Patents Assigned to The University of Hong Kong
  • Patent number: 7645616
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying and treating obesity and obesity-induced metabolic disorders are provided. One aspect provides a method for the evaluation of risk and progression of glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes in mammalian subjects. The method includes measuring the concentration of circulating lipocalin-2 in a subject and comparing the measured level to lipocalin-2 to a reference level. Another aspect provides methods of treating insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and other related complications by administering to a patient a composition that can reduce the circulating levels of lipocalin-2, for example a lipocalin-2 antagonist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Aimin Xu, Yu Wang, Karen Siu Ling Lam
  • Patent number: 7632827
    Abstract: Gold(III) phosphine complexes [Aum(CNC)mL]n+ (where HCNCH=2,6-diphenylpyridine) and their use as anti-tumor agents are disclosed. Notable results for the appearance of new potential anti-tumor application of these gold(III) complexes are reported. The described complexes show promising cytotoxic properties toward cancer cells in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Chi Ming Che, Raymond Wai Yin Sun, Zhen Fan Yang, Carrie Ka Lei Li
  • Patent number: 7605135
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition useful for the treatment of diseases associated with viruses of the order Nidovirales of the family Coronaviradae, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) viruses in humans and other animals. In particular, this invention relates to a naturally occurring compound, namely, baicalin, extracted and purified from the Chinese medicinal plant Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Chinese name: Huang Qin), that exhibits potent antiviral activity against members of the order Nidovirales of the family Coronaviradae that infects humans and other animals; in particular, SARS viruses in humans (“hSARS virus”). The invention also relates to a therapeutic method, using pharmaceutical compositions comprising baicalin compounds, for the treatment, amelioration, management or prevention of diseases associated with members of the order Nidovirales of the family Coronaviradae, such as hSARS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Kwok Yung Yuen, Feng Chen, Kwok Hung Chan, Yi Tsun Kao, Yi Guan, Leo Lit Man Poon, JSM Peiris
  • Patent number: 7569308
    Abstract: An optical lithography method is disclosed that uses double exposure of a reusable template mask and a trim mask to fabricate regularly-placed rectangular contacts in standard cells of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). A first exposure of the reusable template mask with periodic patterns forms periodic dark lines on a wafer and a second exposure of an application-specific trim mask remove the unwanted part of the dark lines and the small cuts of the dark lines left form the rectangular regularly-placed contacts. All contacts are placed regularly in one direction while unrestrictedly in the perpendicular direction. The regular placement of patterns on the template mask enable more effective use of resolution enhancement technologies, which in turn allows a decrease in manufacturing cost and the minimum contact size and pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Jun Wang, Alfred K. Wong, Edmund Y. Lam
  • Publication number: 20090192990
    Abstract: A distributed absorbing surveillance apparatus comprising a plurality of surveillance branches at which data of a video image frame is characterised, indexed and stored locally in real-time upon capturing means browsing and searching can be conducted locally at a relatively low computational overhead upon receipt of searching instructions from a central query processor. Such a distributed surveillance apparatus also facilitates enhanced target searching speed and efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicants: The University of Hong Kong, Verint Systems (Asia Pacific) Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuk Lun Francis Chin, Kam Pui Chow, Hing Yip Chung, Ka Ying Lai, Fuk Sang Mak, Kwan Yee Wong, Shun Cho Yuk
  • Patent number: 7567040
    Abstract: An efficient power driver for color light emitting diodes (LED) is disclosed for driving multiple LEDs for producing different desired colors. Such LED combinations comprising LEDs with different primary colors are suitable for implementing pixels in displaying a digitized image. This disclosed invention provides switching power conversion embodiments such that a single apparatus drives different color LEDs. Furthermore, the disclosed invention provides configurations with and without input to output isolation while enabling control of the current through each LED, for instance by an inductor or operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Man Hay Pong, Franki Ngai Kit Poon, Joe Chui Pong Liu
  • Patent number: 7553944
