Patents Issued in March 31, 2015
  • Patent number: 8993227
    Abstract: Disclosed are composition and methods for treating development-related disorders. Also disclosed are diagnosis methods, prognosis methods, and drug screening methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Zhenglun Zhu, Hong Gao
  • Patent number: 8993228
    Abstract: The present invention provides an antibody that specifically binds to envelope protein 2 of HCV of genotype 2a but does not immunologically react with envelope protein 2 of HCV of genotype 1a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Toray Industries, Inc., Japan as Represented by Director General of National Institute of Infectious Diseases
    Inventors: Takaji Wakita, Yuko Akazawa, Noriko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8993229
    Abstract: A method for extracting and distinguishing infectious norovirus from inactive norovirus using a solid support conjugated with a glycoprotein moiety capable of binding infectious norovirus wherein the presence of infectious norovirus is determined using RT-PCR after elution of the infectious norovirus from the solid support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: David H. Kingsley
  • Patent number: 8993230
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods, reagents and apparatus for conducting single molecule sequencing in an asynchronous manner. The subject methods and compositions are particularly useful for high throughput and multiplexed sequencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of Californ, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul S. Peluso, John S. Eid, David Rank
  • Patent number: 8993231
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for rapidly expanding a stem cell population with or without culture supplements in simulated microgravity conditions. The present invention relates to methods for rapidly increasing the life span of stem cell populations without culture supplements in simulated microgravity conditions. The present invention also relates to methods for increasing the sensitivity of cancer stem cells to chemotherapeutic agents by culturing the cancer stem cells under microgravity conditions and in the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. The methods of the present invention can also be used to proliferate cancer cells by culturing them in the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. The present invention also relates to methods for testing the sensitivity of cancer cells and cancer stem cells to chemotherapeutic agents by culturing the cancer cells and cancer stem cells under microgravity conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Marshall University Research Corporation
    Inventors: Pier Paolo Claudio, Jagan V. Valluri
  • Patent number: 8993232
    Abstract: Methods are provided for determining whether or not a horse is genetically normal, is a carrier of, or is affected with or predisposed to Congenital Stationary Night Blindness and/or leopard complex spotting. The method is based on detection of an insertion in an intron in the horse Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel, Subfamily M, Member 1 (TRPM1) gene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Cornell University, University of Saskatchewan
    Inventors: Rebecca Bellone, Heather Marie Holl, Samantha Ann Brooks, George Forsyth
  • Patent number: 8993233
    Abstract: The invention provides for engineering and optimization of systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors with additional functional domains. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to ensure enhanced specificity for target recognition and avoidance of toxicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: The Broad Institute Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Feng Zhang, Le Cong, Randall Jeffrey Platt, Neville Espi Sanjana, Fei Ran
  • Patent number: 8993234
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for nanopore sequencing. The invention includes compositions and methods of nucleic acid sequencing using a single polymerase enzyme complex comprising a polymerase enzyme and a template nucleic acid attached proximal to a nanopore, and nucleotide analogs in solution comprising charge blockade label that are attached to the polyphosphate portion of the nucleotide analog such that the charge blockade labels are cleaved when the nucleotide analog is incorporated into a growing nucleic acid and the charge blockade label is detected by the nanopore to determine the presence and identity of the incorporated nucleotide and thereby determine the sequence of a template nucleic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Turner, Jeffrey Wegener
  • Patent number: 8993235
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates use of encapsulated aqueous and non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents and their use in laboratory procedures. These encapsulated aqueous or non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents can be completely contained or encapsulated in microcapsules or nanocapsules that can be added to an aqueous or non-aqueous carrier solution or liquid required for medical and research laboratory testing of biological or non-biological specimens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Lee H. Angros
  • Patent number: 8993236
