Latest technologies from University of Rochester

Real-Time High-Resolution Eye-Tracking

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 06:47:11 GMT

Real-Time High-Resolution Eye-Tracking High-precision eye-tracking system using Purkinje reflections for real-time gaze localization in virtual and augmented reality applications Institute Reference: 1-18137 Background Eye-tracking systems are widely used in fields like clinical diagnostics, human-computer interaction, and virtual/augmented reality. Traditional commercial eye-trackers often lack the precision required for advanced applications, providing only coarse gaze localization. Dual-Purkinje Image (DPI) tracking offers high precision but has been limited to specialized labs due...

Avalanche Photodiode Designs for Low Voltage Operation

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 06:41:01 GMT

A low-voltage, low-noise avalanche photodiode with advanced heterojunction design for enhanced infrared performance Institute Reference: 2-22082 Background Avalanche photodiodes (APDs) are critical optical detectors known for their high speed and gain, essential in applications requiring sensitive photon detection and fast response. Traditional infrared APDs have separate gain and absorber sections, separated by an unwanted energy barrier that inhibits electron flow. The barrier can be pulled down using some of the voltage that is applied to the APD, but that approach increases the tot...

Non-invasive Apparatus for Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosis

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 06:38:42 GMT

A tear scope using macroscopic imaging ellipsometry and thermal imaging to measure dynamic lipid layer and aqueous distribution on the eye Institute Reference: 2-17089 Background Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition typically caused by disorders of the ocular tear film. Research shows that lipid layer thickness and distribution uniformity correlate to the evaporation rate of the ocular surface resulting in dry eye. Current clinical diagnoses of evaporative dry eye (EDE) and aqueous tear-deficient dry eye (ADDE) do not provide a sensitive or specific understanding of the structure of...

Estimation of Intraocular Lens Position and Tilt from Full Crystalline Lens Geometry

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:23:24 GMT

New 3D lens geometry-based formula improves intraocular lens positioning, reducing refractive errors in cataract surgery Institute Reference: 2-24053 Background In cataract surgery, selecting the correct intraocular lens (IOL) power is essential for achieving optimal visual outcomes. However, this process is often challenging due to the difficulty in predicting the postoperative position of the lens. Traditional IOL power estimation formulas rely on limited parameters, and typically do not consider the crystalline lens anatomy, where the IOL is implanted. Estimation errors in lens pos...

The Myotonic Dystrophy Type-1 Health Index (MDHI Type-1) Italian Translation

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:58:20 GMT

The Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index (MDHI) Italian Version is a survey designed to efficiently measure the overall level of disease burden in a patient with myotonic dystrophy type-1 whose native language is Italian. This disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure is designed is designed to reliably and responsively measure therapeutic benefit in myotonic dystrophy clinical trials. It may also be used to measure overall patient health in a clinical setting. It covers the 17 areas of greatest importance to the adult myotonic dystrophy population.The MDHI is a disease-specific, patient re...

High Quality Lithium Niobate Devices

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:32:38 GMT

Method and device for fabricating waveguides for frequency conversion Institute Reference: 2-23013 Background Optical frequency conversion based upon a quadratic optical nonlinearity is a powerful technology to transfer high-coherence laser radiation into new frequencies. For thin-film lithium-niobate-on-insulators (LNOI’s), the efficiency of frequency conversion generally relies on periodic electric poling (periodic ferroelectric domain inversion) of the LN crystal. Conventionally, a set of comb-like electrodes is deposited on the surface of an LN thin film, after which the mate...

See-through Reflective Metasurface Diffraction Grating

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:30:40 GMT

Semi-transparent nanostructured surface applicable to AR/VR technology Institute Reference: 2-19053 Background Dielectric reflective metasurfaces provide a versatile alternative to conventional optics, especially in compact near-eye display systems for augmented reality applications. In typical reflective metasurfaces, there is a non-transparent metal backplate that blocks the transmission of light, thus hindering user visibility. As a result, there is a need for a method that achieves semi-transparency while preserving the reflective properties of structured metasurfaces. Techn...

Enhanced VR Battery Life through Perception-Guided Color Encoding

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:26:42 GMT

Innovative VR display power reduction using color perception technology, which enhances battery life without sacrificing visual quality Institute Reference: 1-24019 Background The rapid advancement of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies has resulted in a growing demand for higher resolution, faster refresh rates, and improved dynamic ranges. These advancements, however, have led to increased power consumption, which is a critical concern for untethered VR/AR devices due to their limited battery capacity. For instance, some of the current VR headsets on the mark...

Exploiting Human Color Discrimination for Memory- and Energy-Efficient Image Encoding in Virtual Reality

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:24:09 GMT

A VR image compression algorithm reducing DRAM traffic by 66.9% with minimal perceptual quality loss Institute Reference: 1-24027 Background Virtual Reality (VR) is emerging as a ubiquitous computing platform, with applications spanning healthcare, education, communication, training, and design. Efficient computing substrates are critical to VR’s progress, with DRAM access energy significantly impacting system energy consumption. Traditional framebuffer compression methods, which are numerically lossless, are not optimized for human perceptual quality. Technology Overview This ...

SOPHIE: Standardized Online Patient for Healthcare Interaction Education

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:21:49 GMT

AI-powered virtual patient platform for improving healthcare communication, particularly in challenging scenarios Institute Reference: 2-24123 Background Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is critical for delivering high-quality care, particularly in complex and emotionally charged situations like late-stage cancer care. Traditional methods, such as training with standardized patients, are expensive and resource-intensive. There is a growing need for scalable, cost-effective training tools that can be accessed remotely. Technology Overview SOPHIE (Stand...

Multiconfiguration Afocal Freeform Telescope

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:19:44 GMT

An afocal telescope system with adjustable magnification and field of view (FOV) modes for object searching and object inspection Institute Reference: 2-24029 Background As applications for earth-viewing satellites become more diverse, the required specifications of on-board optical systems become increasingly complex and challenging to achieve with single fixed-focus imaging systems. All-reflective afocal optics provide a powerful tool for meeting complex and challenging optical system specifications because they are intrinsically achromatic, permit large aperture sizes, and can...

Thin Large-Diameter Optics Foldable Intraocular Lens

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:16:47 GMT

A foldable intraocular lens designed to reduce dysphotopsia, enable small incision insertion, and provide high dioptric power Institute Reference: 6-20034 Background Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are commonly used in cataract surgery to replace the natural lens of the eye. While modern cataract surgery relies on small incisions to minimize complications like astigmatism and improve healing, existing IOLs are limited in diameter due to the challenges of inserting them through small surgical cuts. This limitation contributes to dysphotopsia, where patients perceive distracting light effects post-...

Apparatus and Method for Enhancing Corneal Lenticular Surgery with Laser Refractive Index Changes

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:13:52 GMT

Combines SMILE surgery with laser refractive index modification for precise vision correction, reducing aberrations and enhancing outcomes Institute Reference: 2-17009 Background Corneal lenticular surgery, such as SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction), is widely used for correcting vision impairments like myopia and astigmatism. However, limitations such as mild decentration and residual aberrations can affect visual outcomes. Additionally, multiple incisions can lead to biomechanical corneal weakening. Technology Overview This invention integrates femtosecond laser-indu...

Microcomb-Based Ising Machine

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:56:31 GMT

A microcomb-based Ising machine for ultrafast, scalable computation of NP-hard optimization problems using optical microresonators Institute Reference: 2-23040 Background The exponential growth of computational complexity in solving high-dimensional problems, such as combinatorial optimization, has long exceeded the capabilities of conventional digital computing systems. These challenges are particularly critical in fields like machine learning, drug development, and defense. Traditional digital methods are limited by their inability to efficiently solve NP-complete problems, which req...

Laser Induced Refractive Index Change (LIRIC) Writing in Dehydrated Ophthalmic Materials

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:54:46 GMT

LIRIC writing induces refractive index changes in dehydrated hydrogels, offering potential for dry contact lens production Institute Reference: 2-23005 Background Refractive errors, such as myopia, affect over 43% of the global population, with corrective devices like glasses and contact lenses relying on lens shape to correct vision. However, this approach limits the range of optical powers and requires complex manufacturing for advanced lenses, such as multifocal designs. Laser Induced Refractive Index Change (LIRIC) offers an innovative approach by altering the refractive index of o...

