Patents Assigned to Advanced Research and Technology
  • Patent number: 6491939
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for providing prolonged-release of therapeutic agents by way of in situ stereotaxic implantation in specific loci, including pathways, to treat known disorders. One or more microstructures comprising therapeutic agents and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are implanted, for example, through a cannula. The microstructures are of a sufficient size and shape to prevent dispersion from the implant site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Kubek
  • Patent number: 6468808
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water-soluble luminescent quantum dot, a biomolecular conjugate thereof and a composition comprising such a quantum dot or conjugate. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of obtaining a luminescent quantum dot, a method of making a biomolecular conjugate thereof, and methods of using a biomolecular conjugate for ultrasensitive nonisotopic detection in vitro and in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Shuming Nie, Warren C. W. Chan, Steven R. Emory
  • Patent number: 6437325
    Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectra calibration technique uses time-of-flight mass spectrometer instrument operational parameters and known mass and measured time-of-flight data pairs to optimize values of chosen ones of the instrument operational parameters. Electrostatic time-of-flight calculations are conducted in conjunction with an iterative procedure, preferably a simplex optimization procedure, to thereby minimize a residual error between the electrostatic time-of-flight calculations and the measured time-of-flight data values for each of the known mass values. While conventional curve fitting mass calibration techniques are devoid of information that describe ion behavior, the mass calibration technique of the present invention, by contrast, takes into account all of the instrument operational parameters in arriving at a final calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Reilly, Noah P. Christian
  • Patent number: 6406917
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for identifying, monitoring and treating premalignant and malignant conditions in a human subject. The present invention further discloses methods and compositions for determining cells undergoing apoptosis, and for increasing the efficacy of a cancer therapy. The methods involve the use of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE), independently, as a marker for (pre)malignant conditions and for apoptosis. Also described are polyclonal antibody preparations for use in methods for detecting APE and methods for modulating expression susceptibility of cells to apoptosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Research And Technology Institute
    Inventor: Mark R. Kelley
  • Patent number: 6405071
    Abstract: A computer-based imaging technique for three dimensional modeling of root canal shape and accurate measuring of root canal length is provided. A direct digital radiology (DDR) system that replaces film by an electronic sensor is used to acquire radiographic images of the root canal. The DDR system allows instant radiographic imaging with significantly less patient exposure than conventional film-based radiography. Additionally, since the images are captured in digital form, a computer is used for processing. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, two digital images of the dentition from two different angles are acquired. The root canal in each image, along with the direction of projection will define a surface in 3-D space. The intersection of two surfaces will represent the root canal in 3-D. Once the 3-D shape of the root canal is reconstructed, the length of the root canal can be obtained by computing the length of the 3-D curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology
    Inventor: Mostafa Analoui
  • Patent number: 6399335
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for polymerizing a particular nucleotide with a polymerase. In general, the method involves (a) forming a mixture of a polymerase and a nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) comprising &agr;, &bgr; and &ggr; phosphates and a &ggr;-phosphate phosphoester-linked functional group; and incubating the mixture under conditions wherein the polymerase catalyzes cleavage of the NTP between the &agr; and &bgr; phosphates, liberating a pyrophosphate comprising the functional group and polymerizing the resultant nucleoside monophosphate, i.e. incorporates the nucleoside monophosphate in a nascent polynucleotide. A variety of functional groups compatible with the polymerization reaction are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Cheng Kao, Theodore Widlanski, William Vassiliou, Jeffrey Epp
  • Patent number: 6383734
    Abstract: A method is provided to determine the ability of a test compound to alter PAK activation of Raf-1 comprising: (a) contacting a polypeptide comprising the catalytic domain of a PAK with the test compound in the presence of Raf-1; and (b) measuring the extent of activation of Raf-1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Steven Marshall, Henry Bruce Diaz, Alastair James King, Huaiyu Sun
  • Patent number: 6362325
