Patents Assigned to The University of Massachusettes
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Publication number: 20180360390Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing or monitoring progress of a pathology using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and machine learning are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Applicant: The University of MassachusettsInventors: Rosalba Gaudiuso, Ebo Ewusi-Annan, Noureddine Melikechi, Benyuan Liu
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Publication number: 20180206727Abstract: Currently most cancers, including breast cancers, are removed without any intraoperative margin control. Post-operative methods inspect 1-2% of the surgical margin and are prone to sampling errors. The present invention relates to an optical imaging system that will enable evaluation of the surgical margin in vivo and in real-time. The invention provides for simultaneous fluorescence and fluorescence polarization imaging. The contrast of the acquired images will be enhanced using fluorescent agents approved for diagnostic use in patients. As the staining pattern of fluorescence images is similar to that of histology, and the values of fluorescence polarization are significantly higher in cancerous as compared to normal cells, the invention provides for further improvements in diagnostic methods. The systems and methods can be applied to the intra-operative delineation of cancerous tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Applicant: The University of MassachusettsInventors: Anna N. Yaroslavsky, Rakesh Patel, Dennis Wirth
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Patent number: 9950075Abstract: The invention in some aspects provides compounds useful for targeting bacterial infections. In some embodiments, the compounds comprise a transferrin receptor ligand covalently linked to a bactericidal agent. In some embodiments, the bactericidal agent is a bactericidal peptide, such as a glycoside hydrolase (e.g., lysozyme).Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: The University of MassachusettsInventors: Son N. Nguyen, Cedric E. Bobst, Igor A. Kaltashov
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Patent number: 9329126Abstract: A detector suitable for mass spectroscopy uses a thin membrane that converts the kinetic energy of impinging molecules into corresponding photons, the latter detected with a suitable photosensor. The arrival of molecules at the membrane is detected by detection of the corresponding photons.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignees: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, University of Hamburg, The University of MassachusettsInventors: Robert H. Blick, Jonathan Rodriguez, Hyunseok Kim, Zlatan Aksamija, Wolfgang Hansen, Christian Heyn
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Publication number: 20150297363Abstract: A prosthetic limb includes a plurality of extendable segments configured to adjust the length of the prosthetic limb. Also included is a first end assembly operatively coupled to the plurality of extendable segments, wherein the first end assembly is radially adjustable to manipulate the thickness of the prosthetic limb. Further included is a second end assembly operatively coupled to the plurality of extendable segments, wherein the second end assembly is radially adjustable to manipulate the thickness of the prosthetic limb.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2014Publication date: October 22, 2015Applicant: The University of MassachusettsInventors: Jonathan Michael Perez de Alderete, Erin Elizabeth Keaney, Brendan Charles Donoghue
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Patent number: 9150674Abstract: A novel amphiphilic graft copolymer is described. A process to make amphiphilic graft copolymers via grafting either poly(ethylene oxide) or polylactide side chains onto an EVA platform using oxo-anion ring-opening polymerization chemistry is also described. Polyethylene or polypropylene based graft copolymers are prepared starting from poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) or maleic anhydride grafted isotactic polypropylene respectively. The amphiphilic character will result from the incorporation of hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) side-chains. Various applications of the novel amphiphilic graft copolymer are also described including, but not limited to, thermoplastic elastomer, films, fibers, fabrics, gels, breathable packaging materials, additive for biodegradable system, surfactant, antistatic additives, polymer compatibilizers, phase transfer catalysts, solid polymer electrolytes, biocompatible polymers, or incorporation into the materials listed above.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignees: Becton, Dickinson and Company, The University of MassachusettsInventors: Theresa Hermel-Davidock, Edward Bryan Coughlin
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Patent number: 9102939Abstract: A process is provided of introducing an RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell. The process may be practiced ex vivo or in vivo. The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure. Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical. The present invention is distinguished from prior art interference in gene expression by antisense or triple-strand methods.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignees: The Carnegie Institution of Washington, The University of MassachusettsInventors: Andrew Fire, Stephen Kostas, Mary Montgomery, Lisa Timmons, SiQun Xu, Hiroaki Tabara, Samuel E. Driver, Craig C. Mello
