| University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120133892 | System for At-Home Eye Movement Monitoring - An apparatus for monitoring eye movement in a patient, includes a frame structured to be worn on the head of the patient. An infrared illumination device structured to illuminate an eye of the patient is supported by the frame. A camera structured to capture images of the eye when illuminated by the infrared illumination device is also supported by the frame. A number of sensors structured to generate data relating to one or more characteristics of the user or environment is further supported by the frame. The apparatus also includes a data storage device associated with the frame for recording the images and the data relating to one or more characteristics of the user or environment along with time information associated therewith. The apparatus is structured to generally not obstruct the patient's view of their surroundings. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120115173 | BIOMARKERS FOR MOTOR NEURON DISEASE - The invention provides methods of determining a diagnosis or prognosis of motor neuron disease in a mammal comprising determining the expression level of one or more proteins or polypeptides of the renin-angiotensin system in a sample taken from a subject. Similarly, aberrant post-translational modification of the proteins or polypeptides as compared to a negative control indicates a diagnosis of disease. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120078381 | HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE BASED ON TASK-SPECIFIC TEMPORAL POSTURAL SYNERGIES - A synergy-based human-machine interface that uses low-dimensional command signals to control a high dimensional virtual, robotic or paralyzed human hand is provided. Temporal postural synergies are extracted from angular velocities of finger joints of five healthy subjects when they perform hand movements that are similar to activities of daily living. Extracted Synergies are used in real-time brain control, where a virtual, robotic or paralyzed human hand is controlled to manipulate virtual or real world objects. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120071115 | Method of Controlling RF Transmissions to Mitigate Interference with Critical Care Medical Equipment - Various methods of mitigating RF inference with one or more critical care medical devices is provided, wherein a predetermined threshold energy acceleration value is associated with the one or more critical care medical devices that, if exceeded, will cause RF inference with the one or more critical care medical devices. The methods includes generating and transmitting RF energy, wherein at least a portion of said RF energy follows an RF power profile of power versus time having a particular format designed to mitigate interference. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120045395 | MicroRNAs In Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis - The present invention relates to the discovery that certain microRNAs are differentially expressed in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. The present invention provides for diagnostic methods, therapeutic methods, and kits related to these differentially expressed microRNAs. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120035502 | ARTICULATING LARYNGOSCOPE - Articulating laryngoscope to aid in the intubation of patients by providing illumination of the oral cavity and trachea during the process having, for example, ‘fingers’ with fiber optic lights at the ends and at joints of the fingers, fingers spread open or ‘flower’ when the device is deployed, gently retracting and compressing soft tissues in the oral cavity and providing medical professionals with much better illumination of the passageway they are addressing, constructed from a malleable material, including rubber, plastics/polymers, and carbon fiber, instead of hard metal. The fingers may have multiple light sources to ensure a flooding of the patient's oropharynx with light. Some versions might have fiber-optic cameras connected to one or more fingers for use in teaching and research, and one might have suction capability to facilitate removal of solids and fluids, one embodiment can have at least one finger with a scalpel at its distal end. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120015356 | CONNEXIN MUTATION DETECTION FOR LYMPHATIC VARIATION AND DISEASE - Methods are provided for identifying risk of developing lymphedema, including primary and secondary edema. The methods comprise identifying the presence in a biological sample of a polymorphism in one or more of GJA4, GJA5 and GJC2, resulting in a functional mutation of one or more of connixin 37 (Cx37), Cx40 or Cx47. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120010276 | SCREENING AND THERAPY FOR LYMPHATIC DISORDERS INVOLVING THE FLT4 RECEPTOR TYROSINE KINASE (VEGFR-3) - The present invention provides materials and methods for screening for and treating hereditary lymphedema in human subjects. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120004263 | Compounds for the treatment of pathologies associated with aging and degenerative disorders - The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting one or more signs of aging and/or degenerative disorder in a subject in need of such treatment, which comprise administering, to the subject, an effective amount of one or more of the compounds as set forth herein. “Inhibiting a sign of aging or degenerative disorder” means reducing the risk of occurrence, delaying the onset, slowing the progression, and/or reducing the severity and/or manifestation, of a sign of aging or degenerative disorder, and includes, but is not limited to, preventing the occurrence, development or progression of a sign of aging or degenerative disorder. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120003335 | CONSTITUTIVE ANDROSTANE RECEPTOR (CAR) AS A THERAPEUTIC TARGET FOR OBESITY AND TYPE TWO DIABETES - The invention provides a method of controlling obesity or type two diabetes in a human. In accordance with the inventive method, the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is agonized within the human, which effectively controls obesity or type two diabetes. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110298591 | Methods and Apparatus for Switching A Transponder To an Active State, and Asset Management Systems Employing Same - A transponder that may be used as an RFID tag includes a passive circuit to eliminate the need for an “always on” active RF receiving element to anticipate a wake-up signal for the balance of the transponder electronics. This solution allows the entire active transponder to have all circuit elements in a sleep (standby) state, thus drastically extending battery life or other charge storage device life. Also, a wake-up solution that reduces total energy consumption of an active transponder system by allowing all non-addressed transponders to remain in a sleep (standby) state, thereby reducing total system or collection energy. Also, the transponder and wake-up solution are employed in an asset tracking system. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110295060 | DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE FOR FUNCTIONAL ISOLATION OF ANIMAL OR HUMAN TISSUES - A method and apparatus for functionally occluding the lumen of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is provided. Access to the LAA is through an epicardial approach. The devices function to capture the LAA through various non-invasive means. After capturing the LAA with the devices and methods provided, a clamping device is preferably disposed about the base of the appendage. In certain embodiments, the appendage remains viable subsequent to the functional occlusion of the lumen. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110288654 | EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX BASED GASTROESOPHAGEAL JUNCTION REINFORCEMENT DEVICE - Provided are medical devices for implantation in patients having suffered the loss of or damage to at least part of their esophagus. The medical device connects the esophagus or remaining part thereof with the stomach to form a gastro-esophageal junction that promotes healing and encourages new host tissue growth while distributing the load and decreasing tension at the anastomotic site. The medical device comprises extracellular matrix shaped into a conformation that more closely approximates the geometry of the native gastro-esophageal junction than does direct attachment of the stomach to the shortened esophagus. Molds useful in manufacturing the medical device and methods of use of the device are also described herein. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110280897 | POLYPEPTIDES AND USES THEREOF - The invention provides a polypeptide having a sequence comprising from 10 to 24 consecutive amino acids from residues 215-233 of the sequence of human cyclin B1 protein or homolog thereof, as well as a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide, and compositions thereof. The invention also provides a method for using such polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules, or combinations thereof for treatment or prophylaxis of cancer in patients. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110275060 | DIAGNOSING AND MONITORING INFLAMMATORY DISEASES BY MEASURING COMPLEMENT COMPONENTS ON WHITE BLOOD CELLS - The invention is related to methods of diagnosing inflammatory diseases or conditions by determining levels of components of the complement pathway on the surface of white blood cells. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110274758 | MICROSPHERE-BASED COMPOSITION FOR PREVENTING AND/OR REVERSING NEW-ONSET AUTOIMMUNE DIABETES - AS-oligonucleotides are delivered in microsphere form in order to induce dendritic cell tolerance, particularly in the non-obese-diabetic (NOD) mouse model. The microspheres incorporate antisense (AS) oligonucleotides. A process includes using an antisense approach to reverse an autoimmune diabetes condition in NOD mice in vivo. The oligonucleotides are targeted to bind to primary transcripts CD40, CD80, CD86 and their combinations. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110274698 | Immunomodulation Of Inflammatory Conditions Utilizing Follistatin-Like Protein-1 And Agents That Bind Thereto - Follistatin-like protein (FSTL-1) is a secreted glycoprotein of unknown function, first isolated from mouse osteoblastic cells as a transforming growth factor-β1-inducible gene. The inventors have discovered that FSTL-1 is a proinflammatory mediator. As such, the invention provides for composition and methods of using agents that bind to FSTL-1 to modulate various types of inflammation (e.g., autoimmune diseases). Inhibitors and antagonists of FSTL-1, particularly antibodies or antibody fragments, may be used to treat conditions related to inflammation, such as arthritis. In addition, the inventors have discovered that FSTL-1 has a role in the Th17 pathway. Accordingly, the invention provides for compositions and methods of using agents which bind to FSTL-1 to modulate the generation of Th17 cells. Such agents are useful for delaying development of and treating diseases associated with undesired production of Th17 cells, such as autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, since FSTL-1 is a proinflammatory mediator with a role in cancer, the invention provides for compositions and methods of using a pharmaceutical composition of FSTL-1 to delay development of or treat cancer. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110268695 | USE OF HMGB FRAGMENTS AS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS - Compositions and methods are disclosed for inhibiting the release of a proinflammatory cytokine from a vertebrate cell, and for inhibiting an inflammatory cytokine cascade in a patient. The compositions comprise a vertebrate HMGB A box, and an antibody preparation that specifically binds to a vertebrate HMGB B box. The methods comprise treating a cell or a patient with sufficient amounts of the composition to inhibit the release of the proinflammatory cytokine, or to inhibit the inflammatory cytokine cascade. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265616 | ULTRA-PURE, SINGLE-CRYSTAL SIC CUTTING TOOL FOR ULTRA-PRECISION MACHINING - Systems and methods that use a single-crystal boule SiC sharpened into a cutting tool for ultra-precision machining of ferrous alloys are disclosed. Conventional ultra-precision machining uses single-crystal natural diamond. Despite the exceptional mechanical properties of diamond, its chemical properties have inhibited the extension of ultra-precision machining to iron-containing (ferrous) alloys. A single-crystal SiC cutting tool can be used to cut many materials for which diamond cutting tools are conventionally used. Additionally, a single-crystal SiC cutting tool can be used to cut materials for which diamond cutting tools are inappropriate, such as ferrous metals or nickel. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110262498 | Biologic Scaffold for Prevention of Pulmonary Fibrosis - Provided herein are methods of preventing, lessening or treating pulmonary fibrosis in a subject. The methods comprise delivering an amount of a powdered extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived material to the respiratory system of the subject effective to prevent, lessen or treat pulmonary fibrosis in a subject. Also provided is an apparatus for delivering the powdered ECM-derived material to a subject. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110257525 | SENSOR GUIDED CATHETER NAVIGATION SYSTEM - A method and a system for producing images of a subject, such as the heart of a human being. The method may comprise acquiring ultrasound images of the subject with a catheter comprising a position sensor. The method may also comprise capturing a plurality of 4D surface registration points in the acquired ultrasound images corresponding to points on the subject. The method may also comprise registering, in space and time, a high-resolution 4D model of the subject with the plurality of 4D surface registration points. The method may also comprise displaying high resolution, real-time images of the subject during a medical procedure based on the registration of the high resolution 4D model to the 4D surface registration points. Embodiments of the present invention are especially useful in left atrium ablation procedures. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110213017 | TARGETED DELIVERY OF GLYCINE RECEPTORS TO EXCITABLE CELLS - The invention provides a method of modulating electrophysiological activity of an excitable cell. The method involves causing exogenous expression of a glycine receptor (GlyR) protein in an excitable cell of a subject. Thereafter, the excitable cell is exposed to an allosteric modulator of the GlyR protein. Modulation of the exogenous GlyR protein (an ion channel) in response to the allosteric modulator modulates the electrophysiological activity of the excitable cell. The method can be used to control pain in a subject. The invention further provides a replication-defective HSV vector comprising an expression cassette encoding a GlyR protein, stocks and pharmaceutical compositions containing such vectors, and a transgenic animal. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110212172 | ADMINISTRATION OF AN ADSORBENT POLYMER FOR TREATMENT OF SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATION - The invention provides a method of ameliorating systemic inflammation in a patient involving administering to the patient a therapeutically effective dose of composition including polystyrene divinyl benzene copolymer and a polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymer. More particularly, the method relates to using these polymers as an enteral sorbent preparation to remove inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, from the intestinal lumen. The polymers can be in the form of a preparation of polystyrene divinyl benzene copolymer beads with a biocompatible polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymer coating. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110184439 | Biological Matrix for Cardiac Repair - Provided herein is a device to occlude a hole in a wall of an organ or tissue. In another embodiment, a device is provided which comprises an extracellular matrix-derived material and an adhesive to occlude a hole in a wall of an organ or tissue. Provided are devices prepared from extracellular matrix-derived cell-growth scaffolding to repair defects in walls of organs or tissues. Also provided are methods for preparing the device as well as for using the device. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110184171 | ACYLATION OF HINDERED AMINES AND FUNCTIONALIZED BIS-PEPTIDES OBTAINED THEREBY - Functionalized bis-peptides as well as other amide-containing compounds are obtained by acylation of hindered amines. The functionalized bis-peptides are useful as shape-programmable nanostructures that are immune to denaturation and that contain arrays of functional groups having designed catalytic, protein-binding and/or sensor capabilities. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110172930 | DISCOVERY OF t-HOMOLOGY IN A SET OF SEQUENCES AND PRODUCTION OF LISTS OF t-HOMOLOGOUS SEQUENCES WITH PREDEFINED PROPERTIES - System(s) and method(s) for analysis and design of genome sequences are provided. A graph representation of a genome sequence facilitates generation of a thermodynamic based quantity, e.g., an entropy-based and enthalpy-based thermodynamic tolerance [τ], which in turn affords estimation of a gene sequence potential function that depends at least upon structural and functional properties of the gene sequence. The gene sequence potential (Φ) is determined, at least in part, via a generalized Schrödinger equation for the thermodynamic tolerance. Gene sequence potential and thermodynamic tolerance [τ], and derived quantities, like thermodynamic tolerance profile and generalized homology, provide an analytic instrument for characterization of natural and synthetic gene sequences, and in conjunction with graph-based algorithms embodies a tool for design of genome sequences with predetermined properties. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110171650 | GENE EXPRESSION RELATED TO PREECLAMPSIA - Gene expression patterns contemporaneous with early placental development in the first trimester of preeclamptic versus unaffected pregnancies have been obtained. Observation of differences in these gene expression patterns has allowed the identification of biomarkers that are useful in predicting and monitoring preeclampsia. These biomarkers are also useful in screening potential therapeutics for efficacy in the prevention or treatment of preeclampsia. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110171170 | CYTOTOXIC T CELL DEFINED EGFR PEPTIDE AND AN OPTIMIZED DERIVATIVE PEPTIDE - The invention provides a polypeptide having a sequence of amino acids consisting of IXDFGLAKL (SEQ ID NO: 1), as well as a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, vector comprising the nucleic acid, cell comprising the vector, and compositions thereof. The invention also provides a method of inducing a T-cell response in a patient with epithelial cancer, and a method inhibiting epithelial cancer, wherein the methods comprise administering the composition of the invention. The invention further provides a method of stimulating a cell with the inventive polypeptide and a cell so stimulated. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110168559 | Nanoscale Surface Plasmonics Sensor with Nanofluidic Control - A microfluidically-controlled transmission mode nanoscal surface plasmonics sensor device comprises one or more arrays of aligned nanochannels in fluid communication with inflowing and outflowing fluid handling manifolds that control the flow of fluid through the array(s). Fluid comprising a sample for analysis is moved from an inlet manifold, through the nanochannel array, and out through an exit manifold. The fluid may also contain a reagent used to modify the interior surfaces of the nanochannels, and/or a reagent required for the detection of an analyte. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110135598 | METHODS TO DIAGNOSE AND IMMUNIZE AGAINST THE VIRUS CAUSING HUMAN MERKEL CELL CARCINOMA - The present invention provides isolated or substantially purified polypeptides, nucleic acids, and virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from a Merkel cell carcinoma virus (MCV), which is a newly-discovered virus. The invention further provides monoclonal antibody molecules that bind to MCV polypeptides. The invention further provides diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic methods relating to the identification, prevention, and treatment of MCV-related diseases. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110110941 | Wortmannin Analogs and Methods of Using Same in Combination with Chemotherapeutic Agents - Novel wortmannin analogs and their use in inhibiting PI-3-kinase activity in mammals and the treatment or prevention of cancer and tumor formation in a subject are described herein. Preferably, the wortmannin analogs may be administered with other chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110104213 | Porous Biomolecule-Containing Metal-Organic Frameworks - The present invention relates to compositions including porous biomolecule-containing metal-organic frameworks and methods for their preparation. The porous biomolecule-containing metal-organic frameworks can include a metal component and a biomolecule component. The pores located within the frameworks have a pore space and said pore space is capable to adsorb materials therein. These compositions of the present invention are useful in a wide variety of applications, such as, but not limited to, hydrogen and carbon dioxide sequestration, separation and storage; carbon dioxide uptake; and drug storage and release. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110103312 | Methods and Apparatus for Switching A Transponder To an Active State, and Asset Management Systems Employing Same - A transponder that may be used as an RFID tag includes a passive circuit to eliminate the need for an “always on” active RF receiving element to anticipate a wake-up signal for the balance of the transponder electronics. This solution allows the entire active transponder to have all circuit elements in a sleep (standby) state, thus drastically extending battery life or other charge storage device life. Also, a wake-up solution that reduces total energy consumption of an active transponder system by allowing all non-addressed transponders to remain in a sleep (standby) state, thereby reducing total system or collection energy. Also, the transponder and wake-up solution are employed in an asset tracking system. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110101788 | Wireless Energy Transfer System - A wireless energy transfer system includes a first energy transfer unit having at least one resonant frequency, a second energy transfer unit having the at least one resonant frequency, and a load. The first wireless energy transfer unit includes a first coil magnetically coupled to a first wireless energy transfer cell, and the second wireless energy transfer unit includes a second coil magnetically coupled to a second wireless energy transfer cell. The first coil receives first energy and through the magnetic coupling between the first coil and the first wireless energy transfer cell, the first wireless energy transfer cell is caused to generate second energy, wherein the second wireless energy transfer cell receives the second energy and through the magnetic coupling between the second wireless energy transfer cell and the second coil, the second coil is caused to provide third electromagnetic wave energy to the load. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110060461 | Cortical Control of a Prosthetic Device - A methodology for using cortical signals to control a multi jointed prosthetic device for direct real-time interaction with the physical environment, including improved methods for calibration and training. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110045507 | FSTL-1 AS A BIOMAKER OF INFLAMMATION - The invention provides methods and kits for diagnosing severity of particular types of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatic diseases, by assessing protein levels of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL-1). The level of FSTL-1 protein present in the serum or synovial fluid of individuals suspected of having certain inflammatory disease (e.g, rheumatoid arthritis) is positively correlated with the severity of the disease. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110012728 | Sensor and System to Detect Bridge Scour - A system for detecting scour associated with a structure having a part thereof extending into a bed of material located under a body of water is provided. The system comprises a sensor unit buried in a portion of the bed of material located in proximity to the part. The sensor unit is structured to float to a surface of the body of water and automatically wirelessly transmit a message after being released from the bed of material in response to at least some of the portion of the bed of material being scoured. The system also comprises a receiver unit structured to wirelessly receive the message. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20100297158 | ANTICANCER VACCINE AND DIAGNOSTIC METHODS AND REAGENTS - The invention provides a method for vaccinating a patient against a malignancy comprising introducing a protein or peptide comprising of all or an immunogenic fragment of a cyclin protein into the patient. The invention further provides a method of identifying tumor antigens. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100285489 | METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING RENAL DISEASES OR PREDISPOSITIONS - The invention provides a method of diagnosing a disease or a predisposition to contract a disease by assaying for mutations of uromodulin (UMOD) within a test subject or patient. The presence of a mutation in the UMOD supports a diagnosis of a disease or a predisposition to contract a disease within the patient. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100260855 | DELIVERY OF AS-OLIGONUCLEOTIDE MICROSPHERES TO INDUCE DENDRITIC CELL TOLERANCE FOR THE TREATMENT OF AUTOIMMUNE TYPE 1 DIABETES - AS-oligonucleotides are delivered in microsphere form in order to induce dendritic cell tolerance, particularly in the non-obese-diabetic (NOD) mouse model. The microspheres incorporate antisense (AS) oligonucleotides. A process includes using an antisense approach to prevent an autoimmune diabetes condition in NOD mice in vivo and in situ. The oligonucleotides are targeted to bind to primary transcripts CD40, CD80, CD86 and their combinations. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100233138 | Vocal Cord Augmentation Utilizing Muscle-Derived Progenitor Compositions, and Treatments Thereof - The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment vocal cord tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into the vocal cords. Also provided are methods of isolating muscle-derived progenitor cells, and methods of genetically modifying the cells for gene transfer therapy. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, vocal cords in the treatment of various cosmetic or functional conditions, including vocal cord tissue weakness, voice and swallowing disorders. The invention also relates to the novel use of MDCs for the increase of vocal cord tissue mass in speakers, singers or other people in need of greater than average vocal cord tissue mass. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100231218 | Method for Producing A Magnetic Resonance Image of an Object Having a Short T2 Relaxation Time - A method for producing a magnetic resonance image using an ultra-short echo time. The method includes applying a pulse sequence to an object, detecting a spirally encoded and phase encoded magnetic resonance signal associated with the object, and reconstructing the magnetic resonance image based on the spirally encoded and phase encoded magnetic resonance signal. The pulse sequence includes a slab-selective radiofrequency pulse, a slab-selective gradient pulse, a plurality of variable duration slice encoding gradient pulses, a plurality of first spiral encoding gradient pulses, and a plurality of second spiral encoding gradient pulses. The detection of the spirally encoded and phase encoded magnetic resonance signal occurs concurrently with the application of one of the plurality of first spiral encoding gradient pulses and with the application of one of the plurality of second spiral encoding gradient pulses. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100191174 | HAND-HELD ELECTRICAL STIMULATION DEVICE - Apparatuses and methods for the safe and efficient electrical stimulation of tissue. The apparatuses of the present invention are preferably hand-held and are capable of providing electrical waveforms that are effective in promoting wound healing, improving circulation, stimulating peripheral nerves, administering pharmaceutical compounds via electrophoresis, and electroporating DNA into tissue. The present invention also generally contemplates the safe and efficient transfection of DNA into mammalian tissue via electroporation. Particularly, apparatuses of the present invention are useful in the delivery of DNA vaccines and in gene therapy. The present invention also preferably provides for the direct measurement of in vivo tissue resistance. Tissue resistance measurements may then be used to adjust stimulation intensity during electroporation or electrostimulation, so as to avoid damaging tissue during operation of the unit. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100158875 | MUSCLE DERIVED CELLS FOR THE TREATMENT OF GASTRO-ESOPHAGEAL PATHOLOGIES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating muscle-derived progenitor cells, and methods of genetically modifying the cells for gene transfer therapy. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various cosmetic or functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. In particular, the present invention provides treatments and amelioration of symptoms for gastro-esophageal pathologies like gastro-esophageal reflux. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100145147 | MAGNETIC DEVICE FOR GUIDING CATHETER AND METHOD OF USE THEREFOR - One or more external magnets that are suitable for placement on the back or front of a patient's neck and methods for using the external magnet(s) to guide a feeding tube containing one or more internal magnets through the esophagus are described herein. The external magnet is applied to the back or the front of the patient's neck and the feeding tube is inserted into the patient's nose and advanced within the patient's body. The magnetic field of the external magnet combines with the magnetic field of the internal magnet to produce a sufficient magnetic force to pull or push the feeding tube apparatus against the posterior wall of the esophagus to prevent placement of the stylet in the patient's trachea or windpipe to prevent insertion into the patient's lungs. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100100510 | DYNAMIC DISCRETE DECISION SIMULATION SYSTEM - A system that enables dynamic discrete decision simulation is provided. Simulation has many advantages in modeling complex systems to facilitate decision making. The innovation discloses a system that integrates an agent-based discrete event simulator, a geographic information system, a rule base, and interactive databases in addition to interfaces and other supporting components. The modules can seamlessly communicate with each other by exchanging a progression of data, and by making a series of deductive decisions through embedded algorithms. The integrated system can be applied to disaster management planning and training. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100073188 | System and Method for Real Time Asset Location and Tracking - A system for estimating the current position of an asset within a location that includes a transponder associated with the asset, a plurality of wireless interface devices provided within the location, and a central computer system in electronic communication with the wireless interface devices. The central computer system is adapted to: (i) identify a particular one or more of the wireless interface devices that have received a wireless signal from the transponder, and (ii) determine an estimate of the current position based on the identified particular one or more of the wireless interface devices. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20090310393 | Motion Activated Amplifier - An electronic device that includes a motion activated amplifier structured to receive a first DC signal having a first DC voltage level and output a second DC signal having a second DC voltage level that is greater than the first DC voltage level. The motion activated amplifier includes a motion activated switch operatively coupled to transformer/rectifier circuitry, wherein the motion activated switch is structured to receive the first DC signal and in response to being moved output an AC signal, and wherein the transformer/rectifier circuitry is structured to receive the AC signal and convert the AC signal into the second DC signal. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090291145 | MICROSPHERE-BASED COMPOSITION FOR PREVENTING AND/OR REVERSING NEW-ONSET AUTOIMMUNE DIABETES - A method is provided that includes using an antisense approach to reverse and/or delay an autoimmune diabetes condition in vivo. The oligonucleotides are targeted to bind to primary transcripts CD40, CD80, CD86 and their combinations. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090253662 | GENETIC RISK ASSESSMENT IN HEART FAILURE: IMPACT OF GENETIC VARIATION OF ALDOSTERONE SYNTHASE PROMOTER POLYMORPHISM - The invention provides methods for (a) reducing mortality associated with heart failure; (b) improving oxygen consumption; (c) treating heart failure; (d) treating hypertension; (e) improving the quality of life in a heart failure patient; (f) inhibiting left ventricular remodeling; (g) reducing hospitalizations related to heart failure; (h) improving exercise tolerance; (j) increasing left ventricular ejection fraction; (Ic) decreasing levels of B-type natriuretic protein; (l) treating renovascular diseases; (m) treating end-stage renal diseases; (n) reducing cardiomegaly; (o) treating diseases resulting from oxidative stress; (p) treating endothelial dysfunctions; (q) treating diseases caused by endothelial dysfunctions; or (r) treating cardiovascular diseases; in a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient has a −344 (T/T) polymorphism or a −344 (C/C) polymorphism in an aldosterone synthase CYP11B2 gene, comprising administering to the patient (i) at least one antioxidant compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (ii) at least one nitric oxide enhancing compound; and (iii) optionally the best current therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In one embodiment the antioxidant is a hydralazine compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the nitric oxide enhancing compound is isosorbide dinitrate and/or isosorbide mononitrate. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090238807 | CELL LINE - The invention provides a cell line complementing HSV ICP4, ICP27, and UL55 genes. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090238792 | SUPPRESSION OF POSTOPERATIVE ILEUS - The invention provides a method for suppressing postoperative ileus in connection with the performance of a surgical procedure on a patient. In accordance with the inventive method, interleukin-10 (IL-10), glycine, a COX-2 inhibitor and a mast cell stabilizer are administered to the patient undergoing the surgical procedure in an amount and at a location sufficient to therapeutically or prophylactically suppress postoperative ileus in the patient. The invention further provides a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising interleukin-10 (IL-10), glycine, a COX-2 inhibitor, a mast cell stabilizer and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090214092 | METHOD OF ASSESSING A BODY PART - A method of assessing a body part includes obtaining two or more types of data through a combination of two or more of the following four imaging modalities: (1) obtaining surface topography data of the body part, (2) obtaining thermographic data of the body part, (3) obtaining range of motion data for the body part, and (4) obtaining spectral data of light reflected from the body part. The two or more types of data are integrated to allow them to be interacted with simultaneously, and the body part is assessed based on the integrated data. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090208513 | Diagnostic And Therapeutic Uses Of Augmenter Of Liver Regeneration In Inflammatory Conditions - The present invention provides for methods and kits for detecting sepsis, trauma/hemorrhage or inflammation in a subject. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that Augmenter of Liver Regeneration (“ALR”) is an early marker of these conditions. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the present invention provides for a method of treating sepsis, traumatic/hemorrhagic shock and inflammation by inhibiting ALR. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090207000 | Multiple Antenna Energy Harvesting - Energy harvesting circuits and associated methods are provided that employ multiple antennas to optimize the amount of energy that is harvested while at the same time making efficient use of tag space. In some embodiments, matching networks are chosen in a manner that optimizes the DC energy that is created from the harvesting process. In other embodiments, phase shifts are introduced into the received signals to allow the signals to be more efficiently combined after they are rectified. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090192128 | GENETIC RISK ASSESSMENT IN HEART FAILURE: IMPACT OF GENETIC VARIATION OF BETA 1 ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR GLY389ARG POLYMORPHISM - The invention provides methods for (a) reducing mortality associated with heart failure; (b) improving oxygen consumption; (c) treating heart failure; (d) treating hypertension; (e) improving the quality of life in a heart failure patient; (f) inhibiting left ventricular remodeling; (g) reducing hospitalizations related to heart failure; (h) improving exercise tolerance; (j) increasing left ventricular ejection fraction; (k) decreasing levels of B-type natriuretic protein; (l) treating renovascular diseases; (m) treating end-stage renal diseases; (n) reducing cardiomegaly; (o) treating diseases resulting from oxidative stress; (p) treating endothelial dysfunctions; (q) treating diseases caused by endothelial dysfunctions; or (r) treating cardiovascular diseases; in a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient has a Arg389Arg polymorphism and/or a Gly389Gly polymorphism in the beta 1 adrenergic receptor gene, comprising administering to the patient (i) at least one antioxidant compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (ii) at least one nitric oxide enhancing compound; and (iii) optionally the best current therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In one embodiment the antioxidant is a hydralazine compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the nitric oxide enhancing compound is isosorbide dinitrate and/or isosorbide mononitrate. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090129721 | FIBER OPTIC GAS SENSOR - A gas sensor includes an in-fiber resonant wavelength device provided in a fiber core at a first location. The fiber propagates a sensing light and a power light. A layer of a material is attached to the fiber at the first location. The material is able to absorb the gas at a temperature dependent gas absorption rate. The power light is used to heat the material and increases the gas absorption rate, thereby increasing sensor performance, especially at low temperatures. Further, a method is described of flash heating the gas sensor to absorb more of the gas, allowing the sensor to cool, thereby locking in the gas content of the sensor material, and taking the difference between the starting and ending resonant wavelengths as an indication of the concentration of the gas in the ambient atmosphere. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090104639 | BIOMARKERS FOR MOTOR NEURON DISEASE - The invention provides methods of determining a diagnosis or prognosis of motor neuron disease in a mammal comprising determining the expression level of one or more proteins or polypeptides of the renin-angiotensin system in a sample taken from a subject. Similarly, aberrant post-translational modification of the proteins or polypeptides as compared to a negative control indicates a diagnosis of disease. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090098915 | RECHARGING METHOD AND APPARATUS - The present invention provides apparatus and an associated method for remotely energizing power storage devices. Energization may preferably be effected through the use of RF energy from a base station, ambient energy or ultra-wide band energy. The remote station preferably has at least one antenna having an effective area greater than its physical area. The system may have an antenna and associated circuitry provided on an electronic chip such as a monolithic chip or on a printed circuit with a suitable substrate. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090081172 | THERAPEUTIC AND DIAGNOSTIC CLONED MHC-UNRESTRICTED RECEPTOR SPECIFIC FOR THE MUC1 TUMOR ASSOCIATED ANTIGEN - The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a receptor, other than an immunoglobulin, wherein the receptor binds to a MUC1 tumor antigen independently of an major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The invention provides a method of activating a signaling pathway and/or killing a cancer cell using a receptor that is similar to or is a T cell receptor | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090081119 | INHIBITING DNA POLYMERASE BETA TO ENHANCE EFFICACY OF ANTICANCER AGENTS - The invention provides anticancer methods. In one embodiment, the inventive method involves the co-administration to cancerous cells of (a) a chemotherapeutic agent, radiation, or a combination of a chemotherapeutic agent and radiation and (b) an inhibitor of DNA polymerase beta. In another embodiment, the invention provides anticancer methods involving the co-administration to cancerous cells of (a) a chemotherapeutic agent, radiation, or a combination of a chemotherapeutic agent and radiation and (b) an siRNA or shRNA in an amount sufficient to attenuate base excision repair within the cell. Another aspect of the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising an siRNA or shRNA that attenuates base excision repair. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090080598 | BI-PLANE X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEM - A high-speed biplane radiography system for in-vivo assessment of joint function is provided. The system can acquire stereo-pair radiographic images at rates from 30-4000 frames per second of nearly any motion or joint. The radiographic equipment can be mounted in a gantry system that provides sufficient positioning flexibility for imaging different joints of a subject's body, along with an imaging area large enough for a variety of dynamic activities (e.g., walking, running, jumping, throwing, etc.). Three-dimensional (3D) bone positions can be determined using software for matching the bones in each X-ray image with 3D models developed from subject-specific CT (computed tomography) scans. This system can provide accurate (e.g., ±0.1 mm) assessment and direct 3D visualization of dynamic joint function, and can overcome limitations of conventional gate or motion analysis. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090075956 | Genetic Risk Assessment in Heart Failure: Impact of the Genetic Variation of NOS3 - The invention provides methods for (a) reducing mortality associated with heart failure; (b) improving oxygen consumption; (c) treating heart failure; (d) treating hypertension; (e) improving the quality of life in a heart failure patient; (f) inhibiting left ventricular remodeling; (g) reducing hospitalizations related to heart failure; (h) improving exercise tolerance; (j) increasing left ventricular ejection fraction; (k) decreasing levels of B-type natriuretic protein; (l) treating renovascular diseases; (m) treating end-stage renal diseases; (n) reducing cardiomegaly; (o) treating diseases resulting from oxidative stress; (p) treating endothelial dysfunctions; (q) treating diseases caused by endothelial dysfunctions; (r) treating cardiovascular diseases; in a patient in need thereof, wherein the patient has at least one polymorphism in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene, comprising administering to the patient (i) at least one antioxidant compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (ii) at least one nitric oxide enhancing compound; and (iii) optionally the best current therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In one embodiment the antioxidant is a hydralazine compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and the nitric oxide enhancing compound is isosorbide dinitrate and/or isosorbide mononitrate. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090070729 | METHOD AND SOFTWARE TOOL FOR DESIGNING AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A method of designing an integrated circuit for use in an application having standards having a plurality of primitives, wherein each of the primitives has a corresponding response. The method includes generating a macros description of each of the primitives and the response corresponding to each of the primitives, generating a template relating to the response corresponding to each of the primitives, receiving information specifying a behavior of the integrated circuit in response to the primitives based on the template, and generating a hardware description language representation for the integrated circuit based on the macros description and the information. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090066963 | ULTRAFAST MICROSCOPY OF SURFACE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS - System(s) and method(s) to probe electromagnetic fields at the surface of a solid-state material are provided. The technique combines ultrafast (e.g., less than 10 fs) optical excitation and electron microscopy to generate electronic excitations and image the ensuing electromagnetic fields with nanometer-scale spatial resolution and femtosecond time-scale resolution. In addition, time-of-flight energy analysis facilitates imaging of relaxation a generated electronic excitation. The dynamics of the electromagnetic fields can be probed interferometrically through generation of multi-frame imaging, with inter-frame frequency of the order of a few hundreds of attoseconds, of interference patterns among an electric field associated with an excitation in a sample or device and the electromagnetic field of a probe pulse coherent with an excitation pulse. Quality assurance of nanoscopic devices based on plasmonic, photonic, electronic, spintronic operation can be analyzed with spectroscopy provided in the subject innovation. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090049415 | METHOD AND SOFTWARE TOOL FOR AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF SOFTWARE FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A method of generating software code for a processor of an IC based on a simple input description of the IC's standards. The method includes generating a macros description of each of the primitives from the standards and the response corresponding to each of the primitives, wherein the macros description includes information relating to a number of first fields for each of the primitives and a number of second fields for each response. The method further includes generating a blank version of a template that includes each of the second fields and receiving a completed version of the template, wherein the completed template specifies a behavior of the integrated circuit in response to the primitives. Finally, the method includes compiling the software code based on the macros description and the completed version of the template. Also, a software tool implementing the method is provided. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090033465 | WIRELESS SYSTEMS HAVING MULTIPLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND EMPLOYING SIMPLIFIED FABRICATION AND MATCHING, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A means and method to connect multiple IC chips to a single apparatus where the IC chips may function as a passive system or network in space. The collection of antennae and coupled near field devices form a pool of energy in which multiple devices may be introduced so as to provide a pool of energy and/or to function as a network or networks of devices including IC chips. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090020428 | MANIPULATION, DETECTION, AND ASSAY OF SMALL SCALE BIOLOGICAL PARTICLES - Systems, devices, and methods are presented that facilitate electronic manipulation and detection of submicron particles. A particle manipulation device contains a plurality of electrodes formed on an active semiconductor layer of an integrated circuit chip, where the electrodes and gap spacing between adjacent electrodes is submicron in size. The chip is oriented with its substrate face up, and at least a portion of the substrate is removed from the chip so the electrodes are in close proximity to a fluid chamber(s) placed over the chip, to facilitate manipulation of particles, contained in a buffer solution in the fluid chamber(s), to form a defined pattern. Innovative macro-scale optical detection is employed to detect the submicron particles, where a light beam is applied to the defined pattern, and interaction of the defined pattern with the light beam is detected and evaluated to facilitate detecting the particles. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20080289058 | Targeted delivery of glycine receptors to excitable cells - The invention provides a method of modulating electrophysiological activity of an excitable cell. The method involves causing exogenous expression of a glycine receptor (GlyR) protein in an excitable cell of a subject. Thereafter, the excitable cell is exposed to an allosteric modulator of the GlyR protein. Modulation of the exogenous GlyR protein (an ion channel) in response to the allosteric modulator modulates the electrophysiological activity of the excitable cell. The method can be used to control pain in a subject. The invention further provides a replication-defective HSV vector comprising an expression cassette encoding a GlyR protein, stocks and pharmaceutical compositions containing such vectors, and a transgenic animal. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080281248 | REMOVAL OF CONTRAST AGENTS FROM BLOOD - The invention provides a system and a method for removal of contrast from blood. In one aspect, the invention provides a catheter for removal of contrast from the veins that drain the cerebral circulation. In a second aspect, the invention provides a method for removing contrast from blood by contacting the blood with a sorbent. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080280834 | Compounds and methods for inhibiting apoptosis - The invention provides compounds, compositions, and methods for inhibiting apoptosis and for the treatment of conditions related thereto. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080262483 | METHOD FOR REMOVING PERMANENT TISSUE MARKINGS - A method of removing markings, such as a tattoos, from the tissue of a subject that includes steps of generating one or more shock wave pulses external to the subject's body and focusing the one or more shock wave pulses within one or more portions of the tissue, each of the one or more portions of the tissue containing at least a portion of the markings. The markings are typically caused by a plurality of pigment particles contained in the tissue, and the focusing step causes fragmentation of the particles so that they can be eliminated by the body. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080250058 | PROCESS DATA WAREHOUSE - Systems and/or methods are presented that can efficiently analyze and summarize large collections of data. A summarization component can employ mapping rules to map received data into specified states and observations of interest, which can be utilized to facilitate creating relational tables that can be utilized to facilitate summarizing a collection of data based in part on predefined summarization criteria. An optimizer component can employ pre-computing and materialization of the process behavior to facilitate optimizing data analysis. An adaptor enhancer component can monitor and evaluate system performance and can generate mapping rules that can facilitate improving system performance. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080248574 | ANTAGONISTS OF THE INTERACTION OF MELANOMA INHIBITORY ACTIVITY (MIA) AND P66SHC - The invention provides polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, optionally in a vector, and their use in methods to disrupt the interaction between p66shc and Melanoma Inhibitory Activity (MIA) in a cell and to sensitize a cell to oxidative stress. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080223936 | SECURITY FOR BLISTER PACKS - Various RFID based blister pack embodiments are provided for improving the ability to detect and prevent tampering and counterfeiting of blister packs and/or facilitating the chain of custody tracking of blister packs during manufacture. Some embodiments employ an RFID chip network on the blister pack and some embodiments employ an RFID strap network on the blister pack, wherein the integrity of the network (or lack thereof) is used to indicate the possibility of tampering. Other embodiments determine the possibility of tampering based on the frequency of an RF signal that is received from a chip provided on the blister pack, which will vary depending on whether the associated antenna has been detuned as a result of some type of tampering. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080206280 | VACCINE FOR ACTIVATING HELPER FUNCTION OF CD8+ TCELLS - The invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing a target disease in a mammal by induction of memory T cells. The methods comprise (1) administering a sensitizing composition comprising a non-target antigen to a patient; and (2) administering a therapeutic composition comprising a non-target antigen and a target antigen to the patient, wherein the target antigen is associated with the disease, and wherein the therapeutic composition is administered after the sensitizing compositions, at an interval sufficient for induction of memory T cells. The methods can alternatively comprise administering a target antigen along with an inhibitory agent such as an inhibitor of DC apoptosis, an inhibitor of granzyme B, a Granzyme-B-inducible mediator of apoptosis, an inhibitor of perforin, or a perforin-inducible mediator of apoptosis. | 08-28-2008 |
