Patents Assigned to McGill University
  • Patent number: 8855215
    Abstract: A method and a circuit are provided for providing phase or frequency synthesis using sigma-delta modulation bit-stream techniques in which data is encoded utilizing sigma-delta modulation and then digital-to-time conversion (DTC) or digital-to-frequency conversion (DFC). In some embodiments this encoded data stream is further subjected to phase or frequency domain filtering, which in some embodiments is carried out by a higher-order phase-locked loop (PLL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
    Inventors: Gordon Roberts, Sadok Aouini
  • Patent number: 8849882
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for providing an analog Gaussian noise signal having the predetermined probability distribution function, bandwidth and center frequency. A band-limited digital noise signal indicative of a Gaussian noise signal having a predetermined Gaussian probability distribution function is ?? modulated generating a pulse-density modulated 1-bit sequence representing a Gaussian noise signal having a predetermined probability distribution function, bandwidth and center frequency. Using an analog low-pass filter the pulse-density modulated 1-bit sequence is then converted into a respective analog Gaussian noise signal having the predetermined probability distribution function, bandwidth and center frequency. The method and system are successfully employed in numerous applications such as in histogram testing and probabilistic digitization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: The Royal Institution for the Association of Learning, McGill University
    Inventors: Sadok Aouini, Gordon W. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20140265720
    Abstract: Monolithically integrated capacitive micromachined transducers (CMTs) offer combined process steps, shared layers, simplified packaging, and reduced die size by overlapping the CMTs with the integrated circuit (IC) electronics. Moreover, a CMT array directly above the electronics also allows for varying the excitation signal phase to each CMT element thereby enabling beam-forming techniques. Above-IC integration is particularly attractive by not requiring any alteration of the semiconductor fabrication process and allowing subsequent implementation independent of IC fabrication. Naturally, this scheme requires that the CMT technology limit itself to IC compatible materials and chemicals, as well as process step temperatures within a specific thermal budget.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning / McGill University
    Inventors: Mourad El-Gamal, Qing Zhang, Paul-Vahe Cicek, Frederic Nabki
  • Patent number: 8835345
    Abstract: There is provided a catalyst comprising metal nanoparticles supported on nanocrystalline cellulose and a homogeneous catalyst system comprising this catalyst colloidally suspended in a fluid. There is also provided a method of producing this catalyst and various uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
    Inventors: Audrey Moores, Ciprian M. Cirtiu
  • Publication number: 20140256926
    Abstract: The invention relates to the chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides, e.g., oligoribonucleotides. In another aspect, the invention relates to compounds of formula (II) processes for making these compounds, and the use thereof in the chemical synthesis of oligonucleotides, e.g., oligoribonucleotides. The invention also relates to methods of synthesis of oligomers, including but not limited to oligopeptides, oligosaccharides and oligonucleotides, particularly oligoribonucleotides and also oligodeoxyribonucleotides, in solution systems, and ionic tag linkers for use in methods provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicants: Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
    Inventors: Masad J. Damha, Matthew Hassler, Tak-Hang Chan, Mallikarjuna Reddy Nandyala, Robert Alexander Donga
  • Patent number: 8815942
    Abstract: The invention relates to compounds, methods, uses, compositions, combinations, kits and packages for the prevention and/or treatment of parasite infection (e.g., Plasmodium parasites) and/or disease (e.g., malaria) based on uses of (a) cystamine, cysteamine, and analogs, derivatives, prodrugs, precursors thereof; an agent capable of inducing their production; and/or salts thereof, and (b) artemisinin and functional derivative, analog, conjugate, metabolite, prodrug or precursor thereof, and/or salts thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
    Inventors: Philippe Gros, Gundula Min-Oo, Anny Fortin
  • Patent number: 8816082
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds, compositions containing same and methods for inhibiting human farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase or for the treatment or prevention of disease conditions using said compounds;
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
    Inventors: Youla S. Tsantrizos, Joris Wim De Schutter, Yih-Shyan Lin
  • Publication number: 20140230547
