| TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120122831 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RAPID DETECTION OF BACTERIAL ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE/SUSCEPTIBILITY - Described herein is a method and a device for expediting delivery of an agent to a damaged bacterial cell. In one embodiment, the methods and devices are useful for screening candidate antibiotics. In another embodiment, the methods and devices described herein are used to determine susceptibility of bacteria to an antibiotic. The methods also provide a method for determining an appropriate antibiotic to treat an individual having a bacterial infection. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121820 | FABRICATION OF SILK FIBROIN PHOTONIC STRUCTURES BY NANOCONTACT IMPRINTING - A method of manufacturing a nanopatterned biophotonic structure includes forming a customized nanopattern mask on a substrate using E-beam lithography, providing a biopolymer matrix solution, depositing the biopolymer matrix solution on the substrate, and drying the biopolymer matrix solution to form a solidified biopolymer film. A surface of the film is formed with the nanopattern mask, or a nanopattern is machined directly on a surface of the film using E-beam lithograpy such that the biopolymer film exhibits a spectral signature corresponding to the E-beam lithograpy nanopattern. The resulting bio-compatible nanopatterned biophotonic structures may be made from silk, may be biodegradable, and may be bio-sensing devices. The biophotonic structures may employ nanopatterned masks based on non-periodic photonic lattices, and the biophotonic structures may be designed with specific spectral signatures for use in probing biological substances, including displaying optical activity in the form of opalescence. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120115705 | DISPOSABLE SEPARATOR/CONCENTRATOR DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for separation and concentration of particles from liquid and fluid samples. In some embodiments, the separation/concentration is achieved by sequential centrifugation steps. In particular, one aspect of the invention relates to a separation/concentration device which comprises at least a first chamber ( | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120114566 | LIPOXIN ANALOGS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE - This invention provides new lipoxin analogs, compositions containing analogs, and methods of using these compounds and compositions for treating and preventing oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of periodontal disease. The invention also provides for methods of treating and preventing oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of periodontal disease with compositions containing COX-2 inhibitors. Further, the invention provides methods for preventing systemic diseases beyond theoral cavity that are related to periodontal disease using the composition containing lipoxin analogs, COX-2 inhibitors, or both. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120077260 | RESERVOIR-BUFFERED MIXERS AND REMOTE VALVE SWITCHING FOR MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES - The present invention relates generally to the control of fluid flow rate and direction on a microfluidic device. In particular, the present invention provides an integrated valveless microfluidic device, where directional fluid control is controlled using off-chip remote valve switching and fluid flow rate changes are controlled using on-chip flow-rate changing fluid reservoirs. The present invention provides methods and systems for directional fluid control and control of fluid flow rate in an integrated microfluidic device which enables processes with different flow rates to be performed on one device without the need of on-chip valves. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120028838 | Quantification of Gene Expression - The present invention relates to a method for measuring the amount of a target nucleic acid in a sample using a standard which is designed to have one base difference compared with the gene of interest or a “target nucleic acid sequence.” Use of such standard in combination with a method of “enhancing” the difference in the standard and the test nucleic acid sample using, for example, a base extension reaction carried right at the mutation site allowing amplification of the standard and target nucleic acids with the same efficiency and facilitating quantification of the target nucleic acid. Thereafter a means of quantifying the “enhanced” standard and target nucleic acid samples is used to determine the amount of the target nucleic acid. In the preferred embodiment, the quantification means is Mass Spectrometry. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120003630 | MODULAR NUCLEIC ACID-BASED CIRCUITS FOR COUNTERS, BINARY OPERATIONS, MEMORY, AND LOGIC - We have created novel engineered genetic counter designs and methods of use thereof that utilize DNA recombinases to provide modular systems, termed single invertase memory modules (SIMMs), for encoding memory in cells and cellular systems. Our designs are easily extended to compute to high numbers, by utilizing the >100 known recombinases to create subsequent modules. Flexibility in our engineered genetic counter designs is provided by daisy-chaining individual modular components, i.e., SIMMs together. These modular components of the engineered genetic counters can be combined in other network topologies to create circuits that perform, amongst other things, logic and memory. Our novel engineered genetic counter designs allow for the maintenance of memory and provide the ability to count between discrete states by expressing the recombinases between their cognate recognition sites. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110313145 | ISOLATION OF RNA - Disclosed herein are methods for purification of RNA from a sample. The RNA can be total RNA or mRNA. The method involves preparing the sample in a solution of lysis buffer and depositing into a first end of a lysis straw such that the sample solution flows through the matrix of the lysis straw and is eluted from the opposite end of the lysis straw, and depositing the eluted material into a first end of a solid phase extraction (SPE) straw, such that the deposited solution flows through the matrix of the SPE straw towards the opposite end of the SPE straw, and eluting the RNA from the SPE straw by depositing a solution of elution buffer, into the first end of the SPE straw, such that the deposited solution flows through the matrix of the SPE straw and is eluted from the opposite end of the SPE straw, wherein purified RNA from the sample is present in the eluate of the SPE straw. When the RNA is total RNA, and the sample is a cell sample, and step b) requires adding a precipitating solution to the eluted material from step a), and depositing the solution into the first end of the SPE straw, wherein the straw comprises silica microspheres, such that the deposited solution flows through the matrix of the SPE straw toward the opposite end of the SPE straw. When the RNA is mRNA and step b) further comprises depositing the solution into the first end of the solid phase extraction (SPE) straw, wherein the straw comprises oligo-dT. Pressure (e.g., at least 10 psi pressure) and heat (e.g., about 60° C.) can be applied to the samples, and/or eluates and/or straws. Examples of lysis buffers, loading buffers and elution buffers are provided. Also disclosed are the specific straws and porous polymer monolith matrix components. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110285991 | CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL SENSOR EMPLOYING SCATTERED CHROMATIC COMPONENTS IN NANO-PATTERNED APERIODIC SURFACES - A label-free multiplexed sensing platform is based on light interaction with aperiodic photonic structures with an advantage of a broadband operation. Multiple-scattering-induced “fingerprinting” colorimetric signatures can be used as a transduction mechanism. Aperiodic sensing platforms can operate in the infrared to provide an overlap with spectral fingerprints of biological molecules. Miniaturized optical biosensors may be based on engineered colorimetric scattering signatures (structural color), sharp spectral features, non-uniform angular distributions of scattered light, and broadband manipulation of the local density of states in nano-textured scattering surfaces with deterministic aperiodic order. The biosensors can be fabricated in semiconductor, metal, low- and high-index dielectric platforms using standard nanofabrication techniques such as electron-beam lithography, ion-beam milling, etc, and can be replicated over large areas by standard nano-imprint lithography. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110267614 | ENGINEERED SERS SUBSTRATES EMPLOYING NANOPARTICLE CLUSTER ARRAYS WITH MULTISCALE SIGNAL ENHANCEMENT - Defined nanoparticle cluster arrays (NCAs) with total lateral dimensions of up to 25.4 μm by 25.4 μm have been fabricated on top of a 10 nm thin gold film using template guided self-assembly. This approach provides precise control of the structural parameters in the arrays allowing a systematic variation of the average number of nanoparticles in the clusters (n) and the edge to edge separation (Λ) between 1| 11-03-2011 | |
