Patents Assigned to State University
  • Publication number: 20150211030
    Abstract: Provided herein are genetically engineered microbes that include at least a portion of a carbon fixation pathway, and in one embodiment, use molecular hydrogen to drive carbon dioxide fixation. In one embodiment, the genetically engineered microbe is modified to convert acetyl CoA, molecular hydrogen, and carbon dioxide to 3-hydroxypropionate, 4-hydroxybutyrate, acetyl CoA, or the combination thereof at levels greater than a control microbe. Other products may also be produced. Also provided herein are cell free compositions that convert acetyl CoA, molecular hydrogen, and carbon dioxide to 3-hydroxypropionate, 4-hydroxybutyrate, acetyl CoA, or the combination thereof. Also provided herein are methods of using the genetically engineered microbes and the cell free compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Michael W.W. Adams, Robert M. Kelly, Aaron B. Hawkins, Angeli Lal Menon, Gina Pries Lipscomb, Gerrit Jan Schut
  • Patent number: 9090935
    Abstract: A method for the characterization of chromosomal inversions using anti-parallel probes is described. Reporter species are attached to oligonucleotide strands designed such that they may hybridize to portions of only one of a pair of single-stranded sister chromatids which may be prepared by the CO-FISH procedure. If an inversion has occurred, these marker probes will be detected on the second sister chromatid at the same location as the inversion on the first chromatid. Further, one or more reporter species are replaced with anti-parallel probes that hybridize at known locations along the second sister chromatid such that the position and size of the inversion may be identified/estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignees: KROMATID, INC., COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventor: F. Andrew Ray
  • Patent number: 9093717
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a method comprising combining a chelating agent, one or more non-aqueous organic solvents and one or more metallic compounds to produce an oxide ceramic solid in a non-aqueous solution based reaction, wherein the oxide ceramic solid contains metal-oxygen-metal bonds. The oxide ceramic solid can comprise, for example, a gel or a powder. Various devices, including electrolyte interfaces and energy storage devices, are also provided. In one embodiment, the oxide ceramic solid is a cubic garnet having a nominal formula of Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jeffrey Sakamoto, Ezhiyl Rangasamy, Hyunjoong Kim, Yunsung Kim, Ryan Patrick Maloney
  • Patent number: 9089833
    Abstract: In one aspect, a heterogeneous catalyst comprises calcium hydroxide and lanthanum hydroxide, wherein the catalyst has a specific surface area of more than about 10 m2/g. In another aspect, a heterogeneous catalyst comprises a calcium compound and a lanthanum compound, wherein the catalyst has a specific surface area of more than about 10 m2/g, and a total basicity of about 13.6 mmol/g. In further another aspect, a heterogeneous catalyst comprises calcium oxide and lanthanum oxide, wherein the catalyst has a specific surface area of more than about 10 m2/g. In still another aspect, a process for preparing a catalyst comprises introducing a base precipitant, a neutral precipitant, and an acid precipitant to a solution comprising a first metal ion and a second metal ion to form a precipitate. The process further comprises calcining the precipitate to provide the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: K.Y. Simon Ng, Shuli Yan, Steven O. Salley
  • Patent number: 9090646
    Abstract: The invention provides new biotinylated compounds and methods for their use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Roger A. Jones, Barbara L. Gaffney
  • Patent number: 9091251
    Abstract: An actuation apparatus includes at least one magnetic shape memory (MSM) element containing a material configured to expand and/or contract in response to exposure to a magnetic field. Among other things, the MSM element may be configured to pump fluid through a micropump by expanding and/or contracting in response to the magnetic field. The magnetic field may rotate about an axis of rotation and exhibit a distribution having a component substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Further, the magnetic field distribution may include at least two components substantially orthogonal to one another lying in one or more planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The at least one MSM element may contain nickel, manganese, and gallium. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be enhanced by contacting a PCR reagent and DNA material with the MSM element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Boise State University
    Inventors: Kari Ullakko, Peter Mullner, Greg Hampikian, Aaron Smith
  • Patent number: 9090907