    Abstract: Devices having an electromagnetic detector for the detection of analytes are disclosed. The devices include an electromagnetic detector, including effective inductance-change magnetic detectors, and a binding moiety. The device can include an electromagnetic material that can be detected by the detector. The device is configured such that binding of an analyte to the binding moiety changes the relationship between the electromagnetic detector and the electromagnetic material such that a change in electromagnetic field is detected by the electromagnetic detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Seyed Ali Hajimiri, Hua Wang
  • Patent number: 8993237
    Abstract: A thermal cycling device for performing nucleic acid amplification on a plurality of biological samples positioned in a sample well tray. The thermal cycling device includes a sample block assembly, an optical detection system, and a sample well tray holder configured to hold the sample well tray. The sample block assembly is adapted for translation between a first position permitting the movement of the sample well tray into alignment with sample block assembly, and a second position, upward relative to the first position, where the sample block assembly contacts the sample well tray. A method of performing nucleic acid amplification on a plurality of biological samples positioned in a sample well tray in a thermal cycling device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventor: Donald R. Sandell
  • Patent number: 8993238
    Abstract: Compositions and methods related to transgenic glyphosate tolerant Brassica plants are provided. Specifically, the present invention provides Brassica plants having a DP-073496-4 event which imparts tolerance to glyphosate. The Brassica plant harboring the DP-073496-4 event at the recited chromosomal location comprises genomic/transgene junctions within SEQ ID NO: 2 or with genomic/transgene junctions as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 and/or 13. The characterization of the genomic insertion site of the event provides for an enhanced breeding efficiency and enables the use of molecular markers to track the transgene insert in the breeding populations and progeny thereof. Various methods and compositions for the identification, detection, and use of the event are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company, Pioneer Hi Bred International Inc
    Inventors: David George Charne, Wenpin Chen, Chadwick Bruce Koscielny, Zhongsen Li, Jayantilal Patel, Ferdinand G Thoonen, Lomas Tulsieram, Yongping Zhang
  • Patent number: 8993239
    Abstract: The present invention relates to beacons for fluorescent in-situ hybridization and chip technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: miacom Diagnostics GmbH
    Inventor: Ian Thrippleton
  • Patent number: 8993240
    Abstract: The present teachings provide methods, compositions, and kits for performing primer extension reactions. In some embodiments, a reverse transcription reaction is performed on a target polynucleotide with a hot start primer comprising a blunt-ended self-complementary stem, and a loop, and extension products form at high temperatures but reduce extension product formation at low temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Kai Qin Lao, Neil A. Straus, Kenneth J. Livak
  • Patent number: 8993241
    Abstract: Provided is a device and a method whereby plural kinds of reaction operations and washing operations can be conducted in parallel without washing or replacing an instrument used in transferring a solution in each operation. A reaction device having a plurality of projecting barriers provided in a line on one surface of a substrate. The projecting barrier has a cutoff portion and an inner space capable of holding a droplet and having a contact angle to pure water of from 90 to 150 degrees. A reaction method using the reaction device wherein a substance immobilized on magnetic beads is sequentially transferred in and between droplets of a solution containing a surface tension reducing agent that are held in the spaces for holding a droplet by means of a magnet located on the opposite surface of the substrate to thereby conduct reactions and washings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: National University Corporation University of Toyama
    Inventors: Masaharu Isobe, Nobuyuki Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 8993242
    Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for testing the functional effect of methylating different cytosine residues, for testing patterns of DNA methylation on gene expression, and for site-specific methylation, as well as methylated DNA constructs. Methods are provided that include steps of denaturing a circular double-stranded DNA construct; hybridizing primers to separate strands of the denatured circular DNA construct; contacting the hybridized primers with a DNA polymerase, deoxynucleoside triphosphates, and copies of the primers; contacting nicked copies with a DNA ligase so as to form a copy of the circular DNA construct; contacting the copy of the circular DNA construct with a methyltransferase enzyme; transfecting a cell with C-5 methylated circular DNA construct; and quantifying expression of a gene of interest, thereby determining the effect of C-5 methylating cytosine nucleotide residues of DNA on expression of the gene of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University
    Inventors: Weiguo Han, Simon D. Spivack, Miao Kevin Shi
  • Patent number: 8993243
    Abstract: Methods of isolating weakly interacting molecules in a fluidic sample using an immiscible phase filtration technique are disclosed. A complex is formed between a solid phase substrate, a molecule immobilized on the solid phase substrate, and at least one target molecule present in the fluidic sample. The complex is transferred into an immiscible phase by applying an external force to the solid phase substrate. The methods eliminate the need for complex and time consuming washing steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: David Beebe, Richard Burgess, Lindsay Strotman, Scott Berry
  • Patent number: 8993244
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assay for the identification of a compound having immunosuppressant activity, wherein a candidate compound is analyzed whether it blocks the Ca2+ flux in coronin 1 expressing cells and/or in coronin 1 negative cells. A candidate compound is identified as having immunosuppressant activity if it blocks the Ca2+ flux specifically in coronin 1 expressing cells. Further described are upstream assays wherein the impact of a candidate compound on coronin 1 trimerization is measured, and downstream assays wherein the impact of a candidate compound on diacyl glycerol (DAG) generation, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-biphosphate (PIP2) levels and/or inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate (InsP3) generation or on nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) nuclear localization is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: University of Basel
    Inventors: Jean Pieters, Rajesh Jayac Han Dran, Philipp Mueller
  • Patent number: 8993245
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method for detecting a target comprising a repeating epitope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Mediomics, LLC, Saint Louis University
    Inventors: Tomasz Heyduk, Ling Tian
  • Patent number: 8993246
    Abstract: A bioassay employing a first group including a lanthanide ion carrier chelate and a first recognition element, a second group including an antenna ligand and a second recognition element; where the lanthanide ion carrier chelate binds strongly to lanthanide, or the lanthanide ion carrier chelate binds moderately to lanthanide, and an agent complexing the lanthanide ion is additionally employed at a concentration of at least 1 pmol/l. The antenna ligand binds weakly to the lanthanide ion. Analyte recognition by the first recognition element and by the second recognition element results in either chelate complementation and increased fluorescence, or chelate discomplementation and decreased fluorescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Oy Arctic Partners AB
    Inventors: Tero Soukka, Urpo Lamminmaki
  • Patent number: 8993247
    Abstract: An assay for identifying an individual having or at risk of developing vascular calcification, said assay comprising obtaining a blood sample from an individual and measuring the level of a vesicular compound in a matrix vesicle present in the blood sample from said individual; wherein an increased level of said compound indicates an individual at risk of developing vascular calcification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: King's College London
    Inventors: Catherine M. Shanahan, Alexander N. Kapustin
  • Patent number: 8993248
    Abstract: Vitamin D binding proteins (DBP), in particular truncated DBP and mutated, truncated DBP, as well as fusion proteins thereof, nucleic acid molecules encoding same, vectors, host cells, and methods, kits and solid supports for determining the total amount of 25-hydroxy vitamin D2 and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 in a test sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Christian Beckert, Susan E. Brophy, Jonathan Grote, Dagang Huang, Jan Schultess, Bailin Tu
  • Patent number: 8993249
    Abstract: The invention provides anti-NRP1 antibodies and methods of using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Maike Schmidt, Christopher Adam Callahan, Jo-Anne S. Hongo, Hartmut Koeppen, Ryan J. Watts
  • Patent number: 8993250
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects suffering from or suspected of having a renal injury. In particular, the invention relates to using assays that detect one or more markers selected from the group consisting of Clusterin, Heart-type fatty acid binding protein, Hepatocyte growth factor, Interferon gamma, Interleukin-12 subunit beta, Interleukin-16, Interleukin-2, 72 kDa type IV collagenase, Matrix metalloproteinase-9, Midkine, and Serum amyloid P-component as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in renal injuries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Astute Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Anderberg, Jeff Gray, Paul McPherson, Kevin Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8993251
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cDNA sequences from a region of amplification on chromosome 20 associated with disease. The sequences can be used in hybridization methods for the identification of chromosomal abnormalities associated with various diseases. The sequences can also be used for treatment of diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The Hospital for Sick Children
    Inventors: Joe W. Gray, Colin Conrad Collins, Soo-In Hwang, Tony Godfrey, David Kowbel, Johanna Rommens
  • Patent number: 8993252
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions including siderophore receptor polypeptides and porins from gram negative microbes, and preferably, lipopolysaccharide at a concentration of no greater than about 10.0 endotoxin units per milliliter. The present invention also provides methods of making and methods of using such compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Epitopix, LLC
    Inventors: Daryll A. Emery, Darren E. Straub
  • Patent number: 8993253
    Abstract: A polypeptide comprising a chromogenic amino acid. The chromogenic amino acid is flanked by at least one amino acid to the N and C termini thereof. The amine group of the chromogenic amino acid has a pKa of less than 5. The chromogenic amino acid is capable of reacting with a conjugated aldehyde. The polypeptide comprises a target sequence for a target protease which is capable of cleaving the peptide bond comprising the amino group of the chromogenic amino acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mologic Ltd
    Inventor: James Alexander Schouten
  • Patent number: 8993254
    Abstract: An entity of a Th2 adjuvant activity in mother's milk has been revealed as coenzyme A by HPLC and mass spectrometry. The followings have been found out that: a risk of developing atopic dermatitis can be evaluated by targeting coenzyme A; and any one of a food and mother's milk with a reduced risk of developing atopic dermatitis can be prepared by removing or inactivating coenzyme A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Saitama Medical University
    Inventors: Sho Matsushita, Takehiro Higashi
  • Patent number: 8993255
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a protein having a fructosyl amino acid oxidase activity which protein is useful for measurement of a glycosylated protein (particularly, glycosylated hemoglobin); a modified protein thereof; and use of the protein or the modified protein. The protein of the present invention is, for example, a fructosyl valyl histidine oxidase derived from Phaeosphaeria nodorum, the fructosyl valyl histidine oxidase having excellent thermal stability and substrate specificity and also having a small Km value to fructosyl valyl histidine. This allows a glycosylated protein measuring reagent to be stored in a long time and measurement accuracy of the glycosylated protein measuring reagent to be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha, Gekkeikan Sake Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rie Hirao, Masao Kitabayashi, Yoshiaki Nishiya, Hiroki Ishida, Yoji Hata
  • Patent number: 8993256
    Abstract: The disclosure provides method and compositions for visualizing protein turnover. In particular, the disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for measuring the age of particular proteins or the dynamics of localized protein translation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael Z. Lin, Roger Y. Tsien
  • Patent number: 8993257
    Abstract: An epidermal sample is placed into a sample holder formed as a sandwich assembly. The sample holder is placed in an upper well within a lower well to be exposed to media in both wells. Properties of the sample can be studied, such as paracellular flux, transepidermal electric resistance, reaction to compounds, and epidermal barrier recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Lisa A. Beck, Anna De Benedetto
  • Patent number: 8993258
    Abstract: A fluorinated voltage sensitive dye has the structure wherein p is 0, 1, or 2; Xq? is an anionic counterion having a charge, q, that is 1 or 2; n is 1 or 2; R1 is an optionally substituted C1-C12, alkyl; R2 is hydrogen, and R3 is hydrogen or fluorine; or R2 and R3 collectively form a divalent —CH?CH—CH?CH— group; R4 and each occurrence of R5 are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; R6 is hydrogen or fluorine or trifluoromethyl; and each occurrence of R7 is independently C1-C6 alkyl; provided that the dye comprises at least one fluorine atom. The dye is particularly useful for monitoring the dynamics of action potentials in axons and/or dendrites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Connecticut
    Inventors: Ping Yan, Corey D. Acker, Leslie M. Loew
  • Patent number: 8993259
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting viable cells in a cell sample, using a membrane permeable fluorescent label that permeates both viable and non-viable cells and a membrane impermeant quencher that selectively permeates non-viable cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Charles River Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Stimpson
  • Patent number: 8993260
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting viable cells in a cell sample, using a membrane permeable fluorescent label that permeates both viable and non-viable cells and a membrane impermeant quencher that selectively permeates non-viable cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Charles River Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Stimpson
  • Patent number: 8993261
    Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies that are capable to bind the extracellular domain of integrin. Another object of the invention concerns the use of said antibodies for detecting integrins in archival formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue. The invention also relates to methods for preparing monoclonal rabbit antibodies, wherein the immunogen is an insect expression culture-derived recombinant extracellular integrin domain, and another method for screening anti-integrin antibodies that discriminate between closest integrin homologues and that are especially suited for immunohistochemistry in FFPE material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Simon Goodman, Claudia Wilm, Francesc Mitjans
  • Patent number: 8993262
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for catalyzing the conversion of an olefin to any compound containing one or more cyclopropane functional groups using heme enzymes. In certain aspects, the present invention provides a method for producing a cyclopropanation product comprising providing an olefinic substrate, a diazo reagent, and a heme enzyme; and admixing the components in a reaction for a time sufficient to produce a cyclopropanation product. In other aspects, the present invention provides heme enzymes including variants and fragments thereof that are capable of carrying out in vivo and in vitro olefin cyclopropanation reactions. Expression vectors and host cells expressing the heme enzymes are also provided by the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Pedro S. Coelho, Eric M. Brustad, Frances H. Arnold, Zhan Wang, Jared C. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8993263
    Abstract: The invention relates to kinase ligands and polyligands. In particular, the invention relates to ligands, homopolyligands, and heteropolyligands that modulate PKA activity. The ligands and polyligands are utilized as research tools or as therapeutics. The invention includes linkage of the ligands, homopolyligands, and heteropolyligands to a cellular localization signal, epitope tag and/or a reporter. The invention also includes polynucleotides encoding the ligands and polyligands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Intrexon Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas D. Reed
  • Patent number: 8993264
    Abstract: The invention relates to complement inhibitors that inhibit both the classical and alternative complement pathways. In particular, the invention relates to complement inhibitors derived from the salivary glands of haematophagous arthropods that inhibit both the classical and alternative complement pathways. The invention also relates to the use of such complement inhibitors in the treatment and prevention of diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Volution Immuno Pharmaceuticals SA
    Inventor: Miles Andrew Nunn
  • Patent number: 8993265
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fibronectin-based scaffold domain proteins that bind to myostatin. The invention also relates to the use of these proteins in therapeutic applications to treat muscular dystrophy, cachexia, sarcopenia, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, COPD, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and fibrosis. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotides encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Sharon Cload, Linda Engle, Dasa Lipovsek, Malavi Madireddi, Ginger Chao Rakestraw, Joanna Swain, Wenjun Zhao, Martin J. Corbett, Alexander T. Kozhich
  • Patent number: 8993266
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for proprotein and activatable proprotein compositions. A proprotein contains a functional protein (i.e. a full length protein or functional fragment thereof) which is coupled to a peptide mask that inhibits the binding of the functional protein to its target or binding partner. An activatable proprotein contains a functional protein coupled to a peptide mask, and further coupled to an activatable linker, wherein in an non-activated state, the peptide mask inhibits binding of the functional protein to its target or binding partner and in an activated state the peptide mask does not inhibit binding of the functional protein to its target or binding partner. Proproteins can provide for reduced toxicity and adverse side effects that could otherwise result from binding of a functional protein at non-treatment sites if it were not inhibited from binding its binding partner. Proproteins can further provide improved biodistribution characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: CytomX Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy E. Stagliano, James W. West, Kathryn Kamath, Paul H. Bessette, Jason Sagert
  • Patent number: 8993267
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving the yield of microbial processes that use lignocellulose biomass as a nutrient source. The methods comprise conditioning a composition comprising lignocellulose biomass with an enzyme composition that comprises a phenol oxidizing enzyme. The conditioned composition can support a higher rate of growth of microorganisms in a process. In one embodiment, a laccase composition is used to condition lignocellulose biomass derived from non-woody plants, such as corn and sugar cane. The invention also encompasses methods for culturing microorganisms that are sensitive to inhibitory compounds in lignocellulose biomass. The invention further provides methods of making a product by culturing the production microorganisms in conditioned lignocellulose biomass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Danisco US Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A Bodie, George England
  • Patent number: 8993268
    Abstract: Provided are a method of producing Clostridium botulinum toxin by using a media containing plant-derived components, and a method of producing Clostridium botulinum toxin by using a flexible closed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Medy-Tox Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun-Ho Jung, Gi-Hyeok Yang, Hack-Woo Kim, Byung-Kook Lee, Young-suk Yoon, Hyung-Pyo Hong
  • Patent number: 8993269
    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: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: PureCircle USA Inc.
    Inventor: Avetik Markosyan
  • Patent number: 8993270
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel system and method for amplification and detection of nucleic acids within a miniaturized device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Alexey Atrazhev, Jason Acker
  • Patent number: 8993271
    Abstract: A nucleic acid molecule can be annealed to an appropriate immobilized primer. The primer can then be extended and the molecule and the primer can be separated from one another. The extended primer can then be annealed to another immobilized primer and the other primer can be extended. Both extended primers can then be separated from one another and can be used to provide further extended primers. The process can be repeated to provide amplified, immobilized nucleic acid molecules. These can be used for many different purposes, including sequencing, screening, diagnosis, in situ nucleic acid synthesis, monitoring gene expression, nucleic acid fingerprinting, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric H. Kawashima, Laurent Farinelli, Pascal Mayer
  • Patent number: 8993272
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microorganisms of the genus Corynebacterium producing 5?-inosinic acid, in which the expression of genes encoding purine biosynthesis related enzymes is increased higher than the intrinsic expression, and to a method for producing 5?-inosinic acid, comprising culturing the microorganisms of the genus Corynebacterium with improved 5?-inosinic acid productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: CJ Cheiljedang Corporation
    Inventors: Jeong Hwan Kim, Jung Gun Kwon, Tae Min Ahn, Soo Youn Hwang, Min Ji Baek, Na Ra Kwon, Nan Young Yoon, Ju Jeong Kim
  • Patent number: 8993273
    Abstract: A process of mashing grain into fermentable sugar wherein two pots are used in the process. A first pot and a second pot is partially filled with water. Heat is added to the first pot. Heat is transferred to the second pot by transferring the water from the first pot to the second pot at a preestablished rate. Grain is added to the second pot which in conjunction with the water forms a wort. The wort is drained from the second pot to the first pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: John Richard Blichmann
  • Patent number: 8993274
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for treating a biomass comprising a lignocellulosic material to produce fermentable sugars comprising the steps of treating the biomass to produce a biomass with a depolymerized lignin, adding a carbonyl scavenger to the biomass before, during, or after said treating step to inhibit repolymerization of the lignin, adding at least one of a laccase enzyme and a cellulases enzyme to the biomass with depolymerized lignin subsequently to the addition of the carbonyl scavenger, and producing a fermentable sugar from the action of the laccase enzyme and cellulases enzyme on the biomass with depolymerized lignin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Andritz Inc.
    Inventor: Rodolfo Romero
  • Patent number: 8993275
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Novozymes, Inc.
    Inventor: Nikolaj Spodsberg
  • Patent number: 8993276
    Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding chimeric cellulase polypeptides that exhibit improved cellulase activities are disclosed herein. The chimeric cellulase polypeptides encoded by these nucleic acids and methods to produce the cellulases are also described, along with methods of using chimeric cellulases for the conversion of cellulose to sugars such as glucose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Qi Xu, John O. Baker, Michael E. Himmel