Abstract: Advances in a variety of fields such as micromachined silicon in conjunction with MEMS and other devices and attaching biosensors to electrode structures have allowed discrete or continuous monitoring devices to be implemented for biological systems, chemical processes, environmental monitoring etc. However, such devices are typically analysed within controlled laboratory environments due to bulky and large electrochemical impedance measurement systems. In many situations deployment in field, clinic, point-of-care, or consumer scenarios would be beneficial. Accordingly it an intention of the invention to provide a measurement system which offers potential for low cost implementations via multiple technologies to address the different cost targets of these applications as well as number of measurement cells within each. Additionally embodiments of the invention are self-calibrating and self-referencing allowing their use in such scenarios absent highly trained technicians.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 19, 2010
Publication date:
May 19, 2011
Applicant:
Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning / McGill University
Abstract: A method of providing microelectromechanical structures (MEMS) that are compatible with silicon CMOS electronics is provided. The method providing for processes and manufacturing sequences limiting the maximum exposure of an integrated circuit upon which the MEMS is manufactured to below 350° C., and potentially to below 250° C., thereby allowing direct manufacturing of the MEMS devices onto electronics, such as Si CMOS circuits. The method further providing for the provisioning of MEMS devices with multiple non-conductive structural layers such as silicon carbide separated with small lateral gaps. Such silicon carbide structures offering enhanced material properties, increased environmental and chemical resilience whilst also allowing novel designs to be implemented taking advantage of the non-conductive material of the structural layer.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 8, 2009
Publication date:
May 12, 2011
Applicant:
The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning / McGill University
Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of the cytosolic phosphoprotein CRMP4b as a protein that physically and functionally interacts with RhoA to mediate neurite outgrowth inhibition. siRNA-mediated knockdown of CRMP4 promotes neurite outgrowth on myelin substrates indicating a critical role for CRMP4 in neurite outgrowth inhibition. Disruption of CRMP4b-RhoA binding with a competitive inhibitor attenuates neurite outgrowth inhibition on myelin and aggrecan substrates. Stimulation of neuronal growth cones with Nogo leads to co-localization of CRMP4b and RhoA at discrete regions within the actin-rich central and peripheral domains of the growth cone indicative of a potential function in cytoskeletal rearrangements during neurite outgrowth inhibition. Together these data indicate that a RhoA-CRMP4b complex forms in response to inhibitory challenges in the growth cone environment and regulate cytoskeletal dynamics at distinct sites necessary for axon outgrowth inhibition.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 19, 2007
Date of Patent:
May 3, 2011
Assignee:
The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
Abstract: A method comprising: providing a biological sample from a subject (subject sample); and detecting the expression level of each of the markers FGF-2 and CA125 in the subject sample. A kit comprising means for detection of an expression level of each of markers CA125 and FGF-2 in a biological sample from a subject (subject sample), and instructions to use said markers in a method of the present invention.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 15, 2006
Date of Patent:
March 22, 2011
Assignees:
The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University, Val-Chum, S.E.C.
Abstract: There is provided a method for predicting a clinical state of a subject based on image data obtained from a Volume Of Interest in the subject. The method comprise the establishment of a predictive model that relates image features and the future evolution of a clinical state.
Abstract: Quantitative understanding of neural and biological activity at a sub-millimeter scale requires an integrated probe platform that combines biomarker sensors together with electrical stimulus/recording sites. Optically addressed biomarker sensors within such an integrated probe platform allows remote interrogation from the activity being measured. Monolithic or hybrid integrated silicon probe platforms would beneficially allow for accurate control of neural prosthetics, brain machine interfaces, etc as well as helping with complex brain diseases and disorders. According to the invention a silicon probe platform is provided employing ultra-thin silicon in conjunction with optical waveguides, optoelectronic interfaces, porous filter elements, and integrated CMOS circuitry. Such probes allowing simultaneously analysis of both neural electrical activities along with chemical activity derived from multiple biomolecular sensors with porous membrane filters.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 30, 2010
Publication date:
February 3, 2011
Applicant:
The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning / McGill University
Inventors:
Mohamad Hajj-Hassan, Vamsy Chodavarapu, Sam Musallam
Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are small integrated devices or systems that combine electrical and mechanical components. It would be beneficial for such MEMS devices to be integrated with silicon CMOS electronics and packaged in controlled environments and support industry standard mounting interconnections such as solder bump through the provisioning of through-wafer via-based electrical interconnections. However, the fragile nature of the MEMS devices, the requirement for vacuum, hermetic sealing, and stresses placed on metallization membranes are not present in packaging conventional CMOS electronics. Accordingly there is provided a means of reinforcing the through-wafer vias for such integrated MEMS-CMOS circuits by in filling a predetermined portion of the through-wafer electrical vias with low temperature deposited ceramic materials which are deposited at temperatures below 350° C., and potentially to below 250° C.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 11, 2009
Publication date:
February 3, 2011
Applicant:
The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
Abstract: The present relates to a system for providing vibration feedback to at least one foot. The system comprises at least one rigid surface for receiving the at least one foot, one vibrotactile actuator for each of the at least one rigid surface, and a suspension mechanism. The vibrotactile actuator is installed underneath the corresponding rigid surface and provides vibration feedback there through. The suspension mechanism supports the at least one rigid surface.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 4, 2010
Publication date:
December 9, 2010
Applicant:
The Royal Institution For The Advancement of Learning/McGill University
Inventors:
Jeremy COOPERSTOCK, Karmen FRANINOVIC, Yon VISELL, Alvin Law
Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of carbon nanostructures, the carbon nanostructures being selected from carbon nanotubes and carbon nano-onions. The method comprises the steps of injecting a carbon-containing gas into a plasma flame generated from a plasma forming gas to provide atomic carbon, which in the presence of in situ generated nanometer sized metal catalyst particles that act as nucleation points for growth of carbon nanostructures, produce the carbon nanostructures, and collecting the carbon nanostructures.