    Abstract: A modification of the existing INSM1 promoter region has been discovered that incorporated DNA elements that silence expression of neuronal genes in non-neuronal cells and that has increased the effectiveness and safety of using the INSM1 promoter for tumor treatment. One modification was addition of one or two tandem copies of neuronal restrictive silencer elements (NRSEs) derived either from the mouse nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) or the rat superior cervical ganglion 10 (SCG10) promoters. These NRSEs were placed in the expression construct either directly upstream or downstream of the INSM1 promoter sequence. The most effective expression construct was the nAChR NRSE element positioned downstream of the INSM1 promoter. This expression construct increased the tissue specificity of the INSM1 promoter without a significant decrease in its activity. In addition, the modified INSM1 promoter was placed into a viral vector, adenovirus 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University And Agricultural and Mechanical College
    Inventors: Mary B. Breslin, Michael S. Lan
  • Patent number: 9090945
    Abstract: Methods for predicting a disease free time interval (DFI) for a cancer patient under consideration for initial or further chemotherapy treatment are disclosed. The methods include obtaining a biological sample from a patient and detecting a copy number of chromosome region A1 and/or C2. The mean copy number per cell is correlated with a DFI for the subject. The chemotherapy can include doxorubicin and/or L-asparaginase treatment. Also provided are kits for predicting DFI in a subject with cancer and computer readable storage media for performing the presently disclosed methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventor: Matthew Breen
  • Patent number: 9091006
    Abstract: The present invention describes a novel process for the conformal coating of polymer fibers of nonwoven substrates. This process is based on modification of polymer fiber surfaces by controlling the degree of etching and oxidation to improve adhesion of initiators to the surface and to facilitate subsequent conformal polymer grafting. The modified fiber surfaces render new functionalities to the surface, such as increased hydrophilicity, attached ligands or changed surface energy. The invention includes the modified polymer fibers produced by the process described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignees: Pathogen Removal and Diagnostic Technologies, Inc., North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Yong Zheng, Samana Roy Chowdhury, Patrick Vasconcelos Gurgel, Haiyan Liu, Ruben G. Carbonell
  • Patent number: 9090904
    Abstract: Nucleotide sequences are disclosed that may be used to impart herbicide resistance to green plants. The sources of novel herbicide resistance were originally isolated in mutant rice plants. The sequences impart pre-emergence resistance, post-emergence resistance, or both pre-emergence resistance and post-emergence resistance to multiple herbicides. To date, resistance has been demonstrated against at least the following herbicides: imazethapyr, imazapic, imazapyr, imazamox, sulfometuron methyl, imazaquin, chlorimuron ethyl, metsulfuron methyl, rimsulfuron, thifensulfuron methyl, pyrithiobac sodium, tribenuron methyl, and nicosulfuron. Green plants transformed with these sequences are resistant to these herbicides and to derivatives of these herbicides, and to at least some of the other herbicides that normally inhibit acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS), particularly imidazolinone and sulfonylurea herbicides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University And Agricultural and Mechanical College
    Inventor: Timothy P. Croughan
  • Patent number: 9089547
    Abstract: Equol (7-hydroxy-3(4?hydroxyphenyl)-chroman), the major metabolite of the phytoestrogen daidzein, specifically binds and blocks the hormonal action of 5?-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in vitro and in vivo. Equol can bind circulating free DHT and sequester it from the androgen receptor, thus altering growth and physiological hormone responses that are regulated by androgens. These data suggest a novel model to explain equol's biological properties. The significance of equol's ability to specifically bind and sequester DHT from the androgen receptor have important ramifications in health and disease and may indicate a broad and important usage for equol in the treatment and prevention of androgen-mediated pathologies. Thus, equol can specifically bind DHT and prevent DHT's biological actions in physiological and pathophysiological processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignees: Brigham Young University, Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Edwin Douglas Lephard, Trent D. Lund, Robert J. Handa
  • Patent number: 9091705
    Abstract: A high-speed atomic force microscope (HSAFM) is disclosed herein. The HSAFM includes a cantilever, a piezotube, an optical detector, a circuit element, and a feedback controller. The cantilever has a probe, and the piezotube is arranged in proximity to the probe. The optical detector is configured to detect deflection of the cantilever, and the circuit element is abutting a first end of the cantilever and is configured to exert a force on the cantilever to resist deflection of the cantilever. The circuit element is communicably connected to the optical detector by a first feedback loop. The feedback controller is communicably connected to the piezotube and configured to modulate the piezotube along the Z-axis towards and away from the probe. And the feedback controller is communicably connected to the optical detector through a second feedback loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Boise State University
