Patents Issued in February 28, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080050792
    Abstract: Processes for conversion of lignin to liquid products such as bio-fuels and fuel additives are disclosed and described. A process for conversion of a lignin material to bio-fuels can include subjecting the lignin material to a base catalyzed depolymerization reaction to produce a partially depolymerized lignin. The partially depolymerized lignin can then be subjected to a stabilization/partial hydrodeoxygenation reaction to form a partially hydrodeoxygenated product. Following partial hydrodeoxygenation, the partially hydrodeoxygenated product can be reacted in a hydroprocessing step to form a bio-fuel. Each of these reaction steps can be performed in single or multiple steps, depending on the design of the process. The production of an intermediate partially hydrodeoxygenation product and subsequent reaction thereof can significantly reduce or eliminate reactor plugging and catalyst coking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Wlodzimierz Zmierczak, Jan Miller
  • Publication number: 20080050793
    Abstract: A method for producing foams containing biological materials is described. A solid or semi-solid paste is formed by combining biologically active material with a protecting agent in an aqueous solvent. The paste formed is allowed to set, and may optionally then be apportioned into the desired shape. The paste may be frozen to allow formation of ice crystals to act as porogens. Subsequently, the paste is exposed to travelling wave radiant energy under vacuum (t-REV) for drying. This causes the solvent to boil off, leaving dried material containing the biologically active material, the protecting agent, and a relatively low water content. Biologically active materials which can be used include cells, microbial cultures, live attenuated microbes, probiotics, yeasts, enzymes, vaccines, proteins, and any heat-sensitive biological material. By directing energy via a travelling wave through a sample, good control of temperature and process conditions can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Timothy Durance, Parastoo Yaghmaee, Shafique Ahmad, Guopeng Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080050794
    Abstract: Optoinjection method for transiently permeabilizing a target cell by (a) illuminating a population of cells contained in a frame; (b) detecting at least one property of light directed from the frame; (c) locating a target cell by the property of light; and (d) irradiating the target cell with a pulse of radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Manfred Koller, Elie Hanania, Timothy Eisfeld, Bernhard Palsson
  • Publication number: 20080050795
    Abstract: A mixture of isolated or synthetic affinity molecules in a liquid carrier is disclosed. The mixture comprises at least two different affinity molecules, each with affinity for a predetermined analyte, for use in a single or multi flow cell piezoelectric crystal micro balance apparatus. Each isolated or synthetic affinity molecule forms together with the predetermined analyte an interaction pair selected from the group consisting of anion-cation, antibody-antigen, receptor-ligand, enzyme-substrate, oligonucleotide-oligonucleotide with complementary sequence, oligonucleotide-protein, oligonucleotide-cell, and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomer-polynucleotide, wherein the polynucleotide may be selected from the group consisting of RNA, DNA and PNA polymers complementary to PNA oligomer. Use of the mixture for introduction into the liquid flow of a single or multi flow cell piezoelectric crystal micro balance apparatus is also described, as well as a kit containing the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Biosensor Applications Sweden AB
    Inventors: Per Mansson, Daniel Berggren, Carl Lundberg, Ann-Charlotte Hellgren, Lena Hojvall
  • Publication number: 20080050796
    Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides involved in cryptophycin biosynthesis and the nucleic acid molecules that encode such polypeptides. The nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides of the invention or variants thereof can be used in the methods of the invention to produce cryptophycins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: David Sherman, Nathan Magarvey, Zachary Beck
  • Publication number: 20080050797
    Abstract: A human gene encoding a novel cyclin-dependent kinase termed hPNQALRE and its expression products can be used to provide reagents and methods for detecting neoplasia. Compositions and methods for treating proliferative disorders and neoplasia are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Christoph Reinhard
  • Publication number: 20080050798
    Abstract: A novel biotechnological process for the preparation of nitriles, starting from amides, is described. Microorganisms of the genus Amycolatopsis, Actinomadura or Rhodococcus are employed for this process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Karen Robins, Toru Nagasawa
  • Publication number: 20080050799
    Abstract: Liquid crystal compositions that exhibit little or no toxicity with respect to cells include liquid crystals with chemical functional groups such as fluorine atoms, fluorophenyl groups, or difluorophenyl groups. Liquid crystals with little or no toxicity to cell lines may be added to cell culture media or added to components used in cell culture media. Cells may be grown in cell culture media that includes liquid crystals that exhibit little or no toxicity to cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher Murphy, Nicholas Abbott, Yan-Yeung Luk, Sean Campbell, Li-Lin Cheng, Chang-Hyun Jang
  • Publication number: 20080050800
