Patents Assigned to Johns Hopkins University
  • Fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHFs) and methods of use
    Patent number: 6020189
    Abstract: The invention provides fibroblast growth factor homologous factor (FHF) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules that encode them. Also included in the invention are diagnostic and therapeutic methods using FHF polypeptides and nucleic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
    Inventors: Jeremy Nathans, Philip M. Smallwood
  • Nucleic acids encoding the hypoxia inducible factor-1
    Patent number: 6020462
    Abstract: The purified and characterization of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is described. HIF-1 is composed of subunits HIF-1a and HIF-1.beta.. Purified HIF-1a polypeptide, its amino acid sequence and polynucleotide sequence are provided. A HIF-1.alpha. variant that dimerizes to HIF-1.beta. producing a nonfunctional HIF-1 complex is described. Methods for the prevention and treatment of hypoxia-related disorders are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
    Inventor: Gregg L. Semenza
  • Method for making carbon/ceramic composite electrodes for charge storage units
    Patent number: 6019803
    Abstract: An electrochemical supercapacitor or lithium ion intercalation battery formed from carbon particles distributed in a carbon/ceramic composite paste preferably produced by sol-gel technology wherein the paste is shaped and contacted with a solvent and electrolyte salt followed by an optional washing with an aqueous or non-aqueous solution to remove residual organic solvent and salt and leaving a shaped composite having the internal microscopic surface area electrochemically accessible and useful for charge storage applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Gerko Oskam, Peter Charles Searson
  • Method of detection of methylated nucleic acid using agents which modify unmethylated cytosine and distinguishing modified methylated and non-methylated nucleic acids
    Patent number: 6017704
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting a methylated CpG-containing nucleic acid present in a specimen by contacting the specimen with an agent that modifies unmethylated cytosine and amplifying the CpG-containing nucleic acid using CpG-specific oligonucleotide primers. The present invention provides an improved method of methylation detection by facilitating the rapid identification of DNA methylation patterns in a CpG-containing nucleic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
    Inventors: James G. Herman, Stephen B. Baylin
  • Soluble divalent and multivalent heterodimeric analogs of proteins
    Patent number: 6015884
    Abstract: Specificity in immune responses is in part controlled by the selective interaction of T cell receptors with their cognate ligands, peptide/MHC molecules. The discriminating nature of this interaction makes these molecules, in soluble form, good candidates for selectively regulating immune responses. Attempts to exploit soluble analogs of these proteins has been hampered by the intrinsic low avidity of these molecules for their ligands. To increase the avidity of soluble analogs for their cognates to biologically relevant levels, divalent peptide/MHC complexes or T cell receptors (superdimers) were constructed. Using a recombinant DNA strategy, DNA encoding either the MHC class II/peptide or TCR heterodimers was ligated to DNA coding for murine Ig heavy and light chains. These constructs were subsequently expressed in a baculovirus expression system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Jonathan Schneck, Sean O'Herrin
  • APC mutation associated with familial colorectal cancer in Ashkenazi Jews
    Patent number: 6013461
    Abstract: During routine screening of a patient with a family history of colorectal cancer for truncating APC mutations, a novel missense mutation was identified. Upon further evaluation, it was found that 6% of Ashkenazi Jews carry this mutation, and that it was present in .sup..about. 20% of Ashkenazis with a family history of CRC. Probes, methods, and kits for identifying individuals affected with this missense mutation are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Steve Laken, Stephen Gruber, Gloria Petersen, Kenneth Kinzler, Bert Vogelstein
  • System for measuring average speed and traffic volume on a roadway
    Patent number: 6011515
    Abstract: A vehicular traffic sensor capable of measuring traffic speed and volume in all weather conditions and at a low installed cost. The sensor makes use of multi-path interference of ambient radio frequency (RF) signals. The ambient RF signals can be, for example, control signals constantly transmitted by cellular telephone base stations. As vehicles travel along the roadway, they reflect RF signals in all directions. An antenna mounted near the side of the road will detect signals from the transmitter and signals reflected off the vehicle. Variations in the amplitude of the combination of the two signals can be processed using a method that allows the sensor to determine traffic speed and volume. This information can then be sent directly to a traffic management center. This provides an inexpensive sensor for wide-area traffic monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Scott T. Radcliffe, Eric D. Holm