| 20110251149 | METHODS AND LOW DOSE REGIMENS FOR TREATING RED BLOOD CELL DISORDERS - Disclosed herein are methods and low dose regimens for increasing fetal hemoglobin levels in patients with red blood cell disorders, such as beta thalassemia, sickle cell disease, other anemias, or blood loss. Fetal and total hemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts are increased by administering 2,2-dimethylbutyrate (DMB) alone or in combination with hydroxyurea, decitabine or an HDAC inhibitor. Treatment can be continued for at least two weeks. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110245154 | Methods and Compositions for Treating Viral or Virally-Induced Conditions - Provided are methods and compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of viral conditions, virally-induced conditions and inflammatory conditions. The methods can comprise administering to a subject a viral inducing agent with an antiviral agent, and optionally an additional agent. The viral inducing agent can be a HDAC inhibitor administered orally. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110244451 | Methods for prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities - Chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for a significant number of birth defects, including mental retardation. The present invention is related to methods for non-invasive and rapid, prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities based on analysis of a maternal blood sample. The invention exploits the differences in DNA between the mother and fetus, for instance differences in their methylation states, as a means to enrich for fetal DNA in maternal plasma sample. The methods described herein can be used to detect chromosomal DNA deletions and duplications. In a preferred embodiment, the methods are used to diagnose chromosomal aneuploidy and related disorders, such as Down's and Turner's Syndrome. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110243883 | POLYMERIC BIOLUBRICANTS FOR MEDICAL USE - The present invention provides branched polymers which can be used as lubricants or shock absorbers in vivo. For example, the inventive polymers can be used as viscosupplements, viscoelastics, tissue space fillers, and/or anti-adhesive agents. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive polymers and methods of using them including, for example, in the treatment of arthritic and sport-injured knee joints; in reconstruction or cosmetic procedures, intervertebral disc repair, treatment of vocal cord problems, treatment of urinary incontinence, and prevention of adhesion formation following abdominal or gynecological surgery. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110237654 | METHOD TO INHIBIT CELL GROWTH USING OLIGONUCLEOTIDES - Described are methods for treating hyperproliferative disorders, including cancers, by administering to the affected mammal (e.g., human) an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more oligonucleotides which share at least 33% but less than 100% nucleotide sequence identity with the human telomere overhang repeat. Methods of treatment or prevention of hyperproliferative diseases or pre-cancerous conditions affecting epithelial cells, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or hyperproliferative diseases of other epithelia and methods for reducing photoaging, or oxidative stress or for prophylaxis against or reduction in the likelihood of the development of skin cancer, are also disclosed. The compositions and methods are also useful for treating other cancers, such as for example pancreatic cancer and eradicating cancer stem cells. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110217328 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING EBOLA VIRUS INFECTION - The compositions and methods of the invention described herein provide treatments against Ebola virus infection by expressing gene(s) from the Ivory Coast ebolavirus (ICEBOV) species in a recombinant viral vector. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110207679 | METHODS OF TREATMENT USING IL-16 ANTAGONIST PEPTIDES - The present invention has found that a series of peptides having sequences that substantially correspond to specific regions of the C-terminus of IL-16 can inhibit the activity of IL-16. The present invention has demonstrated that such IL-16-inhibiting peptides can be as short as 4 amino acid in length. Based on these discoveries, the present invention provides IL-16 antagonist peptides and the use thereof for the treatment of IL-16 mediated disorders such as certain inflammatory diseases. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110201667 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR SILENCING EBOLA VIRUS GENE EXPRESSION - The present invention provides compositions comprising therapeutic nucleic acids (e.g., interfering RNA such as siRNA) that target Ebola virus (EBOV) gene expression and methods of using such compositions to silence EBOV gene expression. More particularly, the invention provides unmodified and chemically modified interfering RNA which silence EBOV gene expression and methods of use thereof, e.g., for preventing or treating EBOV infections caused by one or more EBOV species such as Zaire EBOV. The invention also provides serum-stable nucleic acid-lipid particles comprising one or more interfering RNA molecules, a cationic lipid, and a non-cationic lipid, which can further comprise a conjugated lipid that inhibits aggregation of particles. Methods of silencing EBOV gene expression by administering one or more interfering RNA molecules to a mammalian subject are also provided. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110191871 | METHODS TO IDENTIFY FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MUSCLE GROWTH AND USES THEREOF - The present invention relates to methods to identify factors associated with muscle growth, angiogenesis, obesity, insulin sensitivity body weight, fat mass, muscle mass and cardiovascular function. In particular, the methods of the present invention relates to assays to identify such factors using a transgenic animal model and/or a cell-based assay. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110187297 | SWITCHING DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS - A mechanical device capable of switching between two states is described. The device may include a micromechanical resonator with two distinct states in the hysteretic nonlinear regime. The devices can be used as a low-power, high-speed mechanical switch integrated on-chip with silicon circuitry. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110158909 | Cationic Contrast Agents and Methods of Use Thereof - The present invention provides compounds useful as contrast agents, such as for the CT imaging of cartilage tissue. The contrast agents are generally iodinated organic molecules that are positively charged under physiological environments. Also provided are compositions containing contrast agents and methods of using the agents, including, for example, the monitoring of glycosaminoglycan content in cartilage tissue. The invention provides non-invasive analytical techniques for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis in its earliest stages. The invention also provides improvements over existing contrast agents for cartilage monitoring, which tend to exhibit low residence times and require high dosages. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110142821 | ROLES FOR DUAL ENDOTHELIN-1/ANGIOTENSIN II RECEPTOR (DEAR) IN HYPERTENSION AND ANGIOGENESIS - The present application is directed to the identification of mutations and/or polymorphisms in the Dual Endothelin-1/Angiotensin II Receptor (Dear) that indicate susceptibility to, or show current affliction with, hypertension. Additionally, the present invention discloses methods for the modulation of angiogenesis via the regulation of Dear. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110135716 | DELIVERY OF H2 ANTAGONISTS - The present invention provides improved systems and methods for the local delivery of H2 antagonists. The inventive methods include topical administration of an effective amount of a H2 antagonist encapsulated in liposomes. In certain embodiments, the H2 antagonist, for example, Cimetidine, is encapsulated into paucilamellar liposomes, such as NOVASOME® microvesicles. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising liposome-encapsulated H2 antagonists. The methods and compositions of the present invention may be used to treat any disease state or condition where local administration of H2 antagonists is beneficial. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110123526 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PREVENTING ADHESION - This invention provides methods and compositions for preventing post-surgical adhesion formation based on use of an interleukin-16 (IL-16) antagonist, including an IL-16 antagonist peptide and/or an IL-16 antagonist antibody. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110119259 | NETWORK BIOLOGY APPROACH FOR IDENTIFYING TARGETS FOR COMBINATION THERAPIES - Described herein is a network biology approach useful for the identification of multiple therapeutic targets, which can be targeted simultaneously using an agent (or a plurality of agents) to modulate cellular phenotypes, or in combination with pharmaceutical compounds to improve drug sensitivity and/or reduce drug doses to maintain efficacy while minimizing side effects. The preferred approach disclosed herein relies on first identifying the mediators of a condition of interest, and second, selecting gene combinations that are in competing/parallel pathways as targets for combination therapy. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110109736 | System and Method for Producing an Optically Sectioned Image Using Both Structured and Uniform Illumination - A first image data set of the real-world object is received at a processor where the real-world object was illuminated with substantially uniform illumination. A second image data set of the real-world object is received at the processor where the real-world object was illuminated with substantially structured illumination. A high pass filter is applied to the first-image data set to remove out-of-focus content and retrieve high-frequency in-focus content. The local contrast of the second-image data set is determined producing a low resolution local contrast data set. The local contrast provides a low resolution estimate of the in-focus content in the first-image data set. A low pass filter is applied to the estimated low resolution in-focus data set, thus making its frequency information complementary to the high-frequency in-focus data set. The low and high frequency in-focus data sets are combined to produce an optically-sectioned data set of the real-world object. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110106049 | FULLY AUTOMATED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES - An augmented, adaptive algorithm utilizing model predictive control (MPC) is developed for closed-loop glucose control in type 1 diabetes. A linear empirical input-output subject model is used with an MPC algorithm to regulate blood glucose online, where the subject model is recursively adapted, and the control signal for delivery of insulin and a counter-regulatory agent such as glucagon is based solely on online glucose concentration measurements. The MPC signal is synthesized by optimizing an augmented objective function that minimizes local insulin accumulation in the subcutaneous depot and control signal aggressiveness, while simultaneously regulating glucose concentration to a preset reference set point. The mathematical formulation governing the subcutaneous accumulation of administered insulin is derived based on nominal temporal values pertaining to the pharmacokinetics (time-course of activity) of insulin in human, in terms of its absorption rate, peak absorption time, and overall time of action. The MPC algorithm is also formulated to provide control action with an integral effect, and in essence minimizes overall drug consumption. When employed as a modulator in an automated integrated glucose-control system for type 1 diabetes, the control algorithm provides the system with self-learning capability that enables it to operate under unrestricted activity of the subject. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110098678 | MANIPULATORS EMPLOYING MULTIPLE DEFORMABLE ELONGATE MEMBERS - A manipulator is configured with a set of substantially concentric, elongate members configured such that relative rotation and translation of the elongate members adjusts both the spatial position and orientation of the distal end of the manipulator and the spatial positioning of the manipulator along its length. In one arrangement, the elongate members are pre-curved such that the distal end portions of the elongate members have generally arcuate shapes in a resting state. When the three elongate members are combined in a substantially concentric manner, the overall shape of the manipulator is a composite of the individual elongate member shapes. Varying the relative translation and rotational orientation of the component elongate members achieves a family of resulting manipulator shapes as well as a desired spatial position and orientation of the distal end portion of the manipulator. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110097721 | IN VIVO GENE SENSORS - Described are methods and compositions for the detection of target genes. The inventors have developed a synthetic nucleic acid sensor-effector gene circuit. In cells without a target gene, the circuit suppresses e.g., effector production, but in the presence of the target gene the suppression is subject to competition, such that the synthetic sensor is de-repressed and permits expression of the effector gene. The methods and compositions described further permit the selective expression of an effector gene in those cells expressing the target gene. In this manner, cells expressing a target gene can be selectively targeted for treatment or elimination. In certain aspects, the methods and compositions described permit the selective expression of an agent such as a therapeutic gene product, in a specifically targeted population of cells in an organism. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110097712 | METHOD FOR DETECTING AND QUANTIFYING RARE MUTATIONS/POLYMORPHISMS - The present invention is directed to a method for detecting and quantifying rare mutations in a nucleic acid sample. The nucleic acid molecules under investigation can be either DNA or RNA. The rare mutation can be any type of functional or non-functional nucleic acid change or mutation, such as deletion, insertion, translocation, inversion, one or more base substitution or polymorphism. Therefore, the methods of the present invention are useful in detection of rare mutations in, for example, diagnostic, prognostic and follow-up applications, when the targets are rare known nucleic acid variants mixed in with the wildtype or the more common nucleic acid variant(s). | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110091487 | MELANOMA BIOMARKER AND METHODS OF USES - The present invention relates to the use of TROY, also called tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 19 (TNFRSF19) also called toxicity and JNK inducer (TAJ), in diagnosis and therapy of non-epithelial cancers, such as melanoma. Accordingly, the invention provides in vitro and in vivo diagnostic and/or prognostic methods for cancers, other than epithelial cancers, preferably melanoma, comprising analyzing TROY expression in a biological sample from an individual or in an individual, wherein expression of TROY in non-epithelial cells, such as in melanocytes, in indicative the biological sample or the individual containing malignant cells, such as malignant melanoma cells. The invention also provides therapeutic use of TROY targeting molecules, such as TROY antibodies or TROY targeting RNA interfering agents for treatment of cancer wherein the cancer cells express TROY. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110068834 | ELECTRO-MECHANICAL OSCILLATING DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Electro-mechanical oscillating devices designed to convert the frequency of electrical signal(s) and methods associated with the same are described. One example of such a frequency converting device is a mixer. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110064677 | LIPOXIN ANALOGS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE - This invention provides new lipoxin analogs, compositions containing analogs, and methods of using these compounds and compositions for treating and preventing oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of periodontal disease. The invention also provides for methods of treating and preventing oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of periodontal disease with compositions containing COX-2 inhibitors. Further, the invention provides methods for preventing systemic diseases beyond theoral cavity that are related to periodontal disease using the composition containing lipoxin analogs, COX-2 inhibitors, or both. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110060188 | LOW COST DISPOSABLE MEDICAL FORCEPS TO ENABLE A HOLLOW CENTRAL CHANNEL FOR VARIOUS FUNCTIONALITIES - The present invention relates to an endoscopic biopsy forceps ( | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110021894 | GLUCOSE SENSOR EMPLOYING SEMICONDUCTOR NANOELECTRONIC DEVICE - A glucose sensor employs a programmable glucose sensor array of a relatively large number of nanoelectronic devices (e.g. semiconductor field-effect devices) having control surfaces functionalized with a glucose-reactive substance and generating sensing signals indicative of sensed glucose level of a bodily fluid. The devices are divided into sub-sets sequentially enabled over successive intervals to achieve overall sensor lifetime many times longer than the lifetime of any single device in operation. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110015137 | RECA INHIBITORS AND THEIR USES AS MICROBIAL INHIBITORS OR POTENTIATORS OF ANTIBIOTIC ACTIVITY - The present invention provides RecA inhibitors, compositions containing them, systems for identifying or characterizing them, and methods of using them. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110014227 | PRE-OR POST-EXPOSURE TREATMENT FOR FILOVIRUS OR ARENAVIRUS INFECTION - The compositions and methods of the invention described herein provide pre- or post-exposure treatments against filovirus or arenavirus infection by expressing one or more genes (e.g., two ore more genes) from filoviruses or arenaviruses in a delivery vehicle (e.g., a recombinant viral vector or a liposome). | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110003776 | TETRAHYDROPYRANONAPHTHYRIDINES DERIVATIVES, PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS AND THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT THEREOF - This invention relates to tetrahydropyranonaphthyridines derivatives having formula (III) or IV: | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100322903 | ENGINEERED BACTERIOPHAGES AS ADJUVANTS FOR ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - The present invention relates to the treatment and prevention of bacteria and bacterial infections. In particular, the present invention relates to engineered bacteriophages used in combination with antimicrobial agents to potentiate the antimicrobial effect and bacterial killing by the antimicrobial agent. The present invention generally relates to methods and compositions comprising engineered bacteriophages and antimicrobial agents for the treatment of bacteria, and more particularly to bacteriophages comprising agents that inhibit antibiotic resistance genes and/or cell survival genes, and/or bacteriophages comprising repressors of SOS response genes or inhibitors of antimicrobial defense genes and/or expressing an agent which increases the sensitivity of bacteria to an antimicrobial agent in combination with at least one antimicrobial agent, and their use thereof. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100297629 | NUCLEIC ACID SUPPORTED PROTEIN COMPLEMENTATION - The present invention is directed to novel methods for in vitro and in vivo detection of target nucleic acid molecules, including DNA and RNA targets, as well as nucleic acid analogues. The present invention is based on protein complementation, in which two individual polypeptides are inactive. When the two inactive polypeptide fragment are brought in close proximity during hybridization to a target nucleic acid, they re-associate into an active, detectable protein. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100286247 | Methods of Protection from Oxidative Stress - Alterations in the structure of telomeres lead to modulation in the redox state of the cell. Substances which mimic destabilized telomeres, such as t-oligos, have a protective effect on future exposure of a cell to oxidative stress. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100280113 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS - The invention is directed to novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising chemicals agents that are useful in the treatment and prevention of cystic fibrosis and the prevention of signs and symptoms of this disease. These pharmaceutical compositions are surprisingly successful in the treatment disorders related to cystic fibrosis including disorders of blood production. Many of these compositions of the invention are even more effective when administered to a patient in pulses. Pulse therapy is not a form of discontinuous administration of the same amount of a composition over time, but comprises administration of the same dose of the composition at a reduced frequency or administration of reduced doses. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100255558 | SUPRAMOLECULAR BIOCONJUGATES - The invention relates to supramolecular bioconjugates and to methods for assembling and utilizing supramolecular bioconjugates. Supramolecular bioconjugates comprise a plurality of first nucleic acids and a plurality of mediators wherein each mediator comprises a second nucleic acid complementary to a sequence within said plurality of first nucleic acids. To assemble a supramolecular bioconjugate, one or more sets of bioreactive agents are coupled to the plurality of mediators, forming a plurality of bioreactive complexes. The plurality of bioreactive complexes are hybridized to the plurality of first nucleic acids to form the supramolecular bioconjugate. Bioconjugates can be used to detect and isolate targets, to screen samples for targets such as antigens, to treat patients with multiple agents or to diagnose disorders in the form of a kit. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100249218 | METHOD TO INHIBIT CELL GROWTH USING OLIGONUCLEOTIDES - Described are methods for treating hyperproliferative disorders, including cancers, by administering to the affected mammal (e.g., human) an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more oligonucleotides which share at least 33% but less than 100% nucleotide sequence identity with the human telomere overhang repeat. Methods of treatment or prevention of hyperproliferative diseases or pre-cancerous conditions affecting epithelial cells, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or hyperprolferative diseases of other epithelia and methods for reducing photoaging, or oxidative stress or for prophylaxis against or reduction in the likelihood of the development of skin cancer, are also disclosed. The compositions and methods are also useful to treating other cancers. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100247562 | Complexes Derived from Heterohybrid Cells and Uses Thereof - The present invention relates, generally, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) and HSP complexes recovered from heterohybrid cells that are generated from the fusion of a first type of cell (Type I) with a second type of cell (Type II). In further embodiments, the present invention relates to preparing HSPs and/or HSP complexes recovered from heterohybrid, and to methods to treat and/or prevent diseases, such as cancer and infectious diseases by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a HSP and/or HSP complex recovered from heterohybrid cells that are generated from the fusion of a first type of cell (Type I) with a second type of cell (Type II). | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100241041 | Knee Brace with Expandable Members and Method of Using the Same - A knee brace ( | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100234348 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR POTENTIATING ANTIBIOTIC ACTIVITY - The present invention provides compounds that potentiate the activity of antibiotic agents, particularly quinolones such as norflaxin. The invention further provides compositions, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, comprising the inventive compounds. The invention also provides compositions comprising an antibiotic (e.g., a quinolone) and a compound that potentiates activity of the antibiotic. The invention further provides methods of treating a subject comprising administering any of the inventive compounds or compositions to the subject. The invention also provides screening methods to identify compounds that potentiate the activity of an antibiotic, e.g., a quinolone. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100227817 | METABOLIC AND CARDIOPROTECTION BY THE MYOKINE FOLLISTATIN-LIKE 1 POLYPEPTIDE - Described herein are methods and compositions related to the discovery that the Follistatin-like 1 protein (Fstl-1) has metabolic and cardioprotective effects in vivo. Fstl-1 and portions and derivatives or variants thereof can be used to treat or prevent metabolic diseases or disorders and to treat or prevent cardiac damage caused by interrupted cardiac muscle blood supply. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100222419 | METHOD TO INHIBIT CELL GROWTH USING OLIGONUCLEOTIDES - Described are methods for treating hyperproliferative disorders, including cancers, by administering to the affected mammal (e.g., human) an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more oligonucleotides which share at least 33% but less than 100% nucleotide sequence identity with the human telomere overhang repeat. Methods of treatment or prevention of hyperproliferative diseases or pre-cancerous conditions affecting epithelial cells, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or hyperproliferative diseases of other epithelia and methods for reducing photoaging, or oxidative stress or for prophylaxis against or reduction in the likelihood of the development of skin cancer, are also disclosed. The compositions and methods are also useful to treating other cancers. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100210978 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR GRAVITY LIKE SIMULATION OF NATURAL BALANCE MOVEMENTS - We present a tool that can enhance the concept of BWS training by allowing natural APAs to occur mediolaterally. While in a supine position in a 90 degree tilted environment built around a modified hospital bed, subjects wear a backpack frame that is freely moving on air-hearings, as a puck on an air hockey table, and attached through a cable to a pneumatic cylinder that provides a load that can be set to emulate various G-like loads. Veridical visual input is provided through two 3-D automultiscopic displays that allow glasses free 3-D vision representing a virtual surrounding environment that may be acquired from sites chosen by the patient. Two groups of 12 healthy subjects were exposed to either strength training alone or a combination of strength and balance training in such a tilted environment over a period of four weeks. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100203053 | METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR TREATING IMMUNE COMPLEX ASSOCIATED DISORDERS - The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating immune complex associated diseases (ICAD), such as SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and hepatitis-C related immune complex disease (e.g., cryoglobulinemia) in a subject having an ICAD or at risk for developing ICAD. The invention is based upon the surprising finding that chromatin-containing immune complexes activate autoreactive B cells and dendritic cells by a dual receptor engagement process which, in both cell types, involves a Toll-like receptor (TLR). The methods of treating ICAD comprise administering a compound to an individual in need thereof that either 1) inhibits formation of the immune complex either by preventing formation and/or binding to the TLR, or 2) interferes with binding of an autoantigen-containing immune complex (or the antigenic component thereof) to the TLR, or 3) inhibits signaling pathways initiated by dual engagement of BCR and TLR (in B cells) or FcR and TLR (in dendritic cells) via immune complexed or uncomplexed autoantigens. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100184075 | Haplotype Analysis - The present invention provides an efficient way for high throughput haplotype analysis. Several polymorphic nucleic acid markers, such as SNPs, can be simultaneously and reliably determined through multiplex PCR of single nucleic acid molecules in several parallel single molecule dilutions and the consequent statistical analysis of the results from these parallel single molecule multiplex PCR reactions results in reliable determination of haplotypes present in the subject. The nucleic acid markers can be of any distance to each other on the chromosome. In addition, an approach wherein overlapping DNA markers are analyzed can be used to link smaller haplotypes into larger haplotypes. Consequently, the invention provides a powerful new tool for diagnostic haplotyping and identifying novel haplotypes. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100155883 | INTEGRATED MEMS AND IC SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS - An integrated MEMS and IC system (MEMSIC), as well as related methods, are described herein. According to some embodiments, a mechanical resonating structure is coupled to an electrical circuit (e.g., field-effect transistor). For example, the mechanical resonating structure may be coupled to a gate of a transistor. In some cases, the mechanical resonating structure and electrical circuit may be fabricated on the same substrate (e.g., Silicon (Si) and/or Silicon-on-Insulator (SOW and may be proximate to one another. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100137711 | Apparatus and Method of Analyzing Arterial Plaque - A method of identifying arterial plaque analyzes arterial plaque using one or more non-invasive tests to determine if the plaque has any of a plurality of hallmarks that are predictive of disruption. The one or more tests do, in fact, test the plaque for the plurality of the hallmarks. The method then formulates a vulnerability quantity as a function of the determined hallmarks. The vulnerability quantity identifies whether the plaque is vulnerable to disruption. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100134207 | Nano electromechanical integrated-circuit bank and switch - A bank of nano electromechanical integrated circuit filters. The bank of integrated circuit filters comprising a silicon substrate; a sacrificial layer; a device layer including at least two resonators, wherein the at least two resonators include sub-micro excitable elements and wherein the at least two resonators posses a fundamental mode frequency as well as a collective mode frequency and wherein the collective mode frequency of the at least two resonators is determined by the fundamental frequency of the sub-micron elements. At least one switch connects to the bank of integrated circuit filters. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100130904 | METHOD TO INHIBIT PROLIFERATION AND GROWTH OF METASTASES - The present invention provides a method to reduce the amount of undesired growth factors in the circulating blood of a subject to prevent tumor growth and proliferation during or after a wound healing and/or other local tissue repair process on a subject, comprising extracorporeal adsorption of growth factors from blood of the subject and return of the treated blood to the subject. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100107285 | TUNABLE BIO-FUNCTIONALIZED NANOELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS HAVING SUPERHYDROPHOBIC SURFACES FOR USE IN FLUIDS - Tunable, bio-functionalized, nanoelectromechanical systems (Bio-NEMS), micromechanical resonators (MRs), nanomechanical resonators (NRs), surface acoustic wave resonators, and bulk acoustic wave resonators having superhydrophobic surfaces for use in aqueous biochemical solutions. The MRs, NRs or Bio-NEMS include a system resonator that can vibrate or oscillate at a relatively high frequency and to which an analyte molecule(s) contained in the solution ○ can attach or upon which small molecular-scale forces can act; a device for adjusting a relaxation time of the solution, to increase the quality (Q-factor) of the resonator inside the solution, to reduce energy dissipation into the solution; and a device for detecting a frequency shift in the resonator due to the analyte molecule(s) or applied molecular-scale forces. The resonator can include roughness elements that provide superhydrophobicity and, more particularly, gaps between adjacent asperities for repelling the aqueous solution from the surface of the device. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100071061 | Method and Apparatus for Whole-Network Anomaly Diagnosis and Method to Detect and Classify Network Anomalies Using Traffic Feature Distributions - To improve network reliability and management in today's high-speed communication networks, we propose an intelligent system using adaptive statistical approaches. The system learns the normal behavior of the network. Deviations from the norm are detected and the information is combined in the probabilistic framework of a Bayesian network. The proposed system is thereby able to detect unknown or unseen faults. As demonstrated on real network data, this method can detect abnormal behavior before a fault actually occurs, giving the network management system (human or automated) the ability to avoid a potentially serious problem. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100047179 | TARGETED SPLIT BIOMOLECULAR CONJUGATES FOR THE TREATMENT OF DISEASES, MALIGNANCIES AND DISORDERS, AND METHODS OF THEIR PRODUCTION - The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for the production of split-biomolecular conjugates for the directed targeting of nucleic acids and polypeptides. More preferably, the compositions and methods allow for the use of the split biomolecular conjugates for the treatment of diseases, malignancies, disorders and screening. In some embodiments, the split biomolecular conjugates comprise split effector protein fragments conjugated to a probe, and interaction of both probes with a target nucleic acid or target polypeptide, such as a pathogenic nucleic acid sequence or pathogenic protein, brings a the split-effector fragments together to facilitate the reassembly of the effector molecule. Depending on the effector molecule, the protein complementation results in a cellular effect, in particular for the treatment of diseases, malignancies and disorders. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100042005 | DETECTING OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF A TURBID MEDIUM - A device for measuring light scattering and absorption properties of a tissue, the device comprising: a probe comprising first and second optical fibers for irradiation and detection. The optical fibers are substantially parallel to each other at the distal end, and are separated by a distance of less than 2 mm, wherein said first and second optical fibers are arranged in said probe at an angle, 6=10 deg. to 45 deg., to the plane perpendicular to the distal end of said probe and wherein the tips of the optical fibers at the distal end are polished parallel to the plane perpendicular to the distal end of said probe. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100039126 | NANOCHANNEL-BASED SENSOR SYSTEM FOR USE IN DETECTING CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL SPECIES - A sensor system for detecting a chemical or biological species includes a sensing element and a bias and measurement circuit. The sensing element includes nanochannels, each having an outer surface functionalized to chemically interact with the species to create a corresponding surface potential, and each having a sufficiently small cross section to exhibit a shift of a differential conductance characteristic into a negative bias operating region by a shift amount dependent on the surface potential. The bias and measurement circuit applies a bias voltage across two ends of the nanochannels sufficiently negative to achieve a desired dependence of the differential conductance on the surface potential, wherein the dependence has a steeply sloped region of high amplification substantially greater than a reference amplification at a zero-bias condition, thus achieving relatively high signal-to-noise ratio. The bias and measurement circuit converts the measured differential conductance into a signal indicative of presence or activity of the species of interest. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100029597 | RECA INHIBITORS WITH ANTIBIOTIC ACTIVITY, COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE - The present invention is directed to the use of RecA inhibitors as antibiotic agents, and provides RecA inhibitors useful in treating infections. Also provided are various compositions and methods associated with RecA inhibition. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100028334 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS TO POTENTIATE COLISTIN ACTIVITY - A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antimicrobial agent and an enhancer of an antimicrobial agent, wherein the enhancer of an antimicrobial agent is an inhibitor of gene, that by inactivating the gene product potentiates the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agent. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial agent is an antimicrobial peptide such as a polymyxin, for example but not limited to colistin. In some embodiments of the present invention provides methods to treat and/or prevent infection of a subject with a microorganism by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antimicrobial agent and an enhancer of an antimicrobial agent. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods to inhibit growth of a microorganism by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antimicrobial agent and an enhancer of an antimicrobial agent. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100007443 | Nano electromechanical integrated-circuit filter - A nano electromechanical integrated circuit filter and method of making. The filter comprises a silicon substrate; a sacrificial layer; a device layer including at least one resonator, wherein the resonator includes sub-micron excitable elements and wherein the at least one resonator possess a fundamental mode frequency as well as a collective mode frequency and wherein the collective mode frequency of the at least one resonator is determined by the fundamental frequency of the sub-micron elements. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20090326384 | Device With Integrated Multi-Fiber Optical Probe and Methods of Use - Biopsy instruments are integrated with a multi-fiber optical probe adapted to perform diagnostic measurements. In addition to being able to analyze, treat or remove tissue, such integrated devices characterize tissue by measuring the amount of scattering and absorption of light transmitted into the tissue. Each fiberoptic probe has an illuminating fiber that provides a broadband light source for transmission into tissue, and a collecting fiber that collects the light scattered by the tissue and transmits the collected light to a spectrometer. One embodiment is an endoscope-mediated tool with a jaw-type biopsy forceps and a multi-fiber optical probe which is conveyed through a hollow central channel. Another embodiment is an endoscope-mediated tool with a jaw-type biopsy forceps and a plurality of multi-fiber optical probes. Yet another embodiment is an endoscopic polypectomy-type snare catheter with a multi-fiber optical probe located at the tip. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090326053 | DIAGNOSTIC USES OF FOLLISTATIN-LIKE 1 - The present invention generally relates to methods, systems and computer readable media for the diagnosis and/or prognosis of a cardiac stress and/or skeletal muscle stress in a subject. In particular, in one embodiment, the methods, systems and computer readable media detect a level of Fstl expression, such as Fstl1 polypeptide or mRNA expression in a biological sample obtained from a subject, where a high level relative to a reference Fstl expression level is indicative of a subject having, or is at risk of cardiac stress and/or skeletal muscle stress. In such embodiments, the method futher comprises administering or undertaking an appropriate therapy in a subject identified to have or be at risk of cardiac stress and/or skeletal muscle stress. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the methods, systems and computer readable media detect a level of Fstl expression, such as Fstl1 polypeptide or mRNA expression in a biological sample obtained from a subject where a low level relative to a reference Fstl expression level is indicative of a subject having, or is at risk of diabetes and/or metabolic dysfunction. In such embodiments, the method futher comprises administering or undertaking an appropriate therapy in a subject identified to have or be at risk of diabetes and/or metabolic dysfunction. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325232 | Methods for prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities - Chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for a significant number of birth defects, including mental retardation. The present invention is related to methods for non-invasive and rapid, prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities based on analysis of a maternal blood sample. The invention exploits the differences in DNA between the mother and fetus, for instance differences in their methylation states, as a means to enrich for fetal DNA in maternal plasma sample. The methods described herein can be used to detect chromosomal DNA deletions and duplications. In a preferred embodiment, the methods are used to diagnose chromosomal aneuploidy and related disorders, such as Down's and Turner's Syndrome. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090317875 | NUCLEIC ACID CLONING - The present invention provides an improved system for linking nucleic acids to one another. In particular, the present invention provides techniques for producing DNA product molecules that may be easily and directly ligated to recipient molecules. The product molecules need not be cleaved with restriction enzymes in order to undergo such ligation. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the DNA product molecules are produced through iterative DNA synthesis reactions, so that the product molecules are amplified products. The invention further provides methods for directed ligation of product molecules (i.e., for selective ligation of certain molecules within a collection of molecules), and also for methods of exon shuffling, in which multiple different product molecules are produced in a single ligation reaction. Preferred embodiments of the invention involve ligation of product molecules encoding functional protein domains, particularly domains naturally found in conserved gene families. The inventive DNA manipulation system is readily integrated with other nucleic acid manipulation systems, such as ribozyme-mediated systems, and also is susceptible to automation. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090312358 | METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF DIARRHEA - The present invention is directed to methods of treatment and/or management of diarrhea, such as chronic diarrhea using sequential administration of opioid agonists to suppress gut mobility and opioid antagonists to reverse the effect to controllably allow bowel movements. The agonists and antagonists are administered with a time interval in between the administration or between the release of the drugs from a pharmaceutical composition. The invention is further directed to methods of controlling, treating or managing side effects caused by the opioid agonists, specifically the side effects resulting from mast cell activation and/or granulation. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090311201 | LIPOXIN ANALOGS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE - This invention provides new lipoxin analogs, compositions containing analogs, and methods of using these compounds and compositions for treating and preventing oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of periodontal disease. The invention also provides for methods of treating and preventing oral inflammation, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of periodontal disease with compositions containing COX-2 inhibitors. Further, the invention provides methods for preventing systemic diseases beyond theoral cavity that are related to periodontal disease using the composition containing lipoxin analogs, COX-2 inhibitors, or both. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090305237 | QUANTIFICATION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS AND PROTEINS USING OLIGONUCLEOTIDE MASS TAGS - The invention provides a method for detecting and quantifying the amount of target molecules, such as nucleic acids or proteins in a sample. The target molecules are first recognized and bounded by target-specific probes, generally nucleic acids or proteins that bind specifically to the targets, each of which is labeled with a short single-stranded nucleic acid probe, either DNA or RNA, with distinct molecular weight. This label is called an oligonucleotide mass tag. One or several standard oligonucleotide sequences can be designed with similar sequence but distinct molecular weight to those oligonucleotide mass tags. Then the oligonucleotide mass tags associated with bounded probes and the standard sequences are co-amplified using a pair of common primers. The presence and/or amount of each oligonucleotide mass tag, which corresponds to the amount of corresponding target molecule, is determined by a primer extension reaction and quantification of the primer extension product. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090299081 | Asymmetric Synthesis of Rocaglamides via Enantioselective Photocycloaddition Mediated by Chiral Bronsted Acids - The present invention provides a new strategies for the synthesis of compounds of the rocaglamide family and related natural products. The synthetic approach generally involves photochemical generation of an oxidopyrylium species from a 3-hydroxychromone derivative followed by an enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the oxidopyrylium species to a dipolarophile in the presence of a TADDOL derivative. This approach can be used for the formation of adducts containing an aglain core structure. Methods of the conversion of aglain core structures to aglain, rocaglamide and forbaglin ring systems are also provided. The present invention also relates to the use of rocaglamide/aglain/forbaglin derivatives for the manufacture of medicaments for use in the treatment of cancer or cancerous conditions, disorders associated with cellular hyperproliferation, or NF-κB-dependent conditions. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090296745 | HIGH-POWER FIBER AMPLIFIER EMPLOYING MULTI-POINT PUMP COUPLING VIA COILED GAIN FIBER - An apparatus that may be used as part of an optical amplifier or laser includes a pump fiber carrying pump light from a pump source and a clad gain fiber which includes a number of coils arranged with the pump fiber to form a pump coupler. The pump coupler includes (i) a coupling section of the pump fiber, (ii) a coupling section of each of the coils of the gain fiber arranged adjacent to the coupling section of the pump fiber, (iii) an index- matching material disposed between the coupling section of the pump fiber and the coupling sections of the gain fiber to provide a high degree of coupling of the pump light from the pump fiber to the gain fiber, and (iv) a low-index material at outward-facing surfaces of the coupling sections of the gain fiber. The coupling sections of the pump fiber and of the coils of the gain fiber along with the index-matching material form a waveguide exhibiting an oscillating characteristic of coupling efficiency versus coupling length. The lengths of the coupling sections are selected to correspond to a selected maximum of the oscillating characteristic for high-efficiency coupling of the pump light from the pump fiber to the gain fiber in the pump coupler. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090294638 | Nanomechanical Oscillator - A mechanical oscillator has components with dimensions in a sub-micron range to produce resonance mode oscillations in a gigahertz range. A major element is coupled to a minor, sub-micron element to produce large amplitude gigahertz frequency oscillation that is detected with readily available techniques. The mechanical structure can be formed according to a number of geometries including beams and rings and is excited with electrostatic, magnetic and thermal related forces, as well as other excitation techniques. The mechanical structure can be arranged in arrays for applications such as amplification and mixing and is less sensitive to shock and radiative environments than electrical or optical counterparts. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090264342 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ANTIBIOTIC POTENTIATION AND DRUG DISCOVERY - The present invention provides methods for identifying target genes whose partial or complete functional inactivation potentiates the activity of an antibiotic agent, e.g., a quinolone antibiotic. The invention further provides methods for identifying agents that modulate expression of target genes or that modulate activity of expression products of target genes. Agents identified according to various methods of the invention potentiate the activity of antibiotics such as quinolones, aminoglycosides, peptide antibiotics and β-lactams. Also provided are agents that suppress and/or retard resistance to antibiotics. The inventive methods provide potentiating agents and compositions comprising potentiating agents and antibiotics. Such agents and compositions can be used for inhibiting growth or survival of a microbial cell or of treating a subject suffering from or susceptible to a microbial infection. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090236693 | Planarization of Gan by Photoresist Technique Using an Inductively Coupled Plasma - Films of III-nitride for semiconductor device growth are planarized using an etch-back method. The method includes coating a III-nitride surface having surface roughness features in the micron range with a sacrificial planarization material such as an appropriately chose photoresist. The sacrificial planarization material is then etched together with the III-nitride roughness features using dry etch methods such as inductivel coupled plasma reactive ion etching. By closely matching the etch rates of the sacrificial planarization material and the III-nitride material, a planarized III-nitride surface is achieved. The etch-back process together with a high temperature annealing process yields a planarize III-nitride surface with surface roughness features reduced to the nm range. Planarized III-nitride, e.g., GaN, substrates and devices containing them are also provided. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090221684 | Molecules for Gene Delivery and Gene Therapy, and Methods of Use Thereof - One aspect of the present invention relates to a synthetic non-viral vector composition for gene therapy. Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of the composition for in vitro, ex vivo and/or in vivo transfer of genetic material. The invention also encompasses a pharmaceutical composition (useful for delivery of nucleic acids to a cell), containing a non-cationic amphiphilic molecule or macro-molecule; or a cationic amphiphilic molecule or macromolecule that transforms from a cationic entity to an anionic, neutral, or zwitterionic entity upon a chemical, photochemical, or biological reaction. Another aspect of the invention relates to multicationic compounds that are composed of three or more amino acids. The present invention also relates to the use of the pharmaceutical composition for delivery of nucleic acids to a cell. Moreover, the invention encompasses the non-viral vector compositions tethered to a surface. The surface-tethered compositions are useful for the delivery of nucleic acids to cells in contact with the surface. An additional embodiment of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a composition of the invention, and methods of using same for the delivery of genetic material to a cell. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090209747 | METHOD TO INHIBIT CELL GROWTH USING OLIGONUCLEOTIDES - Described are methods for treating hyperproliferative disorders, including cancers, by administering to the affected mammal (e.g., human) an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more oligonucleotides which share at least 33% but less than 100% nucleotide sequence identity with the human telomere overhang repeat. Methods of treatment or prevention of hyperproliferative diseases or pre-cancerous conditions affecting epithelial cells, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or hyperprolferative diseases of other epithelia and methods for reducing photoaging, or oxidative stress or for prophylaxis against or reduction in the likelihood of the development of skin cancer, are also disclosed. The compositions and methods are also useful to treating other cancers. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090208589 | NOVEL HYDROPHILIC POLYMERS AS MEDICAL LUBRICANTS AND GELS - The present invention provides new biopolymers which mimic the properties of natural polysaccharides found in vivo. The inventive polysaccharides can be used as viscosupplements, viscoelastics, tissue space fillers, and/or anti-adhesive agents. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive polymers and methods of using them including, for example, in the treatment of arthritic and sport-injured knee joints; in reconstruction or cosmetic procedures, intervertebral disc repair, treatment of vocal cord problems, treatment of urinary incontinence, and prevention of adhesion formation following abdominal or gynecological surgery. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090202545 | MELANOMA BIOMARKER AND METHODS OF USES - The present invention relates to the use of TROY, also called tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 19 (TNFRSF 19) also called toxicity and JNK inducer (TAJ), in diagnosis and therapy of non-epithelial cancers, such as melanoma. Accordingly, the invention provides in vitro and in vivo diagnostic and/or prognostic methods for cancers, other than epithelial cancers, preferably melanoma, comprising analyzing TROY expression in a biological sample from an individual or in an individual, wherein expression of TROY in non-epithelial cells, such as in melanocytes, in indicative the biological sample or the individual containing malignant cells, such as malignant melanoma cells. The invention also provides therapeutic use of TROY targeting molecules, such as TROY antibodies or TROY targeting RNA interfering agents for treatment of cancer wherein the cancer cells express TROY. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090195879 | DETERMINISTIC APERIODIC PATTERNED DIELECTRIC AND PLASMONIC MATERIALS FOR LOCALIZED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD ENHANCEMENT - A method is shown for the extension in higher spatial dimensions of deterministic, aperiodic structures which exhibit strong aperiodic effects and have overall compatibility with the planar technology of integrated optical circuits. Disclosed devices are operative in response to incident electromagnetic energy to create a distribution of electromagnetic energy having localized electromagnetic field enhancement, wherein the device includes a dielectric or plasmonic material having a region of interaction with the incident electromagnetic energy. The region of interaction has a deterministic, aperiodic patterning with an array of individual patterning elements of distinct refractive indices such that a variation of refractive index of the device occurs over distances comparable with a wavelength of the incident electromagnetic energy, the array being a multi-dimensional extension of a corresponding one-dimensional sequence such that a spectral response of the array is a multi-dimensional equivalent of a spectral response of the one-dimensional sequence. Specific examples employing so-called Rudin-Shapiro, Thue-Morse and Fibonacci sequences are shown. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090155215 | ENGINEERED ENZYMATICALLY ACTIVE BACTERIOPHAGE AND METHODS FOR DISPERSING BIOFILMS - The present invention is directed to engineered enzymatically active bacteriophages that are both capable of killing the bacteria by lysis and dispersing the bacterial biofilm because they have been also engineered to express biofilm-degrading enzymes, particularly dispersin B (DspB), an enzyme that hydrolyzes β-1,6-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, a crucial adhesion molecule needed for biofilm formation and integrity in | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090143242 | ALIEN SEQUENCES - The present invention provides sequences and reagents for preparing microarrays with internal controls. Specifically, the present invention defines and provides sequences that are not present in the hybridizing mRNA or cDNA, and therefore can be used both as hybridization controls and for inter-spot normalization. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090142336 | METABOLIC REGULATORS AND USES THEREOF - The present invention relates to metabolic regulators that affect metabolic function, for example metabolic regulators that affect muscle mass, muscle regeneration, muscle hypertrophy, fat mass, insulin and glucose sensitivity, angiogenesis and cardiovascular function. In particular, the present invention relates to modulating metabolic function by administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an agent, where the agent activates or inhibits the activity and/or gene expression of the metabolic regulator. The metabolic regulators of the present invention are, for example MSP1 (2160028F08Rik; SEQ ID NO: 16); MSP2 (2310043I08Rik; SEQ ID NO: 17); MSP3 (NM_026754;1 110017116Rik; SEQ ID NO: 1); MSP4 (4732466D17Rik; SEQ BD NO: 18); MSP 5 (NM_024237; 1600015H20Rik; SEQ ID NO: 12); Ins16 (AF_156094; SEQ ID NO: 20). The present invention also provides methods to screen for agents that affect the metabolic regulators of the present invention. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090122648 | ACOUSTIC MOBILITY AID FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED - A wide-band sonar system can be used as a mobility aid by the visually impaired. The system includes an acoustic source and a pair of miniature microphone arrays with frequency-dependent beam patterns designed to mimic the properties of the human ear. Each microphone is preferably mounted near a respective ear of the user. In one embodiment the source has a bandwidth of 30-50 kHz and uses a waveform that preferably optimizes the time-bandwidth product. A heterodyning technique is used to shift the received signal down to the audible range (20 Hz-20 kHz), after which it is presented to the user through open-style earphones. The acoustic source and microphone arrays are mounted on the user's head so that the system will always be aligned therewith—as an example, they may be mounted near the user's ears on conventional eyeglass frames or a similar mounting device. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090084980 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ENHANCED BACKGROUND REJECTION IN THICK TISSUE WITH DIFFERENTIAL-ABERRATION TWO-PHOTON MICROSCOPY - A system for providing enhanced background rejection in thick tissue contains an aberrating element for introducing controllable extraneous spatial aberrations in an excitation beam path; at least one mirror capable of directing received laser pulses to the aberrating element; an objective; a beam scanner imaged onto a back aperture of the objective so that the beam scanner steers beam focus within the thick tissue; and a detector for recording signals produced by the tissue. An associated method comprises the steps of acquiring two-photon excited fluorescence of thick tissue without extraneous aberrations; introducing an extraneous aberration pattern in an excitation beam path; acquiring two-photon excited fluorescence of the thick tissue having the introduced extraneous aberration pattern; and subtracting the two-photon excited fluorescence with extraneous aberrations from the acquired standard two-photon excited fluorescence of the thick tissue without extraneous aberrations. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090082451 | USE OF THYROID HORMONE CONVERSION INHIBITORS - The present invention is directed to the use of thyroid hormone conversion inhibitors to treat hyperproliferative skin disorders, preferably their use in topical admixtures. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090075288 | METHOD FOR DE NOVO DETECTION OF SEQUENCES IN NUCLEIC ACIDS: TARGET SEQUENCING BY FRAGMENTATION - The present invention provides a method for determining nucleic acid sequences of a template nucleic acid that requires no prior knowledge of the nucleic acid sequence present in the template nucleic acid. The method is based on combining information about the mass of a fragment, the mass of any one nucleotide and the combinations thereof, and the sequence specificity of a nucleotide cutter, either enzymatic or chemical cutter, to determine a sequence of a nucleic acid fragment. This method allows for de novo detection of sequences in a target nucleic acid without requiring any prior sequence information. This method is called Partial Sequencing by Fragmentation (PSBF) and it works by fragmenting a target into oligo- or polynucleotides whose masses or lengths are uniquely associated with known sequences. The identities of these sequences are determined solely by the specific fragmentation method used, and are always independent of the target. PSBF can be implemented using electrophoresis, mass spectrometry or any other method that can be used to distinguish the size of the cut nucleic acid sequence fragments. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090062685 | ELECTRO-OPTICAL SENSOR FOR PERIPHERAL NERVES - Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is employed to examine the neuronal activity and vascular response of a peripheral nerve for research or clinical purposes. An embodiment for implementing this approach has: a nerve stimulator; a tissue spectrometer; a stimulation probe adapted to apply a stimulation from the nerve stimulator to a peripheral nerve; at least one illumination optical fiber, where each illumination optical fiber is adapted to transmit a near-infrared source light to the peripheral nerve after the stimulation is applied; and a detection optical fiber adapted to collect and deliver to the tissue spectrometer a returning light from the peripheral nerve after each source light is transmitted to the peripheral nerve. The returning light has a returning intensity, and the tissue spectrometer can determine the returning intensity to provide readings of optical diffuse reflectance of the peripheral nerve after the stimulation is applied. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090062222 | Methods for Sensitizing Cancer Cells to Inhibitors - The present invention is based on the discovery that inactivation of the heat shock response in cancer cells significantly enhances their sensitivity to proteasome and Hsp90 inhibitors. The inventors have discovered novel compounds which exhibit low toxicity, inhibit the heat shock protein response and sensitize cancer cells to anti-cancer therapies. In general, the heat shock protein inhibitors of the present invention share a common structure, namely a 2H-benzo[a]quinolizine tricyclic ring. Also encompassed are methods for a high throughput screen to identify heat shock inhibitors that sensitize cancer cells to anti-cancer therapies. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090029370 | REAL TIME NUCLEIC ACID DETECTION IN VIVO USING PROTEIN COMPLEMENTATION - The present invention relates to a method to detect nucleic acid molecules, such as RNA molecules in vivo using real time protein complementation methods. The invention further relates to methods for detecting nucleic acids, for example RNA in real-time in living cells with a high sensitivity, using a novel split biomolecular conjugate of the invention. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090028852 | Roles For Dual Endothelin-1/Angiotensin II Receptor (DEAR) In Hypertension and Angiogenesis - The present application is directed to the identification of mutations and/or polymorphisms in the Dual Endothelin-1/Angiotensin II Receptor (Dear) that indicate susceptibility to, or show current affliction with, hypertension. Additionally, the present invention discloses methods for the modulation of angiogenesis via the regulation of Dear. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090028847 | MULTIPLE MYELOMA AND AL AMYLOID IMMUNOTHERAPY TARGETING IMMUNOGLOBULIN LIGHT CHAINS AND USES THEREOF - The present invention relates generally to the prevention and treatment of disease states, and more particularly to the treatment and prevention of plasma cell disorders and plasma cell dyscrasias and other malignancies, amyloidosis and amyloid-associated diseases. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and compositions comprising immunogenic peptides for the treatment and prevention of diseases and malignancies, for example plasma cell disorders, plasma cell dyscrasias and amyloidosis or amyloid-associated diseases. The present invention also provides methods for an assay to screen for therapeutic vaccines for plasma cell disorders, plasma cell dyscrasias and amyloidosis or amyloid-associated diseases. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090000955 | Oxygen-Producing Inert Anodes for Som Process - An electrolysis system for generating a metal and molecular oxygen includes a container for receiving a metal oxide containing a metallic species to be extracted, a cathode positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an oxygen-ion-conducting membrane positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an anode in contact with the oxygen-ion-conducting membrane and spaced apart from a metal oxide housed within the container, said anode selected from the group consisting of liquid metal silver, oxygen stable electronic oxides, oxygen stable crucible cermets, and stabilized zirconia composites with oxygen stable electronic oxides. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080227752 | Methods to Inhibit Histone Acetyltransferase Using Glycosaminoglycans - The present invention is directed to methods for inhibition of histone acetyltransferases using glycosaminoglycans. The invention is further directed to methods for treating disorders associated with hyperacetylation by administration of glycosaminoglycans to a patient in need thereof. In one preferred embodiment, the glycosaminoglycan is a heparin or heparan sulfate oligosaccharide. Studies show that removal of sulfate residues from the O-positions of either the uronic acid or the glucosamine did not eliminate the inhibitory activity of heparan sulfate. Since a majority of heparan sulfate binding proteins appear to require O-sulfation, molecules without certain O-sulfations can be used to inhibit HATs while not interacting with most known heparin-binding proteins. In addition, specific sequences of heparin/heparan sulfate can be used to specifically inhibit various HATs. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080215067 | MANIPULATORS EMPLOYING MULTIPLE DEFORMABLE ELONGATE MEMBERS - A manipulator is configured with three or more substantially concentric, elongate members configured such that relative rotation and translation of the elongate members adjusts both the spatial position and orientation of the distal end of the manipulator and the spatial positioning of the manipulator along its length. In one arrangement, the elongate members are pre-curved such that the distal end portions of the elongate members have generally arcuate shapes in a resting state. When the three elongate members are combined in a substantially concentric manner, the overall shape of the manipulator is a composite of the individual elongate member shapes. Varying the relative translation and rotational orientation of the component elongate members achieves a family of resulting manipulator shapes as well as a desired spatial position and orientation of the distal end portion of the manipulator. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080208113 | Fully Automated Control System for Type I Diabetes - An augmented, adaptive algorithm utilizing model predictive control (MPC) is developed for closed-loop glucose control in type 1 diabetes. A linear empirical input-output subject model is used with an MPC algorithm to regulate blood glucose online, where the subject model is recursively adapted, and the control signal for delivery of insulin and a counter-regulatory agent such as glucagon is based solely on online glucose concentration measurements. The MPC signal is synthesized by optimizing an augmented objective function that minimizes local insulin accumulation in the subcutaneous depot and control signal aggressiveness, while simultaneously regulating glucose concentration to a preset reference set point. The mathematical formulation governing the subcutaneous accumulation of administered insulin is derived based on nominal temporal values pertaining to the pharmacokinetics (timecourse of activity) of insulin in human, in terms of its absorption rate, peak absorption time, and overall time of action. | 08-28-2008 |