    Abstract: An alternative energy generating apparatus is provided for generating electricity, the apparatus includes an electric generating apparatus, wherein the electric generating apparatus produces flue gasses, at least one anaerobic digester adapted to supply biogas to the electric generating apparatus and at least one bioreactor configured to receive a least a portion of the flue gasses from the electric generating apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Trevor McKeeman, Greg Karr, Praveen Vadlani
  • Publication number: 20080050801
    Abstract: Systems and methods of treating flue gas and wastewater generated by treating the flue gas are disclosed and include introducing the flue gas, a flue gas treatment fluid that removes sulfur dioxide from the flue gas; and an organic acid conditioning agent into a wet-oxidation scrubber/absorber; introducing FGD scrubber wastewater generated by the wet-oxidation scrubber/absorber into an anoxic biological reactor to substantially denitrify the FGD scrubber wastewater; and introducing resulting substantially denitrified FGD scrubber wastewater into an anaerobic biological reactor to substantially reduce the amount of sulfate and/or selected heavy metals in the FGD scrubber wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Infilco Degremont, Inc., a corporation of New York
    Inventors: Robert Kelly, Michael Pudvay, Antonio Lau
  • Publication number: 20080050802
    Abstract: A biofilter for use in treating contaminated gasses is provided with a container having a layer of rubber particulate, which serves as a filter media. One preferred source of the rubber particulate is recycled tires. The rubber particulate provides a platform for the growth and maintenance of a microbial ecosystem that substantially treats the contaminated gases emanating from the waste. A plurality of different embodiments provide relatively simple inexpensive biofiltration solutions for a wide range of applications. A method of reducing odorous pollutants from products is also described wherein the product containing the pollutant or pollutants is passed through a layer of the rubber particulate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Lally
  • Publication number: 20080050803
    Abstract: An integrated collection and detection system is configured to monitor the ambient air for specific particles, such as toxins and pathogens. An air collector captures airborne particles and outputs a fluid sample including the captured particles in a fluid solution. The collection and detection system includes a control module configured to control the processing of the fluid sample such that detection of one or more types of particles is fully automated within the integrated system. The types of particles to be processed and detected include, but are not limited to, cells, bacteria, viruses, nucleic acids, toxins, and other pathogens. If one or more specific types of particles are detected, a system alarm is triggered. The system alarm triggers a local audio/visual alarm and/or is transmitted over a communications network to either a local or central monitoring location. More than one collection and detection system can be coupled to the network and monitored by the central monitoring location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Allen Northrup, Farzad Pourahmadi, Bob Yuan, Amy J. Devitt
  • Publication number: 20080050804
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for moving samples, such as fluid, within a microfluidic system using a plurality of gas actuators for applying pressure at different locations within the microfluidic. The system includes a substrate which forms a fluid network through which fluid flows, and a plurality of gas actuators integral with the substrate. One such gas actuator is coupled to the network at a first location for providing gas pressure to move a microfluidic sample within the network. Another gas actuator is coupled to the network at a second location for providing gas pressure to further move at least a portion of the microfluidic sample within the network. A valve is coupled to the microfluidic network so that, when the valve is closed, it substantially isolates the second gas actuator from the first gas actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Kalyan Handique, Gene Parunak
  • Publication number: 20080050805
    Abstract: A Tissue Board Assembly for collecting, storing, preparing and preserving tissue and/or bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: John P. Cole, Tesfaye H. Gutema
  • Publication number: 20080050806
    Abstract: An aerobic waste treatment system, such as a composting system, comprising a movable push wall (20). The movable push wall (20) is preferably part of a container (10). In use of the aerobic waste treatment system, waste is heaped against the movable push wall (20) to build a waste heap (60). The waste is coverable with a removable flexible enclosure. The removable flexible enclosure is preferably a liquid-tight but gas-permeable cover (70). A deployment apparatus (30) for covering or uncovering the waste heap (60) with the removable flexible enclosure can facilitate the handling of the removable flexible enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: COMP-ANY GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Binding, Jan Gressmann
  • Publication number: 20080050807
    Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA fragment encoding alkaline liquefying ?-amylase, recombinant DNA containing the DNA fragment, a transformed microorganism harboring the recombinant DNA, as well as a method for producing alkaline liquefying ?-amylase using the transformant. The method of the present invention enables mass production of alkaline liquefying ?-amylase useful as a detergent component. The present invention is directed to a liquefying alkaline alph?-amylase, and a DNA encoding for the same and functional fragments thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Yuji Hatada, Katsuya Ozaki, Katsutoshi Ara, Shuji Kawai, Susumu Ito
