Patents Issued in June 1, 2004
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Patent number: 6743594Abstract: Human G-protein chemokine receptor polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides for identifying antagonists and agonists to such polypeptides and methods of using the agonists and antagonists therapeutically to treat conditions related to the underexpression and overexpression of the G-protein chemokine receptor polypeptides, respectively. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the G-protein chemokine receptor nucleic acid sequences and detecting a level of the soluble form of the receptors in a sample derived from a host.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Human Genome Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Yi Li, Steven M. Ruben
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Patent number: 6743595Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a kit for the diagnosis of endometriosis using blood and endometrial leukocyte markers or a combination thereof. The marker is a surface antigen from endometrial or blood leukocytes.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Metriogene Biosciences Inc.Inventors: Diane Gosselin, Danièle Gagné, Patrice Hugo, Pierre Miron
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Patent number: 6743596Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining if a patient is hypercoagulable, hypocoagulable or normal. The test involves providing a test sample from the patient and initiating coagulation in the sample in the presence of an activator, which is added to the sample in an amount which will result in intrinsic tenase-dependent fibrin. Then the formation of the intrinsic tenase-dependent fibrin polymerization is monitored over time so as to derive a time-dependent profile, with the results of the fibrin polymerization monitoring determining whether the patient is hypercoagulable, normal or hypocoagulable. The coagulation activator is added in an amount that triggers a thrombin explosion that is dependent on the propagation phase and amplification pathways. In this way, a single assay can assess the hemostatic potential of a sample.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Fischer, Trevor Baglin, Liliana Tejidor
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Patent number: 6743597Abstract: Compositions, reagent test strips, analyte detection systems and kits of the same, as well as methods for their use in the detection of an analyte in a sample, are provided. The subject compositions are characterized by having a positively charged porous matrix and a urea derivative dye on at least one surface of the matrix, where in many preferred embodiments the urea derivative dye is a negatively charged urea derivative dye. In many preferred embodiments, the subject compositions further include at least one additional reagent member of a peroxide producing signal producing system, e.g., an analyte oxidase and/or a peroxidase. The subject compositions, test strips, analyte detection systems and kits find use in the detection of a wide variety of analytes in a sample, such as a physiological sample, e.g., blood or a fraction thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.Inventors: Sherry X. Guo, Koon-wah Leong
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Patent number: 6743598Abstract: The present invention provides methods for simultaneously assessing microbial phosphoglucose isomerase, ketol-isomerase and glucosamine-6-phosphate acetyltransferase activities, by measuring the production of Coenzyme A (CoA). The present invention finds use in the isolation of new classes of antifungal drugs, wherein the compounds have the ability to inhibit fungal glucose utilization.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignees: MycoLogics, Inc., Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Claude P. Selitrennikoff, Mitsunori Nakata
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Patent number: 6743599Abstract: Described herein are methods which identify candidate agents as binding to a protein or as a modulator of the binding characteristics or biological activity of a protein. Generally, the methods involve the use of ADP or phosphate. The assays can be used in a high throughput system to obviate the cumbersome steps of using gels or radioactive materials.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Cytokinetics, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey T. Finer, Fady Malik, Roman Sakowicz, Christopher Shumate, Kenneth Wood
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Patent number: 6743600Abstract: This invention describes a method of removing N-terminal alanine residues from polypeptides, preferably recombinant proteins, using an aminopeptidase derived from the marine bacterium Aeromonas proteolytica. Accordingly, Aeromonas aminopeptidase (AAP; E.C. 3.4.11.10) can be used to remove N-terminal alanyl residues from derivatives of human somatotropin (hST, human growth hormone, or hGH), porcine somatotropin (pST), and bovine somtotropin (bST), for example, to yield proteins having their native amino acid sequences. The enzyme reactions can be carried out in free solution, or the AAP can be immobilized on a solid support, for reactions carried out in vitro. An efficient method for converting Ala-hGH to hGH, for example, comprises expression of Ala-hGH in E. coli, recovery of inclusion bodies, solubilization and refolding in detergent, detergent removal by ultrafiltration, selective precipitation, enzyme cleavage, followed by two column chromatography steps.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Monsanto Technologies LLCInventors: Jacob S. Tou, Douglas W. Taylor
