Patents Assigned to The University of Queensland
  • Patent number: 7947291
    Abstract: Novel proteins that constitute modified forms of a Neisseria meningitidis surface antigen and encoding nucleic acids are provided. The modified surface proteins are characterized by having deletions of non-conserved amino acids, and thereby being capable of eliciting cross-protective immune responses against Neisseria meningitidis. The invention extends to the use of the modified surface antigens in diagnostics, in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and in the design and/or screening of medicaments. The modified surface antigens are particularly useful in vaccines which effectively immunize against a broader spectrum of N. meningitidis strains than would be expected from a corresponding wild-type surface antigen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Ian Richard Anselm Peak, Michael Paul Jennings
  • Patent number: 7939082
    Abstract: A method of providing papilloma virus like particles which may be used for diagnostic purposes or for incorporation in a vaccine for use in relation to infections caused by papilloma virus. The method includes an initial step of constructing one or more recombinant DNA molecules which each encode papilloma virus L1 protein or a combination of papilloma virus L1 protein and papilloma virus L2 protein followed by a further step of transfecting a suitable host cell with one or more of the recombinant DNA molecules so that virus like particles (VLPs) are produced within the cell after expression of the L1 or combination of L1 and L2 proteins. The VLPs are also claimed per se as well as vaccines incorporating the VLPs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignees: The University of Queensland, CSL Limited
    Inventors: Ian Frazer, Jian Zhou
  • Patent number: 7936168
    Abstract: A portable device is used to measure exposure to magnetic fields and/or exposure to changes of magnetic field. The device (10) includes a first sensor (14) for measuring instantaneous magnetic field strength, and a second sensor (15) which is located adjacent to, and orientated in the same direction as, the first sensor for providing an output indicative of the time rate of change of the magnetic field. An integrator (22) integrates the rate of change output from the second sensor (15) over time to derive relative changes in the magnetic field. A processor (20) is connected to the outputs of at least the first sensor and the integrator. The processor selectively provides an indication of field strength from the output of the first sensor if the output is within the normal operating range of the first sensor, or otherwise from the integrator. A memory (24) is connected to the output of the second sensor (15) to store cumulative exposure to changes in the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Stuart Crozier, Stephen James Wilson, Ian Gregg
  • Patent number: 7919471
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for modulating cell survival. Modulation of cell survival includes inducing, enhancing or otherwise promoting cell survival such as the survival of neural cells as well as facilitating cell death such as the death of targeted cancer cells. The modulation of cell survival is mediated by a region identified on the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) required for death signalling. The present invention further provides genetic molecules which encode the death signalling region of p75NTR which are useful in antagonising death signal function as well as promoting cell death when expressed in targeted cells. The present invention also contemplates recombinant peptides, polypeptides and proteins s well as chemical equivalents, derivatives and homologues thereof which comprise the death signalling portion of p75NTR. Particularly useful molecules of the present invention comprise peptides corresponding to soluble forms of the death signalling portion of p75NTR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Perry Francis Bartlett, Elizabeth Jane Coulson, Katrina Fieldew, Manuel Baca, Trevor Kilpatrick, Cheema Surindar
  • Publication number: 20110060072
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer composites prepared from a host polymer and particles. Specifically, this invention is concerned with the organic modification of the particles. More specifically, the particles are organically modified with at least two organic modifiers that are different and have specific chemical and physical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Darren Martin, Grant Edwards
  • Patent number: 7901905
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for modulating the production of a protein from a polynucleotide in a CHO cell by replacing at least one codon of the polynucleotide with a synonymous codon that has a higher or lower translation efficiency in the CHO cell than the codon it replaces, or by introducing into the CHO cell a polynucleotide that codes for an iso-tRNA which limits the rate of production of the polypeptide and which corresponds to a codon of the first polynucleotide. The present invention also discloses the use of a protein-encoding polynucleotide whose codon composition has been modified for enhanced production of the protein in CHO cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventor: Ian Hector Frazer
  • Publication number: 20100330116
    Abstract: The present invention relates to live attenuated Salmonella cultures for use as vaccines. The Salmonella cultures of the present invention have a substantially reduced capacity to grow and replicate in the presence of bile. The reduced capacity for growth is due to a metabolic-drift mutation induced by exposure to a combination of nalidixic acid and rifampicin for a time and under conditions sufficient to induce the mutation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: The University of Queensland
