Patents Assigned to Kumamoto University
  • Publication number: 20120134890
    Abstract: An ozone generator is provided with a pulse generator (110) that at least includes pulse generation means for generating a pulse voltage and a magnetic switch (SI2) adjusting pulse width of the generated pulse voltage, and a discharge reactor that is provided with a plurality of electrodes to which the pulse voltage for which the pulse width has been adjusted is applied, and that generates a discharge between the plurality of electrodes as a result of the pulse voltage, for which the pulse width has been adjusted, being applied thereto, and also generates ozone as a result of a raw material gas containing oxygen being supplied from the outside to between the electrodes where the discharge has been generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicants: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KUMAMOTO UNIVERSITY, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yohei Kinoshita, Takashi Sakugawa, Hidenori Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20120122214
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a cell medicine that is effective for diseases while causing a low risk to these diseases. The present invention provides a method for producing a phagocyte that expresses a foreign protein, which comprises: a step of introducing a protein expression vector into an induced pluripotent stem cell; and a step of inducing the induced pluripotent stem cell, into which the protein expression vector has been introduced, to differentiate into a phagocyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KUMAMOTO UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Satoru Senju
  • Publication number: 20120108648
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel mitochondrial function-improving agent and a novel PGC-1? expression inducing agent. The present invention provides a mitochondrial function-improving agent and a PGC-1? expression inducing agent each of which comprises a lysine-specific demethylase-1 (LSD-1) inhibitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORP. KUMAMOTO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Nakao, Shinjiro Hino
  • Publication number: 20120058491
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to establish a system for reliably differentiating an ES cell into a hepatic cell. The present invention provides a method for inducing the differentiation of an ES cell into a hepatic cell, which comprises, in the presence of an M15 cell, culturing a mammal-derived ES cell in the presence of activin and bFGF, and then culturing the ES cell in the presence of dexamethasone, HGF, and oncostatin M.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: KUMAMOTO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shoen Kume, Nobuaki Shiraki, Kahoko Umeda, Kazuhiko Kume
  • Patent number: 8128731
    Abstract: A method for separating and enriching isotopes in an efficient and low-cost manner from a condensation-system (liquid or/and solid) material including two or more different isotopes by taking advantage of the sedimentation of atoms through an acceleration field by ultra-high speed rotation. The condensation-system material is placed in a sedimentation tank which is then housed in a supercentrifuge. The supercentrifuge in its rotor is rotation driven by an ultra-high speed rotation power source, and an acceleration field of energy of 100000 G to 1500000 G, i.e., about 100 to 800 m/s in terms of peripheral velocity, is applied to the above condensed (liquid or/and solid) material under such a temperature that is specified by an isotope material to be enriched. In this case, a difference in centrifugal force applied is provided between the isotopes in the condensed (liquid or/and solid) material comprising the at least two isotopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: National University Corporation Kumamoto University, Maruwa Electronic Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Mashimo, Masao Ono, Xinsheng Huang, Yusuke Iguchi, Satoru Okayasu, Hiroshi Yasuoka, Koji Shibasaki, Masanori Sueyoshi
  • Publication number: 20120016158
    Abstract: There is provided a novel loxoprofen derivative that has no side effect such as a gastrointestinal disorder and also has excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and is represented by the following formula (I) or (II): (wherein R1 and R2 each represent a halogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. In the derivative, the halogen atom is selected from a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, a fluorine atom, and an iodine atom, and a substituent of the substituted phenyl group is a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl group, a lower alkylthio group, a lower alkoxy group, a nitro group, an amino group, or a carboxyl group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicants: LTT BIO-PHARMA CO., LTD., National University Corporation, Kumamoto University
    Inventors: Toru Mizushima, Masami Ohtsuka, Yoshinari Okamoto, Naoki Yamakawa
  • Publication number: 20110304330
    Abstract: A functional image creating method and a functional image creating apparatus, each enabling rendering of an activated region, are provided. A phase difference image PDr(x) is created using a complex image ?r(x) created from an MR signal in an inactive state and a complex image ??r(x) obtained by filtering the complex image ?r(x). A phase difference image PDa(x) is created using a complex image ?a(x) created from an MR signal in an active state and a complex image ??a(x) obtained by filtering the complex image ?a(x). Function signal images diff1(x) and diff2(x) are created using the phase difference images PDr(x) and PDa(x), respectively. A magnitude image Mr(x), a magnitude image Ma(x), a standard image, or a morphological image I(x) is masked with the function signal image diff1(x) or diff2(x), thereby a function image I?(x) with an activated region rendered is created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KUMAMOTO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Tetsuya Yoneda, Yasuhiro Hiai