Compact High NA All-Reflective Microscope Objectives

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:52:46 GMT

All-reflective, chromatic aberration-free microscope objective enabling ultra-broadband imaging without color distortions Institute Reference: 2-24031 Background High numerical aperture (NA) objectives are essential in optical microscopy, especially for biological and medical imaging, where high resolution and clarity are required. Traditional objectives often use refractive elements, which can introduce chromatic aberrations and, thereby, degrade the image quality. Additionally, conventional reflective objectives may suffer from a central obscuration, reducing throughput and limiting ...

Optical Display Apparatus and Method for Head-Worn Displays

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:49:08 GMT

See-through optical display with freeform mirrors for compact, high-performance augmented reality applications Institute Reference: 2-11150-13008 Background Head-worn displays (HWDs) have become critical in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications. These devices need to be compact and lightweight, with a minimal number of optical elements to ensure wearability and usability. However, reducing optical elements often leads to optical aberrations that degrade the display quality. Traditional designs struggle with the trade-off between field of view (FOV) and image clar...

Real-time Multispectral Polarimetric Imaging for Noninvasive Identification of Nerves and Other Tissues

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:45:11 GMT

Real-time multispectral polarimetric imaging system for non-invasive tissue identification to aid surgeons during operations Institute Reference: 2-23025 Background During surgeries, distinguishing between nerves and surrounding tissues is often challenging, leading to risks of accidental nerve damage. Traditional visual methods offer limited assistance in differentiating these tissue types. Polarimetric imaging has emerged as a promising technique to enhance tissue visualization, particularly for nerves, which display unique birefringent properties. Technology Overview This technolo...

Spatio-Temporal-Angular Beam Multiplexer for Writing Refractive Index Changes in Optical Materials

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:43:27 GMT

Laser beam multiplexer for enhanced refractive index writing in ocular tissues, boosting efficiency and control in laser eye surgery Institute Reference: 2-20087 Background Ophthalmic and optical materials often require fine-tuned modifications in refractive index to improve visual performance. Conventional methods for writing refractive index changes are slow and struggle with balancing energy delivery without damaging the materials. Pulsed laser technology is increasingly used in these applications, but efficient, non-damaging laser writing at practical speeds remains challenging. T...

Single-shot, Adaptive Metrology of Rotationally Variant Optical Surfaces Using a Spatial Light Modulator

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 13:01:08 GMT

Adaptive interferometric metrology for testing complex, rotationally variant optical surfaces like freeform mirrors Institute Reference: 2-18037 Background Traditional metrology techniques for optical surfaces such as spherical and flat optics typically use full-field interferometry, but they struggle to measure complex, rotationally variant surfaces like toroids or freeform mirrors. These surfaces have unique geometries that create high interference fringe density, which conventional sensors cannot adequately resolve. Current methods, such as using computer-generated holograms (CGHs) ...

Compact Freeform Echelle Spectrometer

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:59:11 GMT

A compact echelle spectrometer using freeform optics for high-resolution, UV spectral imaging with minimized optical aberrations Institute Reference: 2-17028 Background Atomic spectroscopy relies on precise wavelength selection to determine the concentration of specific elements in a sample. Conventional spectrometers face trade-offs between high resolution, optical throughput, and compactness. Existing echelle spectrometers using two-dimensional detectors offer flexibility but often sacrifice one or more key performance aspects, such as spectral coverage or resolution, especially when...

Silk Ophthalmic Devices Incorporating Laser-Induced Refractive Index Change

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:57:28 GMT

Silk-based ophthalmic devices use femtosecond laser technology to enable biocompatible, customizable vision correction solutions Institute Reference: 2-24012 Background Femtosecond micromachining has gained traction as a precise tool for inducing refractive index (RI) changes in transparent materials. This technique has been applied to ophthalmic materials such as contact lenses and intraocular lenses (IOLs) for vision correction. However, a challenge remains in finding a biocompatible, stable material for long-term use in the eye. Silk fibroin, a structural protein derived from silkwo...

Denoising Algorithm for Sets of Evoked Potentials

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 08:19:03 GMT

Denoising Algorithm for Sets of Evoked Potentials A mathematical algorithm that denoises separately measured evoked potentials. Institute Reference: 2-23107 Background Evoked potentials are measured brain responses to some stimulus typically measured on the scalp using electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes. Measuring evoked potential serves many purposes, such as measuring auditory brainstem responses (ABR), a specific kind of evoked potential, to diagnose hearing loss in infants or other patients who cannot complete behavioral tests of hearing loss. A problem with measuring evoked ...

Real-time Low-background Digital Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Diagnosis

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 07 May 2024 11:07:54 GMT

Background Liquid biopsies are a small volume (~mL) sample collected from blood and urine for cancer diagnostics. Compared to traditional tissue biopsy, liquid biopsies have the advantage of being rapid, precise, and less invasive. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are small vesicles (< 120 nm) secreted by cells into all biofluids. sEVs are diagnostically valuable because they are secreted by tumor cells in large amounts and carry biomarkers unique to both the tumor and tissue of origin. Thus, the detection of tumor biomarkers in blood or urine on sEVs is a promising avenue for the devel...

Systems and Methods for Degrading PFAS

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 04:45:03 GMT

Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used, hard-to-break-down chemicals that are harmful to human health; they contaminate water, soil, animals, and people all over the world. PFAS removal from the environment is thus very challenging, and effective PFAS remediation is so urgently needed that the U.S. government recently launched a plan to combat PFAS pollution. Right now, PFAS remediation efforts are mainly focused on containment at the source of use, but that does not solve issues with PFAS that are already in the environment. Emerging efforts of destructive PFAS...

RNA-Targeted Small Molecules as Potential Antiviral Therapy (HIV, SARS etc)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:46:17 GMT

Brief Description: A high error rate of HIV -I reverse transcriptase coupled with a fast replication cycle associated with HIV -1 favors rapid development and selection of drug resistant strains. Therefore, identification of small molecules capable of inhibiting viral components necessary for HIV -1 proliferation continues to be of great importance. The full length HIV mRNA encodes two polyprotein precursors, Gag and Pol. While derived from the same mRNA, the Pol polyprotein, which is always produced as a Gag-Pol fusion protein, is only translated 5-10% of the time. This e...

Protease Activated Cytokines as Anti-Cancer Therapy

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 09:53:04 GMT

A novel therapy method for delivering localized anti-cancer responses without adverse body-wide side effects. Problem Solved by the Technology Despite remarkable success at identifying tumor-associated antigens (TAA), generating effective anti-tumor immune response has not been successful at eliminating tumors. Systemically administered active drugs often have profound side-effects which can be toxic or poorly tolerated. Local administration, however, is not always feasible because it is invasive or the targeted location is poorly defined or widely dispersed. Application...

Human Monoclonal Antibodies for Prevention and Treatment of Influenza Virus Infections

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 09:14:33 GMT

Background Seasonal influenza, also referred to as influenza or flu, is a contagious respiratory viral illness. Influenza infection varies in severity, causing asymptomatic infection to fatal disease, particularly for high-risk patient populations such as the elderly (over 65 years of age), young children (under five years of age), pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. Although a licensed vaccine has been available for over seventy years, influenza infections still remain a major public health concern. Annually, in the United States...

Human Monoclonal Antibodies for Prevention and Treatment of Influenza Virus Infections

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 09:11:55 GMT

Treatment of caries using probiotics

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 23 May 2023 09:47:02 GMT

Background Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavity is one of the world's most common oral health problems today. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 60%-90% of school-aged children and nearly 100% of adults worldwide have dental cavities. They can affect people in a variety of ways, including infections, tooth pain, stunting in children's growth, and affecting communication skills and recreational activities. Dental caries is a breakdown of teeth due to acids produced by bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Recently, probiotics have demo...

Copolymerization approach to control the optical properties of multilayer films

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 04 May 2023 13:07:02 GMT

Background Today’s optical devices trigger a need for thinner and lighter optical materials without any compromise in image quality. This has garnered interest in gradient refractive index (GRIN) materials, which can be used for compact optical design and enhance focusing power, correct aberrations, and reduce the number of components needed for an effective optical system. GRIN materials include both those with a continuous index gradient as well as those comprising of discrete layers with different refractive indices. To date, there are only a few flexible and all-dry processes ...

Surface-modified Abrasives for Nonaqueous Polishing

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 04 May 2023 13:05:25 GMT

Background Water-soluble crystalline materials have become ubiquitous as critical optics in a wide variety of laser systems. These optics are commonly used for frequency conversion, polarization control, laser gain media and transparent windows in the infrared and ultraviolet regimes. However, due to the challenges presented by grinding and polishing water-soluble materials, limited commercial methods and consumables are available for producing optical quality surfaces from these materials. These methods generally include single-point diamond turning and nonaqueous, lap polishing with abrasiv...