    Abstract: Micromachined gyroscopes, such as those based upon microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have the potential to dominate the rate-sensor market mainly due to their small size, low power and low cost. As MEMS gyroscopes are resonant devices requiring active excitation it would be beneficial to improve the resonator Q-factor reducing the electrical drive power requirements for the excitation circuitry. Further, many prior art MEMS gyroscope designs have multiple resonances arising from design and manufacturing considerations which require additional frequency tuning and control circuitry together with the excitation/sense circuitry. It would therefore be beneficial to enhance the bandwidth of the resonators to remove the requirement for such circuitry. Further, to address the relatively large dimensions of MEMS gyroscopes it would be beneficial for the MEMS gyroscopes to be fabricated directly above the CMOS electronics thereby reducing the die dimensions and lowering per die cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning / McGill University
    Inventors: Mourad El-Gamal, Mohannad Elsayed, Paul-Vahe Cicek, Frederic Nabki
  • Patent number: 8809382
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel pharmaceutically-useful compounds which are antagonists of the 5-oxo-ETE receptors, such as the OXE receptor. These compounds have use as therapeutic and/or prophylactic agents for diseases characterized by tissue eosinophilia, such as inflammatory conditions including respiratory diseases. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions, to the use of such compounds and compositions as medicaments, and to therapeutic methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University, Florida Institute of Technology
    Inventors: William S. Powell, Joshua Rokach
  • Publication number: 20140213802
    Abstract: A method of reducing tumor cell growth, the method including administering an effective amount of a compound having the formula:
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicants: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, McGill University, University of South Florida, Wayne State University
    Inventors: Tak-Hang CHAN, Wai-Har LAM, Larry Ming-Cheung CHOW, Qing Ping DOU, Deborah Joyce KUHN, Aslamuzzaman KAZI, Sheng Biao WAN, Kristin R. LANDIS-PIWOWAR
  • Patent number: 8791163
    Abstract: Novel melatonin ligands of Formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein: n is 1 or 2; m is 0, 1 or 2; p is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8; v is 2 or 3; A is aryl or heteroaryl; Z is O, S or NR8; Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, aryl, heteroaryl, C1-C6 alkyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, and R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, —OCF3, CF3, C1-C8 alkyl, C1-C8 alkyloxy, C1-C8 alkylthio, halogen and —Z—(CH2)p-A; R1 is selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 alkyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, CF3, hydroxy-substituted C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxy-substituted C3-C8 cycloalkyl, and NHR5, wherein R5 is C1-C3 alkyl or C3-C6 cycloalkyl; R2 is selected from the group consisting of: hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkyloxy, OCF3, CF3, hydroxyl, and halogen; R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 alkyloxy, OCF3, CF3, hydroxyl, and halogen; R and R3 may be connected together to form an —O—(CH2)v bridge representing with the carbon atoms to which th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: McGill University, Universita Degli Studi di Parma, Universita Degli Studi di Milano, Universita Degli Studi di Urbino
    Inventors: Gabriella Gobbi, Marco Mor, Silvia Rivara, Franco Fraschini, Giorgio Tarzia, Annalida Bedini, Gilberto Spadoni, Valeria Lucini
  • Patent number: 8722332
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the responsiveness of a Dirofilaria spp. nematode to a macrocyclic lactone, by determining the genotype of the nematode at a position in a P-glycoprotein gene of the nematode corresponding to position 11, and optionally to position 618, in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the genotype GG at a position corresponding to position 11, or at positions corresponding to positions 11 and 618, in SEQ ID NO: 1 indicates that the nematode is likely resistant to the macrocyclic lactone. The invention also relates to methods for selecting a treatment to treat an animal infected with macrocyclic lactone resistant Dirofilaria spp nematode, and treating the animal; or for selecting a prophylactic to prevent an animal from becoming infected with a macrocyclic lactone resistant Dirofilaria spp nematode, and providing the prophylactic to the animal. The invention further relates to an isolated nucleic acid having at least 80% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University, Novartis AG
    Inventors: Roger Prichard, Catherine Bourguinat, Timothy Geary, Rudolf Schenker
  • Patent number: 8710248
    Abstract: A method of reducing tumor cell growth, the method including administering an effective amount of a compound having the formula:
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignees: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Wayne State University, University of South Florida, McGill University
    Inventors: Tak-Hang Chan, Wai-Har Lam, Larry Ming-Cheung Chow, Qing Ping Dou, Deborah Joyce Kuhn, Aslamuzzaman Kazi, Sheng Biao Wan, Kristin R. Landis-Piwowar
  • Patent number: 8710097
    Abstract: Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major problem in cancer chemotherapy. The best characterized resistance mechanism is the one mediated by the over-expression of drug efflux transporters, permeability-glycoprotein (P-gp), which pump a variety of anticancer drugs out of the cells, resulting in lowered intracellular drug accumulation. A series of flavonoid dimers are developed in this invention, which are linked together by linker groups of various lengths. These flavonoid dimers are found to be efficient P-gp modulators that increase cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs in vitro and dramatically enhance their intracellular drug accumulation. It is found that the flavonoid dimers of this invention is also useful in reducing drug resistance in treating parasitic diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignees: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, McGill University
    Inventors: Tak-Hang Chan, Larry Ming-Cheung Chow
  • Publication number: 20140113973
    Abstract: Compounds, methods, uses, compositions, kits and packages for the prevention and/or treatment of neural injury or a neurodegenerative disease, based on the use of a retinoic acid derivative, such as fenretinide, and/or analogs, derivatives, prodrugs, precursors thereof, and/or salts thereof, are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
    Inventors: Danuta Radzioch, Samuel David, Ruben Lopez-Vales, Thomas Skinner
  • Patent number: 8697545
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing microelectromechanical structures (MEMS) is disclosed. A low temperature MEMS device is designed. The low temperature MEM device is based upon a semiconductor manufacturing process comprising at least one semiconductor process for providing at least a heater therein. Each semiconductor process used in implementing the design is limited to a maximum temperature of the in-process low temperature MEMs device or a substrate onto which the low temperature MEMS device is being manufactured to below 300° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
    Inventors: Frederic Nabki, Mourad El-Gamal, Tomas A. Dusatko
  • Publication number: 20140092469
    Abstract: Optical microscopy of biological specimens, particularly live cells, is difficult as they generally lack sufficient contrast to be studied successfully as typically the internal structures of the cell are colourless and transparent. Commonly, contrast is increased by staining the different structures with selective dyes, but this involves killing and fixing the sample. Staining may also introduce artifacts, apparent structural details caused by the processing of the specimen and are thus not a legitimate feature of the specimen. Further, microscopy of different elements of these biological specimens typically requires multiple microscopy techniques on multiple specimens. According to embodiments of the invention simultaneous imaging techniques are applied to a biological specimen such as fluorescent imaging and dark field imaging by designing an experimental evaluation system and associated illumination system addressing the conflicting demands of these approaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning / McGill University
    Inventors: Dilson Rassier, Albert Kalganov, Aleksander Labuda
  • Patent number: 8680153
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the treatment of a disease or condition associated with lipid imbalance, comprising (a) decreasing arachidonic acid (AA) levels, (b) increasing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels, (c) increasing DHA/AA ratio or (d) any combination of (a)-(c) in a subject using fenretinide. The invention also relates to diagnostic and screening methods based on the determination of lipid levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
    Inventors: Danuta Radzioch, Claudine Guilbault, Juan Bautista De Sanctis
  • Publication number: 20140080225
    Abstract: Fluorescence based sensing systems and methods that exploit xerogels are provided. Embodiments of the invention encompass a sensing system that includes: an optical excitation source emitting over a first predetermined wavelength range and capable of analog modulation over a predetermined frequency range; a sensor including a gel substrate incorporating within its matrix a receptor for molecular recognition of an analyte and a luminophore for signaling a recognition event relating to the analyte, the luminophore emitting an optical signal over a second predetermined wavelength range; a detection circuit including an optical detector for receiving the optical signal emitted by the luminophore and generating a photocurrent in dependence thereof; an excitation circuit that generates an analog signal for modulating the optical excitation source in dependence upon a digital control; and a read circuit for receiving the photocurrent and generating a digital output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning / McGill University
    Inventors: Vamsy Chodavarapu, Daisy Daivasagay
  • Patent number: D704046
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: The Royal Institution for the Advancement of Learning/McGill University
    Inventors: Colin Rogers, Thomas Morrison