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Patent number: 6743601Abstract: An apparatus and process for the micro juxtaposition is set forth where a selectively activatable surface is maintained spaced apart from the tissue sample and juxtaposed to the tissue sample by activation. In the typical case, activation occurs by laser radiation with the material of the activatable surface thermally expanding and bringing about the desired micro juxtaposition. The disclosed micro juxtapositioning can cause locally and microscopically pressure on tissue sample, insertion to the tissue sample, or contact of an activated or prepared surface to the tissue sample.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Robert F. Bonner, Seth R Goldstein, Paul D. Smith, Thomas Pohida
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Patent number: 6743602Abstract: The present invention features human HX2004-6 polypeptide and nucleotide sequences encoding HX2004-6 polypeptides. In a particular aspect, the polynucleotide is the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. In related aspects the invention features expression vectors and host cells comprising polynucleotides that encode a human HX2004-6 polypeptide. The present invention also relates to antibodies that bind specifically to a human HX2004-6 polypeptide. Further provided are diagnostic and screening methods using HX2004-6 polynucleotides and antibodies specific for HX2004-6 polypeptides.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Chiron CorporationInventor: Giulia C. Kennedy
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Patent number: 6743603Abstract: This invention provides a novel nucleic acid molecule encoding PTX1, which has been mapped to human chromosome 12. The PTX1-encoding nucleic acid molecule, along with its encoded protein and antibodies thereto may be used to advantage to facilitate the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Albert Einstein Healthcare NetworkInventors: Simon Kwok, Ierachimiel Daskal
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Patent number: 6743604Abstract: Polypeptides capable of binding human IL-13 and/or of binding human IL-4 in the presence of IL-4 R&agr; can be used in medicine, in diagnosis and in screening for agonists/antagonists of IL-13/IL-4. One such polypeptide is shown in FIG. 1.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Smithkline Beecham CorporationInventors: Jean-Yves Bonnefoy, Jean-François Gauchat
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Patent number: 6743605Abstract: This invention provides novel processes for amplifying nucleic acid sequences of interest, including linear and non-linear amplification. In linear amplification, a single initial primer or nucleic acid construct is utilized to carry out the amplification process. In non-linear amplification, a first initial primer or nucleic acid construct is employed with a subsequent initial primer or nucleic acid construct. In other non-linear amplification processes provided by this invention, a first initial primer or nucleic acid construct is deployed with a second initial primer or nucleic acid construct to amplify the specific nucleic acid sequence of interest and its complement that are provided. A singular primer or a singular nucleic acid construct capable of non-linear amplification can also be used to carry out non-linear amplification in accordance with this invention.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Enzo Life Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Elazar Rabbani, Jannis G. Stavrianopoulos, James J. Donegan, Jack Coleman, Marleen Walner
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Patent number: 6743606Abstract: The invention relates to a protein which presents identical or different catalytically active domains of glycosyltransferases and has a processive action. In particular, the same protein is successively active in at least two successive process steps.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignees: Gesellschaft Für Erwerb und Verwertung von Schutzrechten-GVS mbH, Forschungszentrum BorstelInventors: Frank P. Wolter, Petra Jorasch, Ernst Heinz, Ulrich Zähringer
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Patent number: 6743607Abstract: Compositions and methods for making complex carbohydrates in a bacterial production cell are disclosed. The complex carbohydrates that can be made include oligosaccharides and polysaccharides of bacterial or mammalian origin.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The University of Iowa Research FoundationInventors: Michael A. Apicella, Bradford W. Gibson, Nancy J. Phillips
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Patent number: 6743608Abstract: The present invention relates to a process comprising hydrolysis or trans esterification of one of the two enantiomeric forms of a racemic or enantiomerically enriched ester of formula I or IV by a higher rate than the other by an enzyme to give an ester and a acid (III) or two different esters (V) and (VI) with different R groups both with increased enantiomeric purity and a esterification process of a racemic or enantiomerically enriched acid (VII) by an enzyme to give an ester and an acid both with increased enantiomeric purity.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventors: Soren Ebdrup, Heinz-Josef W. Deussen, Magali Zundel