Stretchable and flexible optical interference coatings by polymer multilayers

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 04:47:31 GMT

Background Antireflection coatings (“ARC’s”) minimize undesired lens flare and glare and increase transmission at the interface between an optical material and its medium. While the inorganic fluorides, oxides, and sulfides that presently comprise conventional broadband ARC’s fulfill many if not all of their required functions, their brittleness is a significant limitation when applied to elastomeric substrates, which are being explored for advanced optical systems given the increasingly compact, flexible, and adaptive nature of high-performance optical and optoelectro...

New GsMTx4D- conjugates for joint-injury-induced osteoarthritis treatment

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 04:28:22 GMT

Background Arthritis presently impacts more than fifty million adults, plaguing one in five Americans with the number one cause of disability in the U.S. Examples of current treatments against arthritis include intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids, but these treatments are limited to providing short term pain relief despite being expensive and requiring frequent injections. There are currently no disease-modifying osteoarthritis (OA) drugs, as MMP inhibition and senescent cell removal have garnered no significant difference between treatment and placebo, and i...

Self-assembled bacterial microlenses for optical applications

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:18:03 GMT

Background Microlenses are advanced optical components that can collect and focus light with high efficiency. Current techniques for fabricating microlens arrays typically require multiple labor- and energy-intensive steps including baking, developing, and etching. These approaches are limited to producing microlens arrays only on flat substrates and with comparatively low refractive indices. Some notable recent efforts have focused on producing inorganic microlenses by using biologically-inspired, environmentally friendly techniques. These calcitic microlens arrays showed some improved optic...

Using additive manufacturing to produce multilayered bacterial structures that can tolerate harsh chemical treatments.

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:16:36 GMT

Background Bacterial biofilms—three-dimensional networks of cells entangled in an extracellular polymeric matrix composed of organic macromolecules—are platforms for sustainable nano- or biomaterials production and processing. These films can establish themselves on virtually any accessible surface, are resilient to extreme conditions, exhibit high mechanical stiffness, and demonstrate self-assembly and spatial patterning. These features explain why biofilms have recently become hotspots in emerging materials fabrication and additive manufacturing technologies. Genetically tractab...

Rapid Screening and Detection of Microplastic Particles

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 13:22:54 GMT

Background Myriad kinds of plastics have found their way into our environment, including many that either do not degrade or do so on the time scale of a thousand years. As plastics in the environment are subject to weather conditions, they break down into smaller particles, eventually reaching micron and even nanoparticle sizes. The presence of these size range plastic particles in our drinking water supplies is of concern, but readily available home water kits do not test for microplastics. One historical way of determining if a suspected sample is plastic is the “hot-needle” met...

Photonic FPGA platform to create arbitrary photonic devices by programming the device structure into the platform.

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 04:18:11 GMT

Background The development and design process for electronic integrated circuits is very intensive before a finalized chip design is sent to the chip fab. Most application-specific electronic integrated circuits require a prototyping process that can be accomplished with a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an electronic circuit which can be reconfigured by applying a specially designed electric field. Engineers are able to test and optimize their circuits in the FPGA until they are bug-free. Photonic integrated circuits (PIC’s) also have a very expensive manufacturing process owing ...

New Therapeutic Target and Strategy to Enhance Tendon Mechanical Properties

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 04:15:34 GMT

Background The tendon is a highly collagenous connective tissue that transmits forces from muscle to bone to enable movement. Tendons are also prone to injury. Unfortunately, tendons have an exceptionally slow natural healing process and typically exhibit abnormal and inferior mechanical properties once healed. In addition, tendons are commonly associated with heritable connective tissue disorders and birth abnormalities. There are currently no effective treatment strategies to restore native mechanical properties to tendons in any of these scenarios. Thus, there is a critical need for new th...

Methods for Preparing Porous Separators for Electrochemical Cells

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 16:02:59 GMT

Background Porous separators are applied to battery electrodes through roll-to-roll processing. The current industry-standard for polymer separators (Celgard) for lithium-ion batteries (LIB’s) involves relatively involved manufacturing. These materials, fabricated separately from LIB’s, are produced from commodity polyolefin plastics derived from gases such as ethylene and propene. Therefore, these reactions require special catalysts and equipment. The polymers are then extruded into sheets and finally mechanically stressed, forming pores. Due to the chemical inertness of polyolef...

Class of thin film cathodes based on the solid solution of two layered lithium metal oxide components

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 04:09:40 GMT

Background With the continued evolution of microelectronic devices and their miniaturization, there is significant demand for energy storage devices with reduced dimensions, especially lithium-ion batteries. Solid-state lithium thin-film batteries (TFB’s) possess exceptional energy storage performance with long cycle life, enhanced safety, and high specific energies. They have been developed over several decades for a range of applications, including distributed sensors, memory backup on microchips, etc. The cell components in TFB’s are fabricated as thin dense films supported on ...

Fail-safe shutter operation system that safely terminates an electromagnetic wave beam upon interlock action

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 04:07:32 GMT

Background High-power electromagnetic radiation (ER) beams are usually isolated in an enclosed area guarded by a safety interlock. Opening of the entry point into the protected area causes the interlock to activate a safety system, preventing individuals from accidental exposure to the ER beam. In some systems, the interlock de-energizes the source of the beam, which can cause unwanted delay as it takes time to repower the beam source after it has been de-energized. Thus, ER beams are typically designed to travel along a beam path through a protective housing containing an aperture and shutte...

Broadband interferometric confocal microscopy using interference objectives in combination with a synthetic phase modulation.

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 08:36:50 GMT

Background Broadband interferometric microscopy (BIM) refers to microscopy techniques and methods that use the frequency of light and interferometric detection to infer the volumetric spatial structure of the scattering object. The goal is to achieve three-dimensional imaging with high resolution over large fields of view and extended depths. The interference of coherent signals in BIM is challenged by the separation of the conjugate signals and autocorrelation. The conjugate signal leads to a mirrored image of the object (coherent artifacts) that may foreshadow key features of the object and...

Hydrophobic cellulose surfaces created using boronic acid functional polymers

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 05:32:45 GMT

Background Hydrophobicity is a desirable quality for many types of cellulosic materials, including paper, cotton textiles, cardboard, and wood. There are large existing markets for waterproofing fabrics and building materials that are exposed to the elements as well as emerging applications that rely on creating precise hydrophobic surface patterns to direct fluid flow, as is required for microfluidic paper-based analytical devices. A critical aspect of achieving broad use of these emerging applications is the availability of scalable processes for their manufacture. Existing technologies for...

Novel, Synthetic Peptides that Inhibit the Formation of Tight Junctions

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 18:03:07 GMT

Background Current methods of vaccination primarily rely on intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal injection of antigens. These vaccination routes, while effective, require medical personnel to deliver, generate biohazards (sharps) requiring costly disposal, and cause patients pain and anxiety. This has fueled research efforts to identify “needle-free” methods of immunization. However, the skin has a protective barrier against the external environment, making the trans‑dermal delivery of active macro molecules very difficult. A number of epicutaneous vaccine delivery syste...

Myofunctional Training with Negative Airway Pressure for OSA Treatment During the Day

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 18:00:44 GMT

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an increasingly common form of sleep-disordered breathing, with an incidence of 15% in men and 5% in women and characterized by repetitive collapse or obstruction of the pharyngeal airway during sleep. According to the Wisconsin sleep cohort study in the United States, the estimated prevalence of moderate to severe OSA increased by 14% to 55% over the past two decades Continuous or auto-titrated positive airway pressure (PAP) is the current standard treatment; however, other therapies have emerged as alternatives. Mandibular advancement devices (or...

VR-based Motor Assessment and Rehabilitation

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 18:04:38 GMT

Background Stroke is a serious medical condition that can cause permanent neurological damage, complications, and death. Persistent fine motor dysfunction is a common consequence of stroke and dramatically affects activities of daily living, requiring assessment and rehabilitative techniques that target fine motor skills. Historically, assessment and rehabilitation after stroke has comprised of evaluation and hands-on training with a therapist. There are several key limitations with the current standard clinical practice. First, the assessments are highly subjective. Second, they lack precisi...

