering antibodies or fragments thereof to an intracellular extra-endosomal target, and methods of arresting cell growth or introducing cell death of a cancer cell. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110165667 | Method and System for Converting Electricity Into Alternative Energy Resources - A system to convert electric power into methane includes a reactor having a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a proton permeable barrier. The first chamber includes a passage between an inlet and an outlet containing at least a porous electrically conductive cathode, a culture comprising living methanogenic microorganisms, and water. The second chamber includes at least an anode. The reactor has an operating state wherein the culture is maintained at a temperature above 50° C. The system also includes a source of electricity coupled to the anode and the cathode, and a supply of carbon dioxide coupled to the first chamber. The outlet of the system receives methane from the first chamber. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110142734 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRESSURE-DRIVEN PLUG TRANSPORT - The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110091375 | USE OF THE COMBINATION COMPRISING TEMOZOLOMIDE AND TNF-ALPHA FOR TREATING GLIOBLASTOMA - Disclosed are methods of synergistically inhibiting growth of a glioma cell comprising contacting the cell with temozolomide and TNFα, or with temozolomide, TNFα, and radiation. Also disclosed are methods of synergistically inhibiting growth of a glioma in a human cancer patient comprising administering temozolomide and TNFα, or with temozolomide, TNFα, and radiation. Pharmaceutical combinations and therapeutic combinations suitable for use in the methods of the invention are also disclosed. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110082106 | METHODS OF ACTIVATING NKT CELLS - Provided are methods of activating an NKT cell which include a step of contacting the NKT cell with a sufficient amount of isoglobotrihexosylceramide (iGb3) to induce secretion of a cytokine from the NKT cell, stimulate proliferation of the NKT cell or upregulate expression of a cell surface marker on the NKT cell. Methods of activating an NKT cell population in a subject are also provided. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110059932 | LIVER X RECEPTOR AGONISTS - Compounds of formula (I): | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110046211 | COMBINATION THERAPY OF HEDGEHOG INHIBITORS, RADIATION AND CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENTS - The present invention relates to therapeutic combinations and methods of inhibiting the proliferation of cancerous cells, the abnormal growth of cells, and tumor cell growth using the combination of a hedgehog inhibitor with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The present invention also relates to methods of enhancing the antiproliferative effect of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy in a mammalian cancer patient undergoing either chemotherapy or radiation or a combination of radiation and chemotherapy by co-administering a therapeutically amount of a hedgehog inhibitor, concurrently or sequentially, with the chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110045604 | MOLECULAR AFFINITY CLAMP TECHNOLOGY AND USES THEREOF - The invention provides a molecular affinity clamp. The architecture of the affinity clamp is modular with two biorecognition modules, each capable of binding a target motif. The first biorecognition module has a recognition domain that possesses inherent or natural specificity for the target motif. The second biorecognition module also has a recognition domain that binds the motif. The two biorecognition modules are tethered together either directly, e.g., via a peptide bond between the two modules, or indirectly, e.g., via a linker moiety or linker. The invention further provides a novel affinity ligand which is specifically bound by the molecular affinity clamps of the invention. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110027323 | ADJUVANTS AND METHODS OF USE - Compositions comprising NKT cell agonist compounds and a physiologically acceptable vehicle are provided. Methods of stimulating an NKT cell and enhancing an immune response are also disclosed. Further provided are vaccine preparations comprising NKT cell agonist compounds. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110027265 | Methods and Compositions Related to Immunizing Against Staphylococcal Lung Diseases and Conditions - Embodiments of the invention include methods and compositions useful in a vaccination strategy capable of neutralizing HIa to provide immunoprotection against | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110020340 | ANTIBODY-LIGHT FUSION PRODUCTS FOR CANCER THERAPEUTICS - Antibody-LIGHT fusion products or conjugates stimulate immunity against tumors and eradicate metastases. Tumor-specific antibodies coupled with LIGHT effectively target metastatic tumors and reduces cancer metastases. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110014152 | INCREASED T-CELL TUMOR INFILTRATION AND ERADICATION OF METASTASES BY MUTANT LIGHT - Mutant LIGHT expressed in a tumor environment elicited high levels of chemokines and adhesion molecules, accompanied by massive infiltration of naïve T lymphocytes. Methods and compositions to elicit immune responses against tumors including tumor volume reduction and eradication of metastasis using mutant LIGHT are disclosed. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20100240028 | METHOD TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF MICROARRAYS BY CONTROLLING EVAPORATION - Methods and compositions described here minimize loss due to evaporation during the process of preparing gel-element microarrays; maintain uniform gel density; minimize irregular spontaneous polymerization; and provide conditions to obtain reproducible and consistent gel-array elements. The materials and methods described herein present techniques for restoring the original composition of the droplets dispensed on the microarray substrates prior to and during the step of ultraviolet light polymerization. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100222307 | VITAMIN D AND VITAMIN D ANALOGS OR DERIVATIVES AS NEW ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE AGENTS - Methods and compositions to suppress renin expression and blood pressure in mammals are disclosed. Vitamin D and its analogues and derivatives, including Gemini compounds, are negative regulators of renin synthesis and blood pressure. Renin expression and plasma angiotensin II production were increased several fold in vitamin D receptor (VDR) null mice, leading to hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and increased water intake. Vitamin D or its analogue-mediated regulation of renin expression and blood pressure is independent of calcium metabolism. Vitamin D analogues or derivatives are novel preventive or therapeutic anti-hypertension agents. Assays to identify novel vitamin D analogues or derivatives as anti-hypertensive agents are disclosed. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100221228 | y134.5 Deficient HSV and the MAPK Pathway - The invention provides materials and methods for the identification of cells exhibiting a cell proliferative disorder that are amenable to treatment with a herpes simplex virus that does not express an approximately wild-type level of ICP34.5. Also provided are methods of treating cell proliferative diseases, disorders or conditions, such as cancers, rheumatoid arthritis and macular degeneration, using these HSVs. Further provided are methods for preventing such cell proliferative disorders by administering the HSVs as well as methods for ameliorating a symptom associated with a cell proliferative disorder by administering such HSVs. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100184954 | MONOMERIC RED FLUORESCENT PROTEINS - Disclosed are sequences encoding monomeric variants of DsRed fluorescent proteins and methods of use. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100167918 | ALIGNED CARBON NANOTUBE WITH ELECTRO-CATALYTIC ACTIVITY FOR OXYGEN REDUCTION REACTION - A catalyst for an electro-chemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of a bundle of longitudinally aligned carbon nanotubes having a catalytically active transition metal incorporated longitudinally in said nanotubes. A method of making an electro-chemical catalyst for an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) having a bundle of longitudinally aligned carbon nanotubes with a catalytically active transition metal incorporated throughout the nanotubes, where a substrate is in a first reaction zone, and a combination selected from one or more of a hydrocarbon and an organometallic compound containing an catalytically active transition metal and a nitrogen containing compound and an inert gas and a reducing gas is introduced into the first reaction zone which is maintained at a first reaction temperature for a time sufficient to vaporize material therein. The vaporized material is then introduced to a second reaction zone maintained at a second reaction temperature for a time sufficient to grow longitudinally aligned carbon nanotubes over the substrate with a catalytically active transition metal incorporated throughout the nanotubes. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100166662 | MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING METHOD USING VANADYL-BASED CONTRAST AGENTS - A new, clinically applicable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method has been developed for in vivo imaging of a population of cells in a subject based on a class of paramagnetic divalent vanadyl-based contrast agents. The method includes administering to a subject a V | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100137231 | 6"-AMINO-6"-DEOXYGALACTOSYLCERAMIDES - This invention relates to galactosylceramide compounds. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100130398 | METHOD OF DECONTAMINATING A POROUS SURFACE CONTAMINATED WITH CESIUM - A method of decontaminating porous surfaces contaminated with water soluble radionuclides by contacting the contaminated porous surfaces with an ionic solution capable of solubilizing radionuclides present in the porous surfaces followed by contacting the solubilized radionuclides with a gel containing a radionuclide chelator to bind the radionuclides to the gel, and physically removing the gel from the porous surfaces. A dry mix is also disclosed of a cross-linked ionic polymer salt, a linear ionic polymer salt, a radionuclide chelator, and a gel formation controller present in the range of from 0% to about 40% by weight of the dry mix, wherein the ionic polymer salts are granular and the non cross-linked ionic polymer salt is present as a minor constituent. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100113356 | CONTROL OF GROWTH AND REPAIR OF GASTRO-INTESTINAL TISSUES BY GASTROKINES AND INHIBITORS - A novel group of gastrokines called Gastric Antrum Mucosal Protein is characterized. A member of the group is designated AMP-18. AMP-18 genomic DNA, cDNA and the AMP-18 protein are sequenced for human, mouse and pig. The AMP-18 protein and active peptides derived from it are cellular growth factors. Surprisingly, peptides capable of inhibiting the effects of the complete protein, are also derived from the AMP-18 protein. Cytoprotection and control of mammalian gastro-intestinal tissue growth and repair (restitution) is facilitated by the use of the proteins, making the proteins candidates for therapies in inflammatory bowel disease, mucositis, and gastric ulcers. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100016242 | MYOSIN LIGHT CHAIN KINASE INHIBITORS AND METHODS OF USE - Disclosed are inhibitors of myosin light chain kinase, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the inhibitors and methods of use. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20090298772 | THERAPEUTICS TO INHIBIT MLL-MENIN INTERACTION FOR TREATING LEUKEMIA - Cell permeable peptides derived from MLL that block the interaction of MLL with menin for the treatment of acute mycloid and acute lymphoid leukemia are disclosed. Small molecules interfere with the interaction of MLL with any of its binding partners. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090270277 | METHOD FOR INDEXING NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCES FOR COMPUTER BASED SEARCHING - The present invention relates to a method for indexing nucleic acid sequences to aid computer based searching of nucleic acid sequences by indexing a nucleotide sequence by the presence of unique Kmers in the sequence. The method of the present invention comprises utilizing an algorithm to automatically index a nucleic acid sequence. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090250601 | Apparatus and method for fabricating, sorting, and integrating materials with holographic optical traps - A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device able to reduce the number of manufacturing steps and attain the rationalization of a manufacturing line is disclosed. The semiconductor device is a high-frequency module assembled by mounting chip parts ( | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090247475 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS RELATING TO PHARMACOGENETICS OF DIFFERENT GENE VARIANTS IN THE CONTEXT OF IRINOTECAN-BASED THERAPIES - The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for determining the presence or absence of polymorphisms within an ABCC2, UGT1A1, and/or SLCO1B1 gene and correlating these polymorphisms with activity levels of their gene products and making evaluations regarding the effect on their substrates, particularly those substrates that are drugs. In addition, there are methods and compositions of evaluating the risk of an individual for developing toxicity or adverse event(s) to an ABCC2, UGT1A1, and/or SLCO1B1 substrate. In some embodiments, the invention concerns methods and compositions for determining the presence or absence of ABCC2 3972C>T variant and predicting or anticipating the level of activity of ABCC2 and determining dosages of an ABCC2 drug substrate, such as irinotecan, in a patient. Such methods and compositions can be used to evaluate whether irinotecan-based therapy, or therapy involving other ABCC2 substrates, may pose toxicity problems if given to a particular patient or predicting their efficacy. Alterations in suggested therapy may ensue based on genotyping results. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090209749 | Plant centromere compositions - The present invention provides for the nucleic acid sequences of plant centromeres. This will permit construction of stably inherited recombinant DNA constructs and minichromosomes which can serve as vectors for the construction of transgenic plant and animal cells. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090197922 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING PULMONARY HYPERTENSION - Compositions and methods of the invention are related to treating pulmonary hypertension using a Raf kinase inhibitor, such as sorafenib. IQ a particular aspect, pulmonary hypertension is pulmonary arterial hypertension. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090194317 | Electrical Conductors and Devices from Prion-Like Proteins - The present invention provides novel polypeptides comprising a prion-aggregation domain and a second domain; novel polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides; host cells transformed or transfected with such polynucleotides; novel fibrils with specific functionalities and unusually high chemical and thermal stability; and methods of making and using the foregoing. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090186949 | Method for Treating Endothelial and Epithelial Cell Disorders by Administering High Molecular Weight PEG-Like Compounds - The invention provides methods of screening for modulators of microbial PA-I lectin/adhesin activity, including modulators of PA-I expression, as well as the modulators so identified, pharmaceutical compositions and kits containing such modulators. These modulators include soluble and membrane-bound bacterial signaling compounds produced by cells of a host containing a microbial pathogen. Methods for preventing and treating cell disorders, such as epithelial cell disorders including gut-derived sepsis, a burn injury, neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, severe neutropenia, toxic colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, enteropathy, transplant rejection, pouchitis, pig belly, | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090156532 | SNP BINDING SITE FOR microRNAs IN HLA-G - Analysis of microRNA interference with HLA-G expression identified the HLA-G 3′UTR SNP+3142G/C that disrupts a target for microRNA 148 (miR148) and is associated with asthma. The polymorphism is associated with protection from (or susceptibility to) moderate to severe viral infection in the first 3 years of life and asthma by age 6, with an interaction with mother's affection status (asthma). A SNP in the 3′-Untranslated Region (UTR) of HLA-G influences the targeting of 3 micro(mi)RNAs to the gene. Allele-specific targeting of these miRNAs accounts, at least in part, for the association between HLA-G and the risk of asthma. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090136452 | TARGETING OF HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS TO SPECIFIC RECEPTORS - The invention relates to engineered Herpes simplex virus (HSV) particles that are targeted to one or more specific binding pair members, such as receptors. Also, recombinant vectors for producing such HSV particles are provided. By reducing the affinity of HSV for its natural receptor(s) and increasing the affinity for a selected receptor, the HSV particles of the invention are useful for targeting cells that express the selected receptor, which itself may be a product of genetic engineering. The ability to selectively target cells render the HSV particles. particularly useful in selectively diagnosing, treating, and imaging cells bearing the selected binding pair member, such as a receptor. The invention also provides for polynucleotide-based therapy to cells bearing the selected binding pair member such as a receptor. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090110673 | METHODS OF REDUCING CELL DEATH FOLLOWING HYPOXIA / REOXYGENATION - Provided are methods of reducing cell death, attenuating a burst of reactive oxygen species, reducing cytotoxicity, reducing intracellular oxidant stress due species in a population of cells following hypoxia by reoxygenating the cells in the presence of a reversible electron transport chain inhibitor or under hypercarbic conditions. Also provided is a method to determine the effectiveness of a reversible electron transport chain inhibitor for reducing cell death in a population of cells. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090092640 | Increased T-cell tumor infiltration and eradication of metastases by mutant LIGHT - Mutant LIGHT expressed in a tumor environment elicited high levels of chemokines and adhesion molecules, accompanied by massive infiltration of naïve T lymphocytes. Methods and compositions to elicit immune responses against tumors including tumor volume reduction and eradication of metastasis using mutant LIGHT are disclosed. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090074276 | Voxel Matching Technique for Removal of Artifacts in Medical Subtraction Images - A method for improving the alignment accuracy between different medical images may be disclosed. A warped or non-warped previous image and a warped or non-warped current image may include a plurality of respective previous and current basic units, for example, pixels in a 2-dimensional image or voxels in a 3-dimensional image. To ensure accurate registration between the previous and current images, a first basic unit from the previous image may be replaced by a second basic unit from the current image if the value of the first and second basic units are identical or nearly identical. The first and second basic units may be selected from a nearly-identical region or “kernel” within the previous and current images. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090068233 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND IMMUNOTHERAPY OF POLLEN ALLERGY - A diagnostic pollen array includes allergens extracted from pollen coat material. Diagnostic pollen arrays are useful to diagnose allergy in individuals, identify novel allergens, identify genetic loci responsible for allergy in hosts, and to develop treatment plans for allergy. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090048312 | PLANT PATHOGEN RESISTANCE - Azelaic acid or its derivatives or analogs induce a robust and a speedier defense response against pathogens in plants. Azelaic acid treatment alone does not induce many of the known defense-related genes but activates a plant's defense signaling upon pathogen exposure. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090036393 | Vesicular monoamine transporter gene therapy in Parkinson's disease - The present invention provides methods and compositions for the therapeutic intervention of Parkinson's disease. More particularly, methods of making and sequestering dopamine are disclosed. Additionally, methods of genetically modifying donor cells by gene transfer for grafting into the central nervous system to treat defective, diseased or damaged cells are disclosed. Methods and compositions for carrying out such gene transfer and grafting are described. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20080316575 | Aberration correction of optical traps - A method and system for correcting aberrations in a beam of light including correcting for effects from an undiffracted portion of an input beam. The method and system includes (1) a component for providing a beam of light; (2) a component for applying a diffraction grating pattern to the beam of light to establish an optical gradient to form an optical trap; (3) component for measuring aberration in the beam of light having the applied diffraction grating pattern; (4) component for calculating a phase-shifting diffraction grating encoding the aberration; and (5) component for projecting the phase-shifting diffraction grating in conjunction with the diffraction grating pattern characteristic of the optical trap. The method and system also includes (1) providing an input beam of light; (2) applying a diffractive grating pattern to the input beam of light to establish a diffracted portion, apart from an undiffracted portion, to form at least one optical trap; (3) operating on both the diffracted portion and the undiffracted portion to bring the light to focus out of the focal plane; and (4) operating on the diffracted portion of the input beam of light (the optical trap) to modify focus of the diffracted portion relative to the undiffracted portion to bring the diffracted portion into focus in the focal plane. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080299135 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR NERVE REGENERATION - Methods and compositions for modulating growth of a neuron with a Wnt, a Wnt-like substance, and/or a chemical compound affecting a Wnt signaling pathway are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for identifying a substance that modulates growth of a neuron by obtaining a candidate substance and contacting the candidate substance with the neuron are disclosed and methods for modulating growth of a neuron in a subject using a Wnt, a Wnt-like substance, and/or a chemical compound affecting a Wnt signaling pathway. The Wnt, Wnt-like substance, and/or chemical compounds affecting a Wnt signaling pathway can be delivered to the subject using gene therapy techniques. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions for modulating growth of a neuron in a mammal that include a Wnt or a Wnt-like substance. Methods and compositions for inhibiting growth of a neuron are also disclosed. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080288264 | Methods for generation or increasing revenues from crops - The present invention provides methods of doing business and providing services. For example, methods of increasing the revenue of crops are provided. To this end, the method includes the use of a nucleic acid sequences of plant centromeres. This will permit construction of stably inherited recombinant DNA constructs and mini chromosomes which can serve as vectors for the construction of transgenic plant and animal cells. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080279894 | Bacterial Glycolipid Activation of Cd1d-Restricted Nkt Cells - Disclosed are methods for activating an NKT cell, methods of stimulating an immune response in a subject, methods of improving vaccine efficacy, and methods of treating an infection. Also disclosed are methods of promoting tumor rejection, treating cancer, modulating autoimmunity and inhibiting allergen-induced hypersensitivity in subjects. The methods include contacting an NKT cell with a bacterial glycolipid complexed with a CD1 molecule to activate the NKT cell. The bacterial glycolipid may be derived from a member of the Class Alphaproteobacteria. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080274119 | Use of Opioid Antagonists to Attenuate Endothelial Cell Proliferation and Migration - The invention provides methods of attenuating, e.g., inhibiting or reducing, cellular proliferation and migration, particularly endothelial cell proliferation and migration, including that associated with angiogenesis, using opioid antagonists, including, but not limited to, those that are peripherally restricted antagonists. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080247956 | IDENTIFICATION OF NOVEL FACTORS THAT BLOCK PROGRAMMED CELL DEATH OR APOPTOSIS BY TARGETING JNK - Methods and compositions for modulating apoptosis by acting on the c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway and assays for the isolation of agents capable of modulating apoptosis, including modulators of the JNK pathway are disclosed. A method of modulating JNK pathway independent of Gadd46β is disclosed. Methods and compositions are presented for the preparation and use of novel therapeutic compositions for modulating diseases and conditions associated with elevated or decreased apoptosis. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080236186 | MEDICAL ICE SLURRY PRODUCTION DEVICE - The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing sterile ice slurries for medical cooling applications. The apparatus is capable of producing highly loaded slurries suitable for delivery to targeted internal organs of a patient, such as the brain, heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, pancreas, and others, through medical size diameter tubing. The ice slurry production apparatus includes a slurry production reservoir adapted to contain a volume of a saline solution. A flexible membrane crystallization surface is provided within the slurry production reservoir. The crystallization surface is chilled to a temperature below a freezing point of the saline solution within the reservoir such that ice particles form on the crystallization surface. A deflector in the form of a reciprocating member is provided for periodically distorting the crystallization surface and dislodging the ice particles which form on the crystallization surface. Using reservoir mixing the slurry is conditioned for easy pumping directly out of the production reservoir via medical tubing or delivery through other means such as squeeze bottles, squeeze bags, hypodermic syringes, manual hand delivery, and the like. | 10-02-2008 |
