Patents Issued in March 11, 2014
  • Patent number: 8669039
    Abstract: A mixture of an elastomer, carbon black, and inorganic fillers provides a highly useful laser-ablatable flexographic printing plate precursor formulation. This formulation is sensitive to infrared radiation. Both flexographic printing plates and printing sleeves can be made using the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Ophira Melamed, Ido Gal, Limor Dahan
  • Patent number: 8669040
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a relief printing plate having at least engraving an area which is in a relief forming layer of a relief printing plate precursor for laser engraving and is to be exposed by scanning exposure using a fiber-coupled semiconductor laser which emits laser beam with a wavelength of 700 nm to 1,300 nm. The relief printing plate precursor has at least a relief forming layer provided over a support, and the relief forming layer contains at least a binder polymer and a photo-thermal conversion agent. The invention further provides a relief printing plate precursor for laser engraving which can be used in the method of manufacturing a relief printing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tashiro, Atsushi Sugasaki, Hisao Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8669041
    Abstract: A method of making a relief image printing element having a relief pattern comprising a plurality of relief dots, wherein the photocurable printing blank comprises a backing layer having at least one photocurable layer disposed thereon and a masking layer on the at least one photocurable layer is provided. The method comprising the steps of: a) selectively ablating the masking layer to create an overall image in the masking layer, such that the overall image comprises a sub-image, comprising a pattern of cells, in it; b) applying an oxygen barrier layer on top of the masking layer; c) exposing the printing element to actinic radiation through the oxygen barrier layer and the masking layer; and d) developing the printing blank by removing the barrier layer and the uncured portions of the photocurable layer to reveal the relief image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Brian Cook, David A. Recchia, Timothy Gotsick
  • Patent number: 8669042
    Abstract: A resist pattern-forming method includes applying a resist underlayer film-forming composition to a substrate to form a resist underlayer film. The resist underlayer film-forming composition includes (A) a polysiloxane. A radiation-sensitive resin composition is applied to the resist underlayer film to form a resist film. The radiation-sensitive resin composition includes (a1) a polymer that changes in polarity and decreases in solubility in an organic solvent due to an acid. The resist film is exposed. The exposed resist film is developed using a developer that includes an organic solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: JSR Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Anno, Takashi Mori, Hirokazu Sakakibara, Taiichi Furukawa, Kazunori Takanashi, Hiromitsu Tanaka, Shin-ya Minegishi
  • Patent number: 8669043
    Abstract: A method for perfusion of a porous implant which achieves efficient interpenetration of desired factors into and removal of undesirable factors from the pores of the implant, cleaning of the implant, efficient passivation of the implant, and the implant produced by such treatment. A system wherein the rate of pressure cycling, the fact of pressure cycling, and the amplitude of pressure cycling, results in highly cleaned tissues and other implants. Goals include between about a one to twelve log reduction in bacterial contamination, between about a one to fifteen log reduction in enveloped virus contamination, up to about a five log reduction in non-enveloped virus contamination, between about a two to tenfold reduction in endotoxin, maintenance of implant or graft biologic and biomechanical properties, absence of tissue toxicity due to cleaning solutions used, and reduced implant antigenicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: RTI Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Randal Mills, John F. Wironen, Sean Hanstke
  • Patent number: 8669044
    Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for concentrating and isolating Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) from body fluids. One embodiment of the present invention includes a micro-fabricated or nano-fabricated device having channels configured for separating and excluding. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention utilize features that reduce the hydrodynamic pressure experienced by the cells during the separation, isolation and concentration processes, and therefore reduce the likelihood of cell lysis or other damage to the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Daniel T. Chiu, Jason S. Kuo
  • Patent number: 8669045
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for conveniently producing a protein formulation in which viruses are inactivated, without impairing the quality of the obtained protein formulation, characterized by including the step of exposing the protein formulation contaminated with the viruses to a 0.1-2M aqueous solution of arginine, an arginine derivative, or a mixture thereof, the aqueous solution being adjusted to pH 3.5 to 5. The present invention also provides a virus inactivation method characterized by including the step of contacting a virus-containing object with a 0.1-2M aqueous solution of arginine, an arginine derivative, or a mixture thereof, the aqueous solution being adjusted to pH 3.5 to 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Hajime Koyama, Tsutomu Arakawa, Daisuke Ejima
