Patents Assigned to University of Massachusettes
  • Publication number: 20220167907
    Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure relates methods for identifying ventricular tachycardia in subjects, e.g., subjects who have previously experienced a myocardial infarction. In some embodiments, methods of the disclosure comprise measuring action potential durations and/or expression levels of KCNE3 and/or KCNE4 in a subject. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to methods and compositions for reducing or inhibiting the activity of KCNE3 and/or KCNE4, for example, in subjects having ventricular tachycardia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventor: John Kevin Donahue
  • Patent number: 11346677
    Abstract: A method of monitoring quality of a road segment from driver data is provided. The method includes receiving, by a server over a network, the driver data for a road segment from one or more sensing units in one or more vehicles. The method also includes calculating, in one or more computing devices, one or more quantitative pavement surface characteristics of the road segment from the driver data using a probabilistic inverse analysis framework. The method also includes identifying, in the one or more computing devices, one or more quantitative vehicle properties of the one or more vehicles from the driver data using the probabilistic inverse analysis framework. The method then includes estimating, in the one or more computing devices, one or more road quality characteristics of the road segment based on at least one of the quantitative pavement surface characteristics of the road segment and the quantitative vehicle properties of the one or more vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignees: University of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Arghavan Louhghalam, Mazdak Tootkaboni, Franz-Josef Ulm
  • Publication number: 20220162641
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods for expressing a Factor H protein (or a variant thereof) in a cell or subject. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides isolated nucleic acids and rAAVs comprising a transgene encoding a Factor H protein variant and one or more regulatory sequences. In some embodiments, compositions described herein are useful for treating subjects having diseases associated with Factor H deficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Guangping Gao, Jun Xie
  • Publication number: 20220162571
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods for expressing one or more Ganglioside GM3 synthase (GM3S) isoforms in a cell or subject. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to methods for treating GM3 synthase deficiency in a subject in need thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Applicants: University of Massachusetts, Clinic for Special Children
    Inventors: Guangping Gao, Huiya Yang, Kevin A. Strauss, Dan Wang
  • Publication number: 20220162570
    Abstract: In some aspects the disclosure provides compositions and methods for promoting expression of functional BCKDHA protein, which is the E1-alpha subunit of the branched-chain alpha-keto acid (BCAA) dehydrogenase complex, in a subject. In some aspects the disclosure provides compositions and methods for promoting expression of functional BCKDHB protein, which is the E1-beta subunit of the branched-chain alpha-keto acid (BCAA) dehydrogenase complex, in a subject. In some aspects the disclosure provides compositions and methods for promoting expression of functional BCKDHA and BCKDHB proteins, in a subject. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides methods of treating a subject having Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Applicants: University of Massachusetts, Clinic for Special Children
    Inventors: Guangping Gao, Dan Wang, Jiaming Wang, kevin A Strauss
  • Patent number: 11340698
    Abstract: Eye movements and/or physiological characteristics of a user viewing a subject are detected and quantified to produce data to determine one or more details that is or was observable in the scene or image of which the user may or may not be consciously aware. Eye movement data includes the number of times a user looks at each area of a subject (“fixation number”), the length or duration of the fixation (“fixation duration value”), the number of times a user returns to look at a particular area (“fixation repeats”), and additionally any changes to pupil size based on dilation/constriction (“pupil size”). Physiological characteristic data includes heart rate, pulse or skin conductance. Advantageously, the system and methods may be used for a variety of purposes including evaluation improvement and training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Gregory J. Digirolamo, Max P. Rosen
  • Patent number: 11338501
    Abstract: A fabrication system is operable to form a structure (such as on a substrate) using a combination of a first (electrically) non-conductive material and a second (electrically) non-conductive. In one embodiment, the structure defined by the first material and the second material defines a void (passageway) in the structure. In one embodiment, exposed surfaces of the first non-conductive material and the second non-conductive material define the void in the structure. Subsequent to creating the structure including the void, the fabrication system fills the void (such as via injection) with an electrically conductive material. After the injected electrically conductive material (such as metal epoxy or other suitable material) solidifies, the fabrication system removes the first non-conductive material (sacrificial material) from the structure. The remaining second material provides structural support for the electrically conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Craig A. Armiento, Kyle M. Homan
  • Publication number: 20220152083
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and compositions for regulating expression of DUX4. In some aspects, methods described by the disclosure are useful for treating a disease associated with aberrant DUX4 expression (e.g., facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Peter L. Jones, Michael R. Green
  • Patent number: 11328833
    Abstract: Aspects relate to patterned nanostructures having a feature size not including film thickness of below 5 microns. The patterned nanostructures are made up of nanoparticles having an average particle size of less than 100 nm. A nanoparticle composition, which, in some cases, includes a binder, is applied to a substrate. A patterned mold used in concert with electromagnetic radiation function to manipulate the nanoparticle composition in forming the patterned nanostructure. In some embodiments, the patterned mold nanoimprints a pattern onto the nanoparticle composition and the composition is cured through UV or thermal energy, Three-dimensional patterned nanostructures may be formed. A number of patterned nanostructure layers may be prepared and joined together. In some cases, a patterned nanostructure may be formed as a layer that is releasable from the substrate upon which it is initially formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: James Watkins, Michael R. Beaulieu, Nicholas R. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 11312950
    Abstract: A method to prepare synthetic hydrogels having tissue-specific properties, and a hydrogel comprising a polymer matrix comprising a plurality of peptide, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Lauren Jansen, Shelly Peyton
  • Patent number: 11311652
