Abstract: This invention relates to the use of nicotine receptor agonists for treating inflammatory diseases, including a variety of pulmonary diseases. Such agonists have fewer side effects than other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as steroids. Moreover, these agonists can be used alone or in combination with other anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pulmonary diseases.
Abstract: Methods and tools (e.g., kits, articles of manufacturing, support and arrays) for the solid-phase detection of a target molecule using a cationic polymer and nucleic acid probe complex is provided herewith. These methods and tools allows for the reagentless, ultrasensitive and specific detection of nucleic acids, proteins and other molecules of interest and are based on a labeled complex made of specific capture probes and a polythiophene derivative.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 11, 2007
Publication date:
September 9, 2010
Applicant:
Universite Laval
Inventors:
Ahmed Najari, Hoang-Anh Ho, Mario Leclerc
Abstract: There is described a method for identifying at least one target in a substantially transparent medium. High-power, ultra-short laser pulses are transmitted into the medium. A diameter of the laser pulses is enlarged and the laser pulses having an enlarged beam diameter are focused using a focusing element so as to generate filaments substantially near a geometrical focal zone of the focusing element, whereby a spontaneous fluorescence signal (amplified through amplified spontaneous emission or not) is detected and analyzed to identify the target.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 26, 2007
Date of Patent:
August 31, 2010
Assignee:
Université Laval
Inventors:
See Leang Chin, Jean-François Daigle, Weiwei Liu
Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial light system for modulating circadian rhythms, increasing vigilance and influencing light-associated psychological conditions such as seasonal affective disorder. The system of the invention comprises a source of a green and/or red light and a source of blue light both light sources being controlled by a computer to provide predetermined light conditions. More specifically, the computer is programmed to provide pulses of blue light and continuous or pulsed red light, to enhance the efficacy of blue light, reduce blue-light hazard and avoid stroboscopic effect.
Abstract: Methods and devices for generating stable, tunable and intense output light pulses are provided. A primary beam of light pulses is used to form a filament in an interaction zone. A secondary bean of light pulses is superposed with the filament and interacts therewith to generate the output light pulses. The parameters of the primary and secondary beams in the interaction zone can be controlled to obtain targeted optical characteristics of the output pulses. Multiple secondary beams may also be used.
Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preventing and treating pain, by modulating, e.g. inhibiting, the activity, function and/or expression of a PLC? in a subject. The invention further relates to methods of identifying agents capable of modulating the activity and/or expression of a PLC?, or capable of modulating binding of a ligand or binding partner to a PLC?, and their use thereof for the prevention and/or treatment of pain. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for the diagnosis and prognostication of pain by determining whether there is modulation of activity and/or expression of a PLC? relative to a corresponding control.
Abstract: The invention relates to the general field of protein fractionation, and more particularly to the selective fractionation of growth factor from dairy products, such as milk, whey and colostrum. There is provided methods for the selective fractionation of TGF-?, lactoferrin and bovine serum albumin.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 1, 2008
Publication date:
May 13, 2010
Applicant:
UNIVERSITE LAVAL
Inventors:
David Lachkar, Yves Pouliot, Sylvie Gauthier, Sylvie Turgeon, Eric Lamiot, Christina Juneau
Abstract: Methods and products for the attenuation or treatment of pain and the reduction of nociception are described. The methods and products are based on the modulation of CNS intracellular chloride levels. The methods and products may also relate to modulation of the activity and/or expression of a chloride transporter, such as the KCC2 potassium-chloride cotransporter. Also described herein are commercial packages and uses based on such modulation. Related methods for identifying or characterizing a compound for the treatment of pain, the reduction of nociception and the diagnosis and prognostication of pain are also described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 14, 2004
Date of Patent:
May 4, 2010
Assignee:
Universite Laval
Inventors:
Yves De Koninck, Paul De Koninck, Jeffrey A. M. Coull
Abstract: A variable focus liquid crystal lens includes a nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture having a spatially inhomogenous polymer network structure, and an electrode for applying a substantially uniform voltage to the nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture. The lens is created within a cell by applying a substantially uniform electric field to the nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture within the cell, while simultaneously irradiating the nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture using a laser beam having a shaped intensity distribution, so as to induce formation of a spatially inhomogenous polymer network structure within the cell.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2006
Date of Patent:
February 23, 2010
Assignee:
Universite Laval
Inventors:
Tigran Galstian, Vladimir Presniakov, Karen Asatryan, Amir Tork
Abstract: The present invention relates to the competence of oocytes for uterine implantation and development into living individuals. The invention more particularly relates to markers that are detected and measured in granulosa cells collected along with the oocytes during oocyte aspiration as it is done in assisted reproduction techniques. Markers include cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19A1), cell division cycle 42 (CDC42), 3-?-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (3?HSD1), serpm peptidase inhibitor clade E member 2 (SERPINE 2), and adrenodoxm (ADX) that are detected and measured, using RT-PCR.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 14, 2007
Publication date:
January 28, 2010
Applicant:
UNIVERSITE LAVAL
Inventors:
Marc-Andre Sirard, Melanie Hamel, Robert Claude
Abstract: An irrigation mat is comprised of a water impermeable base sheet, a water permeable top sheet and a capillary mat disposed between the base sheet and the top sheet. One or more flat pliable optional drip tapes are loosely disposed between the top sheet and the capillary mat and displaceable therebetween to any desirable position. The drip tape is a hollow flat tube constructed of perforated plastics material and extends at least a full length of the irrigation mat. The irrigation mat with the drip tapes is capable of being rolled up upon itself to form a roll. The top sheet is also heat fused to the folded edges of the back sheet.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 23, 2006
Date of Patent:
January 19, 2010
Assignee:
Universite Laval
Inventors:
Jean Caron, François Pepin, Richard Théoret
Abstract: A variable focus liquid crystal lens includes a nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture having a spatially inhomogenous polymer network structure, and an electrode for applying a substantially uniform voltage to the nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture. The lens is created within a cell by applying a substantially uniform electric field to the nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture within the cell, while simultaneously irradiating the nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture using a laser beam having a shaped intensity distribution, so as to induce formation of a spatially inhomogenous polymer network structure within the cell.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 14, 2009
Publication date:
January 14, 2010
Applicant:
UNIVERSITE LAVAL
Inventors:
Tigran GALSTIAN, Vladimir PRESNIAKOV, Karen ASATRYAN, Amir TORK
Abstract: Improved trailers (e.g., semi-trailers) are disclosed. The trailers may include a floor having a top surface and a bottom surface, where the top surface is adapted to transport a payload, and an elongated shell connected to the bottom surface of the floor, where the elongated shell defines a portion of a substantially closed torsion-resistant chamber of the trailer. The trailers may have a torsion resistance that is substantially higher than conventional trailers of similar size and/or load capacity. The trailers may weigh substantially less than conventional trailers of similar size and/or load capacity. The trailers may realize a bending resistance that is at least equivalent to the bending resistance of conventional trailers of similar size and/or load capacity.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 16, 2009
Publication date:
December 24, 2009
Applicants:
Alcoa Inc., Alutrec Inc., Universite Laval
Inventors:
Julien Nadeau, Michel Guillot, Jean-Christian Methot, Russell S. Long
Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for inducing lymphocyte proliferation and migration, and for reducing the risks of microbial infections in patients immuno-suppressed. The present invention particularly relates to the use of S100 protein, such as MRP, to induce the proliferation, differentiation and release of immune cells from bone marrow. More particularly, S100A8, S100A9, S100A12 and S100A8/A9 are administered to patients with lowered neutrophil blood concentrations.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 25, 2004
Date of Patent:
December 15, 2009
Assignee:
Université Laval
Inventors:
Philippe Tessier, Karen Vandal, Pascal Rouleau, Carle Ryckman
Abstract: The present invention provide a new method for modulating the immune system of a subject in need thereof by administering a dairy-derived peptide to the subject, particularly a ?-lactoglubulin-derived peptide (?-Lg peptide). According to one aspect, the modulation of the immune system is the modulation of a Th1 response. According to another aspect, the modulation of the immune system is the modulation of a Th2 response.
Abstract: A multi-wavelength laser source is provided including a pump laser unit, a gain section and an output. The pump laser unit generates an energy signal, which is applied to the gain section. The gain section includes a gain medium with having a superstructure grating forming a distributed Fabry-Perot-like structure. The superstructure grating causes a multi-wavelength laser signal to be generated when the energy signal is applied to the gain medium. The multi-wavelength laser signal is then released at the output.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 18, 2003
Date of Patent:
December 1, 2009
Assignee:
Universite Laval
Inventors:
Serge Doucet, Sophie Larochelle, Radan Slavik, Isabelle Castonguay
Abstract: A system and method for permanently writing diffraction gratings in low phonon energy glass waveguides are shown. Ultrashort light pulses are generated and made to form two beams synchronously superimposed in the waveguide, therefore forming an interference pattern corresponding to the desired grating. The light pulses are focussed so that the light intensity in the waveguide exceeds a filamentation threshold. The exposure of the waveguide to these light pulses is controlled temporally and spatially in order to limit detrimental thermal effects induced by the high-intensity pulses in the glass medium of the waveguide.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 28, 2007
Publication date:
November 5, 2009
Applicant:
UNIVERSITE LAVAL
Inventors:
Real Vallee, Martin Bernier, Dominic Faucher
Abstract: This invention relates to the use of nicotine receptor agonists for treating inflammatory diseases, including a variety of pulmonary diseases. Such agonists have fewer side effects than other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as steroids. Moreover, these agonists can be used alone or in combination with other anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pulmonary diseases.
Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-fog coating for a surface of a substrate comprising: a first polymer layer resulting from covalently bonding a polyanhydride polymer to said surface; and a second polymer layer resulting from covalently bonding a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, partially hydrolyzed polyester, polyether and cellulose derivative; said surface having nucleophilic groups. A substrate having an anti-fog coating, as well as a process for preparing said anti-fog coating to the surface of a substrate is also provided.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 16, 2006
Publication date:
October 1, 2009
Applicant:
Université Laval
Inventors:
Gaetan Laroche, Diego Mantovani, Pascale Chevalier
Abstract: A radiation dosimetry apparatus and method use a scintillating optical fiber array for detecting dose levels. The scintillating optical fiber detectors generate optical energy in response to a predetermined type of radiation, and are coupled to collection optical fibers that transmit the optical energy to a photo-detector for conversion to an electrical signal. The detectors may be embedded in one or more modular, water-equivalent phantom slabs. A repeatable connector couples the collection fibers to the photo-detector, maintaining the fiber ends in a predetermined spatial relationship. The detector fibers may be distributed as desired in a three-dimensional detection space, and may be oriented with their longitudinal axes at different orientations relative to a transmission axis of an incident radiation beam. A calibration method uses two measurements in two spectral windows, one with irradiation of the scintillator at a known dose and one with only irradiation of the collection fiber.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 21, 2008
Publication date:
September 24, 2009
Applicant:
UNIVERSITE LAVAL
Inventors:
Frederic Lacroix, Luc Beaulieu, Sam Beddar, Mathieu Guillot, Luc Gingras, Louis Archambault