  • Patent number: 8669046
    Abstract: Antibodies that specifically bind to a peptide having an amino acid sequence as found at the N-terminus of the HA2 fusion peptide of the influenza A virus may be raised by inoculating a mammal with a conjugate of the peptide. In one embodiment, the conjugate comprises the peptide linked to a spacer (e.g. 6-aminocaproic acid) and a carrier protein (e.g. KLH). The antibodies may be used as a universal reagent for detecting HA proteins of influenza viruses. The antibodies are useful as versatile reagents for laboratory research and vaccine potency determination, especially in the event of pandemic influenza outbreaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Xuguang (Sean) Li, Runtao He, Gary Van Domselaar
  • Patent number: 8669047
    Abstract: The present invention provides system and methods for detecting an analyte indicative of an influenza viral infection in a sample of bodily fluid. The present invention also provides for systems and method for detection a plurality of analytes, at least two of which are indicative of an influenza viral infection in a sample of bodily fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Theranos, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Holmes, Ian Gibbons
  • Patent number: 8669048
    Abstract: Methods of generating cell lines with a sequence variation or copy number variation of a gene of interest, methods of use thereof, and cell lines with a sequence variation or copy number variation of a gene of interest are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Parkinson's Institute
    Inventors: Renee Ann Reijo Pera, J. William Langston, Birgitt Schüle, Theodore D. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8669049
    Abstract: The invention relates to extracorporeal methods of analyzing the presence or absence of mutations which cause familial hypercholesterolemia. The inventive methods describe the way in which said mutations can be detected using a DNA sample from an individual and comprising the following: chain reaction of the polymerase with primers which are complementary to the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene; analysis of the amplified product by sequencing; restriction analysis; single strand conformation polymorphism techniques; heteroduplex analysis and analysis of a device on top of a biochip glass support on which oligonucleotide probes are disposed, which can be used to detect the aforementioned mutations in the DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Progenika Biopharma, S.A.
    Inventors: Pedro Mata Lopez, Rodrigo Alberto Alonso Karlezi, Pilar Mozas Alonso, Gilberto Reyes Leal, Miguel Pocovi Mieras, Sergio Castillo Fernandez, Diego Tejedor Hernandez, Antonio Martinez Martinez, Miguel Mallen Perez
  • Patent number: 8669050
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novel nucleic acid molecules, the levels and/or patterns of expression of which are indicative of the onset, predisposition to the onset and/or progression of a neoplasm and to derivatives, homologues or analogues of said molecules. More particularly, the present invention is directed to novel nucleic acid molecules, the levels of expression of which are indicative of the onset and/or progression of a gastrointestinal tract neoplasm, such as an adenoma, and to derivatives, homologues or analogues of said molecules. The present invention is further directed to isolated proteins encoded thereby and to derivatives, homologues, analogues, chemical equivalents and mimetics thereof. The molecules of the present invention are useful in a range of prophylactic, therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications including, but not limited to, those relating to the diagnosis and/or treatment of colorectal neoplasms such as colorectal adenomas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Clinical Genomics Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert James, Julianne Henry, Jan Kazenwadel, Nick Van Host Pellekaan, Anne MacPherson, Susan O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8669051
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a Group H nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Intrexon Corporation
    Inventors: Subba Reddy Palli, Mohan Basavaraju Kumar, Dean Ervin Cress, Ted Tsutomu Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 8669052
    Abstract: Point-of-care binding assays include at least one target nucleic acid binding in a multiplex structure with at least one sequence in a partner nucleic acid associated with a label, due to complementary base pairings between at least one sequence in the target nucleic acid and at least one sequence in the partner nucleic acid. The assays overcome the inherent deficiencies of antibody-protein antigen assays. In a preferred embodiment, color tagged nucleic acid sequences are used to bind a complementary target nucleic acid. The tagged nucleic acid sequences are preferably made from deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, or peptide nucleotides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rapid Pathogen Screening, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Sambursky, Uma Mahesh Babu, Robert W. VanDine
  • Patent number: 8669053
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for generating a pool of oligonucleotides. The invention finds use in preparing a population or subpopulations of oligonucleotides in solution. The pool of oligonucleotides finds use in a variety of nucleic acid detection and/or amplification assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Stuelpnagel, Mark S. Chee
