Abstract: The invention provides methods to detect molecular recognition events. The invention also provides methods to detect the presence of or identify a target species based on its interaction with one or more probe species. The methods of the invention are based on amplification of the signal due to each molecular recognition event. The amplification is achieved through photopolymerization, with the polymer formed being associated with the molecular recognition event. In an embodiment, a fluorescent polymer, a magnetic polymer, a radioactive polymer or an electrically conducting polymer can form the basis of detection and amplification. In another embodiment, a polymer gel swollen with a fluorescent solution, a magnetic solution, a radioactive solution or an electrically conducting solution can form the basis of detection and amplification. In another embodiment, sufficient polymer forms to be detectable by visual inspection.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 9, 2006
Date of Patent:
April 8, 2008
Assignee:
The Regents of The University of Colorado, a body corporate
Inventors:
Kathy L. Rowlen, John W. Birks, Christopher Bowman, Hadley Sikes, Ryan Hansen, Robert Kuchta
Abstract: A parimutuel betting game based on events unfolding during a determinate sporting event, such as a trivia game, a principal objective being to acquire the largest number of betting tokens by the end of the sporting event. Participants are asked a plurality of questions, each question being a betting event. One or more betting lines are opened in each betting event. Players are allowed to bet tokens on an open betting line until it is closed by the administrator. Once a line is closed, a new line opens within the betting event. When a termination event occurs for a given betting event, the betting event is terminated and all lines are paid off in parimutuel style. Payoffs may be made in a hierarchical manner, such that players placing riskier bets in a betting line receive a higher parimutuel style payoff. The game may be played over the Internet.
Abstract: A car navigation device using a forward real video and a control method thereof are disclosed. The car navigation device using a forward real video along the travel direction of a vehicle, comprises a camera that photographs the forward real video and outputs the photographed video on a screen, a GPS receiver that receives current position information of the vehicle from a satellite, and a navigation main module that receives the current position information of the vehicle from the GPS receiver, obtains more accurate current position information through calibration using a speed sensor and a gyro, extracts TBT information based on the obtained accurate current position information and user's set destination point information by a general method, and overlays the TBT information on the screen containing the forward real video along the direction of a destination point.
Abstract: A previously unknown mammalian UDP-N-acetylglucosamine:?-6-D-mannoside ?-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase (termed GlcNAc T-Vb herein) coding sequence, protein, recombinant host cells and antibodies which specifically bind GlcNAc T-Vb are described. GlcNAc T-Vb is encoded on human chromosome 17, whereas the prior GlcNAc T-V is encoded on human chromosome 2.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 22, 2004
Date of Patent:
March 25, 2008
Assignee:
University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
Inventors:
James M. Pierce, Maria Kamar, Jin-Kyu Lee, Mika Kaneko
Abstract: Macrolide resistance associated with macrolide efflux (mef) in Streptococcus pneumoniae has been defined with respect to the genetic structure and dissemination of a novel mefE-containing chromosomal insertion element. The mefE gene is found on the 5?-end of a 5.5 kb or 5.4 kb insertion designated mega (macrolide efflux genetic assembly) found in at least four distinct sites of the pneumococcal genome. The element is transformable and confers macrolide resistance to susceptible S. pneumoniae. The first two open reading frames (ORFs) of the element form an operon composed of mefE and a predicted ATP-binding cassette homologous to msrA. Convergent to this efflux operon are three ORFs with homology to stress response genes of Tn5252. Mega is related to mefA-containing element Tn1207.1. Macrolide resistance due to mega has been rapidly increased by clonal expansion of bacteria containing it and horizontally by transformation of previously sensitive bacteria.
Abstract: Disclosed herein is a canister close valve device for opening or closing a passage of a canister collecting evaporation gas evaporated in a fuel tank and a passage communicating with the atmosphere. The canister close valve device includes a housing which has a first vapor line making the fuel tank communicate with a canister, a second vapor line making the atmosphere communicate with the canister, and a coupling part coupling the first vapor line to the second vapor line. Further, the device includes a first diaphragm valve assembly opening or closing the first vapor line, a second diaphragm valve assembly opening or closing the second vapor line, and a solenoid valve mounted to the coupling part and including a magnetic body which is coaxially and slidably connected to the first and second diaphragm valve assemblies to move the first and second diaphragm valve assemblies.
Abstract: The invention provides hydrogen selective metal-insulator-semiconductor sensors which include a layer of hydrogen selective material. The hydrogen selective material can be polyimide layer having a thickness between 200 and 800 nm. Suitable polyimide materials include reaction products of benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride 4,4-oxydianiline m-phenylene diamine and other structurally similar materials.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 24, 2006
Date of Patent:
March 11, 2008
Assignees:
The Regents of the University of Colorado, The United States of America as represented by The United States Department of Energy
Inventors:
Dongmei Li, J. William Medlin, Anthony H. McDaniel, Robert J. Bastasz
Abstract: Scanning interferometer and method of using same providing for rapid, reliable detection of chemical compounds that are readily implemented in low-cost, portable configurations for application in a variety of monitoring and detection applications. A scanning double-beam interferometer, particularly a Michelson interferometer, in which the length of at least one of the optical paths (or arms) of the interferometer is selectively adjustable by use of an actuator in which rotational displacement of a rotatable element is converted into linear displacement of at least one reflective surface which forms an end of an optical path of the interferometer is employed to obtain interferograms of electromagnetic radiation attenuated, emitted, scattered or reflected from a sample. The length of the optical path that is adjusted is determined using an optical detection scheme, particularly where marking on the rotatable element are detected to determine linear displacement of the reflective surface.