Software to Measure Facial Symmetry and Predict Dosages and Outcomes of Cosmetic Treatments Such as Botox, Dysport, or Fillers from Video

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 17:51:58 GMT

Background FACIAL PALSY APPLICATION: Facial palsy is a condition which affects the facial nerve, one of twelve cranial nerves. Its main function is to control the muscles of facial expression; all 17 muscles. This involves the ability to express emotion though controlling the position of the mouth, the eyebrow, nostrils, eye closure, drooling, speech and dental hygiene. A spontaneous facial palsy can present at any age but is most frequently seen at age 20-50 years, affecting both sexes equally. Incidence is around 30 cases per 100,000 per year, and is slightly higher in pregnant women (45per...

Infection and Tampering Prevention of Vascular Access Ports

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 17:50:09 GMT

Background Central line associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs) are deadly health care associated infections (HAI), with reported mortality of 12% to 25%. CLABSI primarily occurs during catheter insertion, access line attachment to the catheter, and/or maintenance of the access line. Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines are routinely used to administer drugs to patients on a continuing basis. This catheter can remain in place for weeks or months, and facilitates rapid injection of necessary medication without repeated difficulty in finding a vein. Although very convenient...

Sub-microscale Contact Transfer Printing

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 12:21:08 GMT

Background Over the past two decades, contact transfer printing has evolved into a viable manufacturing technology that can deposit and pattern various organic, polymeric, and inorganic ink materials with micro‐ and nano‐ scale precision, and its inherent amenability to replicate large‐area patterns on flat or curvilinear substrates gives it potential to evolve into a universal platform for parallel deposition of multiple types of materials at the sub‐micrometer length scale. However, the key to enabling such manufacturing is to establish clean and reliable methods for controlling interfacial...

Epigenetic Methylation inhibitors displaying anti-tumor activity

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 12:15:43 GMT

Background Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a lethal malignant tumor that arises from the middle portion of the brain stem and usually affects children with a poor prognosis, as there are no surgical options for providing relief to patients. Conventional chemotherapy as well as radiation therapy provide minimal life extension and palliative relief at best. More than 85% of DIPG cases are identified with an H3K27M mutation, which implies its essential role in tumorigenesis and growth, further raising its appeal as a therapeutic target. H3K27M mutation causes a global reduction of K27...

Gene Therapy for Reflux Disease in the Esophagus

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:19:45 GMT

Background Almost one-third of adults in the US experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and patients with chronic GERD have an increased risk for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have shown effective treatment for GERD, up to 45% of patients with GERD remain symptomatic on standard therapy and long-term use of PPIs can cause severe side effects in the lung and heart. There is an urgent need to develop new methods to treat refractory GERD. The esophageal epithelium tissues of patients with GERD have a special pathologica...

Hydrogen production via electrogenic bacteria by respiration of colloidal quantum dots

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:14:23 GMT

Background Hydrogen and other fuels can be produced by living bio-nano systems which combine microorganisms and nanomaterials. Typically, these systems use light absorbed by nanomaterials to provide high-energy electrons (via an electron transfer process) for microbial metabolic processes yielding a biosynthetic solar fuel such as hydrogen. However, this strategy is limited to the microorganism’s natural metabolic products or requires additional genetic engineering, which can place strain on the organism. Thus, the amount of hydrogen produced from this approach is relatively low. Techn...

Cache design resilient to contention-based side-channel attack

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:04:57 GMT

Background Shared caches are vulnerable to side channel attacks through contention in cache sets. Contention attacks, as opposed to reuse attacks, depend on having a shared cache between the attacker and the victim and do not require the presence of shared memory. Existing solutions to prevent these attacks resort to partitioning or hiding the mapping between the addresses and their location in the cache by using encryption, which can take multiple extra cycles per access. Static encryption is also susceptible to rapidly advancing attacks, and even those keys that can be changed frequently to...

A silicon quantum photonic integrated circuit comprising a semiconductor QD LED photon source, waveguide, photodetector and a substrate

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 23:19:34 GMT

Background Quantum information processing (QuIP) technologies have capabilities to tackle computational problems extending well beyond the reach of classical computers, such as large-scale molecular simulations for material design and drug discovery or connecting a network of distributed quantum sensors for ultraprecise measurements. Quantum communication systems (QCSs), the core of QuIP, at minimum require a source for photon generation, a detector, and a channel to transmit photons between the source and the detector. Over the last decade, there has been tremendous progress related to the g...

Acid-Free Solution Process for Structurally Intact Carbon Fiber Paper with Long-Lasting Hydrophilicity

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 07:38:12 GMT

Background Carbon fiber paper (CFP) is an inexpensive, electrically conductive, high surface area material that is additionally nontoxic, chemically inert, biocompatible, robust, and scalable; these beneficial properties make CFP desirable for use in many electrochemical, fuel cell, electrolyzer, supercapacitor, sensing, water desalination, tissue engineering, and wastewater treatment applications. However, as globally scalable clean energy and water purification technologies as well as biologic systems must operate in aqueous media, the hydrophobicity of CFP hampers its widespread use. Thus,...

H-Scan Trajectories and Disease-Specific Imaging

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 07:36:14 GMT

Background Ultrasound imaging is based on the detection and interpretation of scattered ultrasound waves from tissues, and is used worldwide used for diagnostic purposes. Unfortunately, the traditional B-scan imaging technique used in 2D-imaging systems is not able to clearly differentiate fine details of inhomogeneous tissues. Additionally, measurements of 3D anatomy with ultrasound have poor reproducibility primarily due to user factors and the predominance of 2D-imaging systems. Alternative diagnostic technologies for assessing and quantifying the progress of disease states include MRI, PE...

Noninvasive method for quantification of fat content in the liver

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 05:29:07 GMT

Background The noninvasive quantification of fat content in the liver is a longstanding goal with major clinical significance. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (steatosis) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease, affecting approximately 25% of the global population, yet options for measuring and monitoring the progression of steatosis have been limited. To address this need, a number of efforts have been pursued to quantify steatosis using different imaging modalities. Ultrasound has potential for the study of steatosis in livers, and ultrasound assessments have utilized a number of...

Ultralow SwaP Photonic Integrated Spectrometer

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 05:26:14 GMT

Background On-chip spectrometers pose many advantages over other types of state-of-the-art spectrometers, which typically consist of large and bulky free space optical components. Small chips significantly reduce size, weight, and power (SWaP) and contain no moving parts, may include radiation-hardened materials, are much easier to shield from radiation than large instruments, and require less power to maintain a constant temperature. These benefits are especially crucial in space-based instruments, which must stay aligned and whose performance must not degrade after the rough, high vibratio...

SHG/Multiphoton System for Cancer Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment Planning

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 04:47:14 GMT

Background When a patient detects a lump in the breast or a screening mammogram detects a density, a core needle biopsy is performed and the resultant cylinder of tissue is traditionally sectioned, mounted on a slide, H+E stained, and viewed by a pathologist to determine if a patient has cancer versus something more benign. If cancer is diagnosed, the clinicians must then decide if the breast cancer patient receives neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery or immediately goes into surgery. Some patients benefit from this neoadjuvant chemotherapy (receiving a PCS score of 0 or 1) whil...

Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) and Multiphoton Microscopies Predict and Identify Untreatable Lung Fibrosis

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 16:36:34 GMT

Macrocyclic Peptide Phage Display

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 16:19:49 GMT

Background Peptides represent a growing class of therapeutics with potential to treat different conditions such as diabetes and various forms of cancer. However, therapeutic peptides have two intrinsic drawbacks: poor cell permeability and susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, which represent major stumbling blocks for peptide drug development. Macrocyclic peptides are a new class of peptides that have emerged as a valuable class of molecules for the investigation and modulation of protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Compared to linear peptides, macrocyclic peptides often exhibit i...

Solid-state refrigeration technique based on repeated adiabatic magnetization/demagnetization cycles of a superconductor

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 08:32:56 GMT

Background A conventional refrigerator operates by doing work to compress a fluid and letting it freely expand in a phase transition where it cools down and absorbs heat from a cold reservoir. The now hot fluid is then re-compressed, liquifying it, and then dumps the excess heat to a hot reservoir, which is usually the environment that allows the fluid to thermalize and reset to its initial temperature. The cycle repeats many times such that a stable low final temperature is achieved in the cold reservoir. The goal of building solid state refrigerators and heat engines working on quantum pr...

Method for using cerebrospinal fluid to deliver gene therapeutics to the inner ear and rescue hearing

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 12:53:51 GMT

Background An estimated 2.45 billion of individuals are predicted to have mild-to-complete hearing impairment by 2050. Current ameliorating therapy using hearing aids or cochlear implants remain insufficient in restoring the full capacities of auditory function. Gene therapy has shown promising results in animal models but the delivery of genetic material remains challenging and current methods are invasive surgeries that can cause damage to inner ear structures. Therefore, there is an unmet need to develop more efficient and less invasive methods to deliver gene therapies to the inner ear. ...