  • Publication number: 20110229487
    Abstract: Previously, it was difficult to obtain high-affinity antibodies that specifically bind to HMGB-1 but not to HMGB-2. Under this circumstance, the present inventors successfully obtained antibodies that are more reactive to HMGB-1 than to HMGB-2 by using specific peptides as an antigen. The present inventors also demonstrated that the antibodies had a HMGB-1-neutralizing activity. The present inventors administered the antibodies to amyloidosis model animals, and as a result, successfully demonstrated that the antibodies produced a significant therapeutic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicants: Kumamoto University, Kagoshima University, Shino Test Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Ando, Ikuro Maruyama, Shingo Yamada
  • Publication number: 20110223294
    Abstract: A method of treating food capable of easily softening or pulverizing food in a short time without losing nutrients is provided. A shock wave (SW) generated in a shock wave source is applied to food such as an apple or tea leaves to soften or pulverize the food. A large mechanical load is not necessary, so the food is easily softened or pulverized. Moreover, it is not necessary to heat the food, so the food is softened or pulverized in a short time without losing nutrients in the food due to heat during heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KUMAMOTO UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Shigeru ITOH
  • Patent number: 8017345
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to find out another tumor marker which is useful for early diagnosis of melanoma, and provide a diagnostic kit and diagnostic method for malignant melanoma using such marker. The present invention provides a diagnostic kit for malignant melanoma, which comprises an antibody against SPARC and an antibody against GPC3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Kumamoto University
    Inventors: Yasuharu Nishimura, Tetsuya Nakatsura, Yoshiaki Ikuta
  • Patent number: 8008203
    Abstract: A polishing method and a polishing apparatus capable of polishing a surface of a substrate made of SiC or diamond extremely smoothly and efficiently without causing subsurface damage are provided. A polishing platen 1 can rotate around a rotating shaft 4, and is made of quartz having high transparency to ultraviolet radiation. A large number of grooves 11 are arranged on a front surface of the polishing platen 1 in a lattice form, and each of the grooves 11 is filled with solid photocatalytic particles 20 (CeO2). The polishing platen 1 is relatively rubbed against a to-be-polished surface 30A of a substrate 30 made of silicon carbide (SiC) or diamond (C) while pressing the polishing platen 1 to the to-be-polished surface 30A of the substrate 30 with a very high pressure, thereby the to-be-polished surface 30A is oxidized by the solid photocatalytic particles 20 to perform chemical polishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: National Universtiy Corporation Kumamoto University
    Inventor: Junji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7971159
    Abstract: To provide a data generating method, device, and program that can generate drawing data for drawing the entire general design graphic data with an accuracy of about 1 to 4 nm in a drawing method or a drawing system adapted to draw gradation-controllable spotlights in a two-dimensional array. The data generating method is a method for generating, in an exposure system having a function of irradiating multigradation-controllable spotlights in a two-dimensional array onto a photosensitive film on a substrate, gradation values of the spotlights based on design graphic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignees: Tohoko University, Kumamoto University
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Taniguchi, Tatsuo Morimoto, Akira Nakada, Masae Nakada, legal representative, Tadahiro Ohmi
  • Patent number: 7935814
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel compound that is an agonist of guanosine-3?,5?-cyclic monophosphate and has an effect of activating protein kinase G. The present invention provides 8-guanosine-3?,5?-cyclic monophosphate compound which is represented by the following formula, and a pharmaceutical composition, especially a protein kinase G activating agent, which contains the 8-guanosine-3?,5?-cyclic monophosphate compound as an active ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Kumamoto University
    Inventors: Takaaki Akaike, Teruo Akuta
  • Publication number: 20110044995
    Abstract: The present invention provides a monoclonal antibody that recognizes the V3 loop of the envelope glycoprotein gp120 of AIDS virus, which is any one selected from the following antibodies: (a) an antibody having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 as the amino acid sequence of a H chain variable region (VH), and having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 as the amino acid sequence of a L chain variable region (VL); and (b) an antibody having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 as the amino acid sequence of a H chain variable region (VH), and having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 as the amino acid sequence of a L chain variable region (VL).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: KUMAMOTO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shuzo Matsushita, Kazuhisa Youshimura
  • Publication number: 20110020213