    Abstract: The present invention provides the complete genomic sequence of a novel human coronavirus, coined as coronavirus-HKU1 (“CoV-HKU1”), isolated in Hong Kong from a patient who had a recent history of visit to Schenzhen, China. The virus belongs to the order Nidovirales of the family Coronaviridae, being a single-stranded RNA virus of positive polarity. The invention also provides the deduced amino acid sequences of the complete genome of the CoV-HKU1. The nucleotide sequences and deduced amino acid sequences of the CoV-HKU1 are useful in preventing, diagnosing and/or treating the infection by CoV-HKU1. Furthermore, the invention provides immunogenic and vaccine preparations using recombinant and chimeric forms as well as subunits of the CoV-HKU1 based on the nucleotide sequences and deduced amino acid sequences of the CoV-HKU1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Kwok Yung Yuen, Chiu Yat Patrick Woo, Kar Pui Susanna Lau, Kwok Hung Chan, Lit Man Poon, Joseph Sriyal Malik Peiris, Yi Guan
  • Patent number: 7547512
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-throughput diagnostic assay for the virus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans (“hSARS virus”). In particular, the invention relates to a high-throughput reverse transcription-PCR diagnostic test for SARS associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The present assay is a rapid, reliable assay which can be used for diagnosis and monitoring the spread of SARS and is based on the nucleotide sequences of the N (nucleocapsid)-gene of the hSARS virus. The present method eliminates false negative results and provides increased sensitivity for the assay. The invention also discloses the S (spike)-gene of the hSARS virus. The invention further relates to the deduced amino acid sequences of the N-gene and S-gene products of the hSARS virus and to the use of the N-gene and S-gene products in diagnostic methods. The invention further encompasses diagnostic assays and kits comprising antibodies generated against the N-gene or S-gene product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Joseph S. M. Peiris, Kwok Yung Yuen, Lit Man Poon, Yi Guan, Kwok Hung Chan, John M. Nicholls, Frederick C. Leung
  • Patent number: 7541379
    Abstract: The present invention relates to di(amido-substituted)-heteroarene compounds and their use as osteoblastogenesis agents. The invention provides a method for inducing osteogenesis in a precursor cell capable of undergoing osteogenesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Chi Ming Che, Annie Wai-Chee Kung
  • Patent number: 7517834
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of manufacturing an HTS tape coil for an MRI device with enhanced protection, the method comprising attaching high-Q capacitors at each end of an HTS wire, removing substantially all electrically conductive sheathing material on an inner side of the HTS wire, while retaining substantially all electrically conductive sheathing material on an outer side of the HTS wire. The invention also provides an HTS wire made in accordance with the foregoing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Yum Wing Wong, Edward S. Yang
  • Patent number: 7501510
    Abstract: The invention provides N,N?-disubstituted monothiourea or bis-thiourea-Pd(0) complexes that are useful as catalysts for palladium-catalyzed Heck reaction of aryl iodides and bromides with olefins, and as catalysts for palladium catalyzed Suzuki reactions of organoboric compounds and aryl halides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Dan Yang, Ying-Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 7482478
    Abstract: Diastereoselective epoxidation of allylically substituted alkenes using metalloporphyrins as catalyst provides high trans-selectivities (i.e., trans-:cis-epoxide ratio). A diversity of cycloalkenes bearing different allylic substituents are shown to be efficiently epoxidized to afford the corresponding trans-epoxides with excellent trans-selectivities (up to >98%) and good yields (up to 99%). Acyclic allylic alkenes bearing different allylic substituents are efficiently epoxidized to afford the corresponding erythro-epoxides with good erythro-selectivities. The metalloporphyrin-catalyzed reactions exhibit up to 20 times higher trans-selectivities than the conventional method using m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid as oxidant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Che, Man-Kin Wong
  • Patent number: 7468434
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for treating an eye disease in a patient comprising: providing a photosensitive prodrug that releases upon exposure to light an active ingredient to treat the eye disease; administering the prodrug in a pharmaceutically accepted vehicle to the subject, and exposing the eye of the subject to an external light source to cause the prodrug to release the active ingredient. This invention also provides a composition for the treatment of glaucoma, comprising a compound containing a lithium ion-chelated in a crown ether- or aza-crown ether-containing chromene or diazene derivative and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Paul Michel Georges Vanhoutte, Chi-Ming Che, Kwok-Fai So, Iona Hiu Tung Sham
  • Patent number: 7459487
    Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer composite membrane having a polymer membrane and a poly(furfuryl alcohol) filling internal pores of the polymer membrane. The polymer composite membrane can have a high proton conductivity and/or a reduced methanol permeability and can be used in fuel cells, electrochemical sensor, and the like. The present invention also provides a method of making a polymer composite membrane, by providing a perfluorosulfonic polymer member, subjecting the perfluorosulfonic polymer member to a furan-based monomer, and polymerizing the furan-based monomer to obtain a polymer composite membrane having a high proton conductivity and/or a reduced methanol permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Jin Liu, Huanting Wang, Shao-An Cheng, Kwong-Yu Chan