A method for treating a myotonic disorder

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 12:51:15 GMT

Background Myotonic disorders are a group of genetic diseases characterized by the presence of myotonia, which is defined as failure of muscle relaxation after activation. The presentation of these disorders can range from asymptomatic electrical myotonia, as seen in some forms of myotonia congenita (MC), to severe disability with muscle weakness, cardiac conduction defects, and other systemic features as in myotonic dystrophy type I (DM1). The most prevalent form of muscular dystrophy in adults, DM1 is estimated to affect more than 100,000 people in the U.S., many of whom experience decades ...

Small molecule for treatment of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 12:42:19 GMT

Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), also known as acute myelogenous leukemia, is a fast-growing form of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. There are about 30,000 new cases of AML diagnosed per year in the USA, and the incidence is rising given the aging of the population. The current standard-of–care repertoire of therapies is often able to achieve remission or partial remission, but disease relapse and progression occur in the majority of cases. Most newly developed targeted therapies such as bcl-2 or IDH1/2 inhibitors do not induce durable remissions when used in isolation...

Platform of engineered tRNAs that target and suppress disease caused by nonsense mutations

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 11:53:44 GMT

Background Nonsense mutations, or premature termination codons (PTCs), make up 10-15% of all genetic diseases, affecting over 30 million people worldwide through 7,000 different diseases. Currently, there are very limited options for their therapeutic management. Some of the available agents have significant issues such as off-target toxicity and low efficiency of PTC suppression. Therefore, there is a need for therapeutic agents and methods for treatment of disorders associated with nonsense mutations. Technology Overview We have developed a platform of engineered tRNAs, termed ACE-tRNAs...

Septin inhibitors for treatment of cancer

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 11:26:10 GMT

Background Effective therapeutic options are limited for the treatment of liver, lung, renal, ovarian, endometrial and pancreatic cancer. Successive second- and third-line therapies do not add meaningful responses besides adding numerous life-debilitating toxicities. In order to improve the survival rate of patients diagnosed with these lethal malignancies, identification of molecular targets driving the carcinogenesis and development of targeted therapies against oncogenes is needed. Septins are proteins that form filamentous structures, which function primarily in the spatial organization a...

High-speed tuning soliton microcomb: Method and device to tune comb lines and repetition rate of on-chip soliton microcomb at extremely fast speed.

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 11:20:41 GMT

Background Spectrally pure microwaves are essential for many applications ranging from wireless communication to radar, clocks, and high-speed electronics. Soliton microcombs—phase-locked Kerr frequency combs produced on a monolithic chip—have recently come to light as a promising technique for synthesizing microwaves owing to their exceptional coherence properties. However, since the fixed physical size of the monolithic comb resonator fundamentally determines its repetition rate, development of these soliton microcombs tuned to microwave frequencies must rely on off-chip l...

Production of cyclopeptibodies with high target affinity and specificity that can be used as a replacement for antibodies

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 12:46:51 GMT

Background Antibodies find widespread use as therapeutic agents and for diagnostic, imaging, and immunodetection applications. Major limitations of antibodies, however, are their complex structure, limited stability, poor tissue penetration, complex manufacturing process, and associated high costs of production. Despite their numerous and important potential applications, the generation of bispecific antibodies is also challenging. While cyclic peptides are an emerging class of therapeutic agents, existing methods for the preparation of cyclic peptide-antibody conjugates, for example, are lab...

Structurally complex compounds exhibiting diverse anticancer activity profiles

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 12:44:22 GMT

Background Natural products have historically provided a major source of drugs and therapeutic agents; for example, about 50% of anticancer drugs and 60% of antibacterial drugs are natural products or semisynthetic derivatives thereof. Skeletal diversity and high stereochemical content are well-known attributes that endow natural products with the ability to engage a variety of biological molecules with high affinity and specificity, leading to biological and pharmacological activity. Notably, while a number of synthetic strategies have been explored for the generation of natural product...

Method to isolate and maintain skeletal stem cells stemness for bone regeneration and repair

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 11:13:49 GMT

Background Large craniofacial bone defects, which are caused by various conditions, including trauma, infection, tumors, congenital disorders, and progressive deforming diseases, are major health issues. To date, the recommended procedure for skeletal repairs is autologous bone graft, a process by which bone fragments are harvested from one anatomic site and transplanted to another site in the same patient. Unfortunately, this process still remains highly challenging due to several limitations such as donor site pain (the most common complication), increased blood loss, increased operati...

Combination therapy for the treatment of cancer

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 11:07:41 GMT

Background Malignant tumors are a major public health problem worldwide and the second leading cause of death. Although most solid malignancies can be surgically removed, the greatest challenge remains their post-surgery metastasis to other organs, causing about 90% of cancer deaths. For decades, radiation therapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) have been used before and/or after surgery in order to prevent the recurrence and metastasis of the malignancies. However, only a small proportion (5-10%) of patients benefit from chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Therefore, there is a need to develo...

Method of treating, diagnosing, and predicting prognosis of sepsis

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 11:01:32 GMT

Background Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency and it happens when an infection triggers a harmful chain reaction throughout the body. Without timely diagnosis, triage, and treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Survival of a septic patient is critically dependent on the ability both to control infection and to regain homeostasis via the resolution of inflammatory responses. Although there has been significant advancement in the understanding of the disease pathology, clinical mana...

Method for the suppression of transcripts escaping from nonsense-mediated mRNA decay

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 10:58:39 GMT

Background One-third of inherited human diseases are caused by mutated mRNAs harboring premature termination codons (PTCs). Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a critical cellular surveillance mechanism that recognizes and eliminates aberrant RNAs containing PTC. NMD plays an important role in cell cycle regulation, cell viability, and DNA damage response, while also serving as a barrier to virus infection. Disturbance of this control mechanism can lead to pathologies, including neurological disorders, immune diseases and cancers. Data estimate that ~22% of disease-causing PTCs are pre...

Fiber-optic probe and corresponding optical system to detect, deliver, and analyze fluorescence in target tissue

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 10:50:28 GMT

Background Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment modality for oncology and antimicrobial applications that relies on the excitation of light-sensitive drugs known as photosensitizers by visible light in order to generate reactive oxygen species. The efficacy of PDT is largely determined by the combination of the absorbed light dose and the photosensitizer concentration. The absorbed light dose is determined by the optical properties, absorption and scattering, of the target tissue. In the case of hollow cavities, this is further complicated by the integrating sphere effect,...

A practice management system designed to give valuable clinical and business insights to healthcare providers

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 10:27:19 GMT

Technology Overview ProVOS (Provider Value Optimization System) is a practice management system designed to provide both health care institutions and individual providers delivering care with valuable clinical and business insights. Leadership of healthcare organizations can utilize the system to monitor health yield per cost, as well as evaluate potential variables affecting the value of care delivered, as a means to direct financial investments designed to improve value. Benefits This system can utilize AI to optimize patient and provider matching based on historical outcomes and p...

Method to upregulate epithelial and endothelial barrier function in the injured lung

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 10:24:53 GMT

Background Epithelial and endothelial barriers are essential to life. While the endothelium lines the vasculature and ensures tissue supply with nutrients and oxygen, the epithelium forms the barrier between tissues and the outer environment thus protecting organs from invading harmful agents. Dysfunction in the epithelial or endothelial barrier underlies various diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition that affects over 190,600 people each year in the United States and accounts for 74,500 deaths. The injury of the alveolar epitheli...

Small molecule inhibitor of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) for treating cancer

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 09:52:40 GMT

Background Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women, and the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers. The response of current chemotherapies has plateaued, creating a severe unmet need for superior therapies. Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is inordinately overexpressed in over 70% of EOC patients, acts as a prime driver of EOC growth, chemoresistance and tumor-immune evasion and is associated with highly reduced survival rates in EOC patients. Similarly, over 417,000 new cases of endometrial cancer (EC) are diagnosed with the majority presentin...

Incorporation of AC component into the current improving the total efficiency, reducing electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 09:38:42 GMT

Background Aluminum smelting is a highly energy-dependent process which consumes vast amounts of electrical energy, between 2-3% of worldwide electrical usage. Energy costs of aluminum smelting make up around 25% of manufacturing costs to produce primary aluminum (as opposed to recycled). Resistive loss during smelting is the primary source of energy consumption and occurs in the electrolyte layer. By thinning the electrolyte layer the efficiency can be improved but only so far because if the electrolyte layer is too thin the gravitational modes can grow leading to catastrophic short bet...