    Abstract: An object is to provide a novel anatase titanium oxide having especially high photocatalytic activity as a photocatalyst useful as a material for environmental clean-up, such as removal of toxic substances, deodorization and decomposition of malodorous substances, prevention of fouling and sterilization, and a method of producing such an anatase titanium oxide. There is provided a titanium oxide having a reflectance of 80% or lower with respect to light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 700 nm. There is also provided a method of producing an anatase titanium oxide, comprising creating pulsed plasma by an electric current of lower than 5 amperes between titanium electrodes in water to oxidize a titanium. Preferably, the titanium oxide has a percentage weight loss of 1.0% or lower when heated at a temperature within the range of 400° C. to 800° C., and has the anatase structure or the anatase and rutile structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicants: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORP KUMAMOTO UNIVERSITY, KURARAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Mashimo, Omurzak Uulu Emil, Sulaimankulova Saadat, Makoto Okamoto, Hideharu Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20100320426
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a method for the stable production of a high-purity Group II-VI compound semiconductor on an industrial scale, and also a hexagonal crystal of Group II-VI compound semiconductor in which a metal can be doped easily. Another object of the invention is to provide a method of producing a Group II-VI compound semiconductor phosphor. The objects are achieved by a method of producing a Group II-VI compound semiconductor comprising generating a pulsed electrical discharge plasma between metallic electrodes in sulfur to produce a Group II-VI compound semiconductor; a method of producing a Group II-VI compound semiconductor phosphor using a pulsed electrical discharge plasma; and a hexagonal crystal of Group II-VI compound semiconductor composed of a plurality of twin crystals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicants: National University Corp. Kumamoto University, KURARAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Mashimo, Omurzak Uulu Emil, Makoto Okamoto, Hideharu Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20100219068
    Abstract: A harmful gas treatment apparatus and a water treatment apparatus uses an electrochemical device provided with a solid electrolyte membrane having ion conductivity. A first electrochemical device provided with an anode on one surface of a hydrogen ion conductive electrolyte membrane and a cathode on the other surface thereof is combined with a second electrochemical device provided with an anode on one surface of a hydroxyl ion conductive electrolyte membrane and a cathode on the other surface thereof. Both cathodes are disposed so as to face each other within an electrochemical reaction tank. Each of the cathodes is provided with TiO2 as a metal oxide and Pt as a platinum group supported on a porous body having functions to occlude, concentrate and reduce harmful substances as a reducing catalyst. Thus, a water vapor partial pressure and an oxygen partial pressure on the both cathodes is reduced, making it possible to enhance hydrogen generation efficiency at the normal temperature and constant current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicants: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Kumamoto University
    Inventors: Shiro Yamauchi, Minoru Kimura, Shigeru Yamaji, Masato Machida
  • Publication number: 20100134776
    Abstract: A pulse power source which can perform high repetition of pulse signals by enhancing the throughput of a pulse source is provided. The pulse power source includes: a charger; an initial-stage capacitor section which is provided with a capacitor charged by the charger; and a magnetic pulse compression circuit which performs magnetic pulse compression of a pulse current generated by discharging a charge from the capacitor at the initial-stage capacitor section and, thereafter, outputs the pulse current. An exposure device which includes the pulse power source is also provided. The pulse power source includes, between the initial-stage capacitor section and the magnetic pulse compression circuit, a transistor which controls timing of discharging a charge from the initial-stage capacitor section, an inductor which constitutes a resonance circuit together with the capacitor at the initial stage capacitor section, and a diode which rectifies the pulse current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: National University Corporation Kumamoto University
    Inventors: Takashi Sakugawa, Hidenori Akiyama, Sunao Katsuki
  • Publication number: 20100130350
    Abstract: There is provided an oxygen storage/release material using a rare earth oxysulfate or oxysulfide, which has a high oxygen storage/release capacity even at lower temperatures. The oxygen storage/release material of the present invention comprises a compound consisting of Pr2O2SO4 and/or Pr2O2S and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Rh and Fe supported thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicants: National University Corporation Kumamoto University, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Machida, Keita Ikeue, Masahide Miura
  • Publication number: 20090272265
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for separating and enriching isotopes in an efficient and low-cost manner from a condensation-system (liquid or/and solid) material comprising two or more different isotopes by taking advantage of the sedimentation of atoms through an acceleration field by ultra-high speed rotation. A condensation-system (liquid or/and solid) material (5) comprising the two or more isotopes is placed in a sedimentation tank (for example, 2) which is then housed in a supercentrifuge. The supercentrifuge in its rotor is rotation driven by an ultra-high speed rotation power source, and an acceleration field of energy of 100000 G to 1500000 G, i.e., about 100 to 800 m/s in terms of peripheral velocity, is applied to the above condensed (liquid or/and solid) material under such a temperature that is specified by an isotope material to be enriched.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicants: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KUMAMOTO UNIVERSITY, MARUWA ELECTRONIC INC.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Mashimo, Masao Ono, Xinsheng Huang, Yusuke Iguchi, Satoru Okayasu, Hiroshi Yasuoka, Koji Shibasaki, Masanori Sueyoshi