Abstract: This invention is a game platform for the assessment and/or treatment of disorders of binocular vision, such as amblyopia. The game content is devised to maximize the possible therapeutic effects by leveraging advanced research in opthalmology, as well as advanced display technology to render images independently to each eye. In particular, the game content engages both eyes at different levels of difficulty, forcing an amblyopic eye to work harder to regain its performance in the visual system. The invention herein described provides a mobile device, capable of interaction with an eye care specialist, for the assessment/treatment of binocular vision using innovative mechanisms for ensuring proper use thereof.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 30, 2010
Publication date:
November 11, 2010
Applicant:
McGill University
Inventors:
Jeremy Cooperstock, Thang Long To, Jeff Blum, Robert F. Hess, Benjamin Simon Thompson
Abstract: Polymer composite films were prepared by solvent casting suspensions of quantum dots (QDs) in cellulose triacetate (CTA) solution. The films were robust and possessed the optical properties characteristic of QDs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the films revealed that the QDs were well dispersed within the CTA film matrix. The selective alkaline hydrolysis of QD/CTA films in 0.1N NaOH over 24 hours resulted in the surface conversion of CTA to regenerated cellulose. Optical properties of the films were probed both before and after the hydrolysis reaction using fluorescence spectroscopy, and were found generally unaltered. The cellulose surfaces of the alkaline treated films allow for facile incorporation of the films into paper sheets.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 7, 2007
Date of Patent:
October 26, 2010
Assignee:
The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
Abstract: The invention provides methods for in vitro maturation of immature human oocytes. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for in vitro maturation of immature human oocytes, comprising the steps of: (a) inducing in a female human subject an increase in endogenous luteinizing hormone levels, said subject having not undergone an ovarian stimulation protocol prior to said inducing step; (b) obtaining from said subject an immature oocyte; and (c) culturing said oocyte until maturity.
Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic green tea derived polyphenolic compounds, their modes of syntheses, and their use in inhibiting proteasomal activity and in treating cancers. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions useful in methods of inhibiting proteasomes and of treating cancers.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 20, 2007
Date of Patent:
August 3, 2010
Assignees:
University of South Florida, McGill University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Inventors:
Q. Ping Dou, Tak-Hang Chan, David M. Smith
Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a pathology in a subject, said method comprising: a) correlating N-N intervals with rate dependent fluctuations of electrocardiographic parameters derived from an electrocardiogram (ECG) of said subject or other recordings reflecting cardiac activity of said subject to derive electrocardiographic parameters correlation values, wherein said pathology is determined based on said correlation values.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 9, 2007
Publication date:
July 29, 2010
Applicant:
The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
Inventors:
Leon Glass, Claudia Lerma, Ary Goldberger
Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for modulating the inflammatory response of respiratory tract cells using an agent that increases ceramide levels in the cells of the respiratory tract.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 2, 2005
Date of Patent:
July 13, 2010
Assignee:
McGill University
Inventors:
Stan Kubow, Regina Maria Vilela, Larry Lands
Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic green tea derived polyphenolic compounds, their modes of syntheses, and their use in inhibiting proteasomal activity and in treating cancers. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions useful in methods of inhibiting proteasomes and of treating cancers.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 25, 2010
Publication date:
July 8, 2010
Applicants:
University of South Florida, McGill University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Inventors:
Q. Ping Dou, Tak-Hang Chan, David M. Smith
Abstract: A method of classifying a test subject comprises collecting imaging data for a plurality of training subjects, control subjects and a test subject. An intensity volume of interest (VOI) and a morphological VOI are selected from said imaging data. Training intensity data and morphological data are calculated for the intensity and spatial VOI. A statistical model can then be created based on the training intensity data and training spatial data to provide a universe of subjects. Control intensity data and spatial data are also calculated for the intensity and spatial VOI. A classifier can then be built dividing the universe into at least two regions. The test subject data can then be applied to the classifier to provide a determination of whether the test subject falls within the first region or the second region. The condition can be a neurological disease state such as temporal lobe epilepsy or Alzheimer's dementia.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for controlling a doubly-fed induction machine. In operation a rotor current vector is processed with a rotor position estimate vector. A scalar error quantity is the determined in dependence upon a stator current vector and the processed rotor current vector. The scalar error quantity is integrated and an estimate of the rotor angular frequency is determined in dependence upon the integrated scalar error quantity. To obtain a rotor position estimate, the estimate of the rotor angular frequency is integrated and a rotor position estimate vector is determined in dependence upon the rotor position estimate. The rotor position estimate vector is then provided for processing the rotor current vector. As output signals a signal indicative of the rotor position estimate vector and a signal indicative of the estimate of the rotor angular frequency are provided for controlling the doubly-fed induction machine.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 28, 2007
Publication date:
May 6, 2010
Applicant:
The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
Abstract: A synthetic monodisperse hemozoin crystals preparation, compositions and methods of preparation thereof, are described. Also described are uses thereof, including use as an adjuvant, use in an immunogenic or vaccine composition, use for enhancing or inducing immunogenicity, and corresponding prevention or treatment of disease or infection.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 22, 2007
Publication date:
May 6, 2010
Applicant:
The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
Abstract: The invention relates to novel polynucleotides which encode novel polypeptides that are acetylcholine-gated chloride channel subunits and immunogenic or acetylcholine-binding fragments thereof. The novel polypeptides may be used for identifying compounds that modulate the acetylcholine-gated chloride channels, e.g. for use as pesticides and antiparasitic agents. Methods for identifying compounds that modulate the acetylcholine-gated chloride channels are provided.