Abstract: The invention provides novel indane compounds which are useful in the treatment of affective disorders, pain disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cognitive disorders, substance abuse, smoking cessation and stress urinary incontinence.
Abstract: The present invention discloses novel compounds which have HCV protease inhibitory activity as well as methods for preparing such compounds. In another embodiment, the invention discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds as well as methods of using them to treat disorders associated with the HCV protease.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 20, 2006
Date of Patent:
November 17, 2009
Assignee:
Schering Corporation
Inventors:
Kevin X Chen, F George Njoroge, Mousumi Sannigrahi, Latha G Nair, Weiying Yang, Bancha Vibulbhan, Srikanth Venkatraman, Ashok Arasappan, Stephane L. Bogen, Frank Bennett, Viyyoor M. Girijavallabhan
Abstract: This invention relates to the functionalized cyanine dyes and more particularly, to the synthesis of chiral 3-substituted 2,3?-dymethyl-3H-indole and its derivatives as intermediates for preparation of cyanine dyes, to methods of preparing these dyes and the dyes so prepared.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 9, 2003
Date of Patent:
November 10, 2009
Assignees:
Carnegie Mellon University, GE Healthcare UK Limited
Inventors:
Ratnaker B. Mujumdar, Richard Martin West
Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 17, 2005
Date of Patent:
November 10, 2009
Inventors:
Jesus E. Gonzalez, III, Andreas P. Termin, Esther Martinborough, Nicole Zimmerman
Abstract: The invention is concerned with vinylogous acids derivatives of formula (I) wherein A and R1 to R6 are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds inhibit chymase and can be used as medicaments.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 28, 2006
Date of Patent:
November 3, 2009
Assignee:
Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.
Inventors:
David Banner, Hans Hilpert, Bernd Kuhn, Harald Mauser
Abstract: Compounds of a certain formula I, in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 have the meanings indicated in the description, as well as salts thereof are novel effective HDAC inhibitors.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 8, 2006
Publication date:
October 22, 2009
Applicant:
Nycomed GmbH
Inventors:
Thomas Maier, Thomas Beckers, Rolf-Peter Hummel, Martin Feth, Matthias Muller, Thomas Bar, Jurgen Volz
Abstract: Novel indole derivatives of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein R1 is halogen, or alkyl, R2 is hydrogen, or halogen, Ar is phenyl, or thienyl, which may be substituted with halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, etc.
Abstract: The invention provides in a first aspect a method for the identification of an LRRK2 interacting compound, comprising the steps of providing a protein preparation containing LRRK2, contacting the protein preparation with indol ligand 91 immobilized on a solid support under conditions allowing the formation of an indol ligand 91-LRRK2 complex, incubating the indol ligand 91-LRRK2 complex with a given compound, and determining whether the compound is able to separate LRRK2 from the immobilized indol ligand 91. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the identification of an LRRK2 interacting compound, comprising the steps of providing a protein preparation containing LRRK2, contacting the protein preparation with indol ligand 91 immobilized on a solid support and with a given compound under conditions allowing the formation of an indol ligand 91-LRRK2 complex, and detecting the indol ligand 91-LRRK2 complex.
Abstract: Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes incorporating an indolium ring moiety that is substituted at the 3-position by a reactive group or by a conjugated substance, and their uses, are described. Conjugation through this position results in spectral properties that are uniformly superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar dyes wherein attachment is at a different position. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 10, 2005
Date of Patent:
July 28, 2009
Assignee:
Life Technologies Corporation
Inventors:
Wai-Yee Leung, Ching-Ying Cheung, Stephen Yue
Abstract: This invention relates to selenophene compounds of formula (I) shown below: Each variable in formula (I) is defined in the specification. These compounds can be used to treat cancer.
Abstract: The present invention concerns 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 31, 2006
Publication date:
June 18, 2009
Applicant:
UCB, S.A.