    Inventor: Tetsuo Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7853412
    Abstract: A method of estimating contact forces between the wheels of a railway wagon and a rail track, for use in determining information such as the likelihood of derailment. Accelerations of the body of the wagon are measured using motion sensors located at suitable points on the body. Forces on the side frames of the wagon are calculated based on the accelerations of the body and predetermined parameters of the body. Forces on the wheels of the wagon are calculated based on the accelerations of the body and predetermined parameters of the body. The contact forces between the wheels and the rails are then calculated based on the forces calculated for the side frames and the wheels. The calculations are carried out using an inverse model of the wagon system. Equipment which implements the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignees: QR Limited, Australian Rail Track Corporation Ltd, Pacific National (Victoria) Ltd, Asciano Services Pty Ltd, TMG Rail Technology Pty Ltd, Rail Corporation NSW, Central Queensland University, University of Wollongong, Monash University, University of South Australia, Queensland University of Technology, The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Fujie Xia, Peter Joseph Wolfs
  • Patent number: 7831527
    Abstract: A method for feature reduction in a training set for a learning machine such as a Support Vector Machine (SVM). In one embodiment the method includes a step (35) of receiving input training data vectors xi of a training set. The input training data vectors are typically derived from a set of features in a feature space. At step (37) the input data vectors are mapped into a multi-dimensional space. At step (39) a least squares problem, derived from a formulation of the SVM, is solved to determine which features comprising the training vectors are to be deemed significant. At step (41) decision parameters and vectors of the chosen decision machine, e.g. SVM, are determined using the features determined to be significant in step (39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventor: Kevin E. Gates
  • Publication number: 20100273983
    Abstract: A method is provided for purifying peptides by selective precipitation of contaminating proteins, such as host cell proteins and cleaved fusion partners. Also provided is a method of cleaving fusion proteins in cell lysates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Waltraud Kaar, Robert John Falconer, Anton Peter Jacob Middelberg, Belinda Maree Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20100182009
    Abstract: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) phased array head coil (10) comprises an array of coils (1, 2, 3, 4) a decoupling circuit (7) and a decoupling base (14). Counter wound inductors from adjoining coils (1, 2, 3, 4) in the decoupling circuit (7) are interlaced to achieve mutual decoupling between adjoining coils. Each separate coil (1, 2, 3, 4) includes a pair of spaced parallel main conductors (12) located on opposite sides of a cylindrical space (5) enclosed by the coils (1, 2, 3, 4). The decoupling base (14) comprises two meandering conductor bases (8, 9) which are interlaced. Orthogonal main conductors (12) of the coil (1, 2, 3, 4) share a common conductor base (8, 9). The multiple crossings of the paths of the conductor bases (8, 9) reduces mutual coupling effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Stuart Crozier, Bing Keong Li, Ewald Weber
  • Publication number: 20100170315
    Abstract: An assembly for press forming a deformable material including: a first die array including a plurality of dies, the first die array defining a first die profile; a second die array that is complementary with the first die array and including a plurality of dies, the second die array defining a second die profile that is complementary with the first die profile; and a drive for driving at least one of the first die array and the second die array; wherein in use the plurality of dies of the first die array and the plurality of dies of the second die array sequentially engage the deformable material along a processing length to deform the deformable material to a predetermined profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Paul Anthony Meehan, William J.T. Daniel, Shichan Ding
  • Patent number: 7745603
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a novel plant promoter. More particularly, the present invention provides a plant promoter capable of induction by physical and/or environmental stimuli in cells in which the promoter is indigenous and, in the absence of any negative regulatory mechanism, is capable of constitutive expression in cells in which the promoter is non-indigenous. The present invention is further directed to derivatives of the subject promoter including modular forms of the promoter which are, for example, inducible by different physical and environmental stimuli or which are constitutively expressed. The promoter of the present invention has a range of uses including directing expression of genes conferring useful traits on plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Jose Botella Mesa, Christopher Ian Cazzonelli
  • Patent number: 7718598