    Abstract: The present invention includes the receptor protein 4-1BB and the cDNA gene encoding for receptor protein 4-1BB. The nucleotide sequence of the isolated cDNA is disclosed herein along with the deduced amino acid sequence. The 4-1BB protein and fragments and derivatives can be used: 1) as a probe to isolate ligands to receptor protein 4-1BB, 2) to stimulate proliferation of B-cell's expressing 4-1BB, or 3) to block 4-1BB ligand binding. A monoclonal antibody against 4-1BB was developed which specifically recognizes an epitope on the extracellular domain of receptor protein 4-1BB. The monoclonal antibody can be used enhance T-cell proliferation and activation by treating T-cells that have expressed receptor protein 4-1BB with the monoclonal antibody. The effectiveness of the treatment was enhanced when conducted in the presence of protein tyrosinase kinase. A fusion protein for detecting cell membrane ligands to receptor protein 4-1BB was developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Byoung S. Kwon
  • Publication number: 20020018995
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for the diagnosis, modeling and treatment of tau-related pathologies. In particular, the present invention shows that mutations in the tau gene lead to neurofibrillary tangle formation. More specifically gene mutations are described that lead to alterations in ratios of tau isoforms are shown to lead to the formation of abnormal tau filaments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: Advanced Research and Technology
    Inventors: Bernardino Ghetti, Maria Grazia Spillantini, Jill R. Murrell, Michel Goedert, Martin Farlow, Aaron Klug
  • Patent number: 6337207
    Abstract: Provided herein are variant alleles of a gene encoding a mu opioid receptor, along with cloning vectors for replicating such variant alleles, expressing vectors for expressing the variant alleles to produce variant mu opioid receptors, and antibodies to such variant receptors. Also disclosed are binding characteristics of such variant receptors regarding binding to opioid ligands, and the using of such binding characteristics to diagnose a subjects susceptibility to pain, susceptibility to an addictive disease, selecting an appropriate pain reliever along with a therapeutically effective amount of the reliever to administer to a subject suffering from pain. In addition, diagnostic methods for diagnosing a disease or disorder such as infertility, constipation, diarrhea, decreased immune response relative to a standard, and decreased ability to withstand stress relative to a standard, along with commercial kits for diagnosing such diseases or disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignees: The Rockefeller University, The Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Jeanne Kreek, Karl Steven LaForge, Lei Yu, Jay A. Tischfield
  • Patent number: 6335168
    Abstract: Provided herein are variant alleles of a gene encoding a mu opioid receptor, along with cloning vectors for replicating such variant alleles, expressing vectors for expressing the variant alleles to produce variant mu opioid receptors, and antibodies to such variant receptors. Also disclosed are binding characteristics of such variant receptors regarding binding to opioid ligands, and the using of such binding characteristics to diagnose a subjects susceptibility to pain, susceptibility to an addictive disease, selecting an appropriate pain reliever along with a therapeutically effective amount of the reliever to administer to a subject suffering from pain. In addition, diagnostic methods for diagnosing a disease or disorder such as infertility, constipation, diarrhea, decreased immune response relative to a standard, and decreased ability to withstand stress relative to a standard, along with commercial kits for diagnosing such diseases or disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignees: The Rockefeller University, The Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Jeanne Kreek, Karl Steven LaForge, Lei Yu, Jay A. Tischfield
  • Patent number: 6322364
    Abstract: Described are unique prosthesis systems including superplastically-formed prosthetic elements, and methods and an apparatus for forming such elements. A preferred dental prosthesis system includes at least two osseointegrated fixtures, abutments attached to the fixtures, a bar member interconnecting the abutments, and a prosthesis detachably connected to the bar member, wherein the prosthesis includes a superplastically-formed metal element having a surface conforming to the bar member and abutments, a resin denture base attached to the metal element, and artificial teeth mounted on the resin denture base. The preferred prosthetic components are prepared by superplastic forming under temperature conditions which are repeatedly cycled above and below the transformation temperature of the metal being formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute
    Inventors: Yoshiki Oshida, Martin Thomas Barco, II
  • Patent number: 6323482
    Abstract: An ion mobility and mass spectrometer instrument includes an ion source region coupled to an ion mobility spectrometer having an ion outlet coupled to a quadrupole mass filter. An output of the filter is coupled to a collision cell which has an ion outlet coupled to an ion acceleration region of a mass spectrometer such as a time of flight mass spectrometer. The instrument is particularly well suited for sequencing analysis wherein a sample is ionized and a resulting three-dimensional ion spectrum (ion intensity vs. ion mobility and ion mass) is observed. If the spectrum reveals that no ions overlap in mobility values, the collision cell is filled with a suitable buffer gas and the instrument is reactivated whereby a complete three-dimensional spectrum of parent and daughter ions results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Clemmer, James P. Reilly
  • Patent number: 6303121
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are the methods of using the H4-1BB protein, ligands to this protein, and various mAbs either directed against H4-1BB or other molecules that can be used therapeutically. The nature and importance of the H4-1BB molecule provides the ligands and related co-stimulatory molecules the ability to enhance or suppress T-cell activation and proliferation. By treating T-cells that have expressed receptor protein H4-1BB with one of the four anti-H4-1BB monoclonal antibodies disclosed herein activation or inhibition of the immune response is seen. Also disclosed herein is cDNA for the human receptor H4-1BB. The cDNA of the human receptor H4-1BB is about 65% homologous to the mouse cDNA 4-1BB and was isolated by using probes derived from murine cDNA 4-1BB. A fusion protein for detecting cell membrane ligands to human receptor protein H4-1BB was developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology
    Inventor: Byoung S. Kwon
  • Patent number: 6303134
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for providing prolonged release of therapeutic agents by way of in situ stereotaxic implantation in specific loci, including pathways, to treat known disorders. One or more microstructures comprising therapeutic agents and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are implanted, for example, through a cannula. The microstructures are of a sufficient size and shape to prevent dispersion from the implant site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Kubek
  • Patent number: 6303029
    Abstract: An arrangement for performing chromatography with a mobile phase and a chromatographic bed having a stationary phase is provided. The arrangement includes a support assembly configured to support the stationary phase. The support assembly has a sealed cavity configured so that when the support assembly is supporting the stationary phase a portion of the chromatographic bed and the stationary phase extends into the sealed cavity. The arrangement further includes a bladder having a void defined therein. The bladder is positioned within the sealed cavity. The arrangement also includes a fluid positioned within the void of the bladder so that the bladder is urged toward the stationary phase within the sealed cavity. The arrangement further includes an anode positioned in contact with the mobile phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology
    Inventors: David Nurok, Megan Frost
  • Patent number: 6255347
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of chemotherapeutic treatments. More particularly, it concerns the use of ibuprofen, a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug, in the treatments of disease. More particularly, it has been discovered that the R-enantiomer of ibuprofen, previously thought to be inactive, may be used as an antineoplastic agent and also in the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's and Alzheimer's related diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute
    Inventors: Qian Xiaotao, Stephen D. Hall
  • Patent number: 6252048
    Abstract: Described are DNA-repair fusion proteins of multiple, complementary DNA repair proteins and having the activity of each protein, and related polynucleotides and vectors. The proteins, when expressed in cells, e.g., hematopoietic cells, increase the survival rate of the cells when contacted with chemotherapeutic agents. Also described are transgenic animal models wherein these proteins are expressed in essentially all cells of the animal. Such animal models are useful for instance in testing chemotherapeutic agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute
    Inventors: Mark Kelley, David Williams
  • Patent number: 6225075
    Abstract: The invention provides an isolated and purified nucleic acid molecule encoding a Candida albicans sterol methyltransferase (ERG6). Also provided is a C. albicans strain or isolate that has reduced levels of sterol methyltransferase as a result of the disruption of at least one sterol methyltransferase gene. Preferred isolates are more susceptible to a number of sterol synthesis and metabolic inhibitors relative to wild type isolates. Further provided are methods to identify sterol methyltransferase inhibitors and methods to screen for antifungals or metabolic inhibitors which are not normally permeable to the fungal cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Bard
  • Patent number: 6213976
    Abstract: A guide catheter includes a body and a centering mechanism. The body has an elongatable section and a lumen with a stop. The centering mechanism is a plurality of bias elements that forms a self-expanding basket attached to the body so that the elongatable section is within the basket. A straightening catheter engages the stop to stretch the elongatable section and to flatten the basket against the body. The guide catheter can be inserted into a vessel and the centering mechanism can be positioned at a desired treatment site by means of an over-the-wire guidewire system. The straightening catheter can be removed to allow the self-expanding basket to center the guide catheter in the vessel. A dosing device can then be inserted into the guide catheter and located at the centered basket to deliver the brachytherapy to prevent restenosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Research and Technology Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott O. Trerotola