Inventors:
Benoit Kenda, Yannick Quesnel, Ali Ates, Philippe Michel, Laurent Turet, Joel Mercier
Abstract: The present invention relates to indolinone derivatives, substituted in the 6-position, of the formula in which R1 to R6 and X are as defined in claim 1, to their tautomers, enantiomers, diastereomers, to their mixtures and to their salts, in particular their physiologically acceptable salts, which have useful pharmacological properties, in particular in inhibiting action on various receptor tyrosine kinases and on the proliferation of endothelial cells and various tumour cells, to medicaments comprising these compounds, to their use and to processes for their preparation.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 7, 2006
Date of Patent:
June 16, 2009
Assignee:
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG
Inventors:
Gerald Juergen Roth, Armin Heckel, Thorsten Lehmann-Lintz, Joerg Kley, Frank Hilberg, Jacobus C. A. Van Meel, Ulrike Tontsch-Grunt
Abstract: The embodiments provide compounds of the general Formulae (I) through general Formula (VIII), as well as compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising a subject compound. The embodiments further provide treatment methods, including methods of treating a hepatitis C virus infection and methods of treating liver fibrosis, the methods generally involving administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of a subject compound or composition.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 17, 2006
Publication date:
June 11, 2009
Applicants:
Intermune, Inc., Array Biopharma Inc.
Inventors:
Lawrence M. Blatt, Scott D. Seiwert, Steven W. Andrews, Pierre Martin, Andreas Schumacher, Bradley Barnett, C. Todd Eary, Robert Kaus, Timothy Kercher, Weidong Liu, Michael Lyon, Paul Nichols, Bin Wang, Tarek Sammakia, April Kennedy, Yutong Jiang
Abstract: Provided herein are novel sirtuin-modulating compounds and methods of use thereof. The sirtuin-modulating compounds may be used for increasing the lifespan of a cell, and treating and/or preventing a wide variety of diseases and disorders including, for example, diseases or disorders related to aging or stress, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, chemotherapeutic induced neuropathy, neuropathy associated with an ischemic event, polyglutamine diseases, ocular diseases and/or disorders, cardiovascular disease, blood clotting disorders, inflammation, cancer, and/or flushing. Also provided are compositions comprising a sirtuin-modulating compound in combination with another therapeutic agent.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 3, 2006
Publication date:
June 4, 2009
Applicant:
Sitris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Inventors:
Michael Milburn, Jill Milne, Jean Bemis, Joseph J. Nunes, Roger Xie, Karl D. Nomington, Chi B. Vu
Abstract: The present invention provides a compound of formula I and the use thereof for the therapeutic treatment of disorders relating to or affected by the 5-HT6 receptor.
Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, compositions and methods for the selective inhibition of cathepsin S. In a preferred aspect, cathepsin S is selectively inhibited in the presence of at least one other cathepsin isozyme. The present invention also provides methods for treating a disease state in a subject by selectively inhibiting cathepsin S.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 28, 2009
Publication date:
May 28, 2009
Applicant:
IRM LLC
Inventors:
Hong LIU, Arnab K. CHATTERJEE, David C. TULLY, Phillip B. ALPER, Badry BURSULAYA, Jianhua GUO, David H. WOODMANSEE, Daniel MUTNICK, Donald S. KARANEWSKY, Yun HE
Abstract: Compounds which inhibit the activity of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 protein, compositions containing the compounds, and methods of treating diseases involving overexpressed or unregulated Mcl-1 protein are disclosed.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 16, 2008
Publication date:
May 14, 2009
Applicant:
Abbott Laboratories
Inventors:
Xiaohong Song, Hong Ding, Steven W. Elmore, Milan Bruncko, David J. Madar, Andrew J. Souers, Cheol-Min Park, Zhi-Fu Tao, Xilu Wang, Aaron R. Kunzer
Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or prodrug, thereof: which inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-NS4A protease. Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention.
Abstract: Compounds are described that are active on at least one of PPAR?, PPAR?, and PPAR?, which are useful for therapeutic and/or prophylactic methods involving modulation of at least one of PPAR?, PPAR?, and PPAR?.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 29, 2005
Date of Patent:
May 12, 2009
Assignee:
Plexxikon, Inc.
Inventors:
Jack Lin, Dean R. Artis, Prabha N. Ibrahim, Chao Zhang, Rebecca Zuckerman, Ryan Bremer, Shenghua Shi, Byunghun Lee
Abstract: Compounds of the formula provide pharmacological agents which are potent agonists of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs). Accordingly, the compounds of the instant invention are useful for the treatment of conditions mediated by the PPAR receptor activity in mammals. Such conditions include dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesteremia, atherosclerosis, hypertriglyceridemia, heart failure, myocardial infarction, vascular diseases, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, inflammation, arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, skin disorders, respiratory diseases, ophthalmic disorders, inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The compounds of the present invention are particularly useful in mammals as hypoglycemic agents for the treatment and prevention of conditions in which impaired glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are implicated, such as type-1 and type-2 diabetes, and Syndrome X.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 6, 2009
Publication date:
May 7, 2009
Inventors:
Andrew Thomas Bach, Prasad Koteswara Kapa, George Tien-San Lee, Eric M. Loeser, Michael Lloyd Sabio, James Lawrence Stanton, Thalaththani Ralalage Vedananda
Abstract: This invention relates to compounds having pharmacological activity, to compositions containing these compounds, and to a method of treatment employing the compounds and compositions. More particularly, this invention concerns certain indole derivatives and their salts and solvates. These compounds have H3 histamine receptor antagonist activity. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and to a method of treating disorders in which histamine H3 receptor blockade is beneficial.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 16, 2006
Date of Patent:
May 5, 2009
Assignee:
Athersys, Inc.
Inventors:
Youssef L. Bennani, Michael G. Campbell, David Dastrup, Emilie Porter Huck
Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or isomer thereof, which can be useful for the treatment of diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs, ADAMs, TACE, aggrecanase, TNF-? or combinations thereof.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 16, 2007
Date of Patent:
April 28, 2009
Assignee:
Schering Corporation
Inventors:
Brian J. Lavey, Joseph A. Kozlowski, Guowei Zhou, Ling Tong, Wensheng Yu, Michael K. C. Wong, Bandarpalle B. Shankar, Neng-Yang Shih, M. Arshad Siddiqui, Kristin E. Rosner, Chaoyang Dai, Janeta Popovici-Muller, Vinay M. Girijavallabhan, Dansu Li, Razia Rizvi, Lei Chen, De-Yi Yang, Robert Feltz, Seong Heon Kim
Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds useful as dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors of the formula: wherein X, Y, a, R1, and R2 are as defined herein.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 15, 2007
Date of Patent:
April 28, 2009
Assignee:
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals S.A.
Inventors:
Abraham Thomas, Balasubramanian Gopalan, V.S. Prasada Rao Lingam, Daisy Manish Shah
Abstract: The present invention is directed to phenylaminopropanol derivatives of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, compositions containing these derivatives, and methods of their use for the prevention and treatment of conditions ameliorated by monoamine reuptake including, inter alia, vasomotor symptoms (VMS), sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal and genitourinary disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromylagia syndrome, nervous system disorders, and combinations thereof, particularly those conditions selected from the group consisting of major depressive disorder, vasomotor symptoms, stress and urge urinary incontinence, fibromyalgia, pain, diabetic neuropathy, and combinations thereof.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 15, 2008
Publication date:
April 9, 2009
Applicant:
WYETH
Inventors:
Callain Younghee Kim, Paige Erin Mahaney, Eugene John Trybulski, Puwen Zhang, Eugene Anthony Terefenko, Casey Cameron McComas, Michael Anthony Marella, Richard Dale Coghlan, Gavin David Heffernan, Stephen Todd Cohn, An Thien Vu, Joseph Peter Sabatucci, Fei Ye
Abstract: Two crystal forms of (R)-3-[2-(2-amino-5-trifluoromethoxybenzamido)acetamido]-1-(6-methylindol-3-ylmethyl)pyrrolidine which exhibit specific X-ray powder diffraction patterns or infrared absorption spectra, amorphous form thereof, a pharmaceutical composition containing the crystal or amorphous form as an active ingredient, as well as methods for preparing them are provided.
Abstract: There is provided compounds of formula (I), wherein X1, Q, T, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 have meanings given in the description, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases in which inhibition of the activity of a member of the MAPEG family is desired and/or required, and particularly in the treatment of inflammation.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 22, 2005
Publication date:
March 19, 2009
Inventors:
Benjamin Pelcman, Kristofer Olofsson, Martins Katkevics, Vita Ozola, Edgars Suna, Ivars Kalvins, Peteris Trapencieris, Dace Katkevica, Wesley Schaal
Abstract: The present invention is in the area of novel compounds and salts thereof, their syntheses, and their use as anti-cancer agents. The compounds include compounds of Formula I: and solvates, hydrates and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, wherein A1 is N or CR1; A3 is N or CR3; A5 is N or CR5; R1, R3-R6 and L are defined in the specification; n is 0 or 1; and X is an optionally-substituted aryl group having 6-10 carbons in the ring portion, an optionally-substituted 6-membered heteroaryl group having 1-3 nitrogen atoms in the ring portion, an optionally-substituted 5-membered heteroaryl group having 0-4 nitrogen atoms in the ring portion and optionally having 1 sulfur atom or 1 oxygen atom in the ring portion, or an optionally-substituted heteroaryl group in which a 6-membered ring is fused either to a 5-membered ring or to a 6-membered ring, wherein in each case 1, 2, 3 or 4 ring atoms are heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 30, 2004
Date of Patent:
March 17, 2009
Assignee:
Locus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Inventors:
Martha Kelly, Bruce D. Dorsey, Gary A. Flynn
Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein variables W, X, Y, D, A, n, R1, R2 and R9 are as defined in the description.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 10, 2006
Date of Patent:
March 17, 2009
Assignee:
Abbott Laboratories
Inventors:
Arthur Gomtsyan, Richard J. Perner, John R. Koenig, Margaret Chi-Ping Hsu, Dilinie P. Fernando, Chih-Hung Lee
Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, ester or isomer thereof, which can be useful for the treatment of diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs, ADAMs, TACE, aggrecanase, TNF- or combinations thereof.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 17, 2006
Date of Patent:
March 17, 2009
Assignee:
Schering Corporation
Inventors:
Wensheng Yu, Ling Tong, Lei Chen, Joseph A. Kozlowski, Brian J. Lavey, Neng-Yang Shih, Vincent S. Madison, Guowei Zhou, Peter Orth, Zhuyan Guo, Michael K. C. Wong, De-Yi Yang, Seong Heon Kim, Bandarpalle B. Shankar, M. Arshad Siddiqui, Kristin E. Rosner, Chaoyang Dai, Umar Faruk Mansoor, Janeta Popovici-Muller, Vinay M. Girijavallabhan, Dansu Li
Abstract: The present application describes deuterium-enriched eletriptan, pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof, and methods of treating using the same.
Abstract: The present application describes deuterium-enriched sunitinib, pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof, and methods of treating using the same.
Abstract: The present invention relates to new derivatives of sulphonamides, with the general formula (I), as well as to their physiologically acceptable salts, the processes for their preparation, their application as medicaments in human and/or veterinary therapy and the pharmaceutical compositions that contain them.
Abstract: The present invention is directed to certain hydroisoindoline compounds which are useful as neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonists, and inhibitors of tachykinin and in particular substance P. The invention is also concerned with pharmaceutical formulations comprising these compounds as active ingredients and the use of the compounds and their formulations in the treatment of certain disorders, including emesis, urinary incontinence, depression, and anxiety.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 23, 2006
Publication date:
February 26, 2009
Inventors:
Jinlong Jiang, Robert J. DeVita, Sanjeev Kumar, Sander G. Mills, Richard A. Tschirret-Guth
Abstract: The invention encompasses isoindoline compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and methods of their use for the treatment, prevention or management of various diseases and disorders. Examples include, but are not limited to, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and myelodysplastic syndrome.
Abstract: The present invention relates to novel 5-pyrrolidinylsulfonyl isatin derivatives, non-peptidyl Caspase binding Radioligands (CbRs) and CbR-transporter conjugates derived from said isatin derivatives, diagnostic compositions comprising said compounds of the invention and their use for non-invasive diagnostic imaging.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 22, 2005
Publication date:
February 12, 2009
Inventors:
Klaus Kopka, Bodo Levkau, Michael Schafers
Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, ester or isomer thereof, which can be useful for the treatment of diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs, ADAMs, TACE, aggrecanase, TNF- or combinations thereof.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 16, 2007
Date of Patent:
February 10, 2009
Assignee:
Schering Corporation
Inventors:
Wensheng Yu, Ling Tong, Lei Chen, Joseph A. Kozlowski, Brian J. Lavey, Neng-Yang Shih, Vincent S. Madison, Guowei Zhou, Peter Orth, Zhuyan Guo, Michael K. C. Wong, De-Yi Yang, Seong Heon Kim, Bandarpalle B. Shankar, M. Arshad Siddiqui, Kristin E. Rosner, Chaoyang Dai, Janeta Popovici-Muller, Vinay M. Girijavallabhan, Dansu Li, Razia Rizvi, Aneta M. Micula, Robert Feltz
Abstract: Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes incorporating an indolium ring moiety that is substituted at the 3-position by a reactive group or by a conjugated substance, and their uses, are described. Conjugation through this position results in spectral properties that are uniformly superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar dyes wherein attachment is at a different position. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 29, 2008
Publication date:
February 5, 2009
Applicant:
INVITROGEN CORPORATION
Inventors:
Wai-Yee Leung, Ching-Ying Cheung, Stephen Yue
Abstract: Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes incorporating an indolium ring moiety that is substituted at the 3-position by a reactive group or by a conjugated substance, and their uses, are described. Conjugation through this position results in spectral properties that are uniformly superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar dyes wherein attachment is at a different position. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 29, 2008
Publication date:
February 5, 2009
Applicant:
INVITROGEN CORPORATION
Inventors:
Wai-Yee Leung, Ching-Ying Cheung, Stephen Yue
Abstract: The present invention relates to new compounds of formula I. (I) wherein R1 to R12, X, Q and n are as defined as in formula I, or salts, solvates or solvated salts thereof, processes for their preparation and to new intermediates used in the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical formulations containing said compounds and to the use of said compounds in therapy.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 22, 2006
Publication date:
January 29, 2009
Applicant:
ASTRAZENECA AB
Inventors:
Chester Chu, Andrew Lister, Gunnar Nordvall, Carl Petersson, Didier Rotticci, Daniel Sohn, Stefan Von Berg
Abstract: The present invention creates an indole derivative having DP receptor antagonistic activity and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the said compound as an active ingredient, and further a therapeutic agent for treating allergic diseases. A compound of the generic formula (I) wherein the ring A is an aromatic carbocyclic ring etc.; the ring B is a 3- to 8-membered nitrogen-containing non-aromatic heterocyclic ring etc.; R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are independently a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom etc.; R6 is C2-C4 alkyloxy etc.; R7 is independently a halogen atom etc.; R8 is independently C1-C4 alkyl etc.; R9 is carboxy etc.; Y is a single bond etc.; M is sulfonyl etc.; L1, L2 and L3 are a single bond or alkylene optionally containing one or two heteroatoms etc.; n is 0 etc.; q is 0 etc.; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof.
Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of the Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or isomer thereof, which can be useful for the treatment of diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs, ADAMs, TACE, TNF- or combinations thereof.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 13, 2005
Date of Patent:
January 27, 2009
Assignee:
Schering Corporation
Inventors:
Wensheng Yu, Ling Tong, Lei Chen, Joseph A. Kozlowski, Brian J. Lavey, Neng-Yang Shih, Vincent S. Madison, Guowei Zhou, Peter Orth, Zhuyan Guo, Michael K. C. Wong, De-Yi Yang, Seong Heon Kim, Bandarpalle B. Shankar
Abstract: The present invention relates to novel indole derivatives such as compounds of the formula (I): which possess antagonist potency at the 5-HT6 receptor and the use of such compounds or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other CNS disorders.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 5, 2005
Publication date:
December 25, 2008
Inventors:
Mahmood Ahmed, Christopher Norbert Johnson, Neil Derek Miller, Peter Henry Milner, Dean Andrew Rivers, David R Witty
Abstract: The invention is related to phosphorus substituted anti-viral inhibitory compounds, compositions containing such compounds, and therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds, as well as to processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 18, 2005
Publication date:
December 18, 2008
Inventors:
Kleem Chaudhary, Melissa Fleury, Choung U. Kim, Darren J. McMurtrie, Xiaoning C. Sheng