    Inventor: Byung I. Kim
  • Patent number: 9090556
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for forming an acyloxy carboxylic acid or a derivative of the acid. A hydroxy acid compound is reacted with a carboxylic acid in a reaction vessel and in the presence of a catalyst, such as in a reactive distillation column containing the catalyst. The reaction product formed in the reaction vessel includes an acyloxy carboxylic acid compound, which can be removed continuously from the vessel in a product stream. Another product stream containing unreacted (excess) carboxylic acid and/or reaction byproducts such as water can be separately removed continuously from the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Dennis Miller, Carl T. Lira, Lars Peereboom, Aspi K. Kolah
  • Patent number: 9093214
    Abstract: Embodiments of magnetorheological systems, devices, and associated methods of control are described below are described herein. In one embodiment, a magnetorheological device includes an magnetorheological fluid, a shaft proximate and mechanically coupled to the magnetorheological fluid, and a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic flux through the magnetorheological fluid along a magnetic flux path. The magnetorheological device also includes a sensor positioned in the magnetic flux path and configured to measure a current value of magnetic inductance of the magnetic flux flowing through the magnetorheological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Washington State University
    Inventors: Hakan Gurocak, Doruk Senkal, Berk Gonenc
  • Patent number: 9090941
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of evaluating the cancer state of a subject using lecithin:retinol acyl transferase (LRAT) gene promoter methylation status. Methods of analyzing and quantifying LRAT gene promoter methylation level are also disclosed. The present invention also relates to methods of determining the prognosis for s subject having cancer by assessing LRAT mRNA expression and LRAT protein expression. Methods of cancer detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignees: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc., Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Francis Barany, Yu-Wei Cheng, Philip Paty, Daniel Notterman
  • Publication number: 20150207140
    Abstract: The present invention relates to primary and secondary electrochemical energy storage systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to such systems as battery cells, especially battery cells utilizing metal fluorides with the presence of phosphates or fluorophosphates, which use materials that take up and release ions as a means of storing and supplying electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
    Inventors: Glenn Amatucci, Fadwa Badway
  • Publication number: 20150201865
    Abstract: A low back pressure mouthpiece for accurate detection of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) includes a conduit for receiving the exhaled breath from the subject. An oxidizing filter for sample conditioning, wherein the conduit and oxidizing filter operate to produce a back pressure of less than 4 cm H2O; and a device for measuring the level of one or more components of the received exhaled breath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Erica Forzani, Nongjian Tao, Xiaojun Xian, Francis Tsow
  • Publication number: 20150202651
    Abstract: Methods for forming useful films using recombinant spider silk protein are discussed. In one embodiment, the method involves dissolving silk protein in a sufficient quantity to form a film suspended in a solvent. The solution is then mixed with a compound selected from water, acids, imidazole crosslinking agents, antibiotics, nanoparticles, surfactants and combinations thereof. Solubilisation of the protein in the solution is effected by microwave exposure. Once solubilized the microwave treated solution is poured onto a suitable substrate and dried in order to result in the final film, the protein may be plant, mammal or bacterially derived.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Randolph V. Lewis, Justin A. Jones, Chauncey L. Tucker
  • Publication number: 20150204787
    Abstract: Chlorophyll fluorescence may be studied in response to a variety of environmental cues or conditions by growing phototrophic organisms under actinic illumination. Such illumination may be punctuated or disrupted to gain information about the photosynthetic properties or performance of the phototrophic organism. Instruments or devices for carrying out the method are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: David Kramer, Jeffrey Cruz, Christopher Hall, William Kent Kovac, Robert Zegarac
  • Patent number: 9084423
    Abstract: Disclosure is provided for imidazole derivative compounds that prevent, remove and/or inhibit the formation of biofilms, compositions comprising these compounds, devices comprising these compounds, and methods of using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Christian Melander, John Cavanagh, Robert W. Huigens, III, T. Eric Ballard, Justin J. Richards