A new type of integrated semiconductor laser that achieves ultrafast tuning and switching

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 08:59:26 GMT

Background Frequency tuning of laser sources in Photonic integrated circuits (PIC) has been based on thermal as well as current changes. Thermal-optic tuning is slow (kHz) and current sweep techniques lead to unwanted intensity modulation. PICs still lack ultra-fast frequency modulation and switching, an essential attribute for the wide adoption of PICs. Technology Overview The Pockels laser couples an III-V gain section with lithium-niobate-on-insulator (LNOI) waveguide elements to form an integrated reconfigurable laser. A reflective semiconductor optical amplifier (RSOA) in the III-V gai...

Approach to designing refractive, presbyopia-correcting ophthalmic lenses with a large continuous DoF, independent of pupil size

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 07:28:09 GMT

Background Presbyopia is an ophthalmic condition wherein the eye loses the ability to focus clearly due to lens aging. It can significantly affect the quality of life. Since eventually, every person will inevitably develop this condition, it is important to find a solution to it. Currently, spectacle-free treatment can be achieved by using contact lenses and intraocular lenses. However, existing solutions of monofocal, bifocal and trifocal lens designs leave a lot to be desired. A monofocal EDoF lens can hardly reach 2D of depth of focus (DoF). Bifocal lenses suffer from degraded intermedi...

Novel contact lens and eyeglass designs to reduce, if not stop, myopia progression

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 06:44:58 GMT

Background Worldwide, children are developing myopia earlier in life which continues to worsen over time leading to additional visual impairment and sometimes blindness. While this trend of early, severe myopia progression started predominately in Asian countries, over the pandemic this phenomenon has been observed at greater rates worldwide. Although myopia can be easily corrected with optical and surgical interventions, pathological myopia is known to increase the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, as well as, in severe cases, retinal detachment all of...

Rapid Assessment and Visual Reporting of Local Particle Velocity

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 06:23:29 GMT

This invention provides rapid determination of regional blood flow within a vessel over time. Building on our advances in adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy, we combine fast camera capture with high spatial resolution to resolve single blood cells moving within vessels of the eye. The invention provides a computational strategy to processes data in real-time to provide feedback to the instrument operator. Visual and numerical feedback in real-time provides a variety of ways to graphically visualize single blood cell speed, evaluate blood cell imaging signal quality and report dynamic changes assoc...

Enhanced Contrast Imaging Using DMD Array as Confocal Filter

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 06:09:16 GMT

Background Traditionally, confocal imaging strategies use a small pinhole aperture at the imaging plane to reject scattered light and light that is out of focus from the optical plane of best focus. We describe a new imaging detection scheme that incorporates a digital micromirror device (DMD) at the imaging plane to provide a fast dynamic “synthetic aperture” through which different components of detected light in the imaging plane can be tuned by spatially changing an array of micromirrors. A DMD is a computer-controlled array of micromirrors that traditionally has been used to...

Method for directly measuring loss, polarization state, dispersion, and signal dynamics in photonic integrated circuits (PICs)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 06:05:31 GMT

Background The state of the art in photonic circuit testing requires either cumbersome probes or requires fibers to be aligned to coupling locations at the edge of the die. It has been well known for some time that a sensitive microscope camera combination can detect even weakly scattered light from random defects in a photonic waveguide. However, this scattered signal does not carry reliable quantitative information about the waveguide and circuit functionality. In particular, parameters such as loss, polarization state, dispersion, and signal dynamics are not easily obtained through random...

Multiple Layer Optics for Light Collecting and Emitting Apparatus

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 12:56:02 GMT

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Stepped Light Guides

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 12:49:01 GMT

Brief Description:The intection prisms of a right angle light guide are positioned in a stepped two-dimensional array, such that they will not obstruct or divert any light already traveling down the light guide. Applications:For a high efficiency wave guide for either collecting light incident on one face and transmitting it to one edge, or alternatively collecting light from an edge and emitting it from a face. - For a light guide to be used in a solar concentrator for photovoltaic power generation which directs sunlight incident on its face to photovoltaic cells on one edge...

Axial Index Variation of Dimpled Planar Solar Light Guide for Enhanced Guiding

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 12:46:14 GMT

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Integrated Bypass Prisms for Dimpled Light Guide Solar Concentrators

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 12:43:34 GMT

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Light guide for solar concentration with bypass prisms

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 12:40:43 GMT

Brief description:The wave guide is a thin transparent plate which transmits light incident on its face to one edge, at high efficiency with the use of multiple light deflecting dimples consisting of injection and bypass prisms. Applications:For a solar concentrator for use in photovoltaic power generation to direct sunlight incident on its face to photovoltaic cells on one edge. Alternatively, the device can be used for collecting light from an edge and emitting it from the face. Advantages:The light pipe with these multiple light deflecting dimples consisting of injection and bypas...

Curved lightguide preserving incident ray angles and increasing eyebox/field of view

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 12:35:55 GMT

Background Lightguide technologies are widely used in augmented and virtual reality systems to improve compactness. Planar lightguide geometries are currently most common, but when expanding to a large field of view, planar lightguides become very wide and require a large range of light emission angles. Furthermore, since the eye rolls on a spherical surface but the geometry of the lightguide is flat, the range of focus of the eye must change relative to the display as the eye stares at different fields in the simulated scenario. A curved display drastically reduces the emission ray angle var...

On-Chip Ultracompact Spectrometer Based on Random Resonators

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 12:30:56 GMT

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Multispectral Imaging CMOS Sensor

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 12:44:42 GMT

ProblemMultipixel image sensors are widely used in digital camera, LIDAR, medical imaging devices, and other equipment. For color image sensors, typically arrays of pixel elements are used for each pixel position. Light reaches each pixel element through a respective color filter, so each pixel element responds primarily to a single color, for example red, green, or blue. Spatial resolution of such sensors has improved over the years to make it practical to pack millions of pixel positions in a single sensor, with pitch from several microns (micrometers) down to less than a micron. The size of...

Freeform GRIN Optics for Illumination Design

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 09:42:34 GMT

Background Lens made from homogeneous materials and refractive optics have intrinsic limitations in their ability to manipulate optical fields. In some settings, these limitations have practical consequences. For example, the prescribed illumination pattern of laser headlights requires multiple bulky reflective elements. To achieve desired resolution in cell-phone cameras lens stacks with 7 up to seven lenses are required which limits the thickness of the camera portion of the cell phone. Large telescopic photographic lenses also include many heavy optical lenses. Technology Overview GRIN ...

Non-linear fiber resonators enabling robust, inexpensive, and compact fiber femtosecond lasers, amongst other applications

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 07:36:42 GMT

Background Ultrashort pulsed lasers are multi-disciplinary tools that have enabled powerful new technologies, with prominent examples in biomedicine, neuroscience, immunology, embryology, cancer research, metrology, materials processing, telecommunications, chemistry, and energy research. Unfortunately, directly accessible wavelengths are dependent on gain media of which there are not many choices. Accessing other wavelengths requires the use of expensive and bulky nonlinear frequency conversion methods. Available repetition rates are similarly constrained. The wavelength and repetition rate...

Telecentric and Broadband Achromatic Objective Lens Systems

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 14:30:54 GMT

Achromatic lens systems with telecentric objectives enhance precision in optical coherence tomography for freeform surface metrology Institute Reference: 2-18091 Background Freeform optical components provide high performance but are challenging to measure with low uncertainty due to their complex shapes. Conventional metrology tools like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) systems struggle to meet the desired measurement precision, especially with components featuring steep slopes and varying surface sags. Traditional lenses fail to achieve optimal results due to limitations in telecen...

High-sensitivity low-energy thermal aware system for next generation integrated systems

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 09:58:30 GMT

Background In next-generation integrated systems, high power densities and thermal issues can dramatically degrade performance, reliability, leakage current, and system robustness. Allocating heat conduction paths and specialized cooling systems can help protect from overheating, but these systems must be supported with a temperature aware capability to allocate and properly respond to critical hot spots. This can be achieved by distributing a large number of on-chip thermal sensors that are small in size, low power, high speed, sensitive, accurate over a wide temperature range, and appropri...