  • Patent number: 7441174
    Abstract: A method, an embedded state metric storage, is used for MAP (Maximum A Posterior)-based decoder of turbo codes to reduce the memory requirement of state metric storage. For MAP decoder, this method comprises selecting any state metric from the updated state metrics for each recursion direction, forward and reverse, and dividing the state metrics by the selected state metric; the selected state metric value becomes a constant, namely, one. The constant one state metric is embedded into the resulted state metrics. For log-MAP decoder, this method comprises selecting any state metric from the updated state metrics in each direction, forward and reverse, and subtracting the state metrics from the selected state metric; the selected state metric value becomes a constant, zero. The constant zero state metric is embedded into the resulted state metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Victor On-Kwok Li, Jianhao Hu, Alfred K. K. Wong
  • Patent number: 7429656
    Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic agents useful for the treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans. In particular, the present invention relates to RNA interference (RNAi) molecules useful for inhibiting the infection and replication of hSARS virus. Preferably, the RNAi molecules target the replicase region of the hSARS virus, or combinations of different sites of hSARS virus genes. The present invention further encompasses methods of using the RNAi molecules for preventing and/or treating SARS. Vaccines and kits comprising therapeutically effective amounts of the RNAi molecules are also encompassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Hsiang-Fu Kung, Ming-Liang He, Bo-Jiang Zheng, Yi Guan, Marie Chia-Mi Lin, Ying Peng
  • Patent number: 7419580
    Abstract: A catalyst comprising Pt—Co alloy, or Pt—Co—Sn alloy or Pt—ComOn mixed metal oxides is disclosed to be used as a catalyst for the direct electrochemical oxidation of glucose or other simple sugars and carbohydrates at room temperature. The catalyst can be supported on metal electrodes, graphite electrodes, porous carbon electrodes, or gas diffusion electrodes. An electrode containing this catalyst will be used as the key component in a direct glucose-air fuel cell operating in alkaline media with a good room temperature performance. This catalyst can also be applied as a key electrode material in a glucose sensor to detect glucose concentration in neutral or alkaline medium. The preparation method of the catalyst, optimum composition, and results of glucose sensor and glucose fuel cell applications are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Kwong-Yu Chan, Xin Zhang, Chung Man Lam, Alfred C. C. Tseung, Pei Kang Shen, Jin Kua You
  • Patent number: 7420166
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fully automated system capable of producing high quality real-time S-parameter images. It is a useful and versatile tool in Material Science and Solid State Technology for determining the location of subsurface defect types and concentrations in bulk-materials as well as thin-films. The system is also useful in locating top surface metallizations and structures in solid state devices. This imaging system operates by scanning the sample surface with either a small positron source (22Na) or a focused positron beam. The system also possesses another two major parts, namely electronic instrumentation and stand-alone imaging software. In the system, the processing time and use of system resources are constantly monitored and optimized for producing high resolution S-parameter image of the sample in real time with a general purpose personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Pranab Sabitru Naik, Christopher David Beling, Stevenson H. Y. Fung
  • Patent number: 7404455
    Abstract: An apparatus is used with an impact hammer penetration assemble such as standard penetration test (SPT) in geotechnical engineering. The impact hammer penetration assembly comprises a penetration sample, a series of rods coupled together and an impact hammer apparatus. The drop of the hammer from a constant height hits the coupled rods and sampler in series and forces the sampler deeper into the ground. The apparatus includes a tip depth transducer and sampler to output a first electrical signal that is a function of the sampler tip position. A shock force transducer communicates the axial shock force in the rod to output a second electrical signal that is a function of the rod shock force and hammer blows. A shock penetration transducer communicates the movement of the coupled rods and sampler to output a third electrical signal that is a function of the sampler penetration due to the hammer blows. A micro-process controller monitors and processes the first, second and third signals in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Zhong Qi Yue, Chack Fan Lee, Peter Kai Kwong Lee, Leslie George Tham
  • Patent number: 7393985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nanosized metal particles (e.g., ruthenium) grafted on inert solid support for oxidation of alkenes. The supported metal catalyst can effect cis-dihydroxylation and oxidative cleavage of alkenes to give the respective cis-diols and carbonyl products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Che, Wing-Yiu Yu, Chi-Ming Ho