  • Two-stage solution polymerization of high molecular weight poly(phosphoesters)
    Patent number: 6008318
    Abstract: A process for making a phosphoester polymer comprising the recurring monomeric units of formula I: ##STR1## wherein: X is --O-- or --NR"--, where R" is H or alkyl;L is a divalent organic moiety;R' is H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heterocyclic, or heterocycloxy; andn is between about 25 to 2,000,is described. The process comprises the steps of:(a) polymerizing in the presence of a solvent p moles of a di-XH compound having formula II:H--X--L--X--H IIwherein X and L are as defined above, with q moles, where p.apprxeq.q, of a phosphorodihalo compound to form a polymer of formula I, wherein n is about 12 to 1000, having a first molecular weight Mw.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignees: Guilford Pharmaceuticals Inc., Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Zhong Zhao, Hai-quan Mao, Kam W. Leong
  • Growth differentiation factor-11 transgenic mice
    Patent number: 6008434
    Abstract: A transgenic mouse whose genome comprises a disruption of the endogenous growth differentiation factor-11 (GDF-11) gene is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making such mice. The mice exhibit a phenotype of increased muscle tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
    Inventors: Se-Jin Lee, Alexandra C. McPherron
  • Trioxane dimer compounds having antiproliferative and antitumor activities
    Patent number: 6004997
    Abstract: Novel trioxane dimers of structure ##STR1## which possess antiproliferative and antitumor activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignees: Hauser, Inc., Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Qun Y. Zheng, Christopher Murray, Randall J. Daughenbaugh, Poonsakdi Ploypradith, Gary H. Posner
  • Oligonucleotide analogues having improved stability at acid pH
    Patent number: 6005094
    Abstract: Acid resistant Oligomers suitable for oral administration, orally acceptable formulations of such Oligomers and preparation of pharmaceutical formations of such Oligomers are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignees: Genta Incorporated, The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Lionel N. Simon, Paul S. Miller, Paul O. P. Ts'o
  • Method of identifying compounds that regulate the binding of M. tuberculosis sigF to M. tuberculosis orfX
    Patent number: 6004764
    Abstract: sigF is a gene that controls M. tuberculosis latency. A diagnostic test for latent tuberculosis involves detecting M. tuberculosis sigF in clinical specimens. Two genes orfX and orfY regulate sigF expression and sigF activity. M. tuberculosis sigF, orfX, and orfY are used in screening methods for potential therapeutic agents which regulate the growth of M. tuberculosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: William R. Bishai, Douglas B. Young, Ying Zhang, James DeMaio
  • Herpes virus proteinase and method of assaying
    Patent number: 6001967
    Abstract: A herpes virus proteinase has been found to be encoded by a member of a family of four nested genes in simian cytomegalovirus. Another member of the nested genes encodes the assembly protein precursor, which is a substrate for the proteinase. Homologous genes are found in other herpes viruses. Cleavage sites recognized by the proteinase are identified in cytomegalovirus and are found to be highly conserved in other herpes viruses. Substrates, inhibitors, assay kits, and methods of assaying are provided which rely on the proteinase and its activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: D. Wade Gibson, Anthony R. Welch
  • Passive, non-invasive method to quantify objectively the level and density of a neural blockade
    Patent number: 6002960
    Abstract: Electromyogram, temperature and heart rate measurements, which correlate to the dermatomal level and density of neural blockade, are obtained in a passive manner, i.e., the patient is not stimulated or exposed to any sensor that requires an active conduction in order to make a measurement and no active patient participation or response is required. The measurements obtained provide objective and quantitative indications of, for example, epidural blockade with local anesthetics, thus, allowing objective real-time assessment of density and level of neural blockade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Wayne I. Sternberger, Robert S. Greenberg
  • Networked sensor system
    Patent number: 6002996
    Abstract: A networked sensor system that simultaneously acquires, processes, and transmits sensor data under the control of a central processing unit. The system includes sensors connected to sensor processing modules. The sensor processing modules are serially coupled together and to the central processing unit by a fiber optic network. The central processing unit can change the sensor sampling rate by changing a global clock rate, can describe the number and layout of sensor processing modules and their associated sensors allowing for reconfiguration in accordance with a desired application, and can download code to the sensor processing modules for modifying processing functions for a given application. The global clock also allows for synchronous sampling throughout the network. Sensor gain in the sensor processing modules is dynamically programmed by the central processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Gregory L. Burks, Dennis E. Fort, Erika L. S. Spencer, Hans P. Widmer
  • Therapeutic uses of grip and grip-related molecules
    Patent number: 6001575
    Abstract: This invention features GRIP and GRIP-related molecules relating to a gluatamate receiptor. In one aspect, the invention provides methods for detecting expression, drug screening, and treatment of disorders involving GRIP or GRIP 2 such a neuronal and fertility disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Richard L. Huganir, Hualing Dong
  • Method of inhibiting parasitic activity
    Patent number: 6001869
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting parasitic activity is disclosed in which the biosynthesis, structure and/or function of the glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor of said parasite may be affected by incorporating into said GPI anchor selected analogs of myristic acid containing various heteroatoms, substituents and unsaturated bonds, including ester-containing analogs, ketocarbonyl-containing analogs, sulfur-containing analogs, double bond- and triple bond-containing analogs, aromatic moiety-containing analogs, nitrated analogs and halogenated analogs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignees: Washington University, Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Jeffrey I. Gordon, George W. Gokel, Paul T. Englund
  • Inline air humidifier, a system for humidifying air and methods related thereto
    Patent number: 5997498
    Abstract: In preferred aspects the invention provides an in-line humidifier, a system using such a humidifier and methods related thereto, a method for infusing a gas into an eye during retinal detachment surgical procedure and a method for treating a retinal tear. The method for infusing gas includes providing an in-line humidifier, humidifying the gas in the in-line humidifier by flowing the gas there through and infusing the humidified gas into the eye. The in-line humidifier includes a housing and a humidifier section disposed within the housing, the humidifier section including a hydroscopic material that releasably retains liquid therein. The housing includes an inlet and outlet connection in fluid communication with the housing interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
    Inventor: Eugene de Juan, Jr.
  • Microelectromechanical (MEMS)-based magnetostrictive magnetometer
    Patent number: 5998995
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical-based magnetostrictive magnetometer that uses, as an active element, a commercial (001) silicon microcantilever coated with an amorphous thin film of the giant magnetostrictive alloy Terfenol-D and a compact optical beam deflection transduction scheme. A set of Helmholtz coils is used to create an ac magnetic excitation field for driving the mechanical resonance of the coated microcantilever. When the coated microcantilever is placed in a dc magnetic field, the dc field will change the amplitude at the mechanical resonance of the coated microcantilever thereby causing a deflection that can be measured. The magnetometer has been demonstrated with a sensitivity near 1 .mu.T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Robert Osiander, Scott A. Ecelberger, Robert B. Givens, Dennis K. Wickenden, John C. Murphy, Thomas J. Kistenmacher
  • Method and apparatus for precise noncoherent doppler tracking of a spacecraft
    Patent number: 5995039
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for making precise velocity measurements of a spacecraft using a two-way noncoherent Doppler tracking system. The received uplink and transmitted downlink frequencies on-board the spacecraft are compared with the resulting information being included in the downlink signal and used to cancel spacecraft oscillator drift rate effects in the two-way Doppler measurement made by the ground station. The information can also be used to characterize the drift rate of the spacecraft oscillator, thus permitting periods of accurate one-way Doppler tracking by the ground station. To improve accuracy, the times at which the measurements comprising the information would have been observed on the ground are inferred from the measurement of a signal generated by the spacecraft, e.g., the telemetry frame start times, made by the ground station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: James Robert Jensen, Robert Steven Bokulic