Patents Assigned to The University
  • Patent number: 9625588
    Abstract: Large-area, flat-panel photo-detectors with sub-nanosecond time resolution based on microchannel plates are provided. The large-area, flat-panel photo-detectors enable the economic construction of sampling calorimeters with, for example, enhanced capability to measure local energy deposition, depth-of-interaction, time-of-flight, and/or directionality of showers. In certain embodiments, sub-nanosecond timing resolution supplies correlated position and time measurements over large areas. The use of thin flat-panel viewing radiators on both sides of a radiation-creating medium allows simultaneous measurement of Cherenkov and scintillation radiation in each layer of the calorimeter. The detectors may be used in a variety of applications including, for example, medical imaging, security, and particle and nuclear physics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: The University of Chicago, Minotech Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Frisch, Fukun Tang, Herve Grabas, Eric J. Oberla, Michael Minot
  • Patent number: 9625469
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying amino acids in peptides. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates labeling the N-terminal amino acid with a first label and labeling an internal amino acid with a second label. In some embodiments, the labels are fluorescent labels. In other embodiments, the internal amino acid is lysine. In other embodiments, amino acids in peptides are identified based on the fluorescent signature for each peptide at the single molecule level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Board Of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Edward Marcotte, Jagannath Swaminathan, Andrew Ellington, Eric Anslyn
  • Patent number: 9625450
    Abstract: A method of obtaining a mixture of cells enriched in hepatic progenitors is developed which comprises methods yielding suspensions of a mixture of cell types, and selecting those cells that are classical MHC class I antigen(s) negative and ICAM-1 antigen positive. The weak or dull expression of nonclassical MHC class I antigen(s) can be used for further enrichment of hepatic progenitors. Furthermore, the progenitors can be selected to have a level of side scatter, a measure of granularity or cytoplasmic droplets, that is higher than that in non-parenchymal cells, such as hemopoietic cells, and lower than that in mature parenchymal cells, such as hepatocytes. Furthermore, the progeny of the isolated progenitors can express alpha-fetoprotein and/or albumin and/or CK19. The hepatic progenitors, so isolated, can grow clonally, that is an entire population of progeny can be derived from one cell. The clones of progenitors have a growth pattern in culture of piled-up aggregates or clusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kubota, Lola M. Reid
  • Patent number: 9627042
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) cell is provided with improved write margin. The SRAM cell includes: a pair of inverters cross coupled to each other and forming two storage nodes; read access switches electrically coupled between a read bit line and the two storage nodes; write access switches electrically coupled between write bit lines and two storage nodes; and supply switches electrically coupled between a supply voltage and the pair of inverters and operable, in response to a signal on at least one of the write bit lines, to selectively connect the supply voltage to at least one of the inverters in the pair of inverters. During a write operation, the supply switches operate to cut off the supply voltage to the inverter in the pair of inverters having a charged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents Of The University of Michigan
    Inventors: Pinaki Mazumder, Jaeyoung Kim, Nan Zheng
  • Patent number: 9622662
    Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging system having an optical path. The system including an illumination source adapted to output a light beam, the light beam illuminating a target, a dispersing element arranged in the optical path and adapted to separate the light beam into a plurality of wavelengths, a digital micromirror array adapted to tune the plurality of wavelengths into a spectrum, an optical device having a detector and adapted to collect the spectrum reflected from the target and arranged in the optical path and a processor operatively connected to and adapted to control at least one of: the illumination source; the dispersing element; the digital micromirror array; the optical device; and, the detector, the processor further adapted to output a hyperspectral image of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Karel J. Zuzak, Jeffrey A. Cadeddu, Rafael Ufret-Vincenty, Robert P. Francis, Edward Livingston
  • Patent number: 9624211
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the treatment of diseases such as cancer. In certain aspects, compounds which can inhibit Skp2 are provided. Specifically chromenone derivatives are disclosed that have the capability toward reducing differentiation of pluripotent, multipotent or totipotent cells and thus have therapeutic utility in the treatment of a proliferative disease such as cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Shuxing Zhang, Hui-Kuan Lin, Chia-Hsin Chan, John Kenneth Morrow
  • Patent number: 9624548
    Abstract: Described are bladder cancer specific biomarkers and lung cancer specific biomarkers comprising the nucleic acid sequence of the Engrailed-2 (EN2) gene or the amino acid sequence of the encoded EN2 protein. Also described are uses of the biomarkers in the treatment, diagnosis, monitoring and imaging of bladder cancer and lung cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The University of Surrey
    Inventors: Richard Morgan, Hardev Pandha
  • Patent number: 9626156
    Abstract: Provided is an application architecture design method in which an information processing device is used, the method including the steps of: inputting information about dependency relations and design aspects, which are design items regarding modules for running functions, virtual machines for running the modules, and physical machines for running the virtual machines; and executing processing of adapting architecture properly by switching the input information about the dependency relations and the design aspects in matrices in a DSM format, and thereby rearranging allocation of the modules, allocation of the virtual machines, and allocation of the physical machines in stages in the DSM format. As a result, an excellent design solution for architecture suitable for a virtualized environment, a cloud environment deriving, or a similar environment can be derived.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: NEC Corporation, Tokyo Metropolitan University, The University of Tokyo
    Inventors: Shigeru Hosono, Koji Kimita, Fumiya Akasaka, Tatsunori Hara, Yoshiki Shimomura, Tamio Arai
  • Publication number: 20170100586
    Abstract: Provided is an electrical stimulation device including a first to fourth electrodes, and an electrical stimulation generation section which supplies an electrical stimulation signal to each of the first to fourth electrodes. The electrical stimulation generation section supplies, to the first and second electrodes, an electrical stimulation signal according to a first stimulation pattern, and supplies, to the third and fourth electrodes, an electrical stimulation signal according to a second stimulation pattern. The first stimulation pattern is set so that an electrical stimulation signal for changing stimulation intensity according to a first waveform is supplied to the first electrode, and an electrical stimulation signal for changing stimulation intensity according to a second waveform is supplied to the second electrode, the second waveform being increased and decreased in conjunction with the first waveform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicants: SYSTEM INSTRUMENTS CO., LTD., The University of Electro-Communications
    Inventors: Takeshi AKIBA, Hiroshi YOKOI
  • Publication number: 20170099838
    Abstract: Formulations having, as active agents, at least one quaternized polymeric microgel and at least one nonionic surfactant, methods of making, and methods of using are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicant: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Yakov Lapitsky, Youngwoo Seo, Kristopher Richardson
  • Publication number: 20170101613
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the isomerization and fermentation of xylose and hexose sugars using an immobilized enzyme system capable of sustaining two different pH microenvironments in a single vessel are disclosed. Bilayer particles are dispersed in a mixture comprising an ionic borate source and xylose. The bilayer particles have a first region with a first enzymatic activity comprising xylose isomerase and a pH of 6 or above, and a second region having a second enzymatic activity at an acidic pH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicant: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Sasidhar Varanasi, Kripa Rao, Patricia Ann Relue, Dawei Yuan
  • Patent number: 9617589
    Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a plurality of reaction wells; and a plurality of solid supports, and each of the solid supports has a reagent attached thereto. The reagent is attached to the solid support via a labile reagent/support bond such that the reagent is configured to be cleaved from the support via a cleaving operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: John Michael Ramsey, William Henley, Emily Oblath
  • Patent number: 9616540
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling a quantity of cutting fluid dispensed for a cutting tool within a CNC or other machining system. The devices, systems, and methods may include controlling multiple fluids such that coolant, lubricant, or other fluids can be delivered at different locations, at different flow rates, have their flow rates changed independently, and/or have their flow rates changed dynamically during a machining operation. In some embodiments, a feedback loop or input may be provided to obtain and/or provide information regarding the machining operation—such as cutting force, cutting temperature, cutting friction, machining operation, tool in use, work piece geometry, and/or material—and automatically and/or independently modify the fluid flow rates. The fluid may be atomized with air or other gases to minimize the quantities of fluid used. Components in the system may be modular to allow the system to be used with existing and new machining technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Alagar Krishnan Balaji, Venugopal Raghavendra Ghatikar
  • Patent number: 9616048
    Abstract: This technology relates generally to compounds and methods for stimulating neurogenesis (e.g., post-natal neurogenesis, including post-natal hippocampal and hypothalamic neurogenesis) and/or protecting neuronal cell from cell death. Various compounds are disclosed herein. In vivo activity tests suggest that these compounds may have therapeutic benefits in neuropsychiatric and/or neurodegenerative diseases such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, normal aging, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Down syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, stroke, radiation therapy, chronic stress, abuse of a neuro-active drug, retinal degeneration, spinal cord injury, peripheral nerve injury, physiological weight loss associated with various conditions, as well as cognitive decline associated with normal aging, chemotherapy, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Board of Regents of The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Steven L. McKnight, Andew A. Pieper, Joseph M. Ready, Jef K. De Brabander, Jeffrey M. Zigman
  • Patent number: 9620351
    Abstract: Mass spectrometry systems or assemblies therefore include an ionizer that includes at least one planar conductor, a mass analyzer with a planar electrode assembly, and a detector comprising at least one planar conductor. The ionizer, the mass analyzer and the detector are attached together in a compact stack assembly. The stack assembly has a perimeter that bounds an area that is between about 0.01 mm2 to about 25 cm2 and the stack assembly has a thickness that is between about 0.1 mm to about 25 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventor: John Michael Ramsey
  • Patent number: 9615735
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining thickness of lipid and aqueous layers of a tear film in which a spectrum array is generated from optical coherence tomography and input into a statistical estimator, which determines the thickness of the lipid and/or aqueous layers at a nanometer resolution based on the inputted spectrum and other information, such as information about a laser intensity noise, Poisson noise, and dark noise associated with the OCT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: University of Rochester, The Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of The University of Arizona
    Inventors: Jinxin Huang, Jannick P. Rolland, Eric Clarkson, Matthew Kupinski
  • Patent number: 9616062
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and compositions for protecting healthy cells from damage due to DNA damaging agents. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to the protective action of selective cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors administered to subjects that have been exposed to or that are at risk of exposure to DNA damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Norman E. Sharpless, Patrick J. Roberts, Kwok-Kin Wong, Soren Johnson
  • Patent number: 9618521
    Abstract: Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper2) are disclosed. The CatSper2 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper2 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper2 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper2, methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper2-mediated disorders, including infertility, as well as methods of doing business related to CatSper2-mediated disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Children's Medical Center Corporation, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Dejian Ren, David Clapham, David L. Garbers, Timothy A. Quill
  • Patent number: 9618479
    Abstract: Devices and methods generate an ordered restriction map of genomic DNA extracted from whole cells. The devices have a fluidic microchannel that merges into a reaction nanochannel that merges into a detection nanochannel at an interface where the nanochannel diameter decreases in size by between 50% to 99%. Intact molecules of DNA are transported to the reaction nanochannel and then fragmented in the reaction nanochannel using restriction endonuclease enzymes. The reaction nanochannel is sized and configured so that the fragments stay in an original order until they are injected into the detection nanochannel. Signal at one or more locations along the detection nanochannel is detected to map fragments in the order they occur along a long DNA molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: John Michael Ramsey, Laurent Menard
  • Patent number: 9617239
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to compounds that are glucuronidase inhibitors. Glucuronidase inhibitors described include phenoxy thiophene sulfonamides. Other compounds, for instance pyridine sulfonyls, benzene sulfonyls, thiophene sulfonyls, thiazole sulfonyls, thiophene carbonyls, and thiazole carbonyls, are also contemplated. Also contemplated are compositions including one or more of such compounds for use inhibiting glucuronidase and methods of using one or more of such compounds as a co-drug to be used in combination with the anticancer drug CPT-11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: North Carolina Central University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Alfred L. Williams, John Scott, Li-An Yeh, Matthew Robert Redinbo