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Patent number: 6743609Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated linoleate isomerase and its nucleic acid and amino acid sequence. The present invention also provides a method for producing CLA from an oil using an immobilized bacterial cell or an isolated linoleate isomerase.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Arkion Life Sciences LLCInventors: Reinhardt A. Rosson, Alan D. Grund, Ming-De Deng, Fernando Sanchez-Riera
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Patent number: 6743610Abstract: A method for producing succinic acid from industrial-grade hydrolysates is provided, comprising supplying an organism that contains mutations for the genes ptsG, pflB, and ldhA, allowing said organism to accumulate biomass, and allowing said organism to metabolize the hydrolysate. Also provided is a bacteria mutant characterized in that it produces succinic acid from substrate contained in industrial-grade hydrolysate in a ratio of between 0.6:1 and 1.3:1 succinic acid to substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: The University of ChicagoInventors: Mark I. Donnelly, Cynthia Y. Sanville-Millard, Nhuan Phu Nghiem
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Patent number: 6743611Abstract: The present invention provides expression systems for exogenous polypeptides wherein the polypeptide is expressed as a fusion protein together with clover yellow virus Nuclear Inclusion a (NIa), the NIa component serving to autolyze the fusion protein after expression. This system can be used to express a novel polypeptide which we have designated KM31-7 protein and which is capable of reducing dichloroindophenol and reduced glutathione. This polypeptide is useful in the treatment of disorders caused by oxidative stress.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Sankyo Company, LimitedInventors: Tohru Takahashi, Nobufusa Serizawa, Ryuta Koishi, Ichiro Kawashima
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Patent number: 6743612Abstract: Disclosed are two nucleic acid molecules from M. incognita encoding malate dehydrogenase-like (MDH-like) polypeptides. The MDH-like polypeptide sequences are also provided, as are vectors, host cells, and recombinant methods for production of MDH-like nucleotides and polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying inhibitors and/or activators, as well as methods for antibody production.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Divergence, Inc.Inventors: Andrew P. Kloek, Brandy Salmon, Deryck Jeremy Williams
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Patent number: 6743613Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human BMP polypeptides and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such polypeptides. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human BMP polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to these novel human BMP polypeptides.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Human Genome Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Jian Ni, Steven M. Ruben, Yanggu Shi
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Patent number: 6743614Abstract: The invention relates to the cDNA and deduced amino acid sequence of the Coactivator Associated arginine (R) Methyltransferase protein, CARM1. A method is described for the use CARM1 to regulate gene expression in vivo. CARM1 has also been used to methylate arginine residues of histones, synthetic peptides, and other proteins. A method to use CARM1 to screen for drugs that inhibit its methyltransferase activity is also described, as is a method to screen for drugs that modulate CARM1's interactions with other proteins.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1999Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael R. Stallcup, Dagang Chen, Heng Hong, Dana W. Aswad
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Patent number: 6743615Abstract: The present invention is a process for converting trimethylhydroquinone diacetate (TMHQ-DA) into trimethylhydroquinone-1-monoacetate (TMHQ-1-MA) by contacting TMHQ-DA with a lipase to effect an enzymatic monosaponification of the TMHQ-DA. Also provided are methods of making (all-rac)-&agr;-tocopherol and (all-rac)-&agr;-tocopherol acetate.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Roche Vitamins, Inc.Inventors: Werner Bonrath, Detlef Eisenkraetzer, Valerie Enjolras, Reinhard Karge, Thomas Netscher, Michael Schneider
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Patent number: 6743616Abstract: The invention relates to mutant &agr;-amylases that may be produced at high yield from recombinant microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Kao CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Araki, Keiji Endo, Hiroshi Hagihara, Kazuaki Igarashi, Yasuhiro Hayashi, Katsuya Ozaki