Titanium Oxide-coated Lithium Niobate

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 12:57:06 GMT

Background Microring resonators are particularly suitable as integrated photonic components given their flexibility of device engineering and potential for large-scale integration, but their susceptibility to temperature fluctuation has become a major challenge for their implementation in a practical environment. The realization of lithium niobate (LN) microring resonators insensitive to temperature fluctuation is thus crucial for a variety of applications in communication, sensing, and nonlinear/quantum photonics. LN possesses a wide transparent window, strong electro-optics effect, and lar...

Compiler-based defense against code-reuse attacks on embedded ARM systems.

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 07:18:46 GMT

ProblemMicrocontroller-based embedded systems are increasingly used for applications that can have serious and immediate consequences if compromised—including automobile control systems, smart locks, drones, and implantable medical devices. Due to resource and execution-time constraints, C is the primary language used for programming these devices. Unfortunately, C is neither type-safe nor memory-safe, and control-flow hijacking remains a prevalent threat. This paper presents Silhouette: a compiler-based defense that efficiently guarantees the integrity of return addresses, significantly...

AI-based video diagnostic software for Parkinson's Disease.

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 06:41:19 GMT

ProblemOver 10 million people in the world are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), a disease which causes over 29,000 deaths per year and affects around 900,000 people in the United States alone. Shockingly, even in developed nations like the United States, an estimated 40% of people aged 65 or older living with PD do not receive care from a neurologist. A large problem in both Western and Asian countries is that many individuals, around 15% or higher, living with PD have not been diagnosed. Even when diagnosed, PD requires a continuous process of trying and adjusting medications to re...

EMG Lab Data Management Application- "EMG Lab"

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 10:13:11 GMT

Applications: This is a database management application in the form of a compiled Access 200 mde file that can be used by any EMG clinic that uses Nicolet Biomedical equipment. Advantages: The application imports data directly from Nicolet generated reports and provides functionaities for reporting, patient scheduling, decision support analysis and data mining. A full working model is in use at the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital's EMG Lab.

"Immunity and Infection: A Laboratory Activity"

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 10:12:16 GMT

Applications: This copyrighted material includes background information, graphical illustrations, and experimental protocols for a laboratory activity that demonstrates how the immune system responds to outside infection.

"What's in Food: A Laboratory Activity"

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 10:11:48 GMT

Applications: This copyrighted material includes background information, graphic illustrations, and experimental protocols for a laboratory activity that demonstrates the relative amount of glucose, protein, and fats that are in different foods.

Compact, Portable (Hand-Held) Wavefront Sensor

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 10:10:18 GMT

Applications: The present invention is a compact, portable (hand-held) wavefront sensor. It is composed of a double path dichrotic filter, a beam splitter, and a dual, unequal wavelength illumination arranged in a system able to measure ocular wave aberrations. Applications include: - Vision screening of infants and children. - Measurement of ocular wave aberrations in clinic or patient's home. Advantages: Compactness and light weight of the instrument afford the portability to make ocular measurements outside the clinic.

Health Behavior Survey, Sign Language Version

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 10:09:59 GMT

Applications: The Health Behavior Survey, Sign Language Version is a computer-based interactive video survey that includes: 1) Design and program code for an interactive graphical and text interface that collects confidential, self-reported demographic and health risk behavior information from members of the deaf and hard of hearing community 2) Video clips of translated health behavior survey items. The items were translated from existing English items into American Sign Language or English-based sign language to make the items linguistically accessible to deaf and hard...

Graphical Survey Interface

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 09:42:22 GMT

Applications: The Graphical Survey Interface is a computer-based interactive video survey tool which includes: 1) Graphic Design, architecture, and program code for a computer-based interactive graphical and text interface that provides a dynamically-configurable video survey platform. The platform is capable of presenting video clips representing survey items and response sets. The video clips may present information in a visual language such as ASL, in any other sign language, natural or invented, or in non-linguistic visual formats. The response sets may be...

The Asthma Illness Representation Scale (AIRS)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 09:40:35 GMT

Applications: The Asthma Illness Representation Scale (AIRS) is a 39 item instrument consisting of 5 subscales that represent the different domains of parental belief about asthma. The AIRS assesses the following domains: 1) facts about asthma 2) nature of symptoms, 3) attitudes toward anti-inflammatory medications, 4) emotional aspects of medication use, and 5) treatment expectations.

Application for retraining and evaluating a patient's damaged visual system (either cortical or subcortical)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 09:31:16 GMT

Background There are 4.5 million stroke victims in the United States, with 750,000 new cases each year. Among them, 15‑20% have serious vision loss. However, currently, each of the patients is sent home with essentially no treatment options to restore or improve their loss of sight. Technology Overview Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed an application for retraining and evaluating a patient’s damaged visual system (either cortical or subcortical). The principles of this method could be applied to retrain patients with damage to other sensory systems, including ...

Documentation Guidelines for Medical Providers

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 08:04:19 GMT

Applications: This is a concise and effective medical provider education material on a pocket reference card for appropriate treatment and chart documentation. Proper documentation helps in coding and quality of care issues. Advantages: This effective pocket card lists brief guidelines for common medical and surgical conditions. It is designed to help MD/PA/NP document medical terminology in their notes based on Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services coding rules. The guidelines are listed in simple form for easy and quick reference.

Optical design method and solutions of linear-in-k spectrometers exhibiting extremely low residual nonlinearity

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 11:19:11 GMT

Background A spectrometer is an optical instrument used to measure the intensity of light by wavelength, or wavenumber (k). A conventional spectrometer has intrinsic nonlinearity in k over the pixels due to the nonlinear angular dispersion in k corresponding to the grating or prism used. For spectrometers used in spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), this nonlinearity requires computationally expensive and slow post-processing of linear interpolation prior to the fast Fourier transform (FFT), which hinders real-time applications. It also importantly adds noise into each...

Electrical Reconfigurability and an Electrical Reconfigurable Logic Gate Intrinsically Enabled by Spin-Orbit Materials

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 12:50:24 GMT

An integrated logic device includes a channel having an interconnect section and a pair of spin-orbit segments connected to the interconnect section at either end of the interconnect section. A P structure includes a P magnet disposed on a surface of a spin-orbit segment. A tunneling barrier is disposed between the P magnet and a Rp magnetic reference layer. A Q structure includes a Q magnet disposed on a surface of the other spin-orbit segment. A tunneling barrier is disposed between the Q magnet and a Rq magnetic reference layer. A method of integrated logic spin-orbit perpendicular-anisotro...

Cascade Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 12:49:17 GMT

Advanced OCT system using cascaded interferometers for precise, non-contact measurement of complex freeform optical surfaces Institute Reference: 2-18049 Background High-precision optical metrology is essential for ensuring surface accuracy, particularly in advanced optics manufacturing, where tolerances can reach sub-nanometer scales. Modern optical components feature increasingly complex, freeform surfaces with rotational asymmetries, which present significant challenges for traditional interferometry. Conventional methods struggle with such surface complexities and can invo...

Energy Efficient Write Scheme for Non-Volatile Resistive Crossbar Arrays with Selectors

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 12:46:21 GMT

A method to adaptively and dynamically set a bias scheme of a crossbar array for a write operation includes: performing a read-before-write operation to determine a number of cells n to be written during a write operation; comparing n to a predetermined threshold value to determine an efficient bias scheme; setting at least one voltage regulator to provide a bias voltage according to the efficient bias scheme; and performing the write operation. A method to determine threshold value to determine an efficient bias scheme of a crossbar array and an energy efficient crossbar array device are also...

Flying Focus: Spatiotemporal Control of the Laser Focus

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 12:41:47 GMT

Methods and systems are disclosed for using a chromatic lens system to provide a “flying focus”—i.e., an advanced focusing scheme enabling spatiotemporal control of a focal location. In a method, a photon beam is emitted from a source at a wavelength. The photon beam may have more than one wavelength. The photon beam is focused to a focal location using a chromatic lens system. The focal location is at a first longitudinal distance along an optical axis from the chromatic lens system. The wavelength of the photon beam is changed as a function of time to change the focal locat...

Gravitational Camera

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 12:27:52 GMT

This technology describes how a gravimeter may be used as an gravitational imaging device. The pendulum gravimeter may include an interferometer, such as a Sagnac interferometer, to determine a displacement on the pendulum by way of a mirror attached to the pendulum. Scanning of the object may be performed in 1D, 2D, or 3D, and may result in an image of the object. In another aspect, a mass may be tracked while in motion using a pendulum gravimeter to detect the gravitational attraction of the object.

