| University of Washington Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120128227 | DEVICE FOR GENERATING ALTERNATIVE OF NORMAL BRAIN DATABASE | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120118052 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BACKGROUND SUPPRESSION IN MAGNETO-MOTIVE PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING OF MAGNETIC CONTRAST AGENTS - Method and system for background suppression in magneto-motive photoacoustic imaging of labeled target objects. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120112170 | CROSS-CONJUGATED POLYMERS FOR ORGANIC ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS - Cross-conjugated donor-acceptor polymers, methods for their preparation, devices that include polymers, and methods for the preparation and use of the devices. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120100594 | ENZYME CATALYSTS FOR DIELS-ALDER REACTIONS - The present invention provides enzyme catalysts for Diels-Alder reactions, including intermolecular Diels-Alder reactions, as well as protein scaffolds for making such enzyme catalysts. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of making the enzyme catalysts, including by de novo computational design. The present invention thereby provides enzyme catalysts capable of catalyzing a desired Diels-Alder reaction, including with a specified or desired stereo-selectivity. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120094285 | Ratiometric Pre-rRNA Analysis - Disclosed are compositions and methods for detecting the presence of viable cells in a sample. Included are compositions and methods for increasing the sensitivity of a nucleic acid amplification test for determining the presence of at least one target microorganism in a sample. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for detecting ribosomal RNA precursors (pre-rRNA) as dynamic indicators of viable microorganisms in a sample. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120093790 | HLA HOMOZYGOUS CELLS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - The present invention provides methods of generating a mammalian cell that is homozygous at a locus of interest, as well as cells made by the method. The present invention further provides methods of using the cells. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120087857 | GADOLINIUM EXPRESSED LIPID NANOPARTICLES FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING - Lipid nanoparticles expressing metal ions and methods for using the compositions for magnetic resonance imaging. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120079628 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MODULATION OF PLANT CELL DIVISION - The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating cell division in plants. In particular, the present invention provides polynucleotides that encode REVOLUTA. In addition, REVOLUTA vectors and transformed plants are provided wherein plant cell division is modulated by expression of a REVOLUTA transgene as compared to a control population of untransformed plants. The present invention also provides methods for the isolation and identification of REVOLUTA genes from higher plants. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120070890 | TARGETED GENE MODIFICATION BY PARVOVIRAL VECTORS - This invention provides methods for obtaining targeted gene modification in vertebrate cells using parvoviral vectors, including adeno-associated virus (AAV). The parvoviral vectors used in the methods of the invention are capable of targeting a specific genetic modification to a preselected target locus in a cellular genome by homologous pairing. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120067390 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL ENERGY FROM WATER - Method and system for generating electrical energy from a volume of water. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120059697 | ADVERTISING DURING ACCELERATED MEDIA PLAYBACK - A system and a method are disclosed for displaying an image during an operation of an accelerated media playback (e.g., fast-forward or reverse) such that the image appears concurrently with a cue signaling a resume point. First, a video frame within an advertisement is identified from a plurality of advertisements. The video frame contains the cue and indicates a resume point for media content. Additionally, an image is embedded on the video frame such that the video frame, the cue and the image are displayed for less than a second during accelerated media playback, such as a fast-forward operation. The presence of the action cue or resume cue presented concurrently with the advertisement assists viewers in preferentially recalling the product related to the image. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059021 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING CANCER AND METHODS FOR PREDICTING A RESPONSE TO SUCH TREATMENTS - The present disclosure relates to the regulation and function of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the ERK signaling pathway. The disclosure provides methods of treatment for melanoma by administering both an inhibitor of ERK signaling and an activator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These methods may be used alone or in combination with other strategies targeting melanoma cell survival. The disclosure also provides diagnostic methods for predicting a patient's clinical response to inhibitors of ERK signaling. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055792 | MSP NANOPORES AND RELATED METHODS - Provided herein are | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120046242 | MOLECULAR ACTIVATORS OF THE WNT/BETA-CATENIN PATHWAY - The present invention is directed toward a method of treating a subject for a condition mediated by aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling by selecting a subject with a condition mediated by aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling and administering to the selected subject a compound selected from the group consisting of those set forth in Table 1, Table 2, and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method of similarly modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in a subject is also discussed. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120041073 | STABILIZED MUTANT OPSIN PROTEINS - Methods and compositions for stabilizing opsin protein in a vertebrate visual system are provided by administration of opsin-binding synthetic retinoids. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120040916 | MOLECULAR INHIBITORS OF THE WNT/BETA-CATENIN PATHWAY - The present invention is directed toward a method of treating a subject for a condition mediated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by selecting a subject with a condition mediated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and administering to the selected subject a compound selected from the group consisting of those set forth in Table 1, Table 2, and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method of similarly inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in a subject is also disclosed. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120038881 | FREE-STANDING TWO-SIDED DEVICE FABRICATION - Solar cells attached to a contact lens are provided, as well as methods for making the solar cells and contact lenses. The solar cells have electrodes on only one side of the device, which facilitates attachment of the solar cell to a contact lens. In one embodiment, the solar cells are made using a “two sided” process. By using the two-sided process, solar cells of only a few microns in thickness can be fabricated. Such relatively thin solar cells can be incorporated into a contact lens without discomfort to the wearer. By providing an infinitely renewable power source on a contact lens, the solar cells enable the use of electronic components on the contact lens while eliminating the recharging or replacing issues that arise with batteries. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120028793 | DUAL-OXIDE SINTER RESISTANT CATALYST - A catalyst material for use at elevated temperatures is provided. The material can include a plurality of fibers and a plurality of particles supported on the fibers. In addition, a porous layer can cover the plurality of particles and allow for process fluid to come into contact with the particles, and yet retard sintering of the particles at elevated temperatures is present. The plurality of fibers can be a plurality of nanofibers which may or may not be oxide nanofibers. The particles can be metallic nanoparticles and the porous layer can be a porous oxide layer. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120027790 | IMMUNOLOGICAL HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS ANTIGENS AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF - The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. Disclosed herein are antigens and/or their constituent epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions or from uterine cervix. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120027789 | ANTIGENIC PEPTIDE OF HSV-2 AND METHODS FOR USING SAME - The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. Disclosed herein are epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV, The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120021514 | HETEROGENEOUS POLYMERIC MICELLES FOR INTRACELLULAR DELIVERY - Compositions comprising a heterogeneous polymeric micelle and an agent (e.g., a polynucleotide) associated with the micelle are disclosed, together with methods for intracellular delivery of such agent. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120009292 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLED ELECTROSPINNING - An electrospinning apparatus and methodology is described that produces medical devices, such as scaffolds that induce the formation of a natural fibrous structure (primarily collagen and elastin) in a tissue-engineered medical device. The apparatus uses collection surfaces designed to manipulate or change the electrostatic field so that the electrospun fibers are arranged in desirable patterns that are similar to or mimic the fibrillar structure of an animal tissue. The manipulation results in fibers that are preferentially oriented in a predefined pattern. In addition, the interfiber space between the fibers and the fiber diameter are consistently within a predefined range. Using these techniques in conjunction with controlling polymer properties enables the production of a scaffold that has the structural and mechanical characteristics similar to the native tissue. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110320927 | Methods and Apparatus Utilizing XooML: Cross (X) Tool Markup Language - Methods and apparatus are presented related to one or more cross-tool markup language (XooML) fragments. A document including a XooML fragment is assembled. A XooML fragment includes tool-independent attribute(s) and tool-dependent attribute(s). The document is presented. A selection of a portion of the presented document is received. The selected portion of the document corresponds with an associated XooML fragment. In response to the selection, an item is presented that corresponds to the selected portion of the document. The item can be presented using a software tool such as the herein-described Planz or by another XooML-capable software tool. A tool-independent attribute of the associated XooML fragment specifies the item. The software tool is configured to present the item based on one or more tool-dependent attributes of the XooML fragment. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110305660 | OMEGA-FUNCTIONALIZED POLYMERS, JUNCTION-FUNCTIONALIZED BLOCK COPOLYMERS, POLYMER BIOCONJUGATES, AND RADICAL CHAIN EXTENSION POLYMERIZATION - Polymeric compounds having spatially controlled bioconjugation sites are described. Functionalization is achieved by selective co-terminal chain extension of polymer chains by radical polymerization, such as reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110302694 | CLINICAL FORCE SENSING GLOVE - A clinical sensing glove system to quantify force, shear, hardness, etc., measured in manual therapies is disclosed. A sensor is disposed in a clinical glove. The sensor undergoes micro-bending, macro-bending, evanescent coupling, a change in resonance, a change in polarization, a change in phase modulation, in response to pressure/force applied. The amount of micro-bending, macro-bending, evanescent coupling, change in resonance, change in polarization, and/or change in phase modulation is proportional to the intensity of the pressure/force. A clinician can quantitatively determine the amount of pressure, force, shear, hardness, rotation, etc., applied. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110299089 | COMPACT LIQUID CRYSTAL BASED FOURIER TRANSFORM SPECTROMETER SYSTEM - Systems and methods for a compact Fourier transform spectrometer. A cell having two transparent walls and containing a liquid crystal medium is placed in a light beam. Applying a voltage across the cell causes the liquid crystal molecules to orient at a certain angle, wherein the angle is a function of the voltage applied. The refractive index if the cell is dependent upon the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, and from the refractive index of the cell an optical path difference between ordinary and extraordinary waves can be calculated. Accordingly, any suitable optical path difference can be achieved by varying the voltage across the cell for a Fourier transform analysis. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110293750 | ACTIVATED WNT-BETA-CATENIN SIGNALING IN MELANOMA - The present invention is directed to a method of determining the prospects for survival of a melanoma patient. This method involves providing a biological sample from a patient diagnosed with melanoma, determining the level of an indicator of Wnt/β-catenin activation in the sample, comparing the level of the indicator of Wnt/β-catenin activation in the sample against a standard level of the indicator of Wnt/β-catenin activation correlated to survival of melanoma, and determining a patient's prospects for survival of melanoma based on the comparison. The present invention also relates to a method of improving survival of melanoma patients, decreasing metastases in melanoma patients, decreasing proliferation of cancer cells in melanoma patients, decreasing melanoma recurrence in melanoma patients, and/or decreasing tumor size in melanoma patients. This involves selecting melanoma patients and subsequently determining and monitoring therapy based on their level of Wnt/β-catenin activation. The selected melanoma patients are treated with a dose of an activator or synergizer of Wnt/β-catenin based on the patient's level of Wnt/β-catenin, under conditions effective, respectively, to improve survival of the selected melanoma patients, to decrease metas-tases in the selected melanoma patients, to decrease proliferation of cancer cells in the selected melanoma patients, to decrease melanoma recurrence in the selected melanoma patients, and/or to decrease tumor size in the selected melanoma patients. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110288448 | PROSTHETIC LIMB MONITORING SYSTEM - Parameters related to use of a prosthesis by a patient with a limb amputation are monitored using a tool that includes one or more piezoelectric force sensors. The resulting data are processed for use both in short and long term management of amputee patients. The sensor is a small modular unit that fits within or between traditional prosthetic components, e.g., below a prosthesis socket. The data produced by the tool are collected, processed, and stored. Optionally, the data are periodically communicated to a remote site via a network, e.g., over the Internet. The device and associated software used to process the data can be used to characterize activities conducted by a prosthesis user, to determine pistoning or threatening interface stress distributions between the limb and socket, mal-alignment of the socket, use of improper components, and other possibly undesired conditions that the amputee patient using the prosthesis may be experiencing. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288281 | METHOD FOR 2-SULFATION OF GLYCOSIDES - Method for selective 2-sulfation of glycosides. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288238 | ENHANCED TRANSPORT USING MEMBRANE DISRUPTIVE AGENTS - Compositions and methods for transport or release of therapeutic and diagnostic agents or metabolites or other analytes from cells, compartments within cells, or through cell layers or barriers are described. The compositions include a membrane barrier transport enhancing agent and are usually administered in combination with an enhancer and/or exposure to stimuli to effect disruption or altered permeability, transport or release. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions include compounds which disrupt endosomal membranes in response to the low pH in the endosomes but which are relatively inactive toward cell membranes, coupled directly or indirectly to a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. Other disruptive agents can also be used, responsive to stimuli and/or enhancers other than pH, such as light, electrical stimuli, electromagnetic stimuli, ultrasound, temperature, or combinations thereof. The compounds can be coupled by ionic, covalent or H bonds to an agent to be delivered or to a ligand which forms a complex with the agent to be delivered. Agents to be delivered can be therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents. Treatments which enhance delivery such as ultrasound, iontopheresis, and/or electrophoresis can also be used with the disrupting agents. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288170 | RETINAL DERIVATIVES AND METHODS FOR THE USE THEREOF FOR THE TREATMENT OF VISUAL DISORDERS - Compositions of and methods for using synthetic retinal derivatives as retinoid replacements and opsin agonists are provided. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110287078 | NOVEL POROUS BIOMATERIALS - The invention provides porous biomaterials and methods for forming porous biomaterials. The porous biomaterials of the invention comprise a biocompatible polymer scaffold defining an array of pores, wherein substantially all the pores have a similar diameter, wherein the mean diameter of the pores is between about 20 and about 90 micrometers, wherein substantially all the pores are each connected to at least 4 other pores, and wherein the diameter of substantially all the connections between the pores is between about 15% and about 40% of the mean diameter of the pores. The invention also provides implantable devices comprising a layer of a biomaterial, and methods for promoting angiogenesis in and around an implantable biomaterial. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110286957 | MULTIBLOCK COPOLYMERS - Provided herein are multiblock copolymers, as well as micelles and therapeutic compositions thereof. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110282005 | SUPER-LOW FOULING SULFOBETAINE MATERIALS AND RELATED METHODS - Super-low fouling sulfobetaine and carboxybetaine materials, super-low fouling surfaces and methods of making the surfaces coated with sulfobetaine and carboxybetaine materials, and devices having the super-low fouling surfaces. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110281934 | MICELLES OF HYDROPHILICALLY SHIELDED MEMBRANE-DESTABILIZING COPOLYMERS - Provided herein are micelles comprising a plurality of copolymers. In certain instances, micelles provided herein are pH sensitive particles. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110281354 | BISPECIFIC INTRACELLULAR DELIVERY VEHICLES - A composition for delivering an agent to a cell, comprising a bispecific affinity reagent and a pH-responsive, membrane destabilizing polymer. The bispecific affinity reagent may include a first affinity reagent covalently linked to a second affinity reagent, wherein the first affinity reagent binds to a molecule on the surface of a cell, and the second affinity reagent binds to an intracellular target. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110269943 | RADIOLABELED ANNEXINS - Radiolabeled annexin and modified annexin conjugates useful for imaging vascular thrombi are described. Methods for making and using such radiolabeled annexin conjugates are also provided. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110267604 | CYTOMETER WITH AUTOMATIC CONTINUOUS ALIGNMENT CORRECTION - A system and method for performing flow cytometry is disclosed wherein the alignment of the light source with respect to the sensing region of the fluid stream is continuously controlled using a feedback control loop. An imaging apparatus is provided that images the system along the optical axis, between the field stop and the sensing region. In an embodiment, the cytometer includes a field stop having an H-shaped aperture and light diverters over the ends of the aperture that divert a portion of the light to peripheral detectors. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110266492 | STIMULI-RESPONSIVE MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLES AND RELATED METHODS - Stimuli-responsive magnetic nanoparticles, methods of making the nanoparticles, and methods of using the nanoparticles. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110257894 | METHOD FOR DECONVOLVING SINGLE-MOLECULE INTENSITY DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS - A method for quantifying fluorescent puncta comprising acquiring at least one first intensity distribution comprising fluorescence intensity values from a plurality of first fluorescent puncta; acquiring at least one second intensity distribution comprising fluorescence intensity values from a plurality of second fluorescent puncta, wherein each second fluorescent puncta has a determined number of fluorescent emitters; determining the relationship between the first and second intensity distributions; and fitting the second intensity distribution to the first intensity distribution to provide a count and distribution of the number of fluorescent emitters within the first fluorescent puncta. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110251917 | PERFORMING PREDICTIVE PRICING BASED ON HISTORICAL DATA - Techniques are described for using predictive pricing information for items to assist in evaluating buying and/or selling decisions in various ways, such as on behalf of end-user item acquirers and/or intermediate item providers. The predictive pricing for an item may be based on an analysis of historical pricing information for that item and/or related items, and can be used to make predictions about future pricing information for the item. Such predictions may then be provided to users in various ways to enable comparison of current prices to predicted future prices. In some situations, predictive pricing information is used to assist customers when purchasing airline tickets and/or to assist travel agents when selling airline tickets. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110251528 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT OF TISSUE USING HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND THERAPY - Methods and systems for non-invasive treatment of tissue using high intensity focused ultrasound (“HIFU”) therapy. A method of non-invasively treating tissue in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, for example, can include positioning a focal plane of an ultrasound source at a target site in tissue. The ultrasound source can be configured to emit HIFU waves. The method can further include pulsing ultrasound energy from the ultrasound source toward the target site, and generating shock waves in the tissue to induce boiling of the tissue at the target site within milliseconds. The boiling of the tissue at least substantially emulsifies the tissue. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110251272 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PREDICTING DRUG RESPONSES - The present invention relates to methods and compositions for predicting drug responses. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for determining individualized Warfarin dosages based on genotype of DNA polymorphisms and haplotypes derived from them in the VKORC1 gene. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110251144 | MOLECULAR MODULATORS OF THE WNT/BETA-CATENIN PATHWAY - The present invention is directed toward a method of treating a subject for a condition mediated by aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling by selecting a subject with a condition mediated by aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling and administering to the selected subject at least one compound selected from the group consisting of those set forth in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method of similarly modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in a subject is also discussed. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110250146 | MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLE AND METHOD FOR IMAGING T CELLS - The present invention provides nanoparticles having a core comprising a magnetic material and having a surface, where the surface may be operatively linked to an antigenic peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) monomer. The antigenic peptide-MHC monomer may then be recognized by a T cell receptor. These nanoparticles may further comprise a signal-generating label, such as a fluorophore. Methods employing nanoparticles of the present invention may involve magnetic resonance imaging and/or fluorescence detection, such that cell imaging and localization are performed. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110244452 | SEQUENCE DATA BY REDUCTION OF NOISE DUE TO CARRY-OVER PRIMER - The present invention provides methods of reducing the background signal of a nucleic acid sequencing reaction. In particular, the invention provides methods of specifically degrading unwanted chain termination reaction products generated by the extension of primers carried over from the amplification step of the sequencing reaction. These methods are amenable for use with both one step and two-step amplification/chain termination reaction sequencing protocols. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110230433 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF CANCER - Described herein are novel methods and compositions for treatment of cancer by increasing the mutation rate of cancer cells beyond an error threshold, over which the cancer cells are no longer viable. In particular, mutagenic compounds such as nucleoside analogs for treatment of cancer are also described herein. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110215248 | IMPROVED DATA-PROCESSING ELECTRONICS FOR USE IN A POSITRON-EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM - Improved processing electronic hardware are disclosed that facilitate the efficient processing of PET system data, while enhancing accuracy and compatibility of PET systems with other analytical methods (e.g., magnetic resonance imaging). Improvements include the use of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for summing, by row, column, and diagonal, the output signals from an array of photodetectors in the PET system | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110212477 | LIPOPROTEIN-ASSOCIATED MARKERS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - The invention provides methods of screening a mammalian subject to determine if the subject is at risk to develop, or is suffering from, cardiovascular disease. The methods comprise detecting an amount of at least one biomarker in a biological sample, or HDL subfraction thereof, from the subject, and comparing the detected amount of the biomarker to a predetermined value, where a difference between the detected amount and the predetermined value is indicative of the presence or risk of cardiovascular disease in the subject. In some embodiments, the biomarker comprises at least one of ApoC-IV, Paraoxonase 1, C3, C4, ApoA-IV, ApoE, ApoL1, C4B1, Histone H2A, ApoC-II, ApoM, Vitronectin, Haptoglobin-related protein, and Clusterin, or combinations thereof. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110207820 | NOVEL CHRYSOCHROMULINA SPECIES, METHODS AND MEDIA THEREFOR, AND PRODUCTS DERIVED THEREFROM - An algal cell that is capable of surviving in fresh water and has a high fatty acid content, an algal culture including the algal cell, methods of growing the algal culture, algal growth media, and methods for selectively adapting the algal culture are provided. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110202140 | LOAD BEARING IMPLANTS WITH ENGINEERED GRADIENT STIFFNESS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Implants are made of materials having asymmetric modulus gradients. For example, an implant, such as a hip implant, is made of a material having a stiffness gradient between a proximal portion near a hip joint and a distal portion extending downward into the marrow of the femur. Among other benefits, the asymmetric modulus gradient mitigates problems associated with stress shielding and does not excessively wear or deteriorate the proximal portion of the implant. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201929 | METHOD FOR USING HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND - A plurality of concepts related to HIFU therapy are disclosed, including a technique to spatially track and display the relative positions of a HIFU focal point and an imaging plane from an ultrasound imager, so that a clinician can ensure that the HIFU focus remains in the image plane during HIFU therapy, thereby facilitating image guided HIFU therapy. Also disclosed are a plurality of transvaginal probes that include a HIFU transducer optimized for the treatment of uterine fibroids. In one embodiment, the probe includes a piezoceramic crystal bonded to an aluminum lens, to achieve a HIFU transducer having a focal length of about 4 cm. In another embodiment, the probe includes a generally spoon-shaped transducer including a plurality of individual emitter elements. Still another concept disclosed herein is a method for evaluating a quality of a coupling between a liquid-filled volume encompassing a HIFU transducer and a tissue interface. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110199716 | ELECTRIC DOUBLE LAYER CAPACITANCE DEVICE - The present application is directed to electric double layer capacitance (EDLC) devices. In one aspect, the present application is directed to an electrode comprising an activated carbon cryogel having a tunable pore structure wherein: the surface area is at least 1500 m2/g as determined by nitrogen sorption at 77K and BET analysis; and the pore structure comprises a pore volume ranging from about 0.01 cc/g to about 0.25 cc/g for pores having a pore diameter of 0.6 to 1.0 nm. In another aspect, the present application is directed to an Electric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) device comprising an activated cryogel. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110195104 | INTEGRATED ANTIMICROBIAL AND LOW FOULING MATERIALS - Cationic polymers hydrolyzable to zwitterionic polymers, monomers for making the cationic polymers, surfaces that include the polymers, and methods for making and using the cationic polymers and surfaces. The cationic polymers include counterions and/or hydrolyzable groups that release active agents. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110176961 | AUTOMATED WORKSTATION FOR DISINFECTING OBJECTS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - An automated workstation or apparatus for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided. A method for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110170744 | VIDEO-BASED VEHICLE DETECTION AND TRACKING USING SPATIO-TEMPORAL MAPS - Systems and methods for detecting and tracking objects, such as motor vehicles, within video data. The systems and method analyze video data, for example, to count objects, determine object speeds, and track the path of objects without relying on the detection and identification of background data within the captured video data. The detection system uses one or more scan lines to generate a spatio-temporal map. A spatio-temporal map is a time progression of a slice of video data representing a history of pixel data corresponding to a scan line. The detection system detects objects in the video data based on intersections of lines within the spatio-temporal map. Once the detection system has detected an object, the detection system may record the detection for counting purposes, display an indication of the object in association with the video data, determine the speed of the object, etc. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110164843 | ENHANCED SILICON ALL-OPTICAL MODULATOR - A single-photon absorption all-optical signal-processing device, systems employing the same, and methods of making and using the same. Illustrative examples are provided based on silicon semiconductor technology that employs rectangular waveguides fabricated on SOI wafers. In some embodiments, it is observed that the waveguides have surface state density, σ, of not less than 1.5×10 | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110162708 | DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL EMPLOYING ZINC OXIDE AGGREGATES GROWN IN THE PRESENCE OF LITHIUM - Provided are a novel ZnO dye-sensitized solar cell and method of fabricating the same. In one embodiment, deliberately added lithium ions are used to mediate the growth of ZnO aggregates. The use of lithium provides ZnO aggregates that have advantageous microstructure, morphology, crystallinity, and operational characteristics. Employing lithium during aggregate synthesis results in a polydisperse collection of ZnO aggregates favorable for porosity and light scattering. The resulting nanocrystallites forming the aggregates have improved crystallinity and more favorable facets for dye molecule absorption. The lithium synthesis improves the surface stability of ZnO in acidic dyes. The procedures developed and disclosed herein also help ensure the formation of an aggregate film that has a high homogeneity of thickness, a high packing density, a high specific surface area, and good electrical contact between the film and the fluorine-doped tin oxide electrode and among the aggregate particles. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110151574 | DETECTION OF TRACE CHEMICALS AND METHOD THEREFOR - The invention provides devices, systems, and methods for detecting an analyte vapor. Particularly, electronegative analyte vapors, such as those vapors evolving from explosive compounds, are typical analytes detected the devices. The devices operate using a resistivity change mechanism wherein a nanostructured chemiresistive material undergoes a resistivity change in the presence of an analyte vapor. A resistivity change indicates the presence of an analyte. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110151557 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFECTION OF RNA AND CONTROLLED STABILIZATION OF TRANSFECTED RNA - The present invention provides reagents and methods for RNA transfection and protein expression | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110151479 | MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS INCORPORATING FLOW-THROUGH MEMBRANES - Disclosed is a flow-through membrane assay that takes advantage of a high surface area and rapid transport while allowing individual control over flow rates and times for each step of a multi-step assay. A microfluidic card features channels in communication with a porous membrane, channels on either side of membrane to allow transverse flow across the membrane, capturing a labeled target from the sample by flowing the sample across the membrane, or capturing a target from the sample followed by flowing a reagent containing a label that binds to the target. Fluid can be pushed or pulled through the assay membrane by external control. Air near the membrane is managed by diverting air between fluids to a channel upstream of the assay membrane, venting air between fluids through a hydrophobic membrane upstream of the assay membrane, and/or by venting trapped air through a hydrophobic membrane downstream of the assay membrane. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110150841 | Secretion System and Methods for its Use - The present invention provides reagents and methods for inhibiting bacterial infection and abnormal cell growth, as well as for selection cloning of nucleic acid inserts. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110143435 | POLYMERIC CARRIER - Provided herein are polymeric carriers suitable for the delivery of polynucleotides (e.g. oligonucleotides) and/or other therapeutic agents into a living cell. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110143434 | DIBLOCK COPOLYMERS AND POLYNUCLEOTIDE COMPLEXES THEREOF FOR DELIVERY INTO CELLS - Described herein are copolymers, and methods of making and utilizing such copolymers. Such copolymers have at least two blocks: a first block that has at least one unit that is hydrophilic at physiologic pH, and a second block that has hydrophobic groups. This second block further has at least one unit with a group that is anionic at about physiologic pH. The described copolymers are disruptive of a cellular membrane, including an extracellular membrane, an intracellular membrane, a vesicle, an organelle, an endosome, a liposome, or a red blood cell. Preferably, in certain instances, the copolymer disrupts the membrane and enters the intracellular environment. In specific examples, the copolymer is endosomolytic. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110142951 | MICELLES FOR INTRACELLULAR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - Composition comprising a polymeric micelle and an associated polynucleotide. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110135756 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PROTECTING SENSORY HAIR CELLS - The invention provides compounds, compositions and methods that can be used for the attenuation of damage to sensory hair cells and symptoms thereof. More particularly, the invention identifies drugs that can be used to protect sensory hair cells from ototoxic medications, noise-induced damage and age-related loss. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110135687 | RAPID, EFFICIENT PURIFICATION OF HSV-SPECIFIC T-LYMPHOCYTES AND HSV ANTIGENS IDENTIFIED VIA SAME - Described is a method of identifying an immunologically active antigen of a virus that attacks skin, as well as a method of enriching a population of lymphocytes for T lymphocytes that are specific to a virus that attacks skin. Also provided are HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection that have been identified via the methods of the invention. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigen or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110129921 | TARGETED POLYMER BIOCONJUGATES - Polymer bioconjugate having a RNAi agent covalently coupled to the alpha or omega end of a pH-dependent membrane-destabilizing polymer. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110128548 | Portable and Cartridge-Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensing Systems - This specification discloses various improvements in the field of SPR sensing systems. One improvement relates to a portable SPR sensing system, e.g., a system contained within a suitcase that can be hand-carried to a monitoring site. Another improvement relates to a portable, cartridge-based SPR sensing system. In this system, selected portions of the system's electrical and fluidics systems are allocated between a base unit and a removable/disposable cartridge. Other improvements relate to methods or protocols for operating an SPR sensing system. Such methods provide for the elimination of false positives and increased sensitivity, e.g., by using secondary antibodies with specificity for different target epitopes and by sensor element redundancy. In addition, protocols are provided for the detection of small molecules. Such protocols may employ a competition type assay where the presence of the analyte inhibits the binding of antibodies to surface immobilized analyte, or a displacement assay, where antibodies bound to the analyte on the sensor surface are displaced by free analyte. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110126158 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING PIXEL-BASED REVERSE ENGINEERING OF INTERFACE STRUCTURE - Systems and methods for implementing real-time pixel-based reverse engineering of interface structures are disclosed herein. The system uses the pixels representing widgets and content of a user interface to analyze, interpret, and/or enhance the interface without requiring cooperation from the interface. The system captures pixel data and reverse engineers the composition and structure of the interface from the captured pixel data. Using the reverse engineered interface, generated based on the captured pixel data, the facility can identify and record user interactions with the interface, modify the display of the interface to meet user requirements, preferences, or customization options, or enhance the interface to provide functionality not otherwise available, etc. The system can perform these processes across a variety of interfaces regardless of their underlying implementation and without any modifications to the interface. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110125260 | ARTIFICIAL CORNEA - The present invention provides an artificial cornea (keratoprosthesis) that may be implanted into a patient in need thereof. The artificial cornea comprises a rigid transparent central core surrounded by a peripheral skirt comprising a porous hydrogel. Methods of making such artificial corneas are also provided. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110123636 | MICELLIC ASSEMBLIES - Provided herein are micellic assemblies comprising a plurality of copolymers. In certain instances, micellic assemblies provided herein are pH sensitive particles. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110104694 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING CANCER - The present invention provides methods and compositions involving detecting the presence of and/or assessing the risk of cancer in a subject. These methods include methods of detecting and diagnosing cancer in an individual; methods of identifying individuals at risk of developing a cancer; and methods of staging a cancer. The methods generally involve detecting a palladin gene nucleotide sequence alteration that has been found to be associated with cancer and/or detecting a level of a palladin mRNA and/or protein in a biological sample. The present invention further provides nucleic acid probes, nucleic acid primers, and antibodies, as well as kits comprising one or more of the same, for use in a subject method. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110097277 | PARTICLES COATED WITH ZWITTERIONIC POLYMERS - Nanoparticles zwitterionic polymers grafted thereto or grafted therefrom, and methods for making and using the nanoparticles. Zwitterionic nanogels, and methods for making and using the nanogels. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110092797 | MOTION-SENSITIZED DRIVEN EQUILIBRIUM BLOOD-SUPPRESSION SEQUENCE FOR VESSEL WALL IMAGING - An improved motion-sensitization driven equilibrium (iMSDE) sequence based upon an MLEV-4 sequence is used for black-blood vessel wall imaging. The MSDE pulse pattern that is used us a preparation sequence for other procedures employed to acquire images has been modified to produce the iMSDE sequence by the addition of a second 180 degree refocusing pulse and two motion sensitization gradients. The iMSDE sequence thus includes a group of four radio frequency (RF) pulses, as well as additional magnetic gradient pulses that are not included in the conventional MSDE sequence. Computer simulations indicate that this new pulse sequence is substantially more immune to local B1 inhomogeneity than conventional sequences. In vivo experiments have demonstrated significant signal improvement at high first-order moments (m | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110091448 | METHODS FOR REGULATION OF STEM CELLS - Methods are provided for increasing stem cells, hematopoietic progenitor/stem cells, mesenchymal progenitor/stem cells, mesodermal progenitor/stem cells, muscle progenitor/stem cells, or neural progenitor/stem cells in vivo in a mammalian subject. Methods are also provided for treating an immune related disease, a mesenchymal/mesoderm degenerative disease, or a neurodegenerative disease in a mammalian subject in need thereof. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110082072 | Methods of Inhibiting Cell Death or Inflammation in a Mammal - In one aspect the present invention provides methods for inhibiting cell death or inflammation in a mammal, wherein the methods each include the step of administering to a mammal a Bcl protein in an amount sufficient to inhibit cell death or inflammation in the mammal. The invention also provides methods for identifying a Bcl protein that inhibits cell death or inflammation when administered to a mammal. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110076254 | POROUS SCAFFOLDS FOR STEM CELL RENEWAL - A method for expanding a population of stem cells using a porous scaffold, a porous scaffold populated with renewed stem cells, methods of administering stem cells using the porous scaffold and cells collected from the porous scaffold, and methods for tissue engineering and treating a condition treatable by administration of stem cells using the porous scaffold and cells collected from the porous scaffold. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110074382 | WHOLE STRUCTURE CONTACTLESS POWER CONSUMPTION SENSING - A contactless current and power consumption sensor can be safely mounted on a circuit breaker box of a structure, so as to sense the current flow and/or power consumed in the structure. Because the sensor can be mounted on a surface of the circuit breaker box without the need to access energized conductors inside the box, an unskilled person can readily install the sensor to monitor total instantaneous current flow and thus, determine the power consumed by energized devices in the structure on a continuing basis. The output from the sensor can be supplied to a readout or can be conveyed by a wired or wireless link to a computing device disposed at a remote location, where the data can be stored or viewed on a display. By integrating the power consumed over time, the energy usage by the energized devices in a structure can also be determined. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110057091 | All-optical integrated photonic clock - An all-optical integrated photonic clock, systems employing the same, and methods of making and using the same. Illustrative examples are provided based on silicon semiconductor technology that employs rectangular waveguides fabricated on SOI wafers. In some embodiments, the clock can provide an optical timing signal. In some embodiments, the clock can provide a jitter-free electrical signal derived from the clock by use of a high speed photodetector. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110053765 | CARBON-BASED FOAM NANOCOMPOSITE HYDROGEN STORAGE MATERIAL - A carbon-based foam composite including a carbon-based foam and a solid state hydrogen storage material, methods for making the carbon-based foam composite, and methods for using the carbon-based foam composite. Representative carbon-based foams include cryogels, aerogels, and xerogels. Representative solid state hydrogen storage materials include metal hydrides and chemical hydrides. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110052569 | MOLECULES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF DIABETES - Described are antibodies that specifically recognize and bind the epitope of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65) that is bound by antibody b96 11, and anti-idiotypic antibodies that are capable of competing with GAD65 for binding with b96.11 and competitively inhibit such binding. These antibodies can be provided in the form of a pharmaceutical composition and can be used in methods for delaying the onset of Type 1 diabetes and for inhibiting insulitis and other diabetic symptoms. Also provided are methods for detecting a susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes in a subject and for detecting the presence of anti-idiotypic antibodies to GAD65. The method comprises contacting a specimen with an antibody of the invention. The method further comprises detecting binding of the molecule of the specimen. The absence (or relative absence) of binding is indicative of susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes and of the absence of anti-idiotypic antibodies. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110048414 | CIRCUMFERENTIAL AEROSOL DEVICE - The present application discloses devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic compound to the olfactory epithelium of an animal or human. The device having one or more channels for imparting a circumferential and axial velocity to the discharged fluid, and an outlet that discharges an aerosol spray having a circumferential and axial velocity as it enters the nasal cavity of a user. The device is designed to displace the air in the upper nasal cavity in order to specifically deposit a therapeutic agent on the olfactory epithelium while minimizing pressure and discomfort experienced by the user. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110044957 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXTENDED IN VITRO CULTURE OF NEURONAL CELLS - A cell culture system related to extended in vitro culture of mature neuronal cells and methods for preparing the cell culture system are provided. In a preferred embodiment the invention provides a cell culture system comprising a mixture of mature neuronal retinal cells and cells isolated from a ciliary body. Methods for identifying bioactive agents that alter neurodegeneration of neuronal retinal cells are also provided. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110043537 | VISUAL DISTORTION IN A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT TO ALTER OR GUIDE PATH MOVEMENT - A safe, purely dissipative, robotic device and method for rehabilitation of large whole body movements, for example, in stroke victims. Shifting to passive actuation fundamentally changes common control strategies that work well for active devices. The novel approach distorts visual feedback to the subjects as a first step to achieve the desired controllability hereto limited by passivity constraints. With visual distortion, a subject's arm trajectory can be altered in a way that passive actuation alone cannot. Results show that subjects involuntarily changed their path motion up to 30% with distortion applied. This ability to steer user's movements can be harnessed to offset controllability issues. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110040214 | IMAGE GUIDED HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF NERVES - A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat neurological structures to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. Depending on the dosage of HIFU applied, it can have a reversible or irreversible effect on neural structures. For example, a relatively high dose of HIFU can be used to permanently block nerve function, to provide a non-invasive alternative to severing a nerve to treat severe spasticity. Relatively lower doses of HIFU can be used to reversibly block nerve function, to alleviate pain, to achieve an anesthetic effect, or to achieve a cosmetic effect. Where sensory nerves are not necessary for voluntary function, but are involved in pain associated with tumors or bone cancer, HIFU can be used to non-invasively destroy such sensory nerves to alleviate pain without drugs. Preferably, ultrasound imaging synchronized to the HIFU therapy is used to provide real-time ultrasound image guided HIFU therapy of neural structures. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110040171 | IMAGE GUIDED HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF NERVES - A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat neurological structures to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. Depending on the dosage of HIFU applied, it can have a reversible or irreversible effect on neural structures. For example, a relatively high dose of HIFU can be used to permanently block nerve function, to provide a non-invasive alternative to severing a nerve to treat severe spasticity. Relatively lower doses of HIFU can be used to reversibly block nerve function, to alleviate pain, to achieve an anesthetic effect, or to achieve a cosmetic effect. Where sensory nerves are not necessary for voluntary function, but are involved in pain associated with tumors or bone cancer, HIFU can be used to non-invasively destroy such sensory nerves to alleviate pain without drugs. Preferably, ultrasound imaging synchronized to the HIFU therapy is used to provide real-time ultrasound image guided HIFU therapy of neural structures. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110039849 | 5-SUBSTITUTED-2-IMINO-THIAZOLIDINONE COMPOUNDS AND THEIR USE AS INHIBITORS OF BACTERIAL INFECTION - A method for inhibiting Gram-negative bacterial pathogenesis, a method of screening for compounds that inhibit type III secretion in Gram-negative bacteria, and compounds that inhibit type III secretion in Gram-negative bacteria. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110025826 | COLOR-CODED BACKLIGHTED SINGLE CAMERA THREE-DIMENSIONAL DEFOCUSING PARTICLE IMAGE VELOCIMETRY SYSTEM - Three-Dimensional Defocusing Particle Image Velocimetry (3DDPIV) allows for measurement of three-dimensional velocities within a volume. In the disclosed embodiment, a mask with a plurality of apertures is disposed with a lens between the test section and a color camera. The field-of-view is backlit and the test section is seeded with black particles. This configuration allows for a lower power light source as compared to conventional 3DDPIV. Color-coded particle images are formed on a white background, wherein each of the color images is generated from light that travels through the filters not blocked by the imaged particle, thereby producing a color image that is of a color different from the color of any of the filters. A color space linear transformation is used to allow for accurate identification of each pinhole exposure when the color filters' spectrum does not match those of the 3-CCD color camera. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110021371 | DNA MICROARRAY BASED IDENTIFICATION AND MAPPING OF BALANCED TRANSLOCATION BREAKPOINTS - Methods for detecting and mapping chromosomal rearrangements associated with various diseases using comparative genomic hybridization are disclosed. Included are methods to identify translocation partners of known genomic loci and to determine translocation breakpoints. These methods may be used in the prognosis, diagnosis, and determination of predisposition to diseases that involve chromosomal rearrangements. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110020779 | SKILL EVALUATION USING SPHERICAL MOTION MECHANISM - Software tools, methods and apparatus for objectively assessing surgical and medical procedural skills are described. Data corresponding to performance of a manipulative task by a subject is modeled using Markov modeling techniques and compared with stored models corresponding to each of a plurality of proficiency levels. A particular proficiency level is selected based on proximity of the subject data relative to each of the stored models. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110012217 | FREE-STANDING TWO-SIDED DEVICE FABRICATION - Devices having features deposited on two sides of a device substrate and methods for making the same. The devices are useful, for example, as the components in a macroelectronic system. In a preferred embodiment, the devices are photosensors having a plurality of electrodes patterned on a first side of the device and an electromagnetic interference filter patterned on a second side of the device. The method facilitates the fabrication of two-sided devices through the use of an immobilizing layer deposited on top of devices patterned on a first side of a device substrate; flipping the device substrate; processing the second side of the device substrate to produce patterned features on the second side of the device substrate; and releasing the devices having patterned elements on two sides of each device. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110009734 | IMAGE GUIDED HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF NERVES - A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat neurological structures to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. Depending on the dosage of HIFU applied, it can have a reversible or irreversible effect on neural structures. For example, a relatively high dose of HIFU can be used to permanently block nerve function, to provide a non-invasive alternative to severing a nerve to treat severe spasticity. Relatively lower doses of HIFU can be used to reversibly block nerve function, to alleviate pain, to achieve an anesthetic effect, or to achieve a cosmetic effect. Where sensory nerves are not necessary for voluntary function, but are involved in pain associated with tumors or bone cancer, HIFU can be used to non-invasively destroy such sensory nerves to alleviate pain without drugs. Preferably, ultrasound imaging synchronized to the HIFU therapy is used to provide real-time ultrasound image guided HIFU therapy of neural structures. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110003289 | METHOD FOR DETECTION OF PRE-NEOPLASTIC FIELDS AS A CANCER BIOMARKER IN ULCERATIVE COLITIS - Among other aspects, the present invention provides biomarkers and methods of identifying precancerous fields in a subject in need thereof. Methods of diagnosing and for providing a prognosis for a subject with an increased risk of developing cancer are also provided, along with methods of determining surgical margins for a tumor or tissue resection procedure. Additionally, reagents and kits are provided for the practice of the methods disclosed herein. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110003133 | METHOD FOR MAKING SHAPEABLE MICROCELLULAR POLY LACTIC ACID ARTICLES - A method for making a shapeable article from poly(lactic acid) includes treating solid poly(lactic acid) that results in the solid poly(lactic acid) having a crystallinity of at least 20% by weight based on the weight of the solid poly(lactic acid) and a gas concentration of 6% to 16% by weight based on the weight of the solid poly(lactic acid); and heating the solid poly(lactic acid) having said minimum crystallinity and gas concentration to produce a cellular poly(lactic acid) article that is shapeable. The shapeable cellular poly(lactic acid) article is advantageous in that the article can be further shaped by heat and/or pressure (or vacuum), such as via thermoforming, into a variety of useful products. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110001256 | METHODS FOR BLOW MOLDING SOLID-STATE CELLULAR THERMOPLASTIC ARTICLES - A process for producing cellular thermoplastic articles. The process comprises the steps of treating a solid parison made from a thermoplastic material with a saturating gas at an elevated pressure for a period of time to provide a gas-saturated parison; heating the gas-saturated parison to prepare a cellular parison; placing the cellular parison in a mold; and blowing a molding gas into the cellular parison to expand the cellular parison into the shape of the mold to provide a shaped cellular article. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100324306 | ELECTROCHROMIC MATERIALS - Green electrochromic (EC) materials based on thiophene, and a green EC material based on pyrazine are disclosed. A first thiophene derivative (2,3-Di-thiophen-2-yl-thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine), which was previously investigated as a nonlinear optical material, is here disclosed for its use as an EC material and for its incorporation into an EC device. Synthesis of two new thiophene derivatives (2,5-di(thien-2-yl)-3,4-di(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-thiophene and 2,5-(2,3-dihydro-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-5-yl)-3,4-di(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-thiophene), and a new pyrazine derivative (2,3-dibenzyl-5,7-di(thien-2-yl) thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine) are also disclosed, since these materials are all able to selectively change state to appear a green color and can be polymerized to achieve a green EC polymer. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100324025 | Antibacterial Agents - Antibacterial compounds of formula I are provided: | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100323388 | BIOCHIP FOR HIGH-THROUGHPUT SCREENING OF CIRCULATING TUMOR CELLS - Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to the use of effusive filtration to segregate tumor cells from a sample of bodily fluid. In one embodiment, fluid containing a cell is flowed down a channel having a filtration medium present along at least one side wall. The tumor cell is captured when the fluid passes through the filtration medium. Accumulated pressure on the captured tumor cell is reduced by allowing the fluid that has passed through the filtration medium to re-enter the channel. In a particular embodiment, the filtration medium may comprise side wall apertures having a width smaller than that of the cell, with downstream apertures allowing re-entry of the fluid into the channel. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100322494 | Focal Plane Tracking for Optical Microtomography - An optical tomography system for imaging an object of interest including a light source for illuminating the object of interest with a plurality of radiation beams. The object of interest is held within an object containing tube such that it is illuminated by the plurality of radiation beams to produce emerging radiation from the object containing tube, a detector array is located to receive the emerging radiation and produce imaging data used by a mechanism for tracking the object of interest. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100313958 | SENSING EVENTS AFFECTING LIQUID FLOW IN A LIQUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - By monitoring pressure transients in a liquid within a liquid distribution system using only a single sensor, events such as the opening and closing of valves at specific fixtures are readily detected. The sensor, which can readily be coupled to a faucet bib, transmits an output signal to a computing device. Each such event can be identified by the device based by comparing characteristic features of the pressure transient waveform with previously observed characteristic features for events in the system. These characteristic features, which can include the varying pressure, derivative, and real Cepstrum of the pressure transient waveform, can be used to select a specific fixture where a valve open or close event has occurred. Flow to each fixture and leaks in the system can also be determined from the pressure transient signal. A second sensor disposed at a point disparate from the first sensor provides further event information. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100297680 | METHODS FOR ASSESSING THE RISK FOR DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE - The present invention relates to diagnostic tests, methods and kits that are useful to assess a subject's risk of developing a pathologic condition related in part to the presence of HDL oxidation product. Measuring the quantity of one or more HDL oxidation products present in the blood is useful in evaluating risk for developing or evaluating the severity of a disease or evaluating response to treatment for such a disease as, for instance, cardiovascular disease. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100297416 | MICROCELLULAR THERMOPLASTIC THIN FILMS FORMED BY A SOLID-STATE FOAMING PROCESS - Cellular thin films include a first side separated from a second side, the separation of which defines the thickness of the thin film; at least one layer of a polymeric material arranged along the thickness of the thin film, wherein the polymeric material includes cells and the first and second sides of the thin film have exterior surfaces that have substantially the same thickness as the interior walls forming the cells. The surfaces of the thin films have bumps caused by the cells. The thin exterior surfaces of the thin films is advantageous to allow the films to be flexible. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100286522 | ULTRASONIC TECHNIQUE FOR ASSESSING WALL VIBRATIONS IN STENOSED BLOOD VESSELS - A real-time signal processing technique for ultrasonic imaging of tissue vibrations for localizing the source of a bruit in a 2D image with respect to the anatomy and/or for obtaining simultaneous information about vibrations and the underlying blood flow. The bruit can be quantitatively assessed using an ensemble of ultrasound echoes. Signal processing enables estimation of wall displacement and the display of time-resolved vibration spectrum. Vibrations are detected and color-coded according to their amplitude and frequency and overlaid on the B-mode and/or color-flow image in real time. Proposed vibration imaging algorithms use data acquired during conventional ultrasonic color-flow imaging and the clutter signal, normally suppressed in color-flow imaging, to detect and characterize tissue vibrations. Three vibration imaging algorithms based on parametric modeling of vibrations and other criteria distinguish between clutter, blood flow, and vibrations. The techniques are usable to detect, locate, image, and quantitatively grade stenoses in blood vessels. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100284012 | Portable and Cartridge-Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensing Systems - This specification discloses various improvements in the field of SPR sensing systems. One improvement relates to a portable SPR sensing system, e.g., a system contained within a suitcase that can be hand-carried to a monitoring site. Another improvement relates to a portable, cartridge-based SPR sensing system. In this system, selected portions of the system's electrical and fluidics systems are allocated between a base unit and a removable/disposable cartridge. Other improvements relate to methods or protocols for operating an SPR sensing system. Such methods provide for the elimination of false positives and increased sensitivity, e.g., by using secondary antibodies with specificity for different target epitopes and by sensor element redundancy. In addition, protocols are provided for the detection of small molecules. Such protocols may employ a competition type assay where the presence of the analyte inhibits the binding of antibodies to surface immobilized analyte, or a displacement assay, where antibodies bound to the analyte on the sensor surface are displaced by free analyte. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100279321 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THE ISOLATION AND ENRICHMENT OF CIRCULATING TUMOR CELLS - Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for concentrating and isolating Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) from body fluids. One embodiment of the present invention includes a micro-fabricated or nano-fabricated device having channels configured for separating and excluding. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention utilize features that reduce the hydrodynamic pressure experienced by the cells during the separation, isolation and concentration processes, and therefore reduce the likelihood of cell lysis or other damage to the cells. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100262016 | METHODS FOR ASSESSING A PHYSIOLOGICAL STATE OF A MAMMALIAN RETINA - In one aspect the present invention provides methods for assessing a physiological state of a mammalian retina in vivo, the methods of this aspect of the invention each include the steps of (a) irradiating a portion of a mammalian retina, in vivo, with light having a wavelength in the range of from 600 nm to 1000 nm at an intensity sufficient to stimulate two-photon-induced fluorescence in the retina; and (b) assessing a physiological state of the retina by analyzing the fluorescence. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100255011 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MODULATING THE ACTIVITY OF COMPLEMENT REGULATORY PROTEINS ON TARGET CELLS - This invention relates to agents capable of reducing the activity, amount or density of complement regulatory proteins (CRPs) on target cells. The invention also provides methods of identification of such agents, methods of making, and uses thereof. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100247595 | POROUS STRUCTURES AND METHODS OF USE - The present invention provides porous structures that each comprise chitosan, alginate and divalent metal cations, wherein: (a) the chitosan is ionically linked to the alginate; and (b) the structure is porous and has a compressive yield strength of at least 0.35 MPa. The present invention also provides methods for making the porous structures, and methods for using the porous structures as substrates to grow living cells. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100234728 | ULTRASOUND GUIDED HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF NERVES - A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat neurological structures to achieve a desired therapeutic affect. Depending on the dosage of HIFU applied, it can have a reversible or irreversible effect on neural structures. For example, a relatively high dose of HIFU can be used to permanently block nerve function, to provide a non-invasive alternative to severing a nerve to treat severe spasticity. Relatively lower doses of HIFU can be used to reversibly block nerve function, to alleviate pain, to achieve an anesthetic effect, or to achieve a cosmetic effect. Where sensory nerves are not necessary for voluntary function, but are involved in pain associated with tumors or bone cancer, HIFU can be used to non-invasively destroy such sensory nerves to alleviate pain without drugs. Preferably, ultrasound imaging synchronized to the HIFU therapy is used to provide real-time ultrasound image guided HIFU therapy of neural structures. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100220970 | MULTIPLE QUANTUM DOT WAVEGUIDES - The present invention relates to an assembly of multiple waveguides which includes a substrate and a plurality of waveguides positioned on said substrate at locations effective to suppress cross-talk between different waveguides. The plurality of waveguides each comprise an elongate array of quantum dots extending between sets of first and second locations on the substrate. The waveguides are positioned to receive: (1) pumped light uniformly applied to the array to produce electron-hole pairs and to enable optical gain and (2) signal light at the first location to trigger an emission from the quantum dot at the first location and transmission of photons along the array to the second location. A light transmission system which includes this assembly as well as methods of making and using the assembly are also disclosed. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100215693 | IMMUNOLOGICAL HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS ANTIGENS AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF - The invention provides HSV antigens that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. Disclosed herein are antigens and/or their constituent epitopes confirmed to be recognized by T-cells derived from herpetic lesions or from uterine cervix. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100210504 | ENHANCED TRANSPORT USING MEMBRANE DISRUPTIVE AGENTS - Compositions and methods for transport or release of therapeutic and diagnostic agents or metabolites or other analytes from cells, compartments within cells, or through cell layers or barriers are described. The compositions include a membrane barrier transport enhancing agent and are usually administered in combination with an enhancer and/or exposure to stimuli to effect disruption or altered permeability, transport or release. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions include compounds which disrupt endosomal membranes in response to the low pH in the endosomes but which are relatively inactive toward cell membranes (at physiologic pH, but can become active toward cell membranes if the environment is acidified below ca. pH 6.8), coupled directly or indirectly to a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. Other disruptive agents can also be used, responsive to stimuli and/or enhancers other than pH, such as light, electrical stimuli, electromagnetic stimuli, ultrasound, temperature, or combinations thereof. The compounds can be coupled by ionic, covalent or H bonds to an agent to be delivered or to a ligand which forms a complex with the agent to be delivered. Agents to be delivered can be therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents. Treatments which enhance delivery such as ultrasound, iontopheresis, and/or electrophereis can also be used with the disrupting agents. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100203073 | HSV-1 EPITOPES AND METHODS FOR USING SAME - The invention provides HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100191153 | PROSTHETIC LIMB MONITORING SYSTEM - Parameters related to use of a prosthesis by a patient with a limb amputation are monitored using a tool that includes one or more piezoelectric force sensors. The resulting data are processed for use both in short and long term management of amputee patients. The sensor is a small modular unit that fits within or between traditional prosthetic components, e.g., below a prosthesis socket. The data produced by the tool are collected, processed, and stored. Optionally, the data are periodically communicated to a remote site via a network, e.g., over the Internet. The device and associated software used to process the data can be used to characterize activities conducted by a prosthesis user, to determine pistoning or threatening interface stress distributions between the limb and socket, mal-alignment of the socket, use of improper components, and other possibly undesired conditions that the amputee patient using the prosthesis may be experiencing. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100187442 | BEAM GENERATION AND STEERING WITH INTEGRATED OPTICAL CIRCUITS FOR LIGHT DETECTION AND RANGING - An integrated photonic beam steering device includes a planar photonic substrate. An input waveguide is configured to accept an electromagnetic energy from a source of electromagnetic energy radiation. A first splitter is configured to split the electromagnetic radiation into one or more paths. One or more phased array rows are optically coupled to each of the one or more paths. Each phased array row includes a row splitter configured to split the each of the one or more paths into two or more row paths. Two or more phase modulators are each optically coupled respectively to each of the two or more row paths. Two or more output couplers are optically coupled respectively to each phase modulator output of the two or more phase modulators. The two or more output couplers are configured to radiate a steered photonic beam away from the integrated photonic beam steering device. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100183565 | INDUCTION OF HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL DERIVED CARDIAC PACEMAKER OR CHAMBER-TYPE CARDIOMYOCYTES BY MANIPULATION OF NEUREGULIN SIGNALING - The present invention is directed to methods of producing cardiomyocytes having a nodal/pacemaker phenotype and cardiomyocytes having an atrial/ventricular phenotype. Isolated populations of nodal/pacemaker and atrial/ventricular cardiomyocytes are also disclosed. Methods of treating a subject having cardiac arrhythmia and a subject in need of cardiac tissue repair using the isolated populations of nodal/pacemaker cardiomyocytes and atrial/ventricular cardiomyocytes, respectively, are also disclosed. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100172833 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR DIAGNOSING HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA - Methods for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are set forth. Improved assay methods and scanning methods are included that employ non-cell-associated and cell-associated HCC related proteins. Such methods are based upon the discovery of genes that were up-regulated in diseased versus normal tissue as well as in HCC tissue when compared to the tissue of patients with other ailments. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100161999 | Scalable RFID systems: a privacy preserving protocol with constant-time identification - A protocol with constant-time complexity solves the problem of private identification of tags in low-cost, large-scale radio frequency identification (RFID) systems—assuming that an adversary has complete control over the communication channel. Each RFID tag has an internal counter, c, and is preloaded with a unique pseudonym, ψ, and a secret key, k. A RFID reader attempting to identify and authenticate a tag within its range generates and transmits a random nonce to the RFID tag, which returns a first hash of its current pseudonym and counter, and a second hash that is a function of the secret key. The reader uses the returned data to identify the RFID tag and its secret key by reference to a database and returns other hash values that authenticate the reader to the RFID tag. The most expensive operation that RFID tags are required to perform is a hash function. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100161254 | DETECTING OBJECTS IN SHIPPING CONTAINERS BY VIBRATION SPECTRAL ANALYSIS - Objects in a cargo shipping container are detected by measuring vibration resonant frequency peaks of the container. The mass of an object on the floor of the container effects the vibration resonance of the container, enabling the object to be detected. A vibration source and a plurality of accelerometers are either attached to the steel structure of the container, or are disposed on a supporting structure, such as a cargo crane or lift, so that they contact the container. The vibration source causes the container to vibrate, and the accelerometers detect the vibration resonance of the container. A mismatch between a cargo manifest and an observed cargo, or detection of an object having relatively high mass, e.g., due to lead shielding, can justify a manual inspection. The process uses synchronous processing to achieve the sensitivity needed, is unobtrusive, and does not slow the flow of cargo through a facility. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100160781 | DOPPLER AND IMAGE GUIDED DEVICE FOR NEGATIVE FEEDBACK PHASED ARRAY HIFU TREATMENT OF VASCULARIZED LESIONS - A noninvasive technique that can be used to deny blood flow to a particular region of tissue, without the inherent risks associated with invasive procedures such as surgery and minimally-invasive procedures such as embolization. Blood flow in selected portions of the vasculature can be occluded by selectively treating specific portions of the vasculature with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), where the HIFU is targeted Doppler ultrasound data, and a duration of the therapy is automatically controlled using a negative feedback loop provided by Doppler ultrasound data collected during the HIFU therapy. A portion of the vasculature providing blood flow to the undesired tissue is selected by a clinician, or automatically selected based on Doppler data, and HIFU is administered to the selected portion of the vasculature to occlude blood flow through that portion of the vasculature. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100150952 | pH-RESPONSIVE POLYMER CARRIER COMPOSITIONS FOR CYTOSOLIC PROTEIN DELIVERY - pH-Responsive polymer-based protein delivery carriers and compositions, methods for making the carriers and compositions, and methods for using the carriers and compositions for intracellular protein antigen delivery, inducing a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response, introducing a tumor-specific protein antigen to an antigen presenting cell to induce an immune response, and providing tumor protection to a subject. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100142784 | FAST TWO-POINT MAPPING OF THE BOUND POOL FRACTION AND CROSS-RELAXATION RATE CONSTANT FOR MRI - A two-point reconstruction technique provides an efficient clinical method for measuring parametric bound pool fraction and cross-relaxation rate constant spatial distributions in biological objects from two experimental measurements based on magnetization transfer effect obtained in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The method is based on linearization of an analytical pulsed magnetization transfer mathematical model so that spatial distribution maps of the bound pool fraction and cross-relaxation rate constant can be obtained in a time-efficient manner by using only two experimental magnetization transfer images of the bio-logical object in which water and macromolecules are present. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100128269 | MINIATURIZED SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE IMAGING SYSTEM - A miniaturized Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) imaging system ( | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100108116 | Enhanced Dye Sensitized Solar Cells - A first concept is directed to an improved dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). In a first embodiment, photo energy conversion efficiency (PCE) is increased by employing a reflective layer disposed underneath the DSSC device to direct light that would otherwise be wasted back into the DSSC device. In a second embodiment, the PCE of a DSSC is increased by adding an additional dye, which exhibits significant absorption in the red and near-IR regions. A novel phthalocyanine derivative has been developed that absorbs well in the red and near IR-regions, readily couples to the titanium oxide semiconductor in the DSSC, and enables the DSSC device to exhibit a high photo-current efficiency. A second concept is directed to novel thermoelectric materials formed from a mechanical alloy of silicon and at least one other periodic element, wherein the mechanical alloy is fused together using spark plasma sintering. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100098373 | Optical XOR logic gate - An all-optical XOR logic gate. In one embodiment, a single photon absorption medium is used to provide enhanced optical response of a gate to an applied optical signal. The apparatus described uses at least two gate inputs and an optical modulation structure such as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer to perform logical XOR operations on an optical input signal using the gate inputs. The result of the XOR operation is provided as information in an optical output signal representative of the result of the XOR operation impressed on the optical input signal. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100094904 | GREEN'S FUNCTION FORMULATIONS FOR PAGERANK ALGORITHM USING HELMHOLTZ WAVE EQUATION REPRESENTATIONS OF INTERNET INTERACTIONS - A novel approach to determining PageRank for web pages views the problem as being comparable to solving for an electromagnetic field problem. This view of ranking web pages enables appropriate entries for a matrix G of the web (or a subset), so that fast-solver techniques can be employed to iterate G, solving for ranks, or a dominant eigenstructure, achieving an O(N log N) performance in time and memory requirements. The specific solver technique that is used can be, for example, a fast multi-pole method (FMM), or a multilevel low-rank compression method. Once the problem is correctly formulated, it is not necessary to create the matrix G. Local information can be queried on demand by the solver. This approach can also be used to determine different scores of web pages, such as TrustRank, which is indicative of their trustworthiness. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100093033 | INDUCIBLE MUTAGENESIS OF TARGET GENES - The present invention relates generally to mutagenesis of target genes that takes advantage of the natural mutagenic capabilities of B cells, and enhances those capabilities by bringing the process of diversification under control. The invention provides a method for rapidly and inducibly generating point mutations and other types of diversification in expressed genes, such as antibody genes. This method can be coupled with selection to identify B cell clones that produce, for example, antibodies of high affinity or specificity. The diversification process can be modulated, accelerated, halted, switched between methods of mutagenesis and the like. The modulation of diversification in accordance with the invention is both inducible and reversible. The invention provides a means of rapid and feasible development of a repertoire of variant immunoglobulins and other polypeptides. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100092523 | MOLECULES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT AND DETECTION OF CANCER - The invention provides a method for inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells, as well as methods for detecting and treating various cancers, including cancer of the ovary, breast, prostate and colon. The method comprises contacting a cancer cell with an IGF-related molecule of the invention or administering an IGF-related vaccine to the cancer patient. In one embodiment, the molecule is an immunogenic peptide derived from IGFBP-2 or from IGF1 R. The invention additionally provides methods for detecting and treating cancer using IGF-related molecules. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100087728 | ACOUSTIC PALPATION USING NON-INVASIVE ULTRASOUND TECHNIQUES TO IDENTIFY AND LOCALIZE TISSUE ELICITING BIOLOGICAL RESPONSES - Methods and systems for identifying and spatially localizing tissues having certain physiological properties or producing certain biological responses, such as the sensation of pain, in response to the application of intense focused ultrasound (acoustic probing or palpation) are provided. In some embodiments, targeted acoustic probing may be guided or visualized using imaging techniques such as ultrasound imaging or other types of non-invasive imaging techniques. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100087621 | IMMUNE REACTIVITY TO HER-2/NEU PROTEIN FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF MALIGNANCIES IN WHICH THE HER-2/NEU ONCOGENE IS ASSOCIATED - Methods for the detection, monitoring and treatment of malignancies in which the HER-2/neu oncogene is associated are disclosed. Detection of specific T cell activation (e.g., by measuring the proliferation of T cells) in response to in vitro exposure to the HER-2/neu protein, or detection of immunocomplexes formed between the HER-2/neu protein and antibodies in body fluid, allows the diagnosis of the presence of a malignancy in which the HER-2/neu oncogene is associated. The present invention also discloses methods and compositions, including peptides, for treating such malignancies. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100081893 | ACOUSTIC PALPATION USING NON-INVASIVE ULTRASOUND TECHNIQUES TO IDENTIFY AND LOCALIZE TISSUE ELICITING BIOLOGICAL RESPONSES AND TARGET TREATMENTS - Methods and systems for identifying and spatially localizing tissues having certain physiological properties or producing certain biological responses, such as the sensation of pain, in response to the application of intense focused ultrasound (acoustic probing or palpation) are provided. In some embodiments, targeted acoustic probing may be guided or visualized using imaging techniques such as ultrasound imaging or other types of non-invasive imaging techniques. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100074930 | METHOD OF MAKING POLYMER HOLLOW PARTICLES WITH CONTROLLABLE HOLES IN THEIR SURFACES - A method for making a hollow polymer particle having a single, substantially circular opening in its surface. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100074480 | DEVICE FOR GENERATING ALTERNATIVE OF NORMAL BRAIN DATABASE | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100057408 | FAST MULTIPHYSICS DESIGN AND SIMULATION TOOL FOR MULTITECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS - In one exemplary approach, a Schur complement-based boundary element method (BEM) is employed for predicting the motion of arbitrarily shaped three-dimensional particles under combined external and fluidic force fields. The BEM relies on modeling the surface of the computational domain, significantly reducing the number of unknowns when compared to volume-based methods. In addition, the Schur complement-based scheme enables a static portion of the computation to be computed only once for use in subsequent time steps, which leads to a tremendous reduction in solution time during time-stepping in the microfluidic domain. Parallelized oct-tree based O(N) multilevel iterative solvers are also used to accelerate the setup and solution costs. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100044571 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL POSITION OF A SCINTILLATION EVENT - A method is provided for determining the three-dimensional position of an interaction location within a scintillating crystal at which an high-energy photon produces a plurality of scintillation photons. The method includes the use of a sensor-on-entrance-surface photodetector device to determine a distribution pattern of the scintillation photons in the crystal. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100041046 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE DISCRETIZATION AND MANIPULATION OF SAMPLE VOLUMES - Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for the discretization and manipulation of sample volumes that is simple, robust, and versatile. It is a fluidic device that partitions a sample by exploiting the interplay between fluidic forces, interfacial tension, channel geometry, and the final stability of the formed droplet and/or discretized volume. These compartmentalized volumes allow for isolation of samples and partitioning into a localized array that can subsequently be manipulated and analyzed. The isolation of the discretized volumes along with the device's inherent portability render our invention versatile for use in many areas, including but not limited to PCR, digital PCR, biological assays for diagnostics and prognostics, cancer diagnosis and prognosis, high throughput screening, single molecule and single cell reactions or assays, the study crystallization and other statistical processes, protein crystallization, drug screening, environmental testing, and the coupling to a wide range of analytical detection techniques for biomedical assays and measurements. The minimal fluid interconnects and simple flow geometry makes the device easy to use and implement, economical to fabricate and operate, and robust in its operations. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100040651 | Compositions and Methods for Vaccinating Against HSV-2 - This invention relates to a method for systemic immune activation which is effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in a mammal. The method is particularly effective for protecting a mammal from herpes simplex virus. Also disclosed are therapeutic compositions useful in such a method. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100036455 | MEASUREMENT AND USE OF IN-SOCKET RESIDUAL LIMB VOLUME CHANGE DATA FOR PROSTHETIC FITTING - Changes in the volume of residual limbs on which prosthetic sockets are worn can be measured based on bioimpedance measurements along one or more segments of the limb. A current at an appropriate frequency (e.g., in the range from 1 kHz to 1 MHz) is injected at two current electrodes that contact the skin of the residual limb. The voltage at the voltage electrodes disposed between the current electrodes is measured and using an appropriate model, the change in the segmented volume of the limb can be determined during periods of different activity and at different times during the day. This information can be used for assessing the fit of the socket and can also provide a feedback signal for automatically controlling volume management devices, to ensure a more comfortable fit when the volume of the limb is changing. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100035986 | METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF AGE-RELATED RETINAL DYSFUNCTION - A method of treating or preventing age-related retinal dysfunction involves administering to a patient a pharmaceutically effective amount of a synthetic retinal derivative repeatedly over a duration of at least about 3 months. Effective synthetic retinal derivatives include 9-cis-retinyl esters, 11-cis-retinyl esters, derivatives and congeners thereof, and combinations thereof. Suitable ester substituents include carboxylates of C | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100030083 | ASSESSMENT OF TISSUE RESPONSE TO STRESS - An approach is described for identifying sites of imminent skin breakdown in amputee prosthesis users. Thermal recovery time (TRT) for a limb is optically determined using an infrared camera. TRT is the time interval for the temperature of the skin to achieve 70% of its maximum value during a 10-minute recovery period after a subject has completed a standing/walk-in-place procedure. A limb tolerance map is produced in which 5×5 pixel squares are colored to indicate their TRT and labeled to indicate a temperature vs. time curve (indicative of blood flow characteristics) for the square. TRT data can also be used for prosthetic fitting and socket replacement, by locating tolerant/intolerant regions on a limb and providing a visual “limb tolerance map” for a proposed socket design and applied to other areas, such as the design of shoes for patients with insensate feet, cushions for wheelchair users, and mattresses for bedridden patients. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100023149 | COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF TRANSTIBIAL PROSTHETIC SOCKETS - For use in connection with evaluating prosthetic sockets (and other objects) designed and fabricated with computer aided design and manufacturing software, the shape of a socket is accurately scanned and digitized. The scanned data are then compared to either an electronic shape data file, or to the shape of another socket, a positive model of a residual limb (or socket), or a residual limb. Differences detected during the comparison can then be applied to revise the design or fabrication of the socket, to more accurately achieve a desired shape that properly fits the residual limb of a patient and can be used to solve the inverse problem by correcting for observed errors of a specific fabricator before a socket is produced. The digitizing process is implemented using a stylus ball that contacts a surface of the socket to produce data indicating the three-dimensional shape of the socket. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100010075 | COMPOUNDS FOR ELICITING OR ENHANCING IMMUNE REACTIVITY TO HER-2/neu PROTEIN FOR PREVENTION OR TREATMENT OF MALIGNANCIES IN WHICH THE HER-2/neu ONCOGENE IS ASSOCIATED - Compounds and compositions for eliciting or enhancing immune reactivity to HER-2/neu protein are disclosed. The compounds include polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding such peptides. The compounds may be used for the prevention or treatment of malignancies in which the HER-2/neu oncogene is associated. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20090325259 | USE OF ADHESION MOLECULES AS BOND STRESS-ENHANCED NANOSCALE BINDING SWITCHES - Methods, compositions and devices are provided based on changing the binding strength of an adhesion molecule to a ligand by changing the force exerted on the bound complex between adhesion molecule and ligand, for example by changing the shear stress acting on the complex. The adhesion molecules and their ligands of this invention bind more tightly when a force-activated bond stress, such as shear force, applied to the adhesion molecules is increased, and bond less tightly when the stress is decreased. The adhesion molecules can be isolated from their sources in nature or can remain attached to their natural sources. They can be engineered, e.g., by altering their amino acid sequences or by binding to antibodies or other particles, to alter their binding properties. They can be attached to a wide range of substrates including particles and device surfaces to form adhesive systems which are capable of sticking to other particles and/or device surfaces to which ligands for the adhesion molecules have been attached. The adhesion molecules and ligands described herein can be used to control binding and release of components of an adhesive system by increasing or decreasing the force-activated bond stresses applied to the adhesion molecules. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090325196 | LEVELS OF BCMA PROTEIN EXPRESSION ON B CELLS AND USE IN DIAGNOSTIC METHODS - The present invention provides a method of measuring the levels of BCMA in a biological sample, specifically upon the B cell surface. The diagnostic assays are useful in predicting an individual's likelihood of developing or currently suffering from an autoimmune disease, such as SLE, and for methods for treating an individual clinically diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. This diagnostic test serves to predict a patient's likelihood to respond to a specific drug treatment, in particular treatment with BLyS antagonists, either singly or in combination with other immune suppressive drugs | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090323972 | PRIVACY-PRESERVING LOCATION TRACKING FOR DEVICES - A privacy-preserving device-tracking system and method to assist in the recovery of lost or stolen Internet-connected mobile devices. The function of such a system seem contradictory, since it is desirable to hide a device's legitimately-visited locations from third-party services and other parties to achieve location privacy, while still enabling recovery of the device's location(s) after it goes missing by tracking the device to determine its location. An exemplary embodiment uses a DHT for storing encrypted location information and other forensic information in connection with indices that are successively determined based on initial pseudorandom seed information (i.e., state) that is retained by the owner of the device. Using the seed information, the software can determine indices mapped to location information stored after the device went missing, enabling the device to be located. Numerous extensions are discussed for the basic exemplary design that increase its suitability for particular deployment environments. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090323076 | HIGH RESOLUTION OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY BASED IMAGING FOR INTRALUMINAL AND INTERSTITIAL USE IMPLEMENTED WITH A REDUCED FORM FACTOR - Mechanically robust minimal form factor OCT probes suitable for medical applications such as needle biopsy, intraluminal and intravascular imaging are achieved in part by employing compound lenses with some or all of the optical elements, including an optical fiber, to be thermally fused in tandem. To achieve a desired working distance without increasing a diameter of the optics assembly, a spacer can be disposed between the optical fiber and focusing optics. The compound lens configuration can achieve higher transverse resolution compared to a single lens at a desired working distance without increasing the probe diameter. In exemplary needle biopsy embodiments, the optical assembly is encapsulated in a glass housing or metal-like housing with a glass window, which is then selectively passed through a hollow needle. Esophageal imaging embodiments are combined with a balloon catheter. Circumferential and three-dimensional spiral scanning can be achieved in each embodiment. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090322327 | NANOPARTICLE-AMPHIPOL COMPLEXES FOR NUCLEIC ACID INTRACELLULAR DELIVERY AND IMAGING - Nanoparticle-amphiphilic polymer complexes for nucleic acid delivery and real-time imaging. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090316151 | DYNAMIC CHARACTERIZATION OF PARTICLES WITH FLOW CYTOMETRY - Flow cytometry concepts are modified to enable dynamic characterizations of particles to be obtained using optical scattering data. Particles in flow will be introduced into a sample volume. Light scattered by a particle in the sample volume is collected and analyzed. What differentiates the concepts disclosed herein from conventional flow cytometry is the use of an acoustic source that is disposed to direct acoustic energy into the sample volume. As the particle passes through the sample volume, it responds to the acoustic energy, causing changes in the light scattered by the particle. Those changes, which are not measured during conventional flow cytometry, can be analyzed to determine additional physical properties of the particle. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090312820 | ENHANCED SIGNAL PROCESSING FOR COCHLEAR IMPLANTS - The restoration of melody perception is a key remaining challenge in cochlear implants. A novel sound coding strategy is proposed that converts an input audio signal into time-varying electrically stimulating pulse trains. A sound is first split into several frequency sub-bands with a fixed filter bank or a dynamic filter bank tracking harmonics in sounds. Each sub-band signal is coherently downward shifted to a low-frequency base band. These resulting coherent envelope signals have Hermitian symmetric frequency spectrums and are thus real-valued. A peak detector or high-rate sampler of half-wave rectified coherent envelope signals in each sub-band further converts the coherent envelopes into rate-varying, interleaved pulse trains. Acoustic simulations of cochlear implants using this new technique with normal hearing listeners, showed significant improvement in melody recognition over the most common conventional stimulation approach used in cochlear implants. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090301883 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONCENTRATING PARTICLES FROM A SOLUTION - Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090299187 | ULTRASOUND BASED METHOD AND APPARATUS TO DETERMINE THE SIZE OF KIDNEY STONE FRAGMENTS BEFORE REMOVAL VIA URETEROSCOPY - A transducer is used to send an ultrasound pulse toward a stone and to receive ultrasound reflections from the stone. The recorded time between a pulse that is reflected from the proximal surface and a pulse that is reflected either from the distal surface of the stone or from a surface supporting the stone is used to calculate the stone size. The size of the stone is a function of the time between the two pulses and the speed of sound through the stone (or through the surrounding fluid if the second pulse was reflected by the surface supporting the stone). This technique is equally applicable to measure the size of other in vivo objects, including soft tissue masses, cysts, uterine fibroids, tumors, and polyps. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090297094 | All-optical modulation and sdwitching with patterned optically absorbing polymers - All-optical processing devices that include patterned optically active polymers. The devices that are constructed according to principles of the invention include at least one optical input port and at least one optical output port, respectively configured to accept optical input signals and provide optical output signals. The devices include optically active material such as organic polymers that interact with illumination at a first wavelength to change at least one optical property in a non-linear manner. The optically active polymer can be placed adjacent one or more waveguides that allow the input illumination to propagate. As the optical property of the optically active material is changed by the incident illumination, the propagating illumination undergoes a modulation or change in phase, thereby providing an optical output signal having a desired relation to the optical input signal, such as the result of a logical or a computational operation. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090288150 | ACCESS CONTROL BY TESTING FOR SHARED KNOWLEDGE - Access to resource(s) intended to be shared with specific groups of individuals is controlled using concise tests of shared knowledge instead of (or in addition) to accounts and access control lists. Users can readily learn the concept and choose questions that will control the access by the desired group with little effort. Such questions can be relatively secure to guesses by those not intended to have access, particularly if the number of allowed guesses is relatively limited. Users can generally predict the security of their questions, but sometimes underestimate the ability of attackers to use Web searching or enumeration to discover answers. In such cases, the system can automatically discover weak questions and then suggest alternatives. By lowering the threshold to access control, shared knowledge tests can enable more types of information to acquire collaborative value on the Internet and on other types of networks. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090269365 | IMMUNOGENIC VACCINIA PEPTIDES AND METHODS OF USING SAME - The invention provides specific proteins encoded by the vaccinia genome that elicit an immune memory response and can be used for vaccines directed against variola (smallpox), monkeypox and other poxviruses. The invention provides antigens, polypeptides comprising antigens, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, vectors, and recombinant viruses containing the polynucleotides, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) presenting the polypeptides, immune cells directed against the epitopes, and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention additionally provides methods, including methods for preventing and treating infection, for killing infected cells, for inhibiting viral replication, for enhancing secretion of antiviral and/or immunomodulatory lymphokines, and for enhancing production of disease-specific antibody. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090266516 | Electrospray Evaporative Cooling (ESC) - Electrospray evaporative cooling (ESC). Means for effectuating thermal management using electrospray cooling are presented herein. An ESC may be implemented having one or more nozzles situated to spray droplets of a fluid towards a target. Because the fluid may be electrolytic, an electric field may be established between the one or more nozzles and the target can be operative to govern the direction, rate, etc. of the electrospraying between the one or more nozzles and the target. An additional shielding/field enhancement electrode may also be implemented between the one or more nozzles and the target. A droplet movement mechanism may be employed to transport droplets received at a first location of the target so that evaporation thereof may occur relatively more at a second location of the target. An ESC device may be implemented to effectuate thermal management of any of a variety of types of electronic devices. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090264754 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EVALUATING OSTEOINTEGRATION OF MEDICAL IMPLANTS - Ultrasound vibrometry is employed to determine the amount of bony in-growth (i.e., osteointegration) into a surgically implanted prosthetic component (or conversely, the degree of implant looseness). While specifically developed for assessing osteointegration for total ankle replacements, the technique has broader application to any joint arthroplasty device. With respect to ankle arthroplasty, a vibration is induced in a patient's ankle in a range of frequencies. A Doppler ultrasound unit scans the ankle, with an imaging plane focused on an implant surface. The vibrations input into the ankle are sinusoidal frequencies, in a range from 80-500 Hz. At a frequency determined to best facilitate vibration of the ankle (e.g., a resonant frequency), the output signal from the Doppler ultrasound is Fourier transformed so that the frequency components of the output signal can be observed. These output Fourier signatures have been shown to correspond to a graded response of implant osteointegration (or looseness). | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090246779 | INCREASING GENOMIC INSTABILITY DURING PREMALIGNANT NEOPLASTIC PROGRESSION REVEALED THROUGH HIGH RESOLUTION ARRAY-CGH - The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing a premalignant condition based on the presence of chromosomal alterations at one or more fragile chromosome sites. Methods of determining chromosomal alterations are disclosed. The present invention also relates to methods of establishing a prognosis and a therapeutic regimen for the subject having the premalignant condition are also disclosed. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090244065 | SOLID MODELING BASED ON VOLUMETRIC SCANS - The geometry of an object is inferred from values of the signed distance sampled on a uniform grid to efficiently model objects based on data derived from imaging technology that is now ubiquitous in medical diagnostics. Techniques for automated segmentation convert imaging intensity to a signed distance function (SDF), and a voxel structure imposes a uniform sampling grid. Essential properties of the SDF are used to construct upper and lower bounds on the allowed variation in signed distance in 1, 2, and 3 (or more) dimensions. The bounds are combined to produce interval-valued extensions of the SDF, including a tight global extension and more computationally efficient local bounds that provide useful criteria for root exclusion/isolation, enabling modeling of the objects and other applications. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090235262 | EFFICIENT DETERMINISTIC MULTIPROCESSING - A hardware and/or software facility for controlling the order of operations performed by threads of a multithreaded application on a multiprocessing system is provided. The facility may serialize or selectively-serialize execution of the multithreaded application such that, given the same input to the multithreaded application, the multiprocessing system deterministically interleaves operations, thereby producing the same output each time the multithreaded application is executed. The facility divides the execution of the multithreaded application code into two or more quantum specifying a deterministic number of operations, and the facility specifies a deterministic order in which the threads execute the two or more quantum. The deterministic number of operations may be adapted to follow the critical path of the multithreaded application. Specified memory operations may be executed regardless of the deterministic order, such as those accessing provably local data. The facility may provide dynamic bug avoidance and sharing of identified bug information. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090217742 | DROPLET COMPARTMENTALIZATION FOR CHEMICAL SEPARATION AND ON-LINE SAMPLING - Methods and devices are provided for overcoming detrimental diffusive effects in a sample liquid stream by forming segmented liquid bodies (e.g., droplets) from a sample liquid stream in an immiscible liquid stream. The liquid bodies are formed at the intersection of a channel providing the sample liquid stream and a channel providing the immiscible liquid stream. The formed liquid bodies compartmentalize the portion of the sample liquid stream from which the liquid bodies are formed, thus minimizing the detrimental effects of diffusion that occur in a continuous liquid stream. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090215091 | DIAGNOSTIC PANEL OF CANCER ANTIBODIES AND METHODS FOR USE - The invention provides a method for detection of a malignancy in a specimen of bodily fluid. The method comprises contacting the specimen with at least two antigens selected from the group consisting of p53, IGFBP2, Topo2α, cathepsin D, cyclin B, cyclin D1, MUC1, HER-2/neu and CEA. The method further comprises incubating the specimen and the antigen for a duration and under conditions that are sufficient for the formation of immunocomplexes; and detecting the presence or absence of immunocomplex formation between the antigens and antibodies specific for the antigens in the specimen, thereby determining the presence or absence of the malignancy. Also provided is a method for monitoring the effectiveness of cancer therapy related to a malignancy in a warm-blooded animal, a method for distinguishing between Stage I and Stage II colorectal cancer in a specimen of bodily fluid. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090208143 | EFFICIENT AUTOMATED UROTHELIAL IMAGING USING AN ENDOSCOPE WITH TIP BENDING - A scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) disposed at the distal end of a flexible, small diameter imaging probe is inserted through a relatively small opening and into a larger volume, such as the bladder. Actuators disposed adjacent to the distal end of the imaging probe are selectively activated to bend the distal end of the imaging probe to assist in positioning and orienting the SFE at a plurality of points selected to image substantially all of at least a desired portion of the interior surface of the volume. The insertion depth, bending arc, and rotational position of the imaging probe can be manually and/or automatically controlled. The user can inspect the images to determine if a desired portion of the surface has been imaged and can thus ensure that a tumor or other characteristic of the surface is not overlooked due to a failure to image it. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090191607 | SYNTHETIC ENZYMES DERIVED FROM COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN - Disclosed herein are techniques for computationally designing enzymes. These techniques can be used to design variations of naturally occurring enzymes, as well as new enzymes having no natural counterparts. The techniques are based on first identifying functional reactive sites required to promote the desired reaction. Then, hashing algorithms are used to identify potential protein backbone structures (i.e., scaffolds) capable of supporting the required functional sites. These techniques were used to design 32 different protein sequences that exhibited aldol reaction catalytic function, 31 of which are defined in the Sequence Listing. Details of these 31 different synthetic aldolases are provided, including descriptions of how such synthetic aldolases can be differentiated from naturally occurring aldolases. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090189697 | AUTO-TUNING AMPLIFIER - This document discloses, among other things, a front end circuit having a selectable center frequency. The center frequency is selected based on a control signal proportional to a phase difference between a reference frequency and an amplifier output. A resonant frequency of a tank circuit coupled to the amplifier is tuned using the control signal. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090188558 | PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES HAVING METAL OXIDE ELECTRON-TRANSPORT LAYERS - Optoelectronic devices in both traditional and inverted configurations are provided that include an electron-transport layer. The electron-transport layer includes a metal oxide layer and a monolayer. Methods for making and using the devices are also provided. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090176742 | METHODS RELATING TO THE TREATMENT OF FIBROTIC DISORDERS - The invention provides α-mimetic structure of formula (I), wherein A is —(C═O)—(CHR | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090175889 | HIV VACCINE - The invention provides a polynucleotide encoding an envelope protein comprising gp120 of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) having a mutation at amino acid residues 197-199 whereby a single N-linked glycan is removed. In a typical embodiment, the mutation replaces the asparagine (N) at residue 197 with another amino acid, such as glutamine (Q), creating an N197Q mutation. Because the N197 glycan is highly conserved among HIV-1 subtypes, this approach is applicable across HIV-1 isolates. The invention provides polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, vectors, and recombinant viruses containing the polynucleotides, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) presenting the polypeptides, immune cells directed against HIV, and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention additionally provides methods, including methods for preventing and treating infection, for killing infected cells, for inhibiting viral replication, for enhancing secretion of antiviral and/or immunomodulatory lymphokines, and for enhancing production of neutralizing antibody. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090165569 | Tactile sensors - An electroactive polymer is used to produce a tactile sensor. The electroactive polymer (EAP) includes a sheet of an ion-exchange membrane having opposite surfaces on which are plated gold electrodes. The EAP is formed to have a dome-shape with a plurality of sensing electrodes circumferentially disposed around an outer surface of the dome. A flexible polymer underlying the EAP supports it and prevents a force applied to the tactile sensor from inverting the dome. The sensor electrodes produce separate output signals indicative of different vector components of an applied force acting on the tactile sensor, so that a direction of the force can be determined. Vias provided in the electrodes are electrically coupled to a flexible circuit that conveys the output signals externally from the sensing electrodes for use and further processing. A plurality of the tactile sensors can be formed as an array on an ion-exchange membrane. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090163496 | ANTIBACTERIAL AGENTS - Antibacterial compounds of formula I are provided: | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090156460 | CATIONIC BETAINE PRECURSORS TO ZWITTERIONIC BETAINES HAVING CONTROLLED BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES - Cationic polymers hydrolyzable to zwitterionic polymers, monomers for making the cationic polymers, surfaces that include the polymers, therapeutic agent delivery systems that include the cationic polymers, methods for administering a therapeutic agent using the delivery systems, and methods for making and using the cationic polymers, monomers, surfaces, and therapeutic agent delivery systems. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090155873 | BIOFUEL PRODUCTION - Methods, enzymes, recombinant microorganism, and microbial systems are provided for converting polysaccharides, such as those derived from biomass, into suitable monosaccharides or oligosaccharides, as well as for converting suitable monosaccharides or oligosaccharides into commodity chemicals, such as biofuels. Commodity chemicals produced by the methods described herein are also provided. Commodity chemical enriched refinery-produced petroleum products are also provided, as well as methods for producing the same. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090149751 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE NON-INVASIVELY AND ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLIES FOR USE IN SUCH SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for determining ICP based on parameters that can be measured using non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques are provided. Systems for acquiring acoustic data from a desired target site in a subject's body using various types of acoustic source and detector elements are also provided, including single use acoustic source/detector combinations are also provided. Acoustic arrays for use with these systems may include multiple capacitive micro-machined ultrasound transducer (cMUT) elements, and may include a combination of different types of acoustic arrays. Methods of targeting localized sites within a broad target area based on acoustic data having various properties are also disclosed. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090149383 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING HEME-IRON EXPORT FROM CELLS - The invention provides a high affinity heme-binding agent, which can be provided in the form of a pharmaceutical composition that includes, optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The heme-binding agent can be used in a method of facilitating heme-iron export from a cell. The method comprises contacting a cell with a high affinity heme-binding agent. Also provided is a method of treating a disorder associated with excess iron in cells in a subject. The method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of the composition of the invention. The subject is typically a mammal, most typically a human or veterinary subject. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090148468 | RAPID, EFFICIENT PURIFICATION OF HSV-SPECIFIC T-LYMPHOCYTES AND HSV ANTIGENS IDENTIFIED VIA SAME - Described is a method of identifying an immunologically active antigen of a virus that attacks skin, as well as a method of enriching a population of lymphocytes for T lymphocytes that are specific to a virus that attacks skin. Also provided are HSV antigens and epitopes that are useful for the prevention and treatment of HSV infection that have been identified via the methods of the invention. T-cells having specificity for antigens of the invention have demonstrated cytotoxic activity against cells loaded with virally-encoded peptide epitopes, and in many cases, against cells infected with HSV. The identification of immunogenic antigens responsible for T-cell specificity provides improved anti-viral therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. Compositions containing antigens or polynucleotides encoding antigens of the invention provide effectively targeted vaccines for prevention and treatment of HSV infection. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090137893 | ADDING IMAGING CAPABILITY TO DISTAL TIPS OF MEDICAL TOOLS, CATHETERS, AND CONDUITS - One or more scan illuminators and a plurality of light receivers are provided on the distal end of a tool or other component, so that a plurality of images of a site can be provided in response to output signals from the plurality of light receivers. The output signals from the plurality of light receivers are combined to produce an overall image of the site or a plurality of different images from disparate positions. The plurality of images can be viewed separately to produce a stereo or perspective view, or can be produced using different wavebands of light to provide enhanced information about the site that facilitates use of one or more tools or components at the site. The scan illuminator(s) and plurality of light receivers can be configured to be added to an existing tool or component. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090135280 | ELIMINATING ILLUMINATION CROSSTALK WHILE IMAGING USING MULTIPLE IMAGING DEVICES - A system includes a plurality of scanning devices and light receivers, enabling a plurality of images of a site to be displayed using output signals produced in response to light from the light receivers. To avoid crosstalk caused by light receivers receiving light emitted by a plurality of scanning devices, different wavebands of light can be applied to different scanning devices, the received light can be filtered, or the light can be supplied to one scanning device at a time to multiplex either frame-by-frame, or pixel-by-pixel, or the light supplied to each scanning device can be modulated and the received light demodulated so that an image is produced in response to light from a single scanning device. Expensive components such as laser light sources, optical detectors, a controller, and processor can be shared by multiple imaging devices to minimize the cost of the imaging system. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090132233 | USE OF LEXICAL TRANSLATIONS FOR FACILITATING SEARCHES - A translation graph is created using a plurality of reference sources that include translations between a plurality of different languages. Each entry in a source is used to create a wordsense entry, and each new word in a source is used to create a wordnode entry. A pair of wordnode and wordsense entries corresponds to a translation. In addition, a probability is determined for each wordsense entry and is decreased for each translation entry that includes more than a predefined number of translations into the same language. Bilingual translation entries are removed if subsumed by a multilingual translation entry. Triangulation is employed to identify pairs of common wordsense translations between a first, second, and third language. Translations not found in reference sources can also be inferred from the data comprising the translation graph. The translation graph can then be used for searches of a data collection in different languages. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090131490 | METHODS OF TREATING PULMONARY DISEASE USING ACETAZOLAMIDE AND STRUCTURALLY RELATED DERIVATIVES - The present invention is directed to a method of treating a subject for a pulmonary disease by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formula: | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090130391 | DESIGN OF SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY FIBERS AND SHAPE MEMORY POLYMER FIBERS AND FILMS AND THEIR COMPOSITES FOR REVERSIBLE SHAPE CHANGES - A plurality of reversible active composite materials are disclosed, including composites based on a shape memory alloy member (SMA) and a shape memory polymer member (SMP), as well as composites based on two different SMP members. Each different member (SMA or SMP) will be trained to remember a specific shape at a specific temperature. Where two different SMP members are employed, the members exhibit different glass transition temperatures. Such composite materials can be implemented in many form factors, including two generally planar members, a single generally planar SMP member with SMA fibers distributed throughout the SMP, and a SMA fiber/wire coated with a SMP coating. In particular, the SMA fiber/wire coated with a SMP layer can be used to form helical coils that can be used in paired hinges to achieve reversible bending of a structure into which such paired hinges are incorporated. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090122697 | INFORMATION PLANE FOR DETERMINING PERFORMANCE METRICS OF PATHS BETWEEN ARBITRARY END-HOSTS ON THE INTERNET - Performance metrics between any two arbitrary end-hosts are predicted based upon previous measurements on the Internet between a plurality of geographically dispersed vantage points and clusters of end-hosts. Each cluster comprises end-hosts that are related based upon their IP address prefixes. In response to a central agent that stores the measured data for each of a plurality of predicted paths on the Internet, the vantage points use traceroute software to measure and periodically update performance metrics such as latency, bottleneck capacity, bandwidth, and packet loss rate for links comprising the predicted paths between the vantage points and one (or more) destination points associated with each cluster, and gather such data using distributed application systems. A user or client application can subsequently request predicted performance metrics for communication between specific end-hosts, based upon the previous measurement data. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090121133 | IDENTIFICATION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS USING INELASTIC/ELASTIC ELECTRON TUNNELING SPECTROSCOPY - The present invention relates to a method for identifying a nucleotide in a nucleic acid including stretching a nucleic acid to an extended conformation, subjecting a nucleotide of the stretched nucleic acid to electron tunneling spectroscopy, and obtaining a current-voltage curve or a current derivative-voltage curve as a result of the stretching to provide a resonance signature of the nucleotide in the nucleic acid. The present invention also relates to a method for sequencing a nucleic acid. The method includes stretching a nucleic acid to an extended conformation, the nucleic acid including a plurality of nucleotides, subjecting each nucleotide of the stretched nucleic acid to electron tunneling spectroscopy, and obtaining a current-voltage curve or a current derivative-voltage curve as a result of said subjecting to provide a resonance signature of each nucleotide in the stretched nucleic acid. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090115284 | INCHWORM ACTUATOR BASED ON SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY COMPOSITE DIAPHRAGM - Linear actuators (also known as inchworm actuators) including a magnetically actuatable member with a plurality of wings or blades made from a shape memory alloy (SMA) are described. The linear actuators include a bar and an actuator assembly, configured to achieve a linear displacement of the actuator assembly relative to the bar. The actuator assembly includes a housing, a magnetic trigger including an electromagnet and a permanent magnet, and the magnetically actuatable SMA member. Significantly, the wings/blades of the magnetically actuatable SMA member are coupled to the housing. Activation of the magnetic trigger causes the magnetically actuatable SMA member to move toward the magnetic trigger. The motion of the magnetically actuatable SMA can be converted to a linear displacement. The magnetically actuatable SMA can be implemented using a SMA exhibiting both ferromagnetic and SMA properties, or by a ferromagnetic mass coupled with a SMA (i.e., a ferromagnetic SMA composite). | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090112085 | PREOPERATIVE LOCALIZATION WIRE - The present invention discloses a novel preoperative localization wire. The localization wire comprises a J-shaped end; a branch point proximal to the J-shaped end, wherein a barb is attached to the wire at the branch point; and a locking device distal to the J-shaped end. The localization wire is resilient, allowing passage of the wire through a localization needle. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111195 | CHEMICAL REAGENTS AND METHODS FOR DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OF PROTEINS IN COMPLEX MIXTURES - The invention provides a reagent comprising an affinity tag, a detectable moiety, a linker, an isotope tag and a reactive group. The invention also provides methods of using a reagent of the invention. The methods can be used to label a polypeptide in a sample by contacting a sample with a reagent of the invention under conditions allowing the reactive group to bind to one or more polypeptides in the sample. The invention additionally provides methods of isolating, identifying and quantifying a polypeptide in a sample. The invention further provides methods of diagnosing a disease using a reagent of the invention. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090111117 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING COMPLEX FORMATION - The present invention provides devices and methods for measuring electrically detectable bulk properties of liquid samples. Representative electrically detectable bulk properties measurable by the devices and methods of the invention include resistivity (conductivity) and dielectric constant (permittivity). The electrically detectable bulk properties are determined by comparing the experimental electrical output of the devices with mathematically simulated models of the experimental devices. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090110678 | RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS FOR TREATMENT OF METASTATIC BONE CANCER - The invention provides methods of treating bone cancer, particularly metastatic bone cancer, by administering an IGF-IR antagonist and/or a PDGFRα antagonist. The invention also provides antibodies that bind to human PDGFRα and neutralize activation of the receptor. The invention further provides a methods for neutralizing activation of PDGFRα, and a methods of treating a mammal with a neoplastic disease using the antibodie alone or in combination with other agents. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090105786 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STRENGTHENING SYNAPTIC CONNECTIONS - The invention provides a method and device for inducing a conditioned neural response in a subject. The method comprises detecting spike activity in a first neural site in the subject; and delivering a stimulus pulse to a second neural site in the subject. The stimulus pulse is delivered within the time window for synaptic strengthening following the detecting of a spike. These two steps, detection and stimulation, are repeated continuously, typically for a day or two. The conditioned neural response is induced when a pattern of neural activity evoked by stimulation at the first neural site emulates a pattern of neural activity evoked by stimulation at the second neural site. The conditioned neural response persists for an extended period of time. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090104684 | Diagnosis of carcinomas - The invention is directed to compositions and methods for the detection of a malignant condition, and relates to the discovery of soluble and cell surface forms of HE4a polypeptides, including HE4a that is overexpressed in ovarian carcinomas. In particular the invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding HE4a, and also provides a method of screening for the presence of a malignant condition in a subject by detecting reactivity of an antibody specific for a HE4a polypeptide with a molecule naturally occurring in soluble and/or cell surface form in a sample from such a subject, and by hybridization screening using an HE4a nucleotide sequence, as well as other related advantages. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090083031 | CLIPPED-WAVEFORM REPAIR IN ACOUSTIC SIGNALS USING GENERALIZED LINEAR PREDICTION - A method and system for optimally repairing a clipped audio signal. Clipping occurs when a waveform exceeds a dynamic range of a recording device. Portions of an audio signal exceeding the dynamic range or saturation level of the recording device are clipped, causing distortion when the clipped recorded signal is played. To address this problem, successive frames of the clipped audio data are repaired to fill in gaps where the data were clipped. For each frame, an iterative process repetitively estimates an auto-covariance and detects clipped samples in the frame or a sub-frame in order to compute a least-squares solution for the frame that interpolates the clipped data. The process can cause inverted peaks in the repaired data, which must then be rectified to produced corrected repaired data. The corrected repaired data for the successive frames are recombined using interpolation, to produce a complete repaired audio data set. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090068760 | MICROFLUIDIC ASSAY SYSTEM WITH DISPERSION MONITORING - Disclosed is a microfluidic assay system and methods that apply flow injection analysis to permit dispersion monitoring. A solution containing a reagent that binds an analyte and a tracer is delivered via pressure-driven flow into the receiving end of the injection channel of the system of the invention. A sample fluid suspected of containing the analyte is delivered into the upstream end of the input channel under conditions permitting flow of the sample fluid toward the downstream end of the assay channel and permitting dispersion of the reagent into the sample fluid. The amount of tracer present in the fluid as it passes over the reference region and the capture region and the amount of binding between the analyte and the capture region are detected. The amount of binding detected between the analyte and the capture region is correlated to the amount of tracer detected in the reference region. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090068111 | METHODS OF IDENTIFYING LEAD COMPOUNDS THAT MODULATE TOXICITY OF NEUROTOXIC POLYPEPTIDES - Methods of screening candidate agents to identify lead compounds for the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disease, such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease and methods for identifying a mutation in, or changes in expression of, a gene associated with neurodegenerative disease, such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease, are provided. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090067030 | SYNTHESIS OF GREEN ELECTROCHROMIC MATERIALS - Green electrochromic (EC) materials based on thiophene, and a green EC material based on pyrazine are disclosed. A first thiophene derivative (2,3-Di-thiophen-2-yl-thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine), which was previously investigated as a nonlinear optical material, is here disclosed for its use as an EC material and for its incorporation into an EC device. Synthesis of two new thiophene derivatives (2,5-di(thien-2-yl)-3,4-di(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-thiophene and 2,5-(2,3-dihydro-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-5-yl)-3,4-di(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-thiophene), and a new pyrazine derivative (2,3-dibenzyl-5,7-di(thien-2-yl)thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine) are also disclosed, since these materials are all able to selectively change state to appear a green color and can be polymerized to achieve a green EC polymer. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090052006 | FLEXIBLE PANEL BASED ON ELECTROCHROMIC POLYMERS - A flexible electrochromic (EC) panel that is usable for a display device or for other applications in which at least a region of the panel is selectively caused to change opacity. An exemplary EC panel includes an electrochromic working layer or electrode formed of a PProDOT-Me | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090052002 | ELECTROPOLYMERIZATION OF ENHANCED ELECTROCHROMIC (EC) POLYMER FILM - Devices including EC monomers polymerized using chronoamperometry to deposit a very thin homogeneous layer followed by cyclic voltammetry to increase the density of the EC polymer film. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to specific web like configurations for a grid of conductive material deposited onto a transparent substrate. The web like configuration is based either on concentric circles, or on concentric ellipses. Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to an imaging system including a digital window that is disposed between a prism and a patterned analytic layer. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090048828 | GAP INTERPOLATION IN ACOUSTIC SIGNALS USING COHERENT DEMODULATION - Information is estimated to fill-in even relatively long gaps (e.g., up to 250 ms) that occur in a signal due to physical errors in media or transmission, where the omitted information causes signal distortion. The signal is first divided into a plurality of subbands, since the gaps in each subband are individually easier to interpolate. Coherent demodulation is then employed on each subband signal to reduce the time-varying signals to a collection of pairs of frequency-modulated carriers multiplied by complex-valued envelopes, or modulators. Standard interpolation is then separately applied to the modulators and carriers of these pairs to fill-in the gaps in each of the subbands, and the interpolated pairs are remodulated. The resulting interpolated signals from each of the subbands are recombined to form the final interpolated output signal in which the gaps are filled in with estimated data. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090047276 | METHODS FOR INCREASING CELL OR TISSUE REGENERATION IN A VERTEBRATE SUBJECT - A method is provided for increasing the activity of adult and embryonic stem cells, progenitor cells and/or differentiated cells in vivo in a vertebrate subject. Methods are provided for increasing cell or tissue regeneration in a vertebrate subject by administering one or more Wnt/β-catenin signal-promoting agents and/or one or more inhibitors of β-catenin-independent signaling to the vertebrate subject in need thereof. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090028407 | SCANNING BEAM WITH VARIABLE SEQUENTIAL FRAMING USING INTERRUPTED SCANNING RESONANCE - A scanning device for use in an endoscope or other applications can be driven to scan a region with one or more different scanning parameters during successive scanning frames. The scanning device, which can include an optical fiber or reflective surface driven by an actuator to move relative to one or more axes, can be provided with a drive signal that is different during successive scanning frames so that the scanning pattern can be caused to differ between the successive scanning frames by one or more of size, amplitude in at least one direction, depth, duration, shape, and resolution. Thus, different scanning frames can be employed for imaging, carrying out a diagnosis, rendering a therapy, and/or monitoring a site, using the appropriate scanning pattern, appropriate light source, and other parameters for each function that is carried out by the scanning device. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090024191 | MULTI-CLADDING OPTICAL FIBER SCANNER - A multi-cladding optical fiber includes a core that conveys visible light used by a scanner for imaging a site within a patient's body, and an inner cladding that conveys high-power light, such as infrared light, used for providing therapy to site. The distal end of multi-cladding optical fiber is driven to scan the site when imaging or rendering therapy using an actuator. High-power light is coupled into inner cladding at proximal end of optical fiber using several different techniques. Some techniques use an axicon to direct the high-power light into the inner cladding, while visible light is coupled directly into the core. Another technique uses a multimode optical fiber in a coupling relationship with the multi-cladding optical fiber, to transfer high-power light from a core of the multimode fiber into the inner cladding of the multi-cladding optical fiber. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090023751 | COMPOUNDS THAT PROTECT AGAINST SENSORY HAIR CELL DEATH - The present invention provides methods of identifying compounds that protect against ototoxicity induced by one or more noxious stimuli, and methods of treating an individual with compounds identified using the present screening methods. Also provided are compounds demonstrated to have otoprotective effects. | 01-22-2009 |