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Patent number: 6743617Abstract: The invention relates to a novel member LYC3 of lysozyme gene family. The invention provides the cDNA sequence encoding for the novel lysozyme, the polypeptide encoded by the sequence, as well as the method for producing said novel human lysozyme utilizing recombinant technology. The invention also provides the use of the novel human lysozyme.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Inventors: Long Yu, Qiang Fu, Yong Zhao, Honglai Zhang, Anding Bi
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Patent number: 6743618Abstract: The subject invention pertains to new thermostable enzymes and the use of these enzymes both in proteolysis as well as protein and polypeptide synthesis. The subject invention further concerns polynucleotide sequences which encode the enzymes of the subject invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventor: David Michael Young
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Patent number: 6743619Abstract: The present invention provides novel nucleic acids, novel polypeptide sequences encoded by these nucleic acids and uses thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: NuveloInventors: Y. Tom Tang, Ping Zhou, Ryle Goodrich, Chenghua Liu, Vinod Asundi, Feiyan Ren, Jie Zhang, Qing A. Zhao, Yonghong Yang, Aidong J. Xue, Tom Wehrman, Jian-Rui Wang, Dunrui Wang, Radoje T. Drmanac
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Patent number: 6743620Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a retrovirus to be expressed at a high titer by specifically transferring a desired foreign gene into target cells. A pseudotyped retrovirus vector having a high titer can be prepared by transferring a DNA construction wherein a promoter, an loxP sequence, a VSV-G gene and a polyA addition signal are arranged in this order is transferred into cells carrying the retrovirus gag and pol gene expression systems, and then transferring a retrovirus vector containing the desired foreign gene thereinto, followed by treatment with a recombinase.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1999Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Eisai Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Iba, Tohru Arai
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Patent number: 6743621Abstract: Novel human polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Lexicon Genetics IncorporatedInventors: Gregory Donoho, John Scoville, C. Alexander Turner, Jr., Glenn Friedrich, Alejandro Abuin, Brian Zambrowicz, Arthur T. Sands
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Patent number: 6743622Abstract: A specific locus in the genome of a murine host cell is identified which causes high levels of recombinant gene expression following stable integration, via homologous recombination, of the recombinant gene into the specific chromosomal locus. The selection of a favorable genome locus for the insertion and expression of a recombinant gene is disclosed, as are DNA vectors and host cells.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1996Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventors: Gregory Franklin Hollis, George E. Mark
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Patent number: 6743623Abstract: Non-replicable viral recombinant vectors which are recognizable by muscle cell receptors, and furthermore modified by an inserted nucleic acid coding for a polypeptide sequence to be expressed in the muscle cells, are used to obtain a composition for treating muscle cell diseases or disease which, by virtue of their location in the body are accessible to the production of expression. A method for producing said vectors and their use in pharmaceutical compositions are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Michel Perricaudet, Pascale Briand, Leslie Stratford-Perricaudet
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Patent number: 6743624Abstract: Process and apparatus for the continuous purification and concentration of leukocytes from blood, characterized in that said process comprises the following steps: (a) seperating plasma from the blood by filtration in order to achieve a filtered buffy coat fraction; (b) adding an aqueous solution, which is hypotonic in relation to plasma, to the buffy coat fraction from step (a), in order to achieve lysation of erythrocytes contained in the buffy coat fraction; (c) mixing the buffy coat fraction and the aqueous hypotonic solution from step (b) in a mixing device; (d) leading the mixture from step (c) through a retention vessel; (e) leading the mixture from step (d) through a centrifuge in order to seperate the leukocytes; (f) collecting the separated leukocytes from step (e).Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Bionative ABInventor: Mats Jarekrans
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Patent number: 6743625Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Death Domain Containing Receptor-5 (DR5) proteins which are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, and have now been shown to bind TRAIL. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human DR5 proteins. DR5 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying antagonists and antagonists of DR5 activity.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Human Genome Sciences, Inc.Inventors: Jian Ni, Reiner L. Gentz, Guo-Liang Yu, Craig A. Rosen
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Patent number: 6743626Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of oral prosthetics and tissue engineering. More specifically, a novel, artificial fluid secreting prosthesis for non-invasive insertion is disclosed. Further, methods of use of the foregoing are provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: Bruce J. Baum, Kenneth M. Yamada, Edna Cukierman, David Mooney
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Patent number: 6743627Abstract: The invention involves methods and materials for extracellularly administering PNA oligomers to living cells. Specifically, the invention provides methods of treating living cells with PNA oligomers such that the oligomers cross biological barriers and engender a biological response in a sequence specific manner. In addition, the invention provides methods and materials for orally administering PNA oligomers to animals such that the oligomers cross biological barriers and engender a biological response in a sequence specific manner. This invention also provides methods of screening potential PNA oligomers for the ability to engender a sequence specific biological response. Further, this invention provides methods of identifying the function of polypeptides and of determining the relative turnover rate of functional polypeptides.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and ResearchInventors: Elliott Richelson, Beth Marie Tyler, Daniel J. McCormick, Bernadette Marie Cusack, Clark V. Hoshall, Christopher Lee Douglas, Karen Jansen
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Patent number: 6743628Abstract: A novel growth factor, neurturin, is disclosed. The human and mouse amino acid sequences have been identified. Human and mouse neurturin genomic DNA sequences have been cloned and sequences and the respective CDNA sequences identified. The subcloning into vectors and the preparation of cells stably transformed with the vectors is also disclosed. In addition, methods for treating degenerative conditions using neurturin, methods for detecting gene alterations and methods for detecting and monitoring patient levels of neurturin are provided. Methods for identifying additional members of the neurturin-GDNF family of growth factors are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Washington UniversityInventors: Eugene M. Johnson, Jr., Jeffrey D. Milbrandt, Paul T. Kotzbauer, Patricia A. Lampe
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Patent number: 6743629Abstract: The present invention provides methods for in vitro culturing of an in vitro produced porcine embryo by culturing the embryo in a medium containing lactate and pyruvate without glucose and then in a medium containing glucose without lactate and pyruvate.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: National Institute of AgrobiologicalInventors: Kazuhiro Kikuchi, Hiroyuki Kaneko, Junko Noguchi
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Patent number: 6743630Abstract: A method of preparing a protein array based on biochemical protein-protein interaction is provided. An array of a first protein which includes a PDZ domain is deposited on a substrate. A second protein, which includes an amino acid sequence (S/T)—X—(V/I/L)—COOH (each hyphen represents a peptide bond, each parenthesis encloses amino acids which are alternatives to one other, each slash within such parentheses separates the alternative amino acids, and the X represents any amino acid which is selected from the group comprising the twenty naturally occurring amino acids), is applied to the first protein array. The amino acid sequence (S/T)—X—(V/I/L)—COOH of the second protein is bound to the PDZ domain of the first protein.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventor: Taka-Aki Sato
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Patent number: 6743631Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of non-primate mammalian cell lines having substantially no endogenous retroviral sequences as producer and packaging lines for preparation of human serum-resistant retroviral vector particles with improved safety for use in gene therapy applications. In a preferred embodiment, the cell line used in the present invention is the &agr;-galactosyl (&agr;Gal)-positive cell ferret brain cell line designated as Mpf or a cell line having those identifying characteristics of the Mpf cell line suitable for the practice of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1998Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: North Shore University Hospital Research CorporationInventor: James M. Mason
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Patent number: 6743632Abstract: Centrifugal analyzer and method for staining biological or non-biological samples in microgravity, wherein the method utilizes an increase in weight of a fluid sample as a function of g-load, to overcome cohesive and frictional forces from preventing its movement in a preselected direction. Apparatus is characterized by plural specimen reservoirs and channels in a slide, each channel being of differing cross-section, wherein respective samples are selectively dispensed, from the reservoirs in response to an imposed g-factor, precedent to sample staining. Within the method, one thus employs microscope slides which define channels, each being of a differing cross-section dimension relative to others. In combination therewith, centrifugal slide mounting apparatus controllably imposes g-vectors of differing magnitudes within a defined structure of the centrifuge such as a chip array.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Universities Space Research AssociationInventors: Mark S. F. Clarke, Daniel L. Feeback