  • Patent number: 8669054
    Abstract: In embodiments the expression or methylation of the PAX5 gene is used as a marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer. In further embodiments methods for detecting gastric cancer are disclosed as are methods for inhibiting the growth of gastric cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Jun Yu, Joseph Jao Yiu Sung, Xiaoxing Li
  • Patent number: 8669055
    Abstract: The invention further relates to conjugated polymers, and methods, articles and compositions employing them as described herein. In some aspects, the invention relates to methods, articles and compositions for the detection and analysis of biomolecules in a sample. Provided assays include those determining the presence of a target biomolecule in a sample or its relative amount, or the assays may be quantitative or semi-quantitative. The methods can be performed on a substrate. The methods can be performed in an array format on a substrate, which can be a sensor. In some embodiments, detection assays are provided employing sensor biomolecules that do not comprise a fluorophore that can exchange energy with the cationic multichromophore. In some aspects biological assays are provided in which energy is transferred between one or more of the multichromophore, a label on the target biomolecule, a label on the sensor biomolecule, and/or a fluorescent dye specific for a polynucleotide, in all permutations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Guillermo C. Bazan, Bin Liu
  • Patent number: 8669056
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods to discover and use single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for identifying breed, or line and breed, or line composition of a bovine subject. The present invention further provides specific nucleic acid sequences, SNPs, and SNP patterns that can be used for identifying breed or breed combinations for Angus, Holstein, Limousin, Brahman, Hereford, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Charolais and Beefmaster breeds. These patterns can be utilized to manage animals in a feedlot to obtain optimum performance based on known characteristics of specific breeds and identify animals for breeding in selection programs. In another aspect, these patterns can be used to ensure labeling on breed specific branded products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignees: Cargill Incorporated, Branhaven LLC
    Inventors: Sue K. DeNise, Paul Charteris, David Rosenfeld, Tom Holm, Stephen Bates
  • Patent number: 8669057
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for molecular profiling and cancer diagnostics, including but not limited to genomic DNA markers associated with cancer. In particular, the present invention provides molecular profiles associated with thyroid cancer, methods of determining molecular profiles, and methods of analyzing results to provide a diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Veracyte, Inc.
    Inventors: Giulia C. Kennedy, Bonnie H. Anderson, Darya I. Chudova, Eric T. Wang, Hui Wang, Moraima Pagan, Nusrat Rabbee, Jonathan I. Wilde
  • Patent number: 8669058
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to detection and measurement of gene transcripts in blood. Specifically provided is a RT-PCR analysis performed on a drop of blood for detecting, diagnosing and monitoring diseases using tissue-specific primers. The present invention also describes methods by which delineation of the sequence and/or quantitation of the expression levels of disease-associated genes allows for an immediate and accurate diagnostic/prognostic test for disease or to assess the effect of a particular treatment regimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: GeneNews, Inc.
    Inventor: Choong-Chin Liew
  • Patent number: 8669059
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and compositions for high throughput screening of genetically modified photosynthetic organisms for plasmic state. The present invention provides methods of producing one or more proteins, including biomass degrading enzymes in a plant. Also provided are the methods of producing biomass degradation pathways in alga cells, particularly in the chloroplast. Single enzymes or multiple enzymes may be produced by the methods disclosed. The methods disclosed herein allow for the production of biofuel, including ethanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignees: The Scripps Research Institute, Sapphire Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Mayfield, Bryan O'Neill, Michael Mendez, Kari Mikkelson, Yan Poon
  • Patent number: 8669060
    Abstract: Methods are provided for detection of cancers associated with methylation of hMLH1 promoter DNA in a subject. The method comprise assaying for the presence of methylated hMLH1 promoter DNA in a bodily fluid from a subject. In one embodiment, the method comprises reacting DNA from the sample with a chemical compound that converts non-methylated cytosine bases but not methylated cytosine bases, to a different nucleotide base. The compound-converted DNA is then amplified using a methylation-sensitive polymerase chain reaction (MSP) employing primers that amplify the compound-converted DNA template. The present invention also provides nucleotide primer sequences for use in the methylation-sensitive PCR assay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Sanford Markowitz, William Grady
  • Patent number: 8669061
    Abstract: An improved method of preventing carryover contamination of an amplification reaction involves treating uracil-containing DNA with uracil-N-DNA glycosylase and heating the DNA in the presence of polyamines, such as spermidine, spermine and the like. Alternatively, after treatment with uracil-N-DNA glycosylase, the reaction is further incubated with an enzyme having AP lyase activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Amar Gupta, Stephen Gordon Will, Roy Bohenzky, Janine Montiel
  • Patent number: 8669062
    Abstract: Genetic diseases can be diagnosed by detection of mutations in causative genes. Protein truncation assays can be used to detect gene products of truncation-type mutations. However, the sensitivity of the assays is often insufficient to detect mutations present in a sample of DNA at a low frequency. Sensitivity can be increased by dividing samples so that the signal generated by a mutant allele comprises a larger fraction of the total alleles than prior to dividing. Thus a previously undetectable signal generated by the mutant allele can become detectable in the assay. Such increased sensitivity permits detection at early stages and in samples having high levels of other alleles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: C. Giovanni Traverso, Kenneth W. Kinzler, Bert Vogelstein
  • Patent number: 8669063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for predicting the effect of an immunotherapy against cancer in a patient based on new biomarkers. The present invention furthermore relates to a prognosis regarding the outcome based on said biomarkers. The present invention furthermore relates to panels of biomarkers for use in the above methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Immatics Biotechnologies GmbH
    Inventors: Toni Weinschenk, Harpreet Singh, Andrea Mahr, Jens Fritsche
  • Patent number: 8669064
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to processes that comprise the vacuum extrusion of plant materials. In some embodiments, the plant materials are subjected to a change in pressure of ?3 kPa or more. The vacuum extrusion can be used to break open the cell walls of the plant material and of any undesirable micro-organisms associated with the plant material. In some embodiments, the vacuum extrusion can be used as a step in a process for producing ethanol from plant materials, such as from sugar beets. In some embodiments, the vacuum extrusion can be used in a process for providing a desired plant cell-derived molecule, such as a sugar or starch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventors: Manfred Steiner, Ulrich Dreier, Ralph Beckers, Walter Steiner
  • Patent number: 8669065
    Abstract: A method for identifying molecules that selectively bind to a lipid binding site of a native integral membrane bound protein, includes (i) providing a solubilized integral membrane protein in a detergent micelle and having a native folding conformation; (ii) providing a soluble lipid analog that binds to the integral membrane protein at the native lipid binding site and causes a change in fluorescence of a fluorophore when bound as compared to unbound; and (iii) screening the solubilized integral membrane protein for binding to a plurality of compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Scott B Hansen, Andrew S Hansen
  • Patent number: 8669066
    Abstract: This invention relates to novel rationale and methods for identifying human and primate taste-specific genes, including genes involved in salty taste perception, especially human salty taste perception, but also genes involved in sweet, bitter, umami, and sour taste perception, and genes involved in other taste cell or taste receptor related activities such as digestive function and digestive related diseases, taste cell turnover, immunoregulation of the oral and digestive tract, and metabolic regulation such as in diabetes and obesity, the genes identified using these methods, and assays for identifying taste modulators (enhancers or blockers) and potential therapeutics using these genes. These compounds have potential application in modulating (enhancing or blocking) taste perception, especially salty taste perception and as potential therapeutics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Senomyx, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Moyer, Albert Zlotnik, Peter Hevezi, Hortensia Soto, Dalia Kalabat, Min Lu, Na Gao, Evan Carl White
  • Patent number: 8669067
    Abstract: Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. To date no specific marker is available for gastric cancer screening. The expression profile of 37 proteins was identified to be consistently different between the plasma of normal and gastric cancer subjects. The expression of complement component C9 protein was validated to be significantly higher in the plasma of gastric cancer compared to normal subjects. This was independent of the gastritis and H. pylori status of the patients. We also observed a statistically significant difference (p<0.04) in the expression level of C9 between patients with intestinal and diffuse types of cancer. Two independent blind test studies showed a high sensitivity and specificity to detect gastric cancer. The C9 protein is a biomarker for screening gastric cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: National University of Singapore
    Inventor: Yoon Pin Lim
  • Patent number: 8669068
