Latest technologies from Wayne State University

Whole body model of a 10-year-old child for pediatric injury prediction

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 08:39:05 GMT

Technology A computational whole body 10-year-old (YO) FE (Finite Element) model which is anatomically accurate based on the clinical images. The model was composed ofhigh quality elements for accurate stress/strain predictions and possessed high biofidelity to accurately predict body responses under external mechanical loadings. Preliminary verification ofthe FE model against available cadaver test data was also performed. This invention is a new simulation finite element model consisting of detailed organs definition, tissues, ligaments, muscles of a 10-year-old child. The model was cre...

Modified Ectodomain of Human EGFR as a Potential Anticancer Agent

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 12:12:35 GMT

Development of a protein that attenuates EGFR and/or EGFR family members and is comprised of a modified EGFR ectodomain. The protein inhibits signaling via the EGFR and/or EGFR family members. The protein includes a portion of the EGFR (or EGFR family member) and the "U" region epitope of EGFR related protein (ERRP), wherein the portion of the EGFR is operable to bind a ligand of EGFR. Attenuating EGFR signaling can include inhibiting the EGFR and/or EGFR family members and to provide antiproliferative activity. The present proteins and expression of nucleic acids encoding these protein...

Translation Regulated (TR)-Mediated Gene Expression: Novel Expression and Reporter Vectors

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 12:12:14 GMT

This is a cell based vector system that is able to monitor the transition, in cell lines, from Cap dependent to Cap independent translation. This shift is critical in determining if a cell, that is placed under significant stress (such as treatment with a chemotherapeutic agent), recovers or undergoes programmed cell death (apoptosis). This information can be used to determine the efficacious and maximum tolerated dose of a compound in preclinical tumor studies. It can also be used to determine the toxic effects of other normal cells in the body in response to treatment (liv...

Improved DW-MRI analysis methods for detecting motor functions

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 12:52:48 GMT

Summary:Diffusion weighted MRI (DW-MRI) is an important imaging tool in mapping associated white matter pathways in the brain. WSU has developed a new software program that analyzes DW-MRI images using improved models (ICA+BSM) and algorithmic methods (DWI tractography & Kalman filter analysis). The WSU software can automatically identify primary motor pathways based on structural connectivity. Both the location of motor cortex and the related CST pathway can be identified. Function-specific segments (fingers, legs, face) can be automatically identified and quantified to provi...

Co-polymer Stabilizers for Pressured Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs)

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 12:50:42 GMT

A series of novel co polymer surfactants with the general structure LAmEOnLAm were developed along with a Colloidal Probe Microscopy (CPM) method to optimize the surfactant composition using adhesion forces to improve stabilization of drug dispersions. This expands the range of biomolecules and micronized drug particles that can be formulated with pMDIs. New pharmaceutical compositions can be tested and the ideal co-polymer surfactant composition optimized through quantitative measurement of cohesive forces. The biodegradable and biocompatible lactide-based amphiles chosen can stabilize...

Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay for Meningitis

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 06:59:09 GMT

Summary: A novel LAMP assay has been developed for detection of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) in patient samples. Six sets of unique primers have been designed which dramatically improve sensitivity of Nm detection and enable discrimination of the six major Nm serogroups (A, B, C, W-135, X, and Y) with limits as low as 1 (one) genomic copy per reaction. LAMP diagnostic kits provide a simple, rapid and cost effective genetic test method for detecting pathogens. Applications:The Nm bacterium is one of the main pathogens responsible for bacterial meningitis with thousands of cases in the US ...

Electrowetting on Dielectric (EWOD) Using Graphene

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 06:59:08 GMT

WSU researchers have developed a method for electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) using graphene; a transparent, flexible and stretchable nanomaterial. Reversible contact angle changes were observed on the Teflon-coated graphene electrode with both AC and DC voltages and experiments confirmed the graphene electrode has a higher capacitive impedance, reduced electrolysis of the electrolyte and smaller leakage current in the dielectric layer (Teflon) on graphene electrodes than on similar gold electrodes. The graphene was made using CVD and can be transferred to various substrates. The impr...

67DHB Grapefruit Inhibitor

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 07:15:11 GMT

The invention comprises a composition and methods for inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzyme activity and, in particular, inhibiting the activity of the cytochrome P450 3A sub-family of enzymes, specifically, CYP3A4. It is believed that 6',7'-dihydroxybergamottin, a furanocoumarin, is the compound primarily responsible for the inhibitory effects of grapefruit juice on cytochrome P450 enzyme activity. The compound is potentially useful as an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 by incorporating 67DHB into the formulation of a drug for the purpose of improving the bioavailability of the drug.&nb...

Broadcast Messaging System

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:23:04 GMT

Wayne State researchers have developed new software which integrates existing software systems (e.g. SunGard HE’s Banner) to enable authorized broadcasting of messages to an entire campus community or to select groups via text messaging to cellular phones, via email, or instant messaging. Competitive Advantage: · Integration with existing enterprise software suites (e.g. Banner, Blackboard, Luminis) · Messages can be delivered across multiple platforms to fully customizable user groups Commer...

New Immunotherapies for Cancer

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:23:02 GMT

Background Wayne State University researchers have developed a novel strategy to fight cancer and eradicate tumors through stimulation of the immune system. Curing cancer via the activation of patients’ immune system is considered an ideal strategy due to the potentially high potency and specificity of the human immune system to eradicate tumors. In this regard, tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs), which are uniquely or excessively expressed carbohydrates on cancer cells, are useful molecular targets. However, free carbohydrates are usually poorly immunogenic an...

Broad Temperature Range MIS Hydrogen Sensors

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:23:00 GMT

WSU researchers have developed hydrogen sensors that differ from previous devices by employing aluminum nitride as an insulator in a metal insulator semiconductor structure. These new structures show a marked specificity for hydrogen under a wide range of conditions. Several prototype sensors with various applications have been tested results are available for review under the appropriate secrecy agreement.Current hydrogen sensors can readily measure hydrogen in an environment devoid of other gases. When other gases are present the sensor must be optimized to overcome the selectivity pro...

New Technology of Production of Properly Folded Protein

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:57 GMT

This invention is a new protein transduction method for efficient delivery of exogenous proteins into mammalian cells. In contrast to known protein transduction methods, this new approach has the capability of targeting transduced proteins to different cellular compartments, as well as protecting the proteins from degradation by cellular proteases. The reagent for delivery of the proteins is composed of cationic agents, lipids and enhancer in a carrier. The Approach uses bacteria to produce recombinant proteins that are then modified with the reagent and delivered into mammalian cells....

High Efficient Reagent that Transfers Protein into the Living Mammalian Cells

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:56 GMT

Atomic Layer Deposition of Transition Metal Thin Films

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:54 GMT

Wayne State University researchers have circumvented precursor reactivity problems by developing a three-step deposition scheme that entails a transition metal precursor, an organic acid, and a reducing agent. This novel process can produce high purity, low resistivity copper films at 100 °C, which is a significant breakthrough in transition metal ALD processes. Microelectronics device dimensions are scheduled to reach 22 nm by 2012, and existing deposition processes will soon not be able to provide the required level of thickness control and conformality, especially in high aspect ratio feat...