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel approach in which zwitterionic networks are used to sequester and deliver ionic biomolecules, such as proteins, without compromising their native conformation and bioactivity. Zwitterionic networks are designed to effectively retain and deliver ionic or polar biomolecules for guided tissue regeneration. The invention represents a conceptual advance and enables a novel strategy for the utilization of zwitterionic motifs as therapeutics delivery vehicles and tissue engineering scaffolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Jie Song, Pingsheng Liu
  • Publication number: 20220117618
    Abstract: A medical device may include a plurality of links reciprocally movable between a loose configuration having a first rigidity and a compact configuration having a second rigidity greater than the first rigidity, wherein application of a force to a distalmost link of the plurality of links when the plurality of links are in the loose configuration causes the plurality of links to change orientation relative to one another, and application of the force to the distalmost link when the plurality of links are in the compact configuration does not cause the plurality of links to change orientation relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Applicants: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Mark KRINGLE, Devon N. ARNHOLT, Mark W. BODEN, David SHREEVE, Joel T. EGGERT, Christopher MACOMBER, Danilo DECIO
  • Patent number: 11307585
    Abstract: A first method includes detecting, based on sensor data, an environment state; selecting an action based on the environment state; determining an autonomy level associated with the environment state and the action; and performing the action according to the autonomy level. The autonomy level can be selected based at least on an autonomy model and a feedback model. A second method includes calculating, by solving an extended Stochastic Shortest Path (SSP) problem, a policy for solving a task. The policy can map environment states and autonomy levels to actions and autonomy levels. Calculating the policy can include generating plans that operate across multiple levels of autonomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignees: Nissan North America, Inc., The University of Massachusetts, Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Connor Basich, Kyle Hollins Wray, Stefan Witwicki, Shlomo Zilberstein
  • Patent number: 11305989
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of producing hydrogen. The method includes heating a mixture comprising a metal component exhibiting a nanostructured surface, water, and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: David K. Ryan, T. A. Mahesh Jayamanna
  • Patent number: 11300957
    Abstract: A vehicle traversing a vehicle transportation network may use a scenario-specific operational control evaluation model instance. A multi-objective policy for the model is received, wherein the policy includes at least a first objective, a second objective, and a priority of the first objective relative to the second objective. A representation of the policy (e.g., the first objective, the second objective, and the priority) is generated using a user interface. Based on feedback to the user interface, a change to the multi-objective policy for the scenario-specific operational control evaluation model is received. The change is to the first objective, the second objective, the priority, of some combination thereof. Then, for determining a vehicle control action for traversing the vehicle transportation network, an updated multi-objective policy for the scenario-specific operational control evaluation model is generated to include the change to the policy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignees: Nissan North America, Inc., The University of Massachusetts, Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Kyle Hollins Wray, Stefan Witwicki, Shlomo Zilberstein
  • Patent number: 11286461
    Abstract: Methods for improving the functionality and/or fertility of sperm, for example, by enhancing motility and/or extending the lifespan of sperm by subjecting the isolated sperm to a starvation protocol and/or ionophore are provided. Such methods may be used in, for example, artificial insemination to reduce the number of sperm needed for insemination and to improve conception rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Pablo E. Visconti, Felipe Navarrete
  • Patent number: 11290338
    Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for inferring a unified topological model of a hidden topology comprising dispersing data packets from a source to at least one receiver, and collecting individual end-to-end packet statistics; collecting aggregate end-to-end statistical measurements between a plurality of enclaves situated at an edge of an unknown network; identifying shared path correlations relating to shared links traversed between at least one root enclave and one or more leaf enclaves; constructing topological metrics as a directed tree corresponding to shared path correlations; inferring a unified topological model and routing paths of the unknown network based on the plurality of topological metrics collected by the plurality of enclaves; validating consistency between the subsequent end-to-end statistical measurements and the unified topological model of the hidden topology; and updating the inferred unified topological model of the hidden topology in accordance with observed inconsistencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignees: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Brian DeCleene, Anirudh Sabnis, Ramesh K. Sitaraman, Donald Towsley, Paul Vines
  • Publication number: 20220090135
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods of treating certain genetic disease (e.g., Neurofibromatosis type I) by delivering functional neurofibromin 1 (NF1) protein (e.g., mini-NF1 protein and/or full-length NF1 protein) to target cell (e.g., cells and/or tissue of a subject). The disclosure is based, in part, on isolated nucleic acids (e.g., rAAV vectors) and rAAVs engineered to express a functional NF1 protein (e.g., mini-NF1 protein and/or full-length NF1 protein) or variants thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Miguel Sena Esteves, Anshuman Singh
  • Patent number: 11278505
    Abstract: Methods of diagnosing and treating vitiligo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Jillian M. Richmond, John E. Harris, James Pennock Strassner
  • Patent number: 11282616
    Abstract: Aspects relate to patterned nanostructures having a feature size not including film thickness below 5 microns. The patterned nanostructures are made up of nanoparticles having an average particle size less than 100 nm. A nanoparticle composition, which, in some cases, includes a binder material, is applied to a substrate. A patterned mold used in concert with electromagnetic radiation manipulate the nanoparticle composition in forming the patterned nanostructure. In some embodiments, the patterned mold nanoimprints a suitable pattern onto the nanoparticle composition and the composition is cured through UV or thermal energy. Three-dimensional patterned nanostructures may be formed. A number of patterned nanostructure layers may be prepared and joined together. In some cases, a patterned nanostructure may be formed as a layer that is releasable from the substrate upon which it is initially formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: James Watkins, Michael R. Beaulieu, Nicholas R. Hendricks