Compact Imaging Spectrometer with Freeform Surfaces

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 12:10:07 GMT

Advanced imaging spectrometer using freeform optics for enhanced spectral performance, compact design, and low distortion imaging Institute Reference: 2-15140 Background Imaging spectrometers are essential for applications requiring high-resolution spectral analysis ranging from satellite imaging to food safety. Traditional spectrometers, such as the Offner-Chrisp and Czerny-Turner designs, utilize reflective optics to collect and disperse light across a detector array. However, achieving high spectral resolution, broader fields of view, and compact designs often involves trad...

A Method for Removing Reverberation from Audio Signals

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 11:55:04 GMT

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for removing reverberation from signals. The systems and methods can be applicable to audio signals, for example, to voice, musical instrument sounds, and the like. Signals such as the vowel sounds in speech and the sustained portions of many musical instrument sounds can be composed of a fundamental frequency component and a series of harmonically related overtones. The systems and methods can exploit the intrinsically high degree of mutual correlation among the overtones. When such signals are passed through a reverberant channel, the degree of mutual...

Magnetization Switching of a Ferromagnetic Layer Using Spin-Orbit Torques in the Absence of any External Magnetic Field

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 11:52:40 GMT

Background SOT-MRAM is based on the reversible switching of the magnetization of one of two ferromagnetic layers in the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) due to the magnetic field created by an in-place current pulse. This causes the magnetization of the switchable ferromagnetic layer to precess toward an in-plane direction. After the current passes, the magnetization relaxes randomly to either the original or opposite state. The switching is non-deterministic, occurring only 50% of the time. To induce deterministic switching a static magnetic field, the so-called “zero-field,” need...

Freeform and Nanostructured Surfaces Based Augmented Reality Sunglass Display

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 11:41:18 GMT

A near eye display includes at least one of a combiner, a secondary mirror, and a waveguide having a freeform nanostructured surface. The freeform nanostructured surface encompasses a freeform surface, a nanostructured surface or a combination of both the freeform surface and the nanostructured surface. The freeform nanostructured surface can be incorporated into a combiner or a secondary mirror in the near eye display in a compact folded geometry, wherein an anamorphic or freeform optic can be optically intermediate an image source and the freeform nanostructured surface. The nanostructured s...

A Memristive Accelerator for Solving Linear Systems

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 11:12:18 GMT

Presented is a method and apparatus for solving. The method includes receiving, by a resistive memory array, a first data, the resistive memory array comprising a plurality of cells, wherein the receiving comprises setting a plurality of resistances on the plurality of cells, wherein each of the plurality of resistances are based on the first data. The method further includes receiving, by the resistive memory array, a second data, wherein the receiving comprises applying at least one of a current and a voltage based on the second data on the plurality of cells. The method still further includ...

Imaging Spectrometer Design Tool for Evaluating Freeform Optics

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 10:45:32 GMT

Spectral Full Field Display (SFFD) visualizes aberrations across spatial and spectral dimensions to optimize freeform optical systems Institute Reference: 2-14074 Background Modern optical systems increasingly rely on freeform surfaces to break symmetry constraints and improve imaging performance. However, designing such systems introduces complexity in evaluating aberrations like astigmatism and coma. Traditional design tools struggle to model and display these aberrations, particularly in systems with rotational asymmetry. Spectrometers, widely used in fields such as astrono...

Wavelength Stabilization Technique for High-power Diode Lasers

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 10:41:27 GMT

Background High-power diode lasers (HDL’s) are used for optical pumping and material processing due to their wavelength selectability and high electrical-to-optical efficiency. However, owing to their spectrally and spatially erratic emission, 9xx-band broad area lasers have spectral widths from 2-6 nm at peak operating power and spectra that drift 0.3-0.4 nm per Kelvin. These characteristics can become problematic when strong interactions with a material’s narrow absorption peak are desired (e.g. pumping ytterbium-doped fiber lasers). Selective laser feedback is well known to be...

Programmable Memory Controller

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 10:31:44 GMT

One embodiment includes a programmable memory controller. The programmable memory controller includes a request processor that comprises a first domain-specific instruction set architecture (ISA) for accelerating common requests. A transaction processor comprises a second domain-specific ISA for accelerating transaction processing tasks. A dedicated command logic module inspects each memory command to a memory device and stalls particular commands for meeting timing constraints for application specific control of the memory device.

Method and Apparatus for Efficient Lasing of Lambda-Type Three-Level Laser Systems

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 10:11:30 GMT

Laser signal intensity is resonantly enhanced within a laser cavity to be greater than a pump intensity. This enables the suppression of excited-state absorption and is applicable to terbium-doped fiber lasers, lambda-type materials, or other materials used in lasers. In other embodiments, ESA is suppressed by de-populating the higher excited state using a resonant cavity.

Low-Power Edge Device for Wireless Communication Range Extension

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 10:08:33 GMT

An enhanced, ultra low power passive wake-up radio-based sensor includes a passive wake-up radio-based sensor node having an energy harvester and low power wake-up circuit to improve the wake-up range for passive wake-up radio sensor nodes without the need for local power. The wake-up sensor may additionally include a transmitter for providing a wake-up signal to nodes that are outside the wake-up range of a base.

Compositions and methods for enhancing cardiac function in the neonate

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 08:44:57 GMT

The invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating newborns in need of enhanced cardiac function, in particular, newborns suffering from cardiomyopathy, or a related disease or condition.

Reorganization of Arenavirus Genome for Development of Novel Arenavirus Live-Attenuated Vaccines (LAV)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 08:40:52 GMT

Disclosed are compositions and methods related to recombinant arenaviruses and their use in vaccines for the treatment or prevention of an arenavirus infection.

URML-3881, a Novel MEK Inhibitor for the Treatment of Cancers

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 13:05:47 GMT

Provided herein, are compounds, compositions, and methods of treatment of cancers using an inhibitor of MAPK/ERK Kinase (MEK), in particular hydrazine derivatives.

Concentrated Platelet Microparticles to Control Bleeding in Trauma Patients

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 13:44:26 GMT

The present disclosure is directed to blood clotting compositions comprising platelet microparticles, method of using said compositions, and methods of preparing the same.

Therapy for Malignant Disease

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 13:05:45 GMT

Provided herein, inter alia, are methods and compositions directed to suppressing tumor cell growth in a subject as well as methods for sensitizing a proliferating cell for treatment with a cytotoxic agent via inhibiting expression of HE4 and one or more immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Also provided herein are methods for determining whether a subject who has been diagnosed with cancer would benefit from immunotherapy as well as methods for determining whether a subject with cancer is responding to immunotherapy via assessment of levels of HE4 gene and/or protein expression.

Novel 7-Dehydrocholesterol Derivatives and Methods Using Same

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 13:00:03 GMT

The present invention provides, in certain aspects, novel 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) derivatives that are useful in treating or preventing cancer, as well as in treating or preventing uncontrolled angiogenesis, in a subject. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the subject is a human. In other aspects, the present invention provides a method of preparing compounds of the invention, or a salt or solvate thereof.

Anemia Panel

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 12:27:34 GMT

A reflexive algorithmic laboratory panel used to diagnose anemia. Appropriate assays are automatically run based on patient lab values resulting in a transfusion medicine physician interpretation and treatment recommendations provided. Only one order is needed to start the process.

LDH Inhibitors as Treatment for Fibrotic Disorders

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 12:06:17 GMT

One aspect of the disclosure relates to methods of treating a fibrotic condition in an individual. The methods include administering to an individual having a fibrotic condition an effective amount of a lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibitor, wherein the fibrotic condition involves an internal organ or tissue, or ocular tissue, and said administering is effective to treat the fibrotic condition. Methods of administration and pharmaceutical compositions and systems for practicing such methods are also disclosed.

Superconducting System Architecture Using Wheel Based Structures

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 13:07:38 GMT

Technology Summary This technology comprises a novel microprocessor and memory system architecture based on energy efficient rapid single flux quantum (ERSFQ) technology. A novel wheel structure is invented to enable search and multi-porting capabilities. The wheel structure, used to implement the register file, the store queue, and the MSHRs, significantly reduces the area overhead required to access and control typical CPU blocks. A memory subsystem is presented that leverages CMOS-based DRAM at cryogenic temperatures. An asymmetric memory bus with a simplified DRAM command scheme is in...

Optomechanical Disk Vibratory Gyroscopes

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 12:59:57 GMT

Patent Abstract An integrated optomechanical disk vibratory gyroscope device includes a mechanical oscillator having a substantially circular structure. The substantially circular structure is supported by a pillar, and mechanically isolated from a surrounding structure by a gