Abstract: An assay system for measuring transfer of lipid from a donor model biomembrane to an acceptor model biomembrane generally includes a donor model biomembrane that has a lipid with a detectable label, a lipid transfer protein that specifically binds the detectable lipid, and an acceptor model biomembrane. At least one of the donor model biomembrane and the acceptor model biomembrane is a bicelle-dilution model membrane.
Abstract: This disclosure describes a compound that binds to fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP), compositions including the compound, and methods of using the compound, and compositions. In some embodiments, the compound is a monoclonal antibody that binds FAP. The compound may be used, for example, as a research tool, in clinical imaging, as a diagnostic agent, or as a therapeutic agent.
Abstract: A magnetic device includes a layer stack comprising a first ferromagnetic layer; a spacer layer on the first ferromagnetic layer; a second ferromagnetic layer on the spacer layer; a dielectric barrier layer on the second ferromagnetic layer; an insertion layer positioned between the second ferromagnetic layer and the dielectric barrier layer; and a fixed layer or an electrode on the dielectric barrier layer. In some examples, a magnetic orientation of the second ferromagnetic layer is switched by a bias voltage across the layer stack without application of an external magnetic field; an antiferromagnetic coupling of the first and second ferromagnetic layers is increased by the bias voltage applying a negative charge to the fixed layer or the electrode, and the antiferromagnetic coupling of the first and second ferromagnetic layers is decreased by the bias voltage applying a positive charge to the fixed layer or the electrode.
Abstract: A fluid power circuit with a switch-mode power transformer used to transfer power while keeping the pressure of power source and reverse osmosis processes relatively decoupled. The switch-mode power transformer uses the inertia of a hydraulic motor driven electric generator and switching of a hydraulic motor inlet between high and low-pressure ends to decrease the pressure at which power is being transmitted to a reverse osmosis process.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 30, 2020
Date of Patent:
August 22, 2023
Assignee:
Regents of the University of Minnesota
Inventors:
Jeremy W. Simmons, II, James D. Van de Ven
Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for identifying compounds that cause structural changes in tau protein monomer and oligomer conformation. The methods include the use of cells that include tau proteins labeled with one or more chromophores, and exposing the cells to a test compound. The method further includes detecting a change in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the chromophores.
Abstract: A method is provided to enhance repair or regeneration of a mammalian cardiovascular system to include heart and/or vasculature comprising: administering to a mammal in need thereof a composition comprising an effective amount of an agent that elevates levels of Smo, Ptc1, Shh, Ihh, Dhh, Gli1, Gli2, or Mycn.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 23, 2019
Date of Patent:
August 15, 2023
Assignee:
Regents of the University of Minnesota
Inventors:
Daniel J. Garry, Mary G. Garry, Bhairab Singh
Abstract: Vision-aided inertial navigation techniques are described. In one example, a vision-aided inertial navigation system (VINS) comprises an image source to produce image data at a first set of time instances along a trajectory within a three-dimensional (3D) environment, wherein the image data captures features within the 3D environment at each of the first time instances. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) to produce IMU data for the VINS along the trajectory at a second set of time instances that is misaligned with the first set of time instances, wherein the IMU data indicates a motion of the VINS along the trajectory. A processing unit comprising an estimator that processes the IMU data and the image data to compute state estimates for 3D poses of the IMU at each of the first set of time instances and 3D poses of the image source at each of the second set of time instances along the trajectory.
Abstract: This disclosure describes, in one aspect, a cell that includes a biocontainment system. Generally, the biocontainment system includes a coding region whose overexpression decreases growth of the cell, a transcription regulatory region that includes a silent mutation and is operably linked upstream of the coding region, and a polynucleotide that encodes a programmable transcription activator engineered to bind to the transcription regulatory region in the absence of the silent mutation. Thus, in the absence of the silent mutation, the programmable transcription activator induces overexpression of the coding region; in the presence of the silent mutation, the programmable transcription activator does not initiate overexpression of the coding region.
Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to systems and devices for measuring analyte presence on graphene varactors, which can be used for analyte sensing in physiological gas samples. In an embodiment, a system for measuring analyte presence on a graphene varactor is included having a capacitance to digital converter (CDC) and a graphene varactor. The CDC can be in electrical communication with the graphene varactor and can be configured to measure the capacitance of the graphene varactor in response to an excitation signal over a plurality of DC bias voltages. Other embodiments are also included herein.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 23, 2020
Date of Patent:
August 1, 2023
Assignee:
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Inventors:
David W. Kelly, Gregory J. Sherwood, Justin Theodore Nelson
Abstract: A lactation system is disclosed. Embodiments include at least one extraction mechanism including a compression mechanism and a collection mechanism, and a controller. The compression mechanism can include a plurality of manipulable members, each operably coupled to an actuator and arrangeable circumferentially about a breast of a user such that each member can be actuated to selectively apply pressure to a region of the breast. The collection mechanism can be removably coupleable to the compression mechanism and can comprise a storage compartment to receive and store milk The controller can be operably coupleable to the actuators to cause the members to move according to a movement pattern which can be configured to stimulate the breast to induce the flow of milk from the breast and modulated based on sensor feedback. A wearable garment with an inner structure can be removably coupled to the extraction mechanism. An outer cover can be arrangeable to conceal the extraction mechanism.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 20, 2020
Date of Patent:
August 1, 2023
Assignee:
Regents of the University of Minnesota
Inventors:
Courtney Hill, Christie Traczyk, Hannah Bearinger, Jarrod Neuharth
Abstract: Images are reconstructed from undersampled k-space data using a residual machine learning algorithm (e.g., a ResNet architecture) to estimate missing k-space lines from acquired k-space data with improved noise resilience. Using a residual machine learning algorithm provides for combining the advantages of both linear and nonlinear k-space reconstructions. The linear residual connection can implement a convolution that estimates most of the energy in k-space, and the multi-layer machine learning algorithm can be implemented with nonlinear activation functions to estimate imperfections, such as noise amplification due to coil geometry, that arise from the linear component.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 27, 2020
Date of Patent:
August 1, 2023
Assignee:
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Inventors:
Mehmet Akcakaya, Steen Moeller, Chi Zhang
Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods for domesticating oilseed (e.g., pennycress) plants. For example, oilseed plants having reduced seedpod shatter, as well as materials and methods for making and using oilseed plants having reduced seedpod shatter are provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 17, 2018
Date of Patent:
July 25, 2023
Assignees:
Regents of the University of Minnesota, The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University
Inventors:
Michael David Marks, John C. Sedbrook, Ratan Chopra, Maliheh Esfahanian
Abstract: A method to increase the efficiency of myotube generation and maturation from pluripotent stem cells comprising: (a) differentiating pluripotent stem cells to myogenic progenitors; and (b) terminally differentiating said myogenic progenitors from (a) into myotubes in the presence of at least one gamma secretase inhibitor, wherein myotube generation is increased in the presence of at least one gamma secretase inhibitor, as compared to differentiation in the absence of gamma secretase inhibitors.
Abstract: Methods for reconstructing images from undersampled k-space data using a machine learning approach to learn non-linear mapping functions from acquired k-space lines to generate unacquired target points across multiple coils are described.
Abstract: Bioactive coatings that include a base and a protein associated with the base for actively promoting the removal of organic stains are provided. In aspects, bioactive coatings that are stabilized against inactivation by weathering are provided including a base associated with a chemically modified enzyme, and, optionally a first polyoxyethylene present in the base and independent of the enzyme. The coatings are optionally overlayered onto a substrate to form an active coating facilitating the removal of organic stains or organic material from food, insects, or the environment.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 12, 2020
Date of Patent:
July 4, 2023
Assignees:
Toyota Motor Corporation, Regents of the University of Minnesota
Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a flow splitter for separating mobile phase outflow from a first dimension liquid analysis system into first and second liquid split outlet flows. Volumetric flow rate control of the split outlet flows is provided by a flow control pump which withdraws one of the split outlet flows from the flow splitter at a controlled withdrawal flow rate to define the other split outlet flow rate as the difference between the outflow rate from the first dimension system and the withdrawal flow rate. In this manner, accurate and consistent flow division can be accomplished, which is particularly useful for multi-dimensional liquid analysis.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 19, 2019
Date of Patent:
July 4, 2023
Assignee:
Regents of the University of Minnesota
Inventors:
Carl W. Sims, Peter W. Carr, Marcelo Filgueira, Klaus Witt
Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a photodetector that includes a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor annulus on a planar face of the semiconductor substrate, and a metal layer on the semiconductor substrate, wherein the metal layer comprises a first region surrounding the semiconductor annulus and comprises a second region filling an interior region to the semiconductor annulus, and the metal layer in the first region forms a Schottky junction with the semiconductor ring.
Abstract: Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) seed, seed lots, seed meal, and compositions with reduced glucosinolate content as well as plants that yield such seed, seed lots, seed meal, and compositions are provided. Methods of making and using the pennycress plants and/or seed that provide such seed, seed lots, seed meal, and compositions are also provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 2, 2021
Date of Patent:
June 27, 2023
Assignees:
COVERCRESS INC., BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY, REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Inventors:
Tim Ulmasov, John C. Sedbrook, Michael David Marks, Ratan Chopra