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Patent number: 6743633Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a plurality of liquid samples. The system has a platen having two substantially parallel planar surfaces and a plurality of through-holes dimensioned so as to maintain a liquid sample in each through-hole by means of surface tension. A source of optical radiation illuminates the through-holes, and an optical arrangement analyzes the light emanating from the through-holes. The through-holes may be individually addressable, and may have volumes less than 100 nanoliters. Samples may be drawn from a planar surface by capillary action and may be accurately dispensed, diluted and mixed in accordance with embodiments of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Ian W. Hunter
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Patent number: 6743634Abstract: Blood cells of interest are readily distinguishable from other blood cells and look-a-like particles found in a blood sample by their back-scatter signature. A preferred method for differentiating platelets in a blood sample is to irradiate the cells and particles, one at a time, with a beam of radiation, and to detect back-scattered (reflected) radiation using a plurality of optical fibers to transmit the back-scattered radiation to a high-gain photodetector, e.g. a photomultiplier tube. Preferably, the back-scatter signal so obtained is combined with a second signal representing, for example, either the level of forward-scatter within a prescribed, relatively narrow angular range, or the level of side-scattered radiation, or the level of attenuation of the cell-irradiating beam caused by the presence of the irradiated cell or particle in the beam, or the electrical impedance of the irradiated cell or particle, to differentiate the cells of interest.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Coulter International Corp.Inventor: Donald L. Kramer
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Patent number: 6743635Abstract: A system for measuring a glucose level in a blood sample includes a test strip and a meter. The test strip includes a sample chamber, a working electrode, a counter electrode, fill-detect electrodes, and an auto-on conductor. A reagent layer is disposed in the sample chamber. The auto-on conductor causes the meter to wake up and perform a test strip sequence when the test strip is inserted in the meter. The meter uses the working and counter electrodes to initially detect the blood sample in the sample chamber and uses the fill-detect electrodes to check that the blood sample has mixed with the reagent layer. The meter applies an assay voltage between the working and counter electrodes and measures the resulting current. The meter calculates the glucose level based on the measured current and calibration data saved in memory from a removable data storage device associated with the test strip.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Home Diagnostics, Inc.Inventors: Gary T. Neel, Douglas E. Bell, T. Philip Wong, Houston F. Voss
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Patent number: 6743636Abstract: A microfluid driving device is provided. The microfluid driving device of this invention comprises microfluid driving platform prepared in a chip, which platform comprises at least two miniature Venturi pumps, at least one microchannel and optionally micro mixers or micro reactors in said microchannel; an external pneumatic flow supply and control module that provides selectively different air flows; and an interface device connecting said microfluid driving platform and said external pneumatic flow supply and control module. The air flows supplied by said the pneumatic flow supply and control module are supplied under selected flow rates and frequencies to said at least two Venturi pumps through said interface device, such that the microfluid inside said microchannel may be driven forward or backward or halt and the transportation, mixing and reaction of the microfluid may be accomplished.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chen-Kuei Chung, Wei-Jieh Chang, Chieh-Ling Hsiao, Kuo-Yao Weng
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Patent number: 6743637Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a disease type and/or condition determination method and apparatus that enables rapid and reliable determination by spectral analysis of the energy state of cells or drugs, and a drug screening method and apparatus that enables efficient screening of a target drug. In order to achieve this object, for example, the disease type and/or condition determination method according to the present invention determines disease type and condition by measuring the absorption spectrum in, for example, the infrared region for cells obtained from a specimen, and determining whether or not a coinciding absorption spectrum exists for those measurement results by using as indices at least two infrared absorption spectra.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Inventor: Tomoya Sato
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Patent number: 6743638Abstract: A process for detecting an analyte which process comprises (a) contacting a sample suspected of containing said analyte with a containment means comprising a barrier which separates signal generating reagents from said sample, in the presence of an element which interacts specifically with said analyte, under conditions whereby interaction between the analyte and the said element results in activation of the signal generating reagents within the containment means on the side of the barrier opposite to the sample, and (b) detecting any signal generated and retained within the containment means from the sample side of the barrier. The process of the invention provides for sensitive detection of very small numbers of analyte materials using measurement techniques which include counting methods such as flow cytometry.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: The Secretary of State for DefenceInventors: Marina Tsilosani, David J Clarke, Christopher J Lloyd, Stephen Nicklin, Harmesh S Aojula, Michael T Wilson
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Patent number: 6743639Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system used for detecting the presence of selected molecular species. A magnetic field sensor supported on a substrate has a binding molecule layer positioned on a side thereof capable of selectively binding to the selected molecular species. The magnetic field sensor can be substantially covered by an electrical insulating layer having a recess therein adjacent to the sensor in which the binding molecule layer is provided. An electrical interconnection conductor can be supported on the substrate at least in part between the sensor and the substrate, and is electrically connected to the sensor. The magnetic field sensor can be provided in a bridge circuit, and can be formed by a number of interconnected individual sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: NVE CorporationInventors: Mark C. Tondra, John M. Anderson
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Patent number: 6743640Abstract: A chemical composition including a moiety comprising a quencher (Q), a tethering element (T), and a ligand (L) that associates with and quenches a fluorescent polymer is disclosed. When an analyte sample is introduced, the ligand (L) binds to a target biological agent if it is present, thereby causing the QTL molecule to separate from the fluorescent polymer resulting in an increase in detected fluorescence. The same chemistry is advantageously employed in a competitive assay. An electric field can also be applied to separate the QTL molecule from the fluorescent polymer. A method for detecting targets for these methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: QTL Biosystems LLCInventors: David G. Whitten, Duncan W. McBranch, Robert Jones, Troy S. Bergstedt
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Patent number: 6743641Abstract: The present invention provides a method of fabricating a portion of a memory cell, the method comprising providing a first conductor in a trench which is provided in an insulating layer and flattening an upper surface of the insulating layer and the first conductor, forming a material layer over the flattened upper surface of the insulating layer and the first conductor and flattening an upper portion of the material layer while leaving intact a lower portion of the material layer over the insulating layer and the first conductor.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Donald L. Yates, Joel A. Drewes
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Patent number: 6743642Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) cell is disclosed, which alleviates the problem of Neel coupling caused by roughness in the interface between the tunnel junction layer and the magnetic layers. The method includes depositing first and second barrier layers on the conductor, wherein the first barrier layer has a polish rate different from that of the second barrier layer. The second barrier layer is then essentially removed by chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), leaving a very smooth and uniform first barrier layer. When the magnetic stack is then formed on the polished first barrier layer, interfacial roughness is not translated to the tunnel junction layer, and no corruption of magnetization is experienced.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Infineon AGInventors: Gregory Costrini, John Hummel, Kia-Seng Low, Mahadevaiyer Krishnan
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Patent number: 6743643Abstract: A nonconductive hydrogen barrier layer is deposited on a substrate and completely covers the surface area over a memory capacitor and a MOSFET switch of an integrated circuit memory cell. A portion of an insulator layer adjacent to the bottom electrode of a memory capacitor is removed by etching to form a moat region. A nonconductive oxygen barrier layer is deposited to cover the sidewall and bottom of the moat. The nonconductive oxygen barrier layer and a conductive diffusion barrier beneath the capacitor together provide a substantially continuous diffusion barrier between the capacitor and a switch. Also, the nonconductive hydrogen barrier layer, the nonconductive oxygen barrier, and the conductive diffusion barrier substantially completely envelop the capacitor, in particular a ferroelectric thin film in the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Symetrix CorporationInventors: Vikram Joshi, Narayan Solayappan, Carlos A. Paz de Araujo, Larry D. McMillan