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for preparing cyclic peptides and peptidomimetic compounds in solution and bound to solid supports, and to cyclic peptide or peptidomimetic libraries for use in drug screening programmes. In particular, the invention relates to a generic strategy for synthesis of cyclic peptides or peptidomimetics that enables the efficient synthesis under mild conditions of a wide variety of desired compounds. Two approaches were evaluated for their improvements in solution and solid phase synthesis of small cyclic peptides: positioning reversible N-amide substituents in the sequence; and applying native ligation chemistry in an intramolecular sense. Systematic investigation of the effects of preorganizing peptides prior to cyclisation by using peptide cyclisation auxiliaries, and developing new linkers and peptide cyclisation auxiliaries to aid cyclic peptide synthesis gives surprising improvements in both yields and purity of products compared to the prior art methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Mark Leslie Smythe, Wim Denis Frans Meutermans
  • Publication number: 20100120670
    Abstract: This invention relates to an oral or enteral pharmaceutical preparation comprising at least one synthetically cyclised alpha-conotoxin peptide having an amide cyclised backbone such that the peptide has no free N- or C-terminus, said peptide having the ability to inhibit a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and comprising four cysteine residues bonded in pairs to form two disulfide bonds, wherein the N-terminus of the corresponding linear/non-cyclised conotoxin peptide is linked to the C-terminus by a peptide linker, in a vehicle which is pharmaceutically suitable for oral or enteral administration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Richard Clark, David James Craik
  • Patent number: 7704742
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the translational efficiency of an individual codon in a cell. The method includes introducing into the cell a synthetic construct including a reporter polynucleotide fused in frame with a tandem repeat of the individual codon, wherein the reporter polynucleotide encodes a reporter protein, and wherein the synthetic construct is operably linked to a regulatory polynucleotide; and measuring expression of the reporter protein in the cell to determine the translational efficiency of the codon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Ian Hector Frazer, Jian Zhou, Xiao Yi Sun, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7687457
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a molecular framework having a cyclic structure. More particularly, the present invention provides cyclic proteins and derivatives thereof in which particular turns and other elements of the molecular structure are held in defined orientations with respect to each other. The cyclic proteins of the present invention provide a molecular framework for the introduction of particular amino acids or heterologous amino acid sequences to facilitate the presentation of biological activities associated with these heterologous amino acid sequences. The molecular framework of the present invention may be naturally cyclic or may be a cyclized derivative of a linear molecular or may be a linear derivative of a cyclized molecule. The present invention contemplates the use of the molecular framework with or without particular amino acids inserted or substituted thereon for the treatment of or prophylaxis of disease conditions in animals, mammals (including humans) and plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: David James Craik, Norello Lee Daly, Clements Waim-Kunduane Waine
  • Publication number: 20100028375
    Abstract: An isolated protein comprising a VP1 amino acid sequence wherein one or more exposed loops within said VP1 has an insertion of an amino acid sequence from a virus protein other than VP1, and encoding nucleic acid, are provided. Typically, the virus protein other than VP1 is derived from an influenza virus and in particular, avian influenza virus. The isolated protein may have an insertion of amino acid sequence from a single protein or a plurality of proteins. Also provided are expression constructs, VLPs, pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines and methods of treatment that may be useful in the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of any disease of viral origin, and in particular, influenza virus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Linda Hwee-Lin Lua, Anton Peter Jacob Middelberg
  • Publication number: 20100030096
    Abstract: A method for acquiring a physiological response from a test subject, particularly an auditory brainstem response, by presenting a plurality of stimuli, such as a Maximum Length Sequence, detecting electrophysiological signals in response to the stimuli, generating a recover signal based on the stimuli and determining the physiological response from the electrophysiological signals and the recovery signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Andrew Bradley, Wyane J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7655836
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for increasing the yield of a compound produced by an organism. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods for increasing the total or soluble carbohydrate content or sweetness or increasing the content of an endogenous carbohydrate of a plant tissue by producing a sugar-metabolizing enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of an endogenous sugar (one that is normally produced in the plant) to an alien sugar (one that is not normally produced in the plant at the same developmental stage). The invention also relates to plants and plant parts that produce a sugar-metabolizing enzyme to yield an alien sugar, with the consequence of higher total fermentable carbohydrate content, and to fermentable carbohydrates and other products derived therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Robert George Birch, Luguang Wu