Abstract: Novel methods and structures are disclosed herein which employ pseudorandom sequences to spatially arrange multiple sources in a pseudorandom source array. The pseudorandom source array can replace the single source in analytical instruments relying on spatial separation of the sample or the probe particles/waves emitted by the sources. The large number of sources in this pseudorandom source array enhances the signal on a position sensitive detector. A mathematical deconvolution process retrieves a spectrum with improved signal-to-noise ratio from the detector signal.
Abstract: The invention is a method and device for determining dissolution of a solid compound within the oral cavity. The device models dissolution within the oral cavity with a flow-through cell containing a solid compound and physiological amounts of simulated saliva. The device supplies and removes the simulated saliva at rates similar to production and loss of saliva within the oral cavity. The simulated saliva interaction with the solid compound mimics saliva interaction with a solid compound within the oral cavity. Dissolution of solid compound is determined from simulated saliva collected from the flow-through cell outflow.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 22, 2005
Date of Patent:
February 19, 2008
Assignee:
Idaho State University
Inventors:
Nandita G. Das, Sudip K. Das, Madhu S. Surapaneni
Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating and collecting one or more analytes in a flowing liquid stream of a carrier solvent composed of one or more solvent components is provided, which includes a transfer tube which forms a bore having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being adapted to accept the flowing liquid stream, and the outlet being adapted to form continuously replaced, hanging droplets of the liquid stream, and a collection device mounted below the outlet of the transfer tube for collecting the droplets. The apparatus includes a device for heating the liquid stream in the transfer tube to a temperature sufficient to cause partial evaporation of the carrier solvent from the hanging droplets but not exceeding the boiling point of the carrier solvent, and a device for heating the collection device to a temperature sufficient to cause further evaporation of the carrier solvent from the collected droplets.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 14, 2003
Date of Patent:
February 19, 2008
Inventors:
Liang Li, Boyan Zhang, Alan Austin Doucette
Abstract: A modified toe-to-heel waterflooding (TTHW) process is provided for recovering oil from a reservoir in an underground formation. After establishing the conventional TTHW waterflood, the process includes placing a chemical blocking agent at the watered out producing toe portion of the horizontal leg of the production well to create a blockage in the producing toe portion and to create a new producing toe portion in an open portion of the horizontal leg adjacent the blockage through which most of the production takes place. Production is then continued through the new producing toe portion and the open portion of the horizontal leg of the production well. These blocking and producing steps can be continued to progressively block producing toe portions in a direction toward the vertical pilot portion of the production well.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 22, 2006
Date of Patent:
February 12, 2008
Assignee:
Alberta Research Council, Inc.
Inventors:
Alex Turta, Fred Wassmuth, Vijay Shrivastava, Ashok Singhal
Abstract: A method of destroying an organic compound in liquid media comprising: contacting said liquid media with a catalyst of formula: nN/Ce1?xZrcBbB?b?B?b?O2?? wherein n is a percentage from 0 to 25; N is one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Re, Os and Ir; x=b+b?+b?+c; b, b?, and b? are each, independently of one another, 0 to 0.99; x?0.7; B, B? and B? are independently selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cr, Ni, Au, Ag and Cu; c is between 0 and 0.2; ? is a number which renders the catalyst charge neutral; provided that at least one of b, b? and b? is nonzero; provided that when B is Mn, b? or c or n is nonzero at a temperature and pressure sufficient to destroy an organic compound is provided. Also provided are catalyst compositions for destroying at least one organic compound in liquid media comprising a catalyst and a support.
Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 5, 2006
Date of Patent:
February 5, 2008
Assignee:
Fusion Specialties, Inc.
Inventors:
Richard Varner, James D. Barber, James Talaric
Abstract: The invention provides a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least a functional fragment of the viomycin biosynthetic gene cluster, functional proteins encoded by the cluster, expression cassettes and recombinant host cells comprising a functional fragment of the viomycin cluster, and methods for generating biologically active agents using the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 23, 2004
Date of Patent:
February 5, 2008
Assignee:
Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
Inventors:
Michael G. Thomas, Yolanda A. Chan, Sarah G. Ozanick
Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for synthesis of phosphinothiol reagents, as well as novel protected reagents, for use in formation of amide bonds, and particularly, for peptide ligation. The invention provides phosphine-borane complexes useful as reagents in the formation of amide bonds, particularly for the formation of an amide bond between any two of an amino acid, a peptide, or a protein.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 19, 2005
Date of Patent:
January 8, 2008
Assignee:
Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
Inventors:
Ronald T. Raines, Laura L. Kiessling, Bradley L. Nilsson, Yi He, Matthew B. Soellner, Ronald J. Hinklin
Abstract: Hydrangea paniculata, ‘HYPMAD II’ has numerous white inflorescences that mature to rose-pink. The sepals turn outward from the inflorescences at maturity resulting in a frilly, lacy appearance. The habit is compact, dense, broad-mounded, 130 cm by 170 cm in 4-years at Athens, Ga. The dark green leaves are insect and disease resistant.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 23, 2006
Date of Patent:
February 19, 2008
Assignee:
University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
Abstract: Pennisetum purpureum ‘Prince’ is a semi-dwarf, purple-foliaged napiergrass. It is a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 8-10, and a vigorous annual in more northern zones.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 13, 2005
Date of Patent:
February 26, 2008
Assignee:
University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
Abstract: The invention is a new variety of Japanese Maple. The variety is a robust tree with a leaf color predominantly green/purple with a pale pink to white margin.