    Abstract: A method for determining pectin content in a plant sample includes: 1) adding an acidic alcohol solution to the plant sample, heating in a water bath and filtration; 2) soaking residue from step 1 with an acidic solution, heating in a water bath, a second filtration, bringing to volume after cooling and obtaining filtrate; 3) adding an acetic acid/sodium acetate buffer solution to residue of step 2, adding a pectinase solution, heating under vibration in a water bath, and a third filtration to obtain a filtrate; 4) adding an acetic acid/sodium acetate buffer solution and a pectinase solution to filtrate from step 2, heating the mixture under vibration in a water bath to obtain an enzymatic hydrolysate, adding filtrate obtained in step 3 to the enzymatic hydrolysate, bringing to volume, and obtaining a test solution; 5) drawing the test solution into a continuous flow analyzer to perform analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: China Tobacco Guangdong Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haohui Kong, Yifei Huang, Baofeng Jin
  • Patent number: 8669069
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of procuring allograft tissue. In an embodiment, the method includes inserting an allograft through an opening into a procurement extraction container, sealing the opening, adding extraction fluid through a second opening, agitating the fluid, collecting the fluid for detection of contamination, and sealing the second opening. There is disclosed a procurement extraction container. In one embodiment, the container includes a wall defining an interior to receive the allograft, an opening into the interior, sized to receive the allograft, a closure device for the opening, the closure device providing a hermetic seal, a second opening providing a second passageway into the interior, the second opening having a connector interface and a second closure device providing a hermetic seal so as to provide, with the first closure and the at least one wall, a sterile barrier. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Allosource
    Inventors: Jan Zajdowicz, Todd Huft
  • Patent number: 8669070
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of procuring allograft tissue. In an embodiment, the method includes inserting an allograft through an opening into a procurement extraction container, sealing the opening, adding extraction fluid through a second opening, agitating the fluid, collecting the fluid for detection of contamination, and sealing the second opening. There is disclosed a procurement extraction container. In one embodiment, the container includes a wall defining an interior to receive the allograft, an opening into the interior, sized to receive the allograft, a closure device for the opening, the closure device providing a hermetic seal, a second opening providing a second passageway into the interior, the second opening having a connector interface and a second closure device providing a hermetic seal so as to provide, with the first closure and the at least one wall, a sterile barrier. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Allosource
    Inventors: Jan Zajdowicz, Todd Huft
  • Patent number: 8669071
    Abstract: A method for counting microorganisms present in a biological sample in contact with a culture medium adapted to the growth of said microorganisms, Number NSA of microorganisms present in the sample is determined at a prior stage, Number NSU of microorganisms present at a subsequent stage is calculated according to number NSA. The calculation is based on a model of microorganism growth in the culture medium according to: log(NSU)=?×log(NSA)??×log(CSA)+?, where log is the decimal logarithm, NSU is the calculated number of microorganisms, NSA is the number of microorganisms at the prior stage, CSA is the number of microorganisms at the prior stage divided by the volume of the sample, and ?, ?, and ? are determined parameters depending on the microorganisms, the culture medium, and the time period separating the subsequent stage from the prior stage, ? and ? being positive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Biomerieux
    Inventors: Grégory Devulder, Catherine Arthaud, Pierre-Jean Cotte-Pattat, Jean-Claude Raymond
  • Patent number: 8669072
    Abstract: The present invention relates to non-steroidal ligands for use in nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system, and a method to modulate exogenous gene expression in which an ecdysone receptor complex comprising: a DNA binding domain; a ligand binding domain; a transactivation domain; and a ligand is contacted with a DNA construct comprising: the exogenous gene and a response element; wherein the exogenous gene is under the control of the response element and binding of the DNA binding domain to the response element in the presence of the ligand results in activation or suppression of the gene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Intrexon Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Eugene Hormann, Orestes Chortyk, Dat Phat Le
  • Patent number: 8669073
    Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing components of protein biosynthetic machinery that include orthogonal lysyl-tRNAs, orthogonal lysyl-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of lysyl-tRNAs/synthetases, which incorporate homoglutamines into proteins are provided in response to a four base codon. Methods for identifying these orthogonal pairs are also provided along with methods of producing proteins with homoglutamines using these orthogonal pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Scripps Research Institute
    Inventors: J. Christopher Anderson, Ning Wu, Stephen Santoro, Peter G. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8669074
    Abstract: A chimeric phosphorylation indicator (CPI) as provided herein can contain a donor molecule, a phosphorylatable domain, a phosphoaminoacid binding domain (PAABD), and an acceptor molecule. Where the phosphorylatable domain is phosphorylatable by protein kinase C (PKC), the CPI is a c-kinase activity reporter (CKAR). Donor and acceptor molecules may be, independently, fluorescent proteins such as non-oligomerizing fluorescent proteins. A CPI can contain a phosphorylatable polypeptide and a fluorescent protein; the phosphorylatable polypeptide may be contained within the sequence of the fluorescent protein, or the fluorescent protein may be contained within the sequence of the phosphorylatable polypeptide. The spatiotemporal properties of the PKC signal pathway may be tested with CKAR, calcium-sensing fluorophores and FRET-based translocation assays. Polynucleotides encoding such CPIs, and kits containing the indicators and/or the polynucleotides, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Violin, Alexandra C. Newton, Roger Y. Tsien, Jin Zhang
  • Patent number: 8669075
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for immobilization of a biologically active polypeptide using maltose binding protein (MBP) and a biologically active solid substrate on which a biologically active polypeptide is immobilized by the above method. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for immobilization of a biologically active polypeptide comprising the following steps; 1) preparing a fusion protein by linking a biologically active polypeptide to carboxyl terminal of maltose binding protein (MBP); and 2) immobilizing the fusion protein on the hydrophobic surface by physical adsorption of amino terminal containing hydrophobic domain exposed on the surface of maltose binding protein on the hydrophobic surface of a solid substrate, and a biologically active solid substrate on which a biologically active polypeptide is immobilized by the said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Sang-Heon Kim, Soo Hyun Kim, Min Han
  • Patent number: 8669076
    Abstract: Polypeptides were identified among translated coding sequences from a metagenomic cow rumen database, that were shown to provide xylose isomerase activity in yeast cells. The xylose isomerase activity can complete a xylose utilization pathway so that yeast can use xylose in fermentation, such as xylose in biomass hydrolysate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Zhongqiang Chen, Kristen J Kelly, Rick W Ye
  • Patent number: 8669077
    Abstract: Glucosyl stevia compositions are prepared from steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The glucosylation was performed by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase using the starch as source of glucose residues. The short-chain glucosyl stevia compositions were purified to >95% content of total steviol glycosides. The compositions can be used as sweetness enhancers, flavor enhancers and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: PureCircle USA Inc.
    Inventor: Avetik Markosyan
  • Patent number: 8669078
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are ammonia-specific 5?-XMP aminase mutants and a method for preparing the same. A mutation is introduced into the active site of glutamine-dependent catalysis in 5?-XMP aminase. The resulting 5?-XMP aminase mutant is devoid of the glutamine-dependent activity and specifically reacts with external ammonia in converting 5?-XMP into 5?-GMP. Thus, the ammonia-specific 5?-XMP aminase mutant is stabler within cells compared to the wild type, and can be useful in the industrial conversion of 5?-XMP into 5?-GMP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: CJ Cheiljedang Corporation
    Inventors: Jae-Gu Pan, Heung-Chae Jung, Eui-Joong Kim, Han-Seung Lee, Young Hoon Park, Hyoung Suk Kim, Jong-Kwon Han, Jin Nam Lee, Ki-Hoon Oh, Jeong Hwan Kim, Yoon-Suk Oh, Jae Ick Sim, Kuk-Ki Hong, Kyung Oh Choi, Hyun Soo Kim, Min-Ji Baek, Tae Sun Kang
  • Patent number: 8669079
    Abstract: Methods for distinguishing between cotton species by analyzing a sample of mature cotton fibers from raw cotton materials or from textile goods are disclosed. DNA is extracted from the mature cotton fiber sample and subjected to PCR techniques which enable the identification of the species of cotton utilized in the textile or cotton material of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cara Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming-Hwa Liang, Stephane Shu Kin So
  • Patent number: 8669080
    Abstract: A D-aminotransferase can be modified so as to efficiently produce (2R,4R)-monatin having high sweetness intensity from 4-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutaric acid by mutating the amino acid sequence of a wild-type D-aminotransferase represented in SEQ ID NO:4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Masakazu Sugiyama, Kunihiko Watanabe, Tatsuki Kashiwagi, Ei-ichiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8669081
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinases. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
    Inventors: David Bebbington, Hayley Binch, Jean-Damien Charrier, Simon Everitt, Julian M.C. Golec, David Kay, Ronald Knegtel, Andrew Miller, Francoise Pierard
  • Patent number: 8669082
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of biofuels by utilizing efficient biomass digestion and fermentation by a new thermophilic microorganism generated after fusion of two different bacteria Clostridium thermocellum and C. acetobutylicum and properly mutating the fused bacteria to produce biofuels and other economically important chemicals in a single vessel from lignocellulosic derived renewable biomass. All the necessary biochemical digestions and fermentation are carried out by this single thermophilic microorganism in one single vessel eliminating the need for multiple step digestion and fermentation processes, requiring multiple chambers. It also significantly reduces the rate limiting steps where increasing accumulation of alcohol, butanol and other substances become toxic to the very bacteria that produce these biofuels. The single vessel is incubated at high temperatures (45° C. or above) to eliminate the need for periodic stoppage and restarting of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Claflin University
    Inventors: Omar Bagasra, Kamal Chowdhury, Verlie A. Tisdal, George E. Miller, III, Rebecca Bullard-Dillard
  • Patent number: 8669083
    Abstract: An integrated system produces ethanol and biogas from raw plant materials. The system includes a pretreatment apparatus for converting raw plant materials into sugars and a fermenter for fermenting the sugars to produce a beer including ethanol. A distillation apparatus separates the beer into the ethanol and a whole stillage, and a separator then separates the whole stillage into a thin stillage and wet distillers grains. A biogas apparatus processes a first portion of the thin stillage to produce biogas and a biogas effluent, and converts a percentage of the non-fermentable solids and organic acids in the thin stillage into biogas. The pretreatment apparatus is supplied with an amount of fresh water and an amount of backset, the backset including the biogas effluent recycled from the biogas apparatus to the pretreatment apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Eisenmann Corporation
    Inventors: Eberhard Veit, Ondrej Stonawski, Adam Halsband
  • Patent number: 8669084
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for effecting qualitative and quantitative changes in the functional moieties expressed at the surface of cells and multi-cellular structures, and functional lipid constructs for use in such methods. In particular, the invention relates to functional lipid constructs and their use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, including serodiagnosis, where the functional moiety is a carbohydrate, peptide, chemically reactive group, conjugator or fluorophore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kode Biotech Limited
    Inventors: Nicolai Vladimirovich Bovin, Stephen Micheal Henry, Igor Leonidovich Rodionov, Cristina-Simona Weinberg, Alexander Borisovich Tuzikov
  • Patent number: 8669085
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sonoporation-based method that can be universally applied for delivery of compounds into Gram positive bacteria. Gram positive bacteria which can be transformed by sonoporation include, for example, Bacillus, Streptococcus, Acetobacterium, and Clostridium. Compounds which can be delivered into Gram positive bacteria via sonoporation include nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, viruses, small organic and inorganic molecules, and nano-particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Yunfeng Yang, Yongchao Li
  • Patent number: 8669086
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a structure having: a porous polymeric film permeated by a first extracellular matrix material; and a topcoat layer comprising a second extracellular matrix gel disposed on the film. Also disclosed herein is a method of: providing a porous polymeric film; permeating the film with a first extracellular matrix material; and applying a topcoat layer of a second extracellular matrix material to the film. Also disclosed herein is a method of: laser-machining holes through a film comprising collagen to form a web-like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Bradley R Ringeisen, Russell K. Pirlo, Peter K Wu
  • Patent number: 8669087
    Abstract: A recombinant protein having luciferase activity and at least 60% similarity to a wild-type luciferase wherein in the sequence of the enzyme, the amino acid residue corresponding to residue 357 in Photinus pyralis luciferase is mutated as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase, such that the luciferase enzyme is able to emit light at a different wavelength as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase and/or has enhanced thermostability as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase. In general, the residue corresponding to 357 in Photinus pyralis luciferase is changed from an acidic amino acid to a non-acidic amino acid and preferably an uncharged polar amino acid such as tyrosine. Mutant luciferases in accordance with the invention can produce a large (50 nm) wavelength shift in emitted light and have good thermostability. The resultant colour shift can be reversed by addition of coenzyme A. These properties make the mutant particularly useful in a variety of assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Promega Corporation
    Inventors: David James Squirrell, Melenie Jane Murphy, Rachel Louise Price, Peter John White, Tara Louise Willey
  • Patent number: 8669088
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide enzymes associated with equol synthesis, genes coding such enzymes, and a process for producing equol and its intermediates using the enzymes and genes. The present invention provides a dihydrodaidzein synthesizing enzyme, tetrahydrodaidzein synthesizing enzyme, equol synthesizing enzyme, and genes coding these enzymes. The present invention also provides a process for synthesizing dihydrodaidzein, tetrahydrodaidzein, and/or equol using these enzymes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Shimada, Setsuko Yasuda, Masayuki Takahashi, Takashi Hayashi, Norihiro Miyazawa, Yasuhiro Abiru, Tadaaki Ohtani, Ikutaro Sato