Repurposing AKT Inhibitors for the Treatment of Protein Misfolding and Protein Trafficking Diseases

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:51 GMT

Wayne State University researchers have demonstrated that inhibition of pro-survival kinase, AKT, using the transgene, Trb3, expressed in oligodendrocytes, leads to less brain white matter than controls. Moreover, Trb3 introduction into an animal model of the human disease, Pelizaeus Merzbacher disease (PMD) leads to less myelin thickness and fewer disease symptoms than untreated animals. These results suggest inhibiting AKT may ameliorate the symptoms of PDM and other diseases with similar or analogous pathophysiology such as Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease to name a ...

Volatile Thermally Stable Transition Metal Precursors for Thin Film Growth

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:49 GMT

Wayne State researchers have developed a new class of thermally stable, volatile transition chemical compounds that have desirable properties for the growth of thin films of transition metal-containing materials by atomic layer deposition and chemical vapor deposition.Commercial Applications • Microelectronic devices o Automotive applications o Industrial applications o Consumer electronics o Communications o Computers and peripherals•&nb...

Novel Biosensor Based on Parylene Cantilevers

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:44 GMT

A Wayne State University researcher has developed a novel biosensor for DNA and protein microarray applications as well as lab-on-a-chip assays. The biosensor is composed of a micro-scale cantilever made of a polymer material with a modulus of elasticity significantly less than cantilever-based biosensors utilizing silicon nitride. Biosensors based on microfabricated cantilevers have attracted many interests in recent years. These sensors utilize the fact that when biochemical molecules (DNA antibody etc.) selectively bind to one side of the cantilever the surface stress induced will...

Hyperaccumulation of Arsenic in S. Cerevisiae

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:42 GMT

Detailed Description WSU faculty developed an innovative biological technology that has promise to cost-effectively remove arsenic from drinking water. The technology employs the use of a genetically engineered strain of yeast with the ability to hyper-accumulate arsenic without releasing the arsenic back into the environment. The yeast is being optimized for arsenic accumulation the next step will be the development of bioreactors to remove arsenic from natural groundwater supplies. While federal legislation is still in flux regarding the implementation date for new maximum contaminant...

Mannich Bases of Conjugated Styryl Ketones

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:41 GMT

Detailed Description Human infectious diseases caused by fungi have increased markedly during the past 10 years due mainly to advances in medical care that involve prolonged immune suppression increased use of cytotoxic drugs in cancer chemotherapy and the advent of AIDS. As a result organisms such as Candida albicans have become opportunistic pathogens capable of causing severe systemic infection. Consequently as high as 10% of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections are currently caused by fungi yet there have been few major improvements in the treatment and management of fungal in...

Laser Spray Ionization (LSI) Method for Mass Spectrometry Imaging

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:40 GMT

Technology Summary: Laser Spray Ionization (LSI) is a novel inlet ionization method for mass spectrometry invented at WSU which can be used to create predominately multiply charged ions from solid samples at atmospheric pressure. Unlike MALDI ionization methods which are typically limited to producing singly charged species for larger molecules, LSI produces ions similar to Electrospray Ionization (ESI) methods without the need for a solvent or voltage. With higher charged ions, LSI extends the mass range (m/z) for high MW analytes which is typically limited in high resolution mass spec instru...

Folate Receptor Targeted Therapeutics for Cancer

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:39 GMT

Collaborative researchers at WSU and Duquesne University have developed a series of novel folate analogs that show selective toxicity toward tumor cells expressing high levels of the surface protein folate receptor. Typically, normal cells express low levels of folate receptors or such receptors exhibit apical localization and are not exposed to the blood. In additional to the folate receptor selectivity, these compounds are potent inhibitors of glycinamide transformylase (GARTFase), a purine nucleotide biosynthetic enzyme. This is the first description of a compound exhibiting both ch...

Tumor Targeting by Small Molecule Therapeutics for a Proton-Coupled Folate Transporter (PCFT)

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:35 GMT

WSU and Duquesne University scientist have isolated a unique series of pyrrolopyrimidine antifolate analogs that show selective cytotoxicity toward solid tumors such as ovarian, prostate or breast cancer cells that express the low pH “proton-coupled folate transporter” (PCFT). The acidic pH optimum (pH 5.5-6.5) of PCFT makes it an ideal target since many solid tumors exist in an acidic environment. Commercial Applications · Antitumor drugs that target tumors expressing PCFT · Treatments f...

Nanometer-Sized Drug Delivery Devices (Nanoparticles) that Demonstrate High Encapsulation Efficiency and Sustained Release of Water-Soluble Drugs and their Preparation

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:34 GMT

WSU researchers have developed a nanoparticle formulation for the encapsulation of hydrophilic drugs with high efficiency. Encapsulation efficiency close to 100% has been achieved. Further these nanoparticles demonstrate sustained release of hydrophilic drugs over a period of weeks (~60-80% of encapsulated drug released over a period of 4 weeks). As a comparison published studies that investigate the use of other state of the art nanoparticles withwater-soluble drugs report sustained release only over a period of few hours. Additionally due to high surface area afforded by nanoparticle...

Controllable Laser Fabrication of Conical Nano-Tips on Semiconductor Thin Films

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:30 GMT

Field emitter displays (FED) represents the next phase in display technology. A team of researchers at Wayne State University has invented a new process that creates consistently sized and uniformly spaced nano-sized conical tips on semiconductor thin films that may have application in a number of areas including field emitter arrays for flat-panel displays. The tips are up to 1 mm in height with radii on the order of several tens of nanometers. Creating conical tips on semiconductor thin films could provide the reduction in cost necessary to bring flat panel displays in line with CR...

Omni-Directional Angular Acceleration Reduction Helmet

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:28 GMT

Wayne State researchers have designed a new device to reduce the head angular acceleration of the helmet wearer during blunt impact. This technology introduces a helmet shell design which rotates with respect to head by the insertion of a thin layer of elastically or plastically yielding material between the outer and inner shells, depending on the type of helmet. Current helmet technology utilizes a double shell technology with the outer shell rotating in respect to the inner shell. Due to the restriction of rotation about only one axis and the lack of control of stopping the outer shell of ...

Peptide Antimicrobial

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:26 GMT

In vivo Display Technology for the Isolation of Antimicrobial Peptides Professor Philip R. Cunningham, Ph.D. Department of Biological Sciences @ Wayne State University Interest in peptides as antimicrobial agents has increased dramatically in recent years, driven primarily by the development of new technologies for producing, screening and analyzing peptides coupled with a greater understanding of the nature of peptide-ligand interactions. The Cunningham lab has invented a new genetic method called In vivo Display (IVD) technology that has fostered the dis...

Concussion Reduction Helmet

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:25 GMT

Technology Overview Wayne State University Researchers have designed a football helmet to reduce the likelihood of a cerebral concussion to the wearer during blunt impact with another player or the ground. The helmet shell and interior padding are tuned using a computer model of the head and helmet to reduce the strain experienced by the brain during impact. Commercial Applications Studies on the risks of long-term brain damage to American Football players have recently raised awareness of the need for improvements in protective equipment. Our helmet design has th...

Microvascular Pericytes are Adult Pluripotential Stem Cells

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:24 GMT

Detailed Description The existence of multipotent stem cells within the adult brain has been debated for some time. While the identity of this cell has been unknown it is clear that stem cells reside in specialized tissue (subventricular zone and subgranular zone) and that local microenvironments regulate their differentiation and self-renewal. WSU researchers have identified capillary pericytes as possessing pluripotent stem cell capability. One set of culture conditions result in the differentiation of pericytes along a mesenchymal lineage forming bone muscle cells adipocytes chondro...

Galectin-3 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs4644 Predicts Human Cancer Risk Associated with Racial Disparity

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:20 GMT

This invention is a new diagnostic tool which allows prediction of cancer risk based on a single nucleotide polymorphism of a gene whose protein is over-expressed in various cancers. The polymorphism results in a single amino acid change. DNA analysis demonstrated that 98% of cancer patients tested had the mutation while normal donors did not. The extreme high frequency of the mutation suggests that it can be used to custom tailor the frequency of screening tests such as mammograms depending on whether or not an individual carries the mutation. Analysis of this mutation may also provid...

Development of TiO2 Anatase Thin Films Grown by Pulsed DC Magnetron Reactive Sputtering for Device Applications

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:14 GMT

WSU researchers have developed a novel procedure for creating Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) thin films using anatase material. Procedure uses TiO2 thin film with single phase a textured material and reproducible with different thickness on amorphous and crystalline substrates. Anatase is attracting much interest for its unique properties and has valuable properties such as high refractive index excellent transmittance in the visible and near-IR frequency and high chemical stability.The anatase material developed at the Wayne State University Smart Sensors and Integrated Microsystems laboratory (SSIM...

Visual Prostheses Based Upon Fiber-Optic Uncaging of Neurotransmitter Substances

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:14 GMT

Detailed Description A fiber optic cable may also be used to deliver light. The drug delivery system selectively delivers drugs to various types of neurological cells. In operation a solution of photoactivatable neuro-active drug is delivered to a pre-selected area in vivo and photoactivated in the solution at the pre-selected area to stimulate neurological tissue. The neuro-active drug may be either an agonist or an antagonist of neuronal activity. File Number: 00-496

Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy for Molecular Imaging

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:08 GMT

Detailed Description Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM) is an emerging technology that combines the strengths of magnetic resonance and force microscopy to achieve high resolution three-dimensional sub-surface imaging of a test substance. WSU researchers have adapted and refined MRFM to study biological systems such as isolated cells sub-cellular organelles and other sub-cellular structures or cellular receptors and proteins at resolutions ranging from 1 micron to 1 angstrom. MRFM has the potential to significantly impact biomedical research and biotechnology including the poten...

Method to Produce Immunostimulatory Proteins and Tether Them to the Membrane of Enveloped Virus Vaccines

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:22:00 GMT

Detailed Description Wayne State University researchers have developed a method to produce immunostimulatory cytokine proteins and tether them to the membrane of enveloped virus vaccines produced in cell culture. In vivo results to date indicate that this technology improves vaccine efficacy. Cytokines as soluble proteins have proven to be effective as adjuvants for experimental viral vaccines since they boost immune responses induce T cytotoxic cells and shift Th2 to Th1 responses. However there are limitations in formulations currently used to coadminister soluble cytokines: 1.It is d...

Vibro-acoustic metamaterial with mass and flexible stem array

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:59 GMT

WSU researchers have developed a novel device combining the effects of negative effective elastic modulus and negative effective mass, acting as local resonators that can damp out vibrations and sound at multiple frequencies. This class of metamaterials has the superior ability to attenuate sound and have a much greater ability to block dynamic disturbances. The design of the material can be tailored to cover a wide range of vibro-acoustic loads that cannot be handled by current conventional materials. Technology Overview:Current dampening materials consist of foams and adhesives with c...

New Technology of Studying Protein Structure/Folding Functions in Living Mammalian Cells

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:49 GMT

Designer Aminoglycosides

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:47 GMT

Wayne State University researchers have synthesized a series of novel aminoglycoside antibiotics that have shown enhanced antibacterial activity, low susceptibility to existing resistance mechanisms and low toxicity when compared to currently marketed aminoglycosides. Aminoglycoside antibiotics have been used against a wide variety of bacterial infections caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The activity of the aminoglycosides is due to binding to bacterial RNA. Currently marketed aminoglycoside antibiotics are indicated for treatment of serious bacterial infections, but...

Autonomous Operation of Electronically Controlled Diesel Engines on a Multitude of Fuels Using Ion Current and Other Combustion Sensors

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:45 GMT

WSU researchers have developed a method to enable advanced diesel engines to operate properly on fuels of different chemical and physical properties. This technology will allow conventional diesel engines to precisely adjust the operating parameters to meet the production goals in fuel economy and emissions at a relatively low cost. With the increase in alternative types of fuel, including renewable fuels, the need for diesel engines to conveniently operate with all types of fuels is increasing. This method allows the engine to adjust and optimize within a short period of t...

Integration of 1-D MnO2 Nanowire and 2-D Graphene to 3-D Composites and their Applications in High-Energy, High-Power and Low-Cost Aqueous Supercapacitors

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:43 GMT

Wayne State University researchers have developed a novel method for the preparation of unique 3-D composites of conductive graphene and high capacitance MnO2 as electrode materials, to fabricate asymmetric aqueous supercapacitors for energy-storage applications. Currently MnO2 is commonly coated onto current collectors to form very thin films with a thickness of ten to one-thousand nanometers in order to minimize the limitation of poor conductivity. Therefore, the relative amount of MnO2 on current collector is always low and does not provide sufficient ene...

Method For Treating and/or Imaging Breast Cancer Using Radioactive Iodine

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:41 GMT

This invention involves treating a breast cancer patient by the administration of a radioisotope of iodine in a dosage of between 5 and 50 milliCuries over the course of a day. The therapeutic composition is designed for mammary tissue uptake and includes an inorganic radioactive iodide salt (e.g., alkali metal, alkali earth or transition metal iodides) and a parenterally injectible carrier therefor. Adjuvants are optionally added to increase uptake by mammary tissue or inhibit uptake by the thyroid gland. The composition may also have utility as a radioimaging dye. A...

Imaging Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Reduction to Practice

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:40 GMT

Currently, tandem mass spectrometry is typically performed by selecting a single mass peak in a time of flight or quadrupole mass spectrometer, which is then fragmented through collision, after which the products are mass-selected in a quadrupole or similar secondary mass spectrometer. A Wayne State University researcher has developed an alternative approach which records the full 2-D tandem mass spectrum at once, revealing the correlations between the mass speaks formed in the first and second step. Velocity map imaging is coupled with pulsed electric deflection in a reflectron confi...

GlyB4 Fusion with Neuregulin Heparin-Targeting Domain to Block Neuregulin Signaling

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:39 GMT

We have harnessed this natural targeting ability of NRG by fusing the HBD of NRG to soluble HER4. This fusion protein retains high affinity heparin binding to heparin and to cells that express heparan sulfates resulting in a more potent NRG antagonist. In vivo, it is targeted to peripheral nerve segments where it blocks the activity of NRG as a Schwann cell survival factor. The fusion protein also efficiently blocks autocrine and paracrine signaling and reduces the proliferation of certain cancer cells. These findings demonstrate the utility of the HBD of NRG in biopharmaceutical target...

Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation Algorithm for Automated Video Surveillance Systems

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:38 GMT

Technology Overview Wayne State researchers have addressed the scalability-cost and power consumption problems of large-scale surveillance systems by developing an optimal bandwidth allocation algorithm, which controls the transfer rates of various video sources. With dynamic bandwidth allocation, the surveillance coverage can be widened as much as possible throughout the site without greatly increasing the required resources and thus the overall system cost. The algorithm considers the potential threat level, placement of video sources, location importance, site map, and rate-accurac...

Dual action nanocarrier combining CXCR4 antagonist and polyplex gene delivery for treatment of metastatic cancer and other diseases

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:35 GMT

Novel bio-reducible polymer compositions which combine the ability to act as a CXCR4 antagonist and simultaneously provide enhanced gene delivery through the formation of inert nanocarrier polyplexes have been developed. As would be expected for biodegradable polymers, the cytotoxicity of these nanocarrier compositions are very low with measured IC50 values 50 to 100 times higher than conventional polyethylenimines (PEI) controls. Significantly, the known CXCR4 antagonist drug AMD3100 has successfully been incorporated into the polymer composition and shown to retain activity comparabl...

SIRT2 Antibody

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:33 GMT

Detailed Description Studies of yeast have shown that the SIR2 gene family is involved in chromatin structure transcriptional silencing DNA repair and control of cellular life span. Further discussion of this research can be found in Mol Cell Biol. 2003 May 23(9): 3173?3185. File Number: 04-684

Novel Prenyl Transferase Inhibitors

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:31 GMT

A series of farnesol and geranylgeraniol analogs that block the prenylation of proteins in cells. The diphosphate derivatives of these compounds are potent inhibitors of protein prenyltransferases in vitro. One allylfarnesol compound specifically inhibits the farnesylation of proteins and one allylgeranylgeraniol compound specifically inhibits the geranylgeranylation of proteins in cells. The allylfarnesol compound is potentially useful as an inhibitor of protein farnesyltransferase. Structurally different protein prenyltransferase inhibitors have demonstrated anticancer properti...

Using Flagellin to Prevent and to Treat Inflammation Associated Gram Negative Bacterial Infection

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:31 GMT

Nanoparticle Method to Stabilize Suspension-Based pMDI HFA Formulations

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:30 GMT

Novel nanoparticle-based drug compositions and methods that improve and expand therapeutic drug delivery to the lungs through pressurized meter-dose inhalers (pMDIs). A large variety of approaches have been developed at WSU aimed at improving the aerosol characteristics and expanding the range of target species deliverable. These improved formulations are relevant in numerous pulmonary drug delivery markets. Most notably, the inventions are generally applicable to a wide variety of therapeutic molecules including polar and non-polar small molecule drugs, bio-macromolecules (proteins/pept...

Dispersion-optimized Silicon nanoparticle (SiNP)/Graphene composite anode for high performance Lithium ion battery (LIB)

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:28 GMT

WSU researchers have invented a novel method to produce dispersion-optimized SiNP within a conducting Graphene matrix forming a standalone composite anode material. The method creates small clusters to lone particle distributions maximizing the nanomaterial properties of SiNP yielding anodes with improved capacity retention and rate performance. It utilizes combinations of high power/energy sonics and chemical surfactants that warrant proper distribution of non-agglomerated SiNPs. Regular ultrasonication is the principal preparative technique used to disperse Si particles in current sil...

3D Soundscaping

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:26 GMT

Researchers at WSU have developed a 3D Soundscaping technology that enables one to take sound measurements to a new level by locating sound sources, visualize their resultant sound pressure fields in 3D space. In traditional sound sensing applications, sound is measured using microphones and sound pressure levels and spectra are measured at survey locations. It is suitable for all types of sounds including continuous, transient, random, harmonic, impulsive, narrow- and broadband sounds. All this is done by using four microphones, thus significantly cutting the overall costs. Moreover, this n...

Improved pDMI Inhaler Formulations

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:20 GMT

Novel biodegradable, non-toxic nanoparticles that act as stabilizing excipients with a wide variety of suspension drug candidates including polar & non-polar drug particles, bio-macromolecules (proteins/peptides), gene therapies (DNA/siRNA) as well as amorphous and crystalline therapeutics have been developed which provide a platform for improving insoluble drug delivery. A large variety of approaches have been developed at WSU aimed at increasing the effectiveness of pressurized meter-dose inhalers (pMDIs) through improved aerosol characteristics, drug stability and reduced biotoxicity. ...

Fabrication Methods for Anti-Reflection Surface on Transparent Materials

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:18 GMT

Development of a fabrication method that uses optical nanostructures as artificial materials that match refractive indices of a wide range of transparent substrates. The resulting surface is optically transparent and exhibits qualities required to see images and text clearly on an electronic display screen in a wide variety of light conditions. Electronic display screens are difficult to see when light reflects off their surface. Glare caused from reflected light reduces the quality of displayed text and images on screens made of glass or plastic. Currently anti-reflection (AR) screen...

Intelligent Autonomous Camera Control for Robotics with Medical, Military, & Space Applications

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:14 GMT

Currently, during robotic surgery the surgeon must interrupt the operation and shift controls to move the camera arm of the robot, causing a distraction for the surgeon. Researchers from Wayne State University’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and the School of Medicine have jointly developed a new method for camera movement based on internally tracking (via kinematics of the robot) the locations of the end-effectors and automatically moving the camera arm to follow and zoom into the region where the surgeon is working. The system can be configured to ensure that the tracked e...

High Throughput HDAC Inhibitor Assay

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:13 GMT

Summary: This invention provides a high-throughput, cost-effective, isoform-selective, human-based HDAC activity assay useful for understanding the activity of the 11 different HDAC isoforms present in humans. HDAC (Histone deacetylase) proteins are key regulators in gene expression and HDAC inhibitors represent an important new drug discovery target for cancer and a growing number of other diseases. The WSU technology uses immunoprecipitation of individual HDAC proteins from human cell lysates to develop the first enzyme linked immunosorbent (ELISA) based assay for monitoring HDAC...

Pulsed Magnetic Field Anti-Inflammatory Device

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:10 GMT

Detailed Description Wayne State University and University of Michigan researchers have developed methods and devices which employ the use of electrical and magnetic fields to mitigate cellular responses to inflammation. Via the application of certain electric or magnetic fields changes and conversions of cell types are achieved along with modification of the physiological function of these cells thereby yielding a therapeutic effect. This approach affects neutrophils macrophages lymphocytes platelets and retinal cells and thus has the potential to provide therapeutic benefit to many di...

Simultaneous Ion Sensing and Gas sampling in Combustion Engine Cylinders and Other Combustion Systems

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:09 GMT

Through the investigation of the sources of ionization in internal combustion engines, Wayne State University researchers have developed an invention to measure both ionization and gas sampling. Measurement of species such as NO, CO and CO2 produced in the combustion chamber throughout the engine cycle help to understand combustion behavior at different engine operating conditions. The designed sensor simultaneously measures ionization and gas sampling which are required to develop correlations between chemical products developed during combustion and the ion ...

Effect of Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants on the Oxidative Stability of Biodiesel

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:07 GMT

Researchers at WSU’s National Biofuels Energy Laboratory have identified antioxidant additives for biodiesel fuel made from a variety of feedstock that provide advantages to current technologies. A significant problem associated with the commercial acceptance of biodiesel fuel is poor oxidative stability. The presence of high levels of unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) makes biodiesel very susceptible to oxidation as compared to petroleum diesel. Oxidative processes can lead to the formation of insolubles which can potentially plug fuel filters and injection systems. The increased ac...

Novel Dual and Triple Acting CNS Compounds with Potential as Antidepressants, Medications for Attention Deficit Disorders and other Related Neuro-disorders

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:06 GMT

Wayne State University researchers have identified compounds with a unique molecular template exhibiting reuptake inhibition activity for both at the norepinephrine and serotonin transporters in the CNS. In addition, some of these molecules also exhibit triple reuptake activity for the dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine transporters. These compounds have shown impressive dual and triple uptake inhibition activity in vitro, have exhibited in vivo antidepressant activity in forced swimming test model in both mice and rats. Lead compounds will be tested in additional in vivo models, ...

Establishment of a Metastatic Prostate Carcinoma Tumor Model in Mice

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:03 GMT

A Wayne State University researcher has developed new tumorigenic cell lines from the human prostate carcinoma cell line PC-3. These cell lines, known as PC-3/PI, are highly tumorigenic when implanted in the prostate of nude mice, providing a xenograft tumor model of prostate carcinoma. In this model, lymph node metastases form from the primary tumor as in human prostate carcinoma.

Programmable Antisiphon Shunt System (P-A-S-S)

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:02 GMT

Detailed Description Wayne State University researchers have developed a surgically implantable shunt system for controlling fluid flow from a relatively high-pressure region to a low-pressure region. This device can be used in the management of patients with hydrocephalus and is particularly useful to counteract postural intracranial hypotension related to over drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. The shunt allows for the non-invasive adjustment of the drainage pressure in order to suit the individual pressure requirements of each patient. File Number: 98-418

Novel Hybrid Series of Compound Derived from 2-Aminotetralin and Piperazine Based Derivatives: Characterization for D1, D2, D3, D4 and other Serotonin Receptor Subtypes Binding

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:01 GMT

A series of compounds derived from 2-aminotetralin and piperazine fragments have been synthesized, which exhibit high CNS activity in vivo and in vitro. Some of the selected lead compounds have exhibited potent in vivo activity in a Parkinson’s disease animal model with long extended duration of action. In particular, these compounds show high D3 receptor affinity and/or high D3/D2 selectivity. In addition to the potential therapeutic treatment of Parkinson’s disease and depression, these novel compounds have possible application in the treatment of a number of other neurological diso...

Hox B4

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:21:00 GMT

Detailed Description Wayne State University researchers are developing a novel therapy which causes hematological leukemia cell lines to undergo apoptosis. While research is in the early stages investigators have shown effectiveness in several cell lines including pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia diffuse large cell lymphoma follicular small cleaved cell lymphoma and Waldenstr�m macroglobulinemia. Collectively these cell lines cover almost the entire phenotypic spectrum of B-cell malignancies. While research is in the early stages investigators are excited about this potential ...

Peptides Representing Genus-Specific Chlamydial Antigens for Vaccine Peptide Vaccines for Chlamydia to be Delivered Orally or by Other Mucosal Routes

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:58 GMT

Background Despite increased surveillance and treatment, sexually transmitted disease infections caused by Chlamydia continue to rise. It is estimated that over 20 million new cases of infection occur annually in developed countries, with over 75 million new cases occurring annually in developing countries. Chlamydial genital tract infection is more than 5 times more common than gonorrhea and has been correlated with increased risk of HIV infection and other STD pathogens. Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of tubal infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. ...

Marangoni Optofluidic Tweezers (MOT)

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:54 GMT

There is currently a great deal of interest in using small droplets as containers for chemical reactions. Optical methods for droplet manipulation are attractive because they offer control without an on chip structure; however forces from optical tweezers tend to be in the pN range. Wayne State University researchers have developed a new method to trap liquid droplets using light. Laser light is focused on the surface of a drop using a lens. The light is a strong enough intensity to heat up the surface of the liquid droplet, generating thermocapillary flow w...

Graphene based support matrix to anchor bifunctional catalyst for Lithium-Air batteries

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:52 GMT

WSU researchers have developed a novel process to produce highly stable, conductive, and high surface area graphene based matrix for bifunctional catalysts for air cathodes. Given the promising stability and enhanced conductivity of the graphene matrix, the WSU researchers propose to incorporate bifunctional catalysts into a graphene matrix. Currently, there are no Lithium-air batteries commercially available. This breakthrough can lead to improvements in the capacity and cycle life of Lithium-air batteries, creating the next generation battery systems for electric drive vehicles. Backg...

High Gain Infrared Collector and Data Node

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:51 GMT

An infrared collector employs a concentrator formed of a plurality of spatially related gradient-indexed (GRIN) lenses and a photo detector interconnected by optical fibers. Since the GRIN lenses are arranged on a hemispherical shell the concentrator is relatively insensitive to the direction of the incoming infrared radiation. Optical fibers are used to connect the GRIN lenses to a photo detector where assembly is simplified. Commercial Applications • Infrared data networks Competitive Advantages • Infrared detector in the collector has a size that is significantly smaller than tho...

First Row Transition Metal Diazadiene Film Growth Precursors

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:46 GMT

Technology Overview Wayne State University researchers have developed a new class of thermally stable, volatile transition chemical compounds that have desirable properties for the growth of thin films of transition metal-containing materials. These novel film precursors have high potential for use in the growth of thin films by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), and related film growth technologies. ALD processes require precursors that are thermally stable at the deposition temperature. Currently there are few precursors a...

Ultra-Sensitive Piezoresistive Accelerometer Based on Decoupled Piezoresistors

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:44 GMT

Ultra-sensitive piezoresistive accelerometer that has advantages over traditional piezoresistive accelerometers in both the sensitivity and minimum detectable acceleration.Wayne State University researchers have developed an ultra-sensitive piezoresistive accelerometer that has advantages over traditional piezoresistive accelerometers in both the sensitivity and minimum detectable acceleration. Traditional piezoresistive accelerometers face challenges in applications where high bandwidth and high resolution are required simultaneously such as respiratory sound monitoring. Commercial Applicatio...

Stool/Tissue Preservation Device

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:43 GMT

WSU inventors have designed devices that enable small pieces of human tissue or stool to be rapidly immersed and preserved at room temperature in toxic preservatives without exposing the end user to the toxicants. Samples contained in the device can be safely stored or used for biochemical, molecular, and structural analysis. The device design makes them very easy and safe to operate. They can be used at home, hospital, or out in the field for forensic sample collection without the need for refrigeration. Furthermore, the provider/manufacture of the device has the flexibility of using...

Porous Biodegradable Polymers for Bone Grafts

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:42 GMT

Technology Summary: A novel polymer nanocomposites has been developed as a potential alternative to autografts and allografts in orthopedic procedures requiring bone grafting. Supercritical CO2 processing of resorbable polymer/nano-clay mixtures results in the formation of porous nanocomposite constructs which exhibit biocompatibility and significant improvements in mechanical properties (2.5-fold increase in compressive strength compared with pure polymer constructs). Improvements in the mechanical properties of the constructs are related to the dispersion of nano-clay within the polymer matr...

Nano-beaker array formation process and its use for high-throughput loading and crystallization screening and other lab-on-the-chip applications

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:41 GMT

Wayne State University researchers have invented a novel process to make array patterns and its use for high-throughput screening of crystallization conditions, liquid solution applications, and other lab-on-the-chip applications. The formation process is a variation of “particle lithography” in which microparticles such as polystyrene microparticles are used as templates to make ring structures. Previous “particle lithography” is based on organosilane surface chemistry. It produces rings limited to the monolayer thickness by reaction of organosilane with silicon wa...

Compositions, Process, and Method for Producing Hybrid Green Cements and Their Concrete Products

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:37 GMT

A Wayne State University researcher has developed a novel method to make sustainable Hybrid Green Cements (HGC) from low cost minerals and waste minerals such as coal, ash, bio-mass ash, or mine tailings. Key issues that the researcher has identified include optimal ranges of hybrid mix compositions, processing, and curing conditions. HGC provides better alternatives to Portland cement in several aspects. By using waste materials and active mineral components that can be calcined at much lower temperatures than those of Portland cement, the new green cements ...

Development of a High Strength High Toughness (HSHT) Bainitic Steel

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:34 GMT

This invention is a unique composition of steel when subjected to a non-conventional austempering process results in the following physical property advantages over high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel:- Twice the strength- Almost three times the fracture toughnessAustempering is a process typically used to produce specialty cast iron products but is not employed in the processing of steel. The austempering process that is unique to this invention alters both the temperature and time profiles of iron austempering to increase nucleation sites resulting in a finer grain microstructure th...

Antibodies to a Novel Cell Cycle and Apoptosis Regulatory Protein (CARP) -1

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:33 GMT

Retinoic acid and its synthetic derivatives participate in many biological processes including development cellular proliferation and differentiation. Retinoids mediate their actions by binding to the nuclear retinoic acid receptors and retinoid X receptors. Wayne State University researchers found that retinoid induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in several human breast carcinoma cell lines is independent of tumor suppressor p53 and estrogen receptor status via an undefined mechanism. This led to the identification of a novel cDNA which encodes a 130 Kda protein referred to as CA...

Enhanced Peripheral Detection Test-I (EPDT-I) Enhanced Peripheral Detection Test-II (EPDT-II)

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:32 GMT

Wayne State University researchers have teamed up with the Toyota Technical Center, a division of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA), to work on projects for TEMA's safety research center -- the Collaborative Safety Research Center (CSRC). One technology under development is a software program related to driver distraction: •Method for monitoring and measuring driver attention and driver performance. •Used to measure cognitive impairment in subjects related to driving tasks.•Hi correlation between simulator and in-car experiences....

CNS Compounds Specific for the Monoamine Transporter Systems

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:30 GMT

The dopamine transporter (DAT) plays an important role in pathophysiological processes in the central nervous system. In cocaine addiction, binding of cocaine to the DAT and consequent blockage of dopamine uptake appears to be related to the reinforcing properties of the drug. Also associated with the transport function is concentration of neurotoxic chemicals in dopaminergic neurons which is implicated in Parkinson’s disease. Potent, yet selective ligands for the DAT have potential for in vivo monitoring of primary targets of cocaine in the brain, for the characterization of cocaine b...

Ruthenium-based caging of nitrile-containing enzyme inhibitors

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:28 GMT

Technology Summary: Novel synthesis methods for caging nitrile-containing bioactive molecules to a non-toxic ruthenium metal complex have been developed which enable light activated release of a cathespin K inhibitor. Numerous potent and selective cathepsin inhibitors are being developed as drug candidates. Cysteine cathepsins are involved in the pathophysiology of diseases such as osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Using the method developed at WSU, in vitro studies confirmed light activated inhibition of the cysteine protease papain in series of human cell lysates and cult...

Austenitic (Non-Magnetic) Structural Steel

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:27 GMT

Wayne State University research has yielded both a novel composition and a lower cost processing technique for the creation of austenitic non-magnetic structural steel. This steel has advantages that include a high work hardening rate, good corrosion resistance, combination of strength and ductility and good creep resistance. Use of this steel in energy generation devices will reduce magnetic permeability and thus reduce power loss. Commercial Applications • Naval structures and ship construction• Petrochemical and food processing industries• Energy generation devices Competitive Adv...

Drug-Dendrimer Nanoparticles for Targeted Treatment of Neuroinflammation

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:25 GMT

Highly effective dendrimer-drug based compositions and methods for treatment have been developed that target neuroinflammation both in the brain and the retina upon intravenous administration. The nanodevices overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver drugs to target cells (activated microglia and astrocytes) producing dramatic therapeutic improvements. Benefits: Many promising pharmaceutical compounds fail to reach target tissue or fail to remain in the target area long enough to work. The drug-dendrimer nanoparticles invented at WSU allow the drug to be carried to target a...

Integrated Optical Polarizer for Silicon-on-Insulator Waveguides

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:21 GMT

Integrated optics based on silicon-on-insulator platforms are developing extremely fast due to technological compatibility with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication process widely accepted in microelectronics. Wayne State researchers have developed a technology which generates an integrated optical polarizer for high index contrast SOl waveguides, which operates through resonant coupling of TM-polarized guided mode to a high-index mode supported by a nanoscale metal dielectric multilayer, such as gap plasmon-polariton. This new technology of several n...

Establishment of a Prostate Carcinoma Bone Tumor Model in Mice

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:21 GMT

A Wayne State University researcher has derived new tumorigenic cell lines from the human prostate carcinoma cell line PC-3. These cell lines, known as PC-3/IF, when implanted in the femurs of nude mice, provide a xenograft tumor model of bone metastatic prostate carcinoma. The PC-3/IF cell lines are highly tumorigenic, with tumor cells replacing the marrow cells in the bone cavity, invading adjacent bone and muscle tissue to ultimately form a palpable tumor at the hip joint.

New Vehicle Roof Interior Design Concepts for Occupant Neck Protection During Rollover Crashes

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:18 GMT

Researchers at the Bioengineering Center at WSU have developed an interior roof design that reduces the coefficient of friction (COF) between the head and the roof or reduces the COF between the padding and its supporting structure. Rollover crashes are the most hazardous crashes to the human cervical spine. It has been reported that the neck is the third most commonly injured body region during rollovers following the head and thorax and often leads to permanent disabilities. Currently vehicle interior roofs or headliners are not designed to reduce the risk of neck injuries in rollover accide...

Guidance and Control System for Under Actuated Marine Surface Vessels

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:15 GMT

WSU researchers have developed a guidance system that yields a faster convergence rate of the ship to its desired trajectory than existing systems. The new algorithm varies the radius in the guidance algorithm exponentially as opposed to linear variations in existing schemes. This was done to prevent the system from over-reacting for small cross track errors and to force the ship to operate under steeper desired heading angle than the one specified by existing systems. As a consequence, ships using the new guidance system will converge faster to their desired trajectories than...

In-Cylinder Cycle-by-Cycle NOx Measuring Technique in Spark Ignited Engines

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:14 GMT

Currently, there is no technique that determines the quantity of NOx present at the end of the combustion cycle in spark ignited engines. Existing technologies for measuring NOx in spark ignited engines are limited to slow response sensors placed in the engine exhaust. Wayne State University researchers have developed a novel technique to determine the quantity of NOx that will be emitted with the exhaust gases from each cylinder of spark ignited engines. The technique utilizes the ion current signal produced from an ion current sensor installed in the combustion chamber t...

Solid Zn-base Catalysts for Simultaneous Transesterification and Esterification

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:13 GMT

Description: WSU researchers have developed a series of novel heterogeneous catalysts for simultaneous transesterifrication and esterifrication of fats and oils that can be used in the production of biodiesel. These catalysts are solids, a mixture of zinc oxide and other metal oxides species which provide the potential to convert all kinds of oil feedstocks into biodiesel, including high quality oil feedstock whose FFA content is lower than 0.5% and lower quality oil feedstocks with FFA in the range of 0.5-100%. This technology can utilize crude oils, waste cooking oil, and rendered ani...

In-Cylinder Cycle-by-Cycle Soot Measuring Technique in Diesel Engines

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:07 GMT

Currently there is no device or technology to allow for onboard soot measurement in diesel engine vehicles. Wayne State University researchers have developed a technique which utilizes the ion current signal produced from an ion current sensor installed in the combustion chamber of each cylinder to determine the quantity of soot present in the cylinder at the end of the combustion process. During each cycle, the cylinder’s exhaust valve opens and its contribution in the total soot emitted in the exhaust of multi-cylinder diesel engines is measured.Additionally, the input signal from each cyli...

A Flexible Biocompatible Graphene Sensor for Point-of-care Diagnosis

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:06 GMT

A Wayne State University researcher has developed a novel method applying graphene to sensitive, high-throughput, multiplexing, for label-free and low-cost electrical biosensing applications. Graphene is a flat single layer of sp2 bonded carbon atoms that are packed in a honey comb lattice, and have shown to have exceptional electronic, mechanical, and chemical properties. Different to label-based detection, the label-free detection measures the change in inherent properties caused by the molecular binding on the sensor surface, such as charge mass, stress, or diele...

DNA Molecule Encoding the B3 Adrenegic Receptor

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:04 GMT

The B3-Adrenergic receptor protein and DNA which encodes same, vectors containing the DNA, host cells transformed with the vectors and methods of using the protein, the DNA and the transformed host cells. Widely licensed on a non-exclusive basis for diabetes research. U.S. Patent #5,364,772.

An In Vitro Model System for Studying Development of Human Preneoplastic Breast Disease

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:02 GMT

Wayne State University researchers have developed a novel model/assay system that recapitulates in vitro the in vivo processes that lead to breast cancer development and progression from preneoplastic tissue. This model is the first that demonstrates in vitro the de novo development and neoplastic conversion of functional alveolar units. Advantages of this model include the fact that it requires only about 7 days for alveolar morphogenesis to occur compared to 8-10 weeks in vivo. This permits the use of this system for relatively high throughput drug screening. In this model preneoplas...

Fuel Injector to Work as an Ionization Sensor and as an Injection Signal Detector in Electronically Controlled Fuel Injection Systems in Diesel and Direct Injection Gasoline Engines

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:20:00 GMT

Wayne State researchers have created an invention which uses one element in the engine, the fuel injector, to perform four tasks, injecting fuel, acting as an injection pulse detector, operating as a fuel injector malfunction detector and working as an ion sensor without modifying the fuel injector. Internal combustion engine control has become more important than ever, as a result of the increasing restrictions on emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Minimizing the number of sensors and maximizing the engine performance and reliability is a goal for every engine manufacturer. In the ...

Derivation of Molecular Targets of Cancer and Aging Using Cellular Immortalization-Specific Gene-Expression

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:59 GMT

Detailed Description WSU faculty developed an approach to identify gene-expression changes in spontaneously immortalized human cell lines as compared to non-immortal cells. This approach led to the identification of molecular targets required for the long lifespan spontaneously acquired by cancer cells. These targets may provide a potential means to intervene in the process of aging or cancer development of a series of genes involved. File Number: 02-612 Disease: Cancer

pWSRi Plant Silencing Vector

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:55 GMT

Detailed Description A novel RNAi vector to silence post transcription a target gene in plants is available from Wayne State University. The presence of the vector in the plant is transient and therefore not passed on to subsequent generations. F1 generation plants do not contain the vector. Plants are treated by the standard biolistics method using vector coated tungsten particles. This vector should be applicable to species from 44 plant families which include Chenopodiaceae (spinach beets swiss chard) Solanaceae (tomato potato pepper tobacco petunia) Brassicaceae (mustards) Asteracea...

Sub-monolayer detection with surface selective vibrational spectroscopy

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:53 GMT

This invention describes a new system and method for performing surface-selective spectroscopic detection with high sensitivity and low detection limits particularly in the visible and fingerprint mid-infrared spectral regions. The method offers a substantial improvement, 10-fold or more, over existing techniques. This invention has already been reduced to a working prototype and demonstrated utility investigating numerous systems. Unlike other spectrometers in its class, this invention achieves superior performance without the need for surface enhancements, use of additional substra...

Novel Mammalian Putative Phosphatidylinositol-4-Phosphate-5-Kinase

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:51 GMT

Researchers at Wayne State University have discovered a novel mammalian gene which may be involved in membrane trafficking, more specifically, insulin-induced translocation of the fat/muscle-specific glucose transporter GLUT4. This material is a potentially valuable research tool for investigation relating to the diagnosis or therapy of diabetes. A U.S. patent application has been filed.

Fluorescence-Based Assay for Demethylation

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:51 GMT

Detailed Description WSU researchers have developed a fluorescence-based assay for the dealkylation activity of the non-heme iron (II) a-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase family of enzymes. This assay uses formaldehyde dehydrogenase to convert formaldehyde to formic acid and monitors the creation of an NADH analog using fluorescence. The technology is a great improvement over the existing assays for DNA demethylation in that is continuous rapid and does not require radioactively labeled material. Additionally this assay may also be utilized to study the demethylation of histones. This...

Next Generation MRI Contrast Imaging Agent

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:48 GMT

WSU has developed a new class of contrast agents that are effective at ultra-high field strengths (>3 tesla) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) where current clinical agents severely decline in effectiveness. Our new agents are based on the metal Eu(II) which is novel compared to current agents that are based on Gd(III). The difference between the two metals leads to increase in effectiveness (higher relativity) with increasing field strength between 1.4 and 9.4 tesla for Eu(II) agents where current Gd(III)-based technology decreases rapidly in effectiveness over the same field strengt...

Gene for Chicken Interleukin 15...

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:47 GMT

Detailed Description WSU researchers have cloned and patented chicken IL-2 and related avian lymphokines for use as avian vaccine adjuvants. The inventors have shown experimentally that chicken IL-2 can enhance vaccine effectiveness in chickens. Future research to further enable this technology will likely include optimization of delivery methods. IL-2 has a short serum half-life and for maximum efficacy must be attached to or closely associated with the vaccine antigen(s). Various studies have utilized chicken IL-2 fused to antigen expressed by viral vaccine vectors and expressed in D...

Novel Method of Making 3-Dimensional Neural Probes

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:44 GMT

WSU researchers have developed a unique design for neural probes with both electrical and chemical interfaces, via arrays metal electrodes and micro-channels that can be easily manufactured and folded in 3D arrays. The fabrication process is post-CMOS compatible allowing simple, reliable and cost effective construction of the all the components. Methods to produce flexible electronics have developed not only foldable 3D arrays but also flexible cables, tubes and novel hybrid tips that should help reduce the mechanical mis-match between brain tissue and conventional wire or silicon...

Microfluidic Particle Concentration and Separator

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:43 GMT

Researchers at the Wayne State University Smart Sensors and Integrated Microsystems (SSIM) laboratory have developed a micro-scale concentrator and separator applicable to several microfluidic applications. Initially the device was developed to concentrate and separate bacteria from other impurities to test water quality however the micro separator could have much broader applicability. The device and its fabrication method are unique. The device is composed of a large array of identical flow units arranged in a stagger and cascade fashion. As fluid is introduced to the system and accelerated ...

Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinases

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:42 GMT

Wayne State University researchers and academic collaborators have prepared the first reported mechanism-based inhibitors for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). One of the novel compounds (SB-3CT) shows selectivity for the gelatinases (two members of the MMP family), which have been implicated in various pathological conditions including, but not limited, to the process of tumor metastasis and angiogenesis, cardiovascular diseases and neurological conditions. In vivo results from WSU and academic collaborators have shown promise in cancer therapy (in T-cell lymphoma and prostate cancer...

Combined Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalytic Transesterification Process for Biodiesel Production

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:40 GMT

WSU researchers developed a combined heterogeneous and homogeneous catalyst that reduces overall production costs, expands feedstock options, and enables large volume production in a continuous process as compared to traditional homogeneous biodiesel catalysts. This unique catalytic transesterification process works better with ethanol compared to methanol can be used in continuous or batch biodiesel production processes and has advantages over existing homogeneous catalyst processes including:- Eliminates use of caustic catalysts that generate significant soap formation and environmental iss...

Vibration Energy Harvesting Device Based on Air-Spaced Piezoelectric Cantilevers

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:39 GMT

WSU researchers have designed an energy harvesting device using an air-space piezoelectric cantilever instead of the piezoelectric bimorph. Current vibration energy harvesting devices typically employ piezoelectric bimorph or a bimorph with a shim in the middle. The use of the air-space cantilevers produces numerous advantages compared to conventional devices:Competitive Advantages:- Significant increase in voltage generated - Increase in efficiency of converting vibration mechanical energy to electrical energy (<90%) Commercial Applications:This invention will be valued in a variety of app...

Functional Improvements in Fahr Disease

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:37 GMT

Detailed Description Idiopathic cerebral calcification (a.k.a. Brain Stones) can be associated with a progressive neurological disorder for which there is no known treatment. This invention is a repurposing of an existing FDA approved compound for a new use. It relates to the treatment of Fahr?s Disease by the administration of a class of drugs called bisphosphonates specifically the FDA approved drug disodium etidronate (used for treatment of osteoporosis). File Number: 99-465

Enzyme activated nitric oxide donors

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:35 GMT

This invention relates to a series of new pro-drug nitric oxide donor compositions. Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial signaling and regulating molecule with wide-ranging functions in the cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems, such as blood vessel relaxation, neurotransmission and pathogen suppression. Delivery of supplementary NO through NO donor hybrid compounds is thought to be an attractive therapeutic option to prevent disease progression. These drugs have shown anti-cancer and anti-viral effects in vitro and may also have applications as vasorelaxants antithrombotics or cytostatic or g...

A High Efficiency Booster for Automotive and Other Applications

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:34 GMT

WSU faculty developed a high efficiency booster useful in devices where the gas turbine is the primary source of power and in hybrid automotive engines. Boosters are currently used in hybrid automotive engines or in stationary plants for the purpose of increasing the power output of the gas turbine. It is generally accepted that a good power producing system has reasonably high thermal efficiency consistent with economical environmental and other constraints. However current technology does not meet these goals since it provides only limited power output and thus decreased fuel e...

Self Cleaning Transparent Material Structure and its Fabrication Methods

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:32 GMT

A Wayne State University Professor has developed a material with unique self-cleaning properties that may serve a number of applications from self-cleaning automobile windshields, eyeglasses and optics to laboratory glassware, mirrors and sensors. Highly water-repellant materials (also known as Super Hydrophobic Surfaces) have been created and employed in a number of applications. However their widespread use to date has been hampered by the fact that such materials are generally non-transparent. As such these materials have not been suitable for windows windshields, camera lenses and...

A Diagnostic Marker for Matrix Metalloprotease (MMP)-2 and -9 Activity in Cancer Tissue

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:29 GMT

This invention is a method for the identification of MMP enzyme activity in tissue. MMPs are involved in tumor progression and therefore are targets for anti-cancer drug therapies. However, most drug therapies directed at inhibition of MMPs have failed, in part, because there is no reliable biomarker to determine MMP activity in tissue. This invention provides a reliable diagnostic tool to monitor MMP activity for clinical trials of MMP inhibitors. Commercial Application · Diagnostic tool for monitoring MMP activity for anti-MMP therap...

Establishment of a New Renal Cell Carcinoma Cell Line and a New Experimental Renal Tumor Model

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:27 GMT

A tumor cell line from a primary papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (nuclear grade III/IV). This cell line, known as KCI-18, when implanted in the kidney of nude mice provides a xenograft tumor model of RCC. The KCI-18 cell line is highly tumorigenic, with lung metastases forming from the primary tumor as in human renal cell carcinoma. File Number: 98-447

Biologically active ATP-Analogs for tagging phosphoproteins

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:25 GMT

A novel Photo Cross Linking Assay (PCLA) for targeting protein phosphorylation Protein phosphorylation catalyzed by kinases and phosphatases act at critical control points that regulates many cellular processes. This central role makes them an attractive target for identifying largely untapped and important biomarkers for disease diagnostics. Understanding which proteins interact in a given pathway is an important step to aid in the discovery of therapeutics. Despite the development of a variety of innovative new technologies, dissecting the phosphorylation cascades that regulates cellular ac...

Regulators of Peritoneal Healing and Adhesion Development

ttoinfo@wayne.edu — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:19:20 GMT

WSU researchers have identified a novel approach to reduce postoperative adhesion development. This invention identifies new targets for regulation of healing and fibrosis, so as to decrease or increase the process depending on the clinical need. NF-kappa has shown to be differently expressed in fibroblasts from normal peritoneum and adhesions. We propose that modification of the expression of this molecule will allow for regulation of peritoneal healing, and tissue fibrosis including modulation of acute and chronic pathologic processes. Commercial Appl...