  • Publication number: 20080050808
    Abstract: A group of modular cloning vector plasmids for the synthesis of a transgene or other complicated DNA construct, by providing a backbone having docking points therein, for the purpose of gene expression or analysis of gene expression. The invention is useful for assembling a variety of DNA fragments into a de novo DNA construct or transgene by using cloning vectors optimized to reduce the amount of manipulation frequently needed. The module vector contains at least one multiple cloning site (MCS) and multiple sets of rare restriction and/or unique homing endonuclease (“HE”) sites, arranged in a linear pattern. This arrangement defines a modular architecture that allows the user to place domain modules or inserts into a PE3 transgene vector construct without disturbing the integrity of DNA elements already incorporated into the PE3 vector in previous cloning steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas D. Reed, Jiang Feng Zhou
  • Publication number: 20080050809
    Abstract: Novel human polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Alejandro Abuin, Gregory Donoho, Carl Johan Friddle, Glenn Friedrich, Brenda Gerhardt, Erin Hilbun, Yi Hu, James Alvin Kieke, Brian Mathur, Daniel Mathur, Maricar Miranda, Michael C. Nehls, Boris Nepomnichy, Arthur T. Sands, John Scoville, C. Alexander Turner, D. Wade Walke, Xiaoming Wang, Nathaniel L. Wilganowski, Amy Qiongshu Xie, Xuanchuan Yu, Brian Zambrowicz
  • Publication number: 20080050810
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards mouse-human chimeric variants of CC49 monoclonal antibodies with minimal murine content. A first aspect of the invention provides CDR variants of humanized monoclonal antibody (HuCC49) in which less than all six (three heavy chain and three light chain) Complementarity Determining Regions (CDRs) of CC49 are present. A second aspect of the invention provides SDR variants of humanized monoclonal antibody (HuCC49) in which only Specificity Determining Regions (SDRs) of at least one CDR from CC49 are present. The invention is also directed towards biotechnological methods of making the variants and therapeutic methods of using the variants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Syed Kashmiri, Eduardo Padlan, Jeffrey Schlom
  • Publication number: 20080050811
    Abstract: It is intended to identify and provide a novel carnitine transporter gene participating in carnitine transport in the testis and epididymis and carnitine transporter which is a protein encoded by the gene. A protein comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1 or an amino acid sequence derived therefrom by deletion, substitution or addition of one to several amino acids and being capable of transporting carnitine or its analog; and a gene encoding this protein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Human Cell Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Endou, Yoshikatsu Kanai, Atsushi Enomoto
  • Publication number: 20080050812
    Abstract: The present invention features methods for specifically micropositioning cells on a substratum. Cell-adhesive substances that bind to naturally-occurring or artificially-attached cell-surface moieties are deposited onto the substratum (e.g., using an inkjet printer), after which cells are incubated with the substratum such that they attach to the substratum via the cell-adhesive substances. The methods of the invention can be used to generate complex two- and three-dimensional patterns containing multiple cell types, e.g., for tissue engineering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: James W. Cox, Robert J. Klebe
  • Publication number: 20080050813
    Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for deriving and culturing embryonic cells and in particular to methods for maintaining the undifferentiated state of stems cells and cell lines in culture. The invention also concerns cells and cell lines derived by the methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Sydney IVF Limited
    Inventors: Teija Peura, Robert Paul Jansen
  • Publication number: 20080050814
    Abstract: Methods, processes and systems for procuring, isolating and cryopreserving fetal placental cells are provided. A population of fetal placental cells is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Cryo-Cell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Julie Allickson
  • Publication number: 20080050815
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the cryopreservation and preparation of warmed oocytes for fertilization. Cryopreservation of oocytes using vitrification methods is disclosed. Exemplary techniques include making a vent in the zona pellucida surrounding the oocyte; contacting the oocyte with a vitrification solution comprising at least one cryoprotectant; and vitrifying the oocyte. Further methods of warming the vitrified oocyte, in preparation for intracellular sperm injection are disclosed, allowing for the assessment of successful fertilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Geoffery Sher, Levent Keskintepe
  • Publication number: 20080050816
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a cell culture chip, which comprising a cell adhesion layer with a III-V nitride compound. The cell adhesion layer according to the invention can improve the adhesion effect between the cultured cell and the cell adhesion, enhance the cell growth and differentiation, and reduce the cell death rate. The present invention further discloses an application of the cell adhesion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Chi-Ruei Chen
  • Publication number: 20080050817
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a medium for a serum-free medium capable of culturing ES cells for a long period while maintaining their undifferentiated state without using feeder cells, and a basal medium for producing the medium thus described. The basal medium of the present invention is characterized by that it has composition shown by Table I. Further, the present invention discloses a medium for ES cells produced with the basal medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Miho Furue, Tetsuji Okamoto, Makoto Asashima
  • Publication number: 20080050818
    Abstract: This invention relates to polynucleotide sequences encoding a gene that can confer resistance to at least one herbicide. It further relates to plants and seeds of plants carrying chimeric genes comprising said polynucleotide sequences, which enhance or confer resistance to at least one herbicide, and methods of making said plants and seeds. The invention further presents sequences that can be used as molecular markers that in turn can be used to identify the region of interest in corn lines resulting from new crosses and to quickly and efficiently select the best lines for breeding strategies by avoiding sensitive lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Thao Dam, Anthony Guida, Christine Hazel, Bailin Li, Mark Williams
  • Publication number: 20080050819
    Abstract: The invention relates to improved construct and methods for eliminating maker sequences from the genome of plants, based on dual-function selection marker which—depending on the employed compound—can act as both negative and counter-selection marker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicants: BASF Plant Science GmbH, SweTree Technologies AB
    Inventors: Helke Hillebrand, Marcus Ebneth, Torgny Nasholm, Oskar Erikson, Magnus Hertzberg
  • Publication number: 20080050820
    Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a casein kinase Stress-Related Polypeptide (CKSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated CKSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding CKSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: BASF Plant Science GmbH
    Inventor: Amber Shirley
  • Publication number: 20080050821
    Abstract: The invention provides alfalfa plants having improved standability and/or fast recovery after spring green-up or after harvest and methods for producing such plants. Such alfalfa plants provide increased annual yield of high quality forage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Cal/West Seeds
    Inventors: David Johnson, Mark Darling, Douglas Miller, Jonathan Reich
  • Publication number: 20080050822
    Abstract: This invention relates to polynucleotide sequences encoding a gene that can confer resistance to at least one herbicide. It further relates to plants and seeds of plants carrying chimeric genes comprising said polynucleotide sequences, which enhance or confer resistance to at least one herbicide, and methods of making said plants and seeds. The invention further presents sequences that can be used as molecular markers that in turn can be used to identify the region of interest in corn lines resulting from new crosses and to quickly and efficiently select the best lines for breeding strategies by avoiding sensitive lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Thao Dam, Anthony Guida, Christine Hazel, Bailin Li, Mark Williams
  • Publication number: 20080050823
    Abstract: This invention relates to polynucleotide sequences encoding a gene that can confer resistance to at least one herbicide. It further relates to plants and seeds of plants carrying chimeric genes comprising said polynucleotide sequences, which enhance or confer resistance to at least one herbicide, and methods of making said plants and seeds. The invention further presents sequences that can be used as molecular markers that in turn can be used to identify the region of interest in corn lines resulting from new crosses and to quickly and efficiently select the best lines for breeding strategies by avoiding sensitive lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Thao Dam, Anthony Guida, Christine Hazel, Bailin Li, Mark Williams
  • Publication number: 20080050824
    Abstract: This invention relates to polynucleotide sequences encoding a gene that can confer resistance to at least one herbicide. It further relates to plants and seeds of plants carrying chimeric genes comprising said polynucleotide sequences, which enhance or confer resistance to at least one herbicide, and methods of making said plants and seeds. The invention further presents sequences that can be used as molecular markers that in turn can be used to identify the region of interest in corn lines resulting from new crosses and to quickly and efficiently select the best lines for breeding strategies by avoiding sensitive lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Thao Dam, Anthony Guida, Christine Hazel, Bailin Li, Mark Williams
  • Publication number: 20080050825
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of transgenic plants and/or plant cells with increased pathogenic resistance, whereby the transgenic plants or plant cells have an altered content or an altered activity of at least one actin-depolymerising factor (ADF) with relation to the wild type. The invention also relates to the use of nucleic acids, coding for at least one ADF, for the production of transgenic plants or plant cells with increased pathogenic resistance and, furthermore, nucleic acid sequences coding for an ADF.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicants: Basf Plant Science GmbH, Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
    Inventors: Markus Frank, Ralph Panstruga, Marco Miklis, Paul Schulze-Lefert
  • Publication number: 20080050826
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the transformation of maize with a grain softness-enhancing gene for improving corn starch extractability. The invention more particularly concerns the reduction of wet milling time using genetically transformed corn that expresses puroindoline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Judy Freeman
  • Publication number: 20080050827
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for enhanced detection and quantification of amino acids by derivatization. Also provided are compositions and methods for enhanced detection and quantification of peptides by derivatization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Hamid Mirzaei, Fred Regnier, Wen-Chu Yang
  • Publication number: 20080050828
    Abstract: Multifunctional nanocomposites are provided including a core of either a magnetic material or an inorganic semiconductor, and, a shell of either a magnetic material or an inorganic semiconductor, wherein the core and the shell are of differing materials, such multifunctional nanocomposites having multifunctional properties including magnetic properties from the magnetic material and optical properties from the inorganic semiconductor material. Various applications of such multifunctional nanocomposites are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Victor Klimov, Jennifer Hollingsworth, Scott Crooker, Hyungrak Kim
  • Publication number: 20080050829
    Abstract: Mass spectrometry techniques for determining the status of sepsis in an individual are provided. A biomarker profile resolved from a biological sample, taken from the individual, using a mass spectrometry technique is compared to a reference biomarker profile. A single such comparison classifies the individual as belonging to or not belonging to a reference population. The individual's biomarker profile and the reference biomarker profile comprise a plurality of ions each having a mass-to-charge ratio of about 100 Daltons to about 1000 Daltons. The plurality of ions can be detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in positive mode. The comparison uses a decision rule, such as a classification tree, that determines the status of sepsis in the individual without requiring knowledge of the identity of the biomarkers in the biomarker profile from the individual and without requiring knowledge of the identity of the biomarkers in the reference biomarker profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Ivey, Thomas Gentle, Richard Moore, Michael Towns, Nicholas Bachur, Robert Rosenstein, James Nadeau, Paul Goldenbaum, Song Shi, Donald Copertino, James Garrett, Gregory Tice, Gary Siuzdak, Elizabeth Want, Zhouxin Shen
  • Publication number: 20080050830
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for detecting multiple types of leukocytes in a blood sample material. A fluid or gas sample may pass through a sieve-based detection system of a cartridge. Detection and analysis techniques may be applied to determine the relative distribution of multiple types of white blood cells in the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Pierre Floriano, Nicolaos Christodoulides, Karri Ballard, John McDevitt
  • Publication number: 20080050831
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides systems and methods for the detection, identification, or characterization of differences between properties or behavior of corresponding species in two or more mixtures comprised of molecules, including biomolecules and/or molecules able to interact with biomolecules, using techniques such as partitioning. The experimental conditions established as distinguishing between the mixtures of the molecules using the systems and methods of the invention can also be used, in some cases, for further fractionation and/or characterization of the biomolecules and/or other molecules, using techniques such as single-step or multiple-step extraction, and/or by liquid-liquid partition chromatography. The methods could also be used for discovering and identifying markers associated with specific diagnostics, and can be used for screening for such markers once discovered and identified during diagnostics screening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Analiza, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnon Chait, Boris Zaslavsky
  • Publication number: 20080050832
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for prognosis in severe immune response syndrome. Values calculated from CCL23, CRP, and NGAL assay measurements are used to indicate the risk of sepsis progression and/or to identify patients at high risk from infections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth Buechler, Joseph Anderberg, Paul McPherson
  • Publication number: 20080050833
    Abstract: Relative quantification of metabolites by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) requiring a mechanism for simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes in two or more samples. Labeling reagents that are reactive to particular compound classes and differ only in their isotopic kit facilitating relative quantification and providing tangible evidence for the existence of specific functional groups. Heavy and light isotopic forms of methylacetimidate were synthesized and used as labeling reagents for quantification of amine-containing molecules, such as biological samples. Heavy and light isotopic forms of formaldehyde and cholamine were also synthesized and used independently as labeling reagents for quantification of amine-containing and carboxylic acid-containing molecules, such as found in biological samples. Advantageously, the labeled end-products are positively charged under normal acidic conditions involving conventional Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Lloyd Smith, Michael Shortreed, Brian Frey, Margaret Phillips, Joshua Coon, Shane Lamos, Casey Krusemark, Peter Belshaw, Madhusudan Patel, Neil Kelleher
  • Publication number: 20080050834
    Abstract: Protein crystallization droplet actuators, systems and methods are provided. According to one embodiment, a droplet actuator for providing an array of crystallization conditions is provided and includes: (a) two or more processing reservoirs; (b) two or more dispensing reservoirs collectively comprising two or more crystallization reagents; and (c) a port for introducing a sample for crystallization analysis. Systems including the droplet actuator, methods of providing an array of crystallization conditions, and methods of identifying crystallization conditions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Vamsee Pamula, Vijay Srinivasan, Michael Pollack
  • Publication number: 20080050835
    Abstract: Isolated human nucleic acids implicated in Parkinson's disease and the uses thereof, such as in diagnostic and prognostic methods and in pharmaceutical preparations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: KAROLINSKA INNOVATIONS AB
    Inventors: Lars Olson, Silvia Burvenich, Olof Sydow, Maria Anvret, Zhiping Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080050836
    Abstract: Gene expression data are analyzed using learning machines such as support vector machines (SVM) and ridge regression classifiers to rank genes according to their ability to distinguish between BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and all other conditions. Results are provided showing the correlation of results obtained using data from two independent studies that took place at different times using different microarrays. Genes are ranked according to area-under-the-curve, false discovery rate and fold change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: ISABELLE GUYON
  • Publication number: 20080050837
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are point mutations in the LMNA gene that cause HGPS. These mutations activate a cryptic splice site within the LMNA gene, which leads to deletion of part of exon 11 and generation of a mutant Lamin A protein product that is 50 amino acids shorter than the normal protein. In addition to the novel Lamin A variant protein and nucleic acids encoding this variant, methods of using these molecules in detecting biological conditions associated with a LMNA mutation in a subject (e.g., HGPS, arteriosclerosis, and other age-related diseases), methods of treating such conditions, methods of selecting treatments, methods of screening for compounds that influence Lamin A activity, and methods of influencing the expression of LMNA or LMNA variants are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicants: The Govt. of the USA as represented by the Secretary of the Dept. of Health & Human Services,
    Inventors: B. Eriksson, Francis Collins, Leslie Gordon, W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20080050838
    Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of weak anion exchange (WAX) materials for trapping of negative and zwitterionic interfaces from biological matrices, and then reduction of the biological matrix effect in the quantitative analysis process of basic and neutral compounds present in the matrix. The sample preparation process includes adding the WAX cleanup step before or after or during the conventional extraction procedures like liquid-liquid extraction, protein precipitation, solid phase extraction and others. Such a step greatly enhances the selectivity of the extraction process via the removal of the majority of the contaminants and reduces the matrix effect in the quantitative analysis. In addition, the WAX-enhanced extraction is very simple versatile, rug and easy to be operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Yuhui Yang
  • Publication number: 20080050839
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for detecting lung cancer. The apparatus is composed of a breath capture device including a colorimetric sensor array with a plurality of chemoresponsive dyes deposited thereon in a predetermined pattern combination, wherein the dyes produce a distinct and direct spectral, transmission or reflectance response in the presence of analytes in the exhaled breath of lung cancer patients. Air flow, temperature regulation, and visual imaging components of the instant apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth Suslick, William McNamara
  • Publication number: 20080050840
    Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated CSAPK nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel protein kinases. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing CSAPK nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a CSAPK gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated CSAPK proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-CSAPK antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Susan Acton
  • Publication number: 20080050841
    Abstract: The invention relates to a peptide derived from an antigen recognized by autoantibodies, which peptide is reactive with autoimmune antibodies from a patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The peptide according to the invention possesses a modified arginine residue. The invention also relates to antibodies against the peptide and a method of detecting autoimmune antibodies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Stichting Voor De Technische Wetenschappen
    Inventors: Waltherus VAN VENROOIJ, Gerardus Schellekens, Jozef Raats, Rene Hoet