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Publication number: 20150178048Abstract: A mechanism is provided for a circuit for generation of a random output. A bistable circuit has two stable states as an output and a clock signal as an input. The bistable circuit includes a first logic circuit and a second logic circuit cross-coupled connected together, which transition into a metastable state before resolving to the two stable states. The second logic circuit resolves to a stable state at a resolution time. A digitization circuit is configured to generate random bits corresponding to a variance of the resolution time of the second logic circuit resolving from the metastable state to the stable state for cycles of the clock signal. The resolution time randomly varies according to noise. An actual value of the stable state is eliminated as factor in generating the random bits.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: June 25, 2015Applicant: The University of MassachusettsInventors: Wayne P. Burleson, Vikram Belur Suresh
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Patent number: 8911760Abstract: The present invention pertains to copolymers having one or more polyisobutylene segments and one or more biodegradable polymer segments, to methods of making such copolymers, to medical articles that contain such copolymers, and to methods of making such medical articles. According to certain aspects of the invention, copolymers are provided, which comprise a plurality of polyisobutylene segments and a plurality of biodegradable polymer segments. According to certain aspects of the invention, copolymers are provided, which comprise urethane linkages, urea linkages, amide linkages, ester linkages, anhydride linkages, carbonate linkages, linkages commonly described as “click” chemistry linkages, and combinations of two or more types of such linkages.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignees: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., The University of Massachusetts LowellInventors: Mark Boden, Marlene C. Schwarz, Frederick H. Strickler, Rudolf Faust, Umaprasana Ojha, Tomoya Higashihara
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Patent number: 8906284Abstract: A wrinkled adhesive surface is prepared by swelling a laterally confined elastomer layer with a polymerizable monomer composition. Swelling the elastomer layer spontaneously produces a wrinkled surface, and the wrinkles are then stabilized by polymerizing the polymerizable monomer composition. The stabilized wrinkled surfaces prepare by the method can exhibit substantially enhanced adhesion relative to smooth surfaces of the same material. The stabilized wrinkled surfaces can also exhibit adhesion that is repeatable through many cycles of contact with and separation from another surface. The adhesive characteristics of the stabilized wrinkled surfaces can be tailored by manipulating the size of the wrinkles.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: The University of MassachusettsInventors: Alfred J. Crosby, Edwin P. Chan, Ryan C. Hayward
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Patent number: 8883919Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a low molecular weight compound that exists in the form of a second crystalline phase; wherein the second crystalline phase is dispersed within the first organic polymer phase. Disclosed herein too is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a second phase that comprises a crystalline organic polymer, wherein the crystalline organic polymer has a different molecular structure from the first organic polymer; wherein the second phase is not covalently bonded to the first organic polymer phase and wherein the second phase has an average particle size of about 1 to about 20 micrometers.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: The University of MassachusettsInventors: Alan J. Lesser, Thomas J. McCarthy, Joonsung Yoon, Onur S. Yordem
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Patent number: 8766179Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrospray ionization source that provides improved temperature control compared to prior sources. A combination of a continuous flow sample design and the use of a long heat shield combine to improve thermal control and reduce memory effects observed with prior designs. The temperature-controlled source is particularly useful for the study of biomolecules, particularly the study of protein aggregation.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: The University of MassachusettsInventors: Igor A. Kaltashov, Guanbo Wang, Rinat R. Abzalimov
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Publication number: 20140175579Abstract: A nanopatterned surface is prepared by forming a block copolymer film on a miscut crystalline substrate, annealing the block copolymer film, then reconstructing the surface of the annealed block copolymer film The method creates a well-ordered array of voids in the block copolymer film that is maintained over a large area. The nanopatterned block copolymer films can be used in a variety of different applications, including the fabrication of high density data storage media.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicants: The Regents of the University of California, The University of MassachusettsInventors: Thomas P. Russell, Soojin Park, Ting Xu
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Patent number: 8753818Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a method of identifying an individual that has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or is at risk of developing ALS comprising detecting one or more alterations in a profilin 1 (PFN1) sequence of an individual in need thereof compared to a wild type profilin sequence. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of identifying an individual that has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or is at risk of developing ALS comprising selectively sequencing a profilin 1 (PFN1) sequence of an individual in need thereof; and detecting one or more alterations in the PFN1 sequence of the individual. If the one or more alterations are detected then the individual has ALS.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: The University of MassachusettsInventors: John E. Landers, Robert H. Brown
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Patent number: 8652640Abstract: The present invention includes an article of manufacture or device, or related system, comprising a heterogeneous surface for selective analyte sensing or separation. Such an article can comprise a surface member and a plurality of spaced components extending therefrom and coupled thereto, such a surface member and spaced components providing a surface heterogeneity selected from different electrostatic interactions, different non-electrostatic interactions and a combination of such interactions, such that the interactions are at least partially sufficient for selective analyte interaction and/or separation. Each such component extension can be of a nanometer dimension about the Debye length of a medium comprising an analyte particle exposed to such a surface. An analyte particle, optionally of a mixture of particles, can be dimensioned from about 30 nm to 20 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: The University of MassachusettsInventors: Maria M. Santore, Jun Zhang, Vincent Rotello
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Patent number: 8581272Abstract: A nanopatterned surface is prepared by forming a block copolymer film on a miscut crystalline substrate, annealing the block copolymer film, then reconstructing the surface of the annealed block copolymer film. The method creates a well-ordered array of voids in the block copolymer film that is maintained over a large area. The nanopatterned block copolymer films can be used in a variety of different applications, including the fabrication of high density data storage media.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignees: The University of Massachusetts, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Thomas P. Russell, Soojin Park, Ting Xu
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Patent number: 8580754Abstract: A process is provided of introducing an RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell. The process may be practiced ex vivo or in vivo. The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure. Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical. The present invention is distinguished from prior art interference in gene expression by antisense or triple-strand methods.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignees: Carnegie Institution of Washington, The University of MassachusettsInventors: Andrew Z. Fire, Stephen A. Kostas, Mary K. Montgomery, Lisa Timmons, SiQun Xu, Hiroaki Tabara, Samuel E. Driver, Craig C. Mello
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Publication number: 20130253140Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a low molecular weight compound that exists in the form of a second crystalline phase; wherein the second crystalline phase is dispersed within the first organic polymer phase. Disclosed herein too is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a second phase that comprises a crystalline organic polymer, wherein the crystalline organic polymer has a different molecular structure from the first organic polymer; wherein the second phase is not covalently bonded to the first organic polymer phase and wherein the second phase has an average particle size of about 1 to about 20 micrometers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: The University of MassachusettsInventors: Alan J. Lesser, Thomas J. McCarthy, Joonsung Yoon, Onur S. Yordem
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Patent number: 8519074Abstract: Polymers including pendent hydrophobic groups and pendent proton transfer groups are shown to form nanostructured films exhibiting greatly increased proton conductivity compared with films prepared from corresponding polymers lacking hydrophobic groups. The polymers can include repeating units each of which has both a hydrophobic group and a proton transfer group. Alternatively, the polymers can be the product of copolymerizing a first monomer with at least one hydrophobic group and a second monomer with at least one proton transfer group. The polymers are useful for the preparation of fuel cell proton exchange membranes.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: The University of MassachusettesInventors: Sankaran Thayumanavan, Mark Tuominen, Ryan Hayward
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Patent number: 8518837Abstract: Nanopatterned surfaces are prepared by a method that includes forming a block copolymer film on a substrate, annealing and surface reconstructing the block copolymer film to create an array of cylindrical voids, depositing a metal on the surface-reconstructed block copolymer film, and heating the metal-coated block copolymer film to redistribute at least some of the metal into the cylindrical voids. When very thin metal layers and low heating temperatures are used, metal nanodots can be formed. When thicker metal layers and higher heating temperatures are used, the resulting metal structure includes nanoring-shaped voids. The nanopatterned surfaces can be transferred to the underlying substrates via etching, or used to prepare nanodot- or nanoring-decorated substrate surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: The University of MassachusettsInventors: Thomas P. Russell, Soojin Park, Jia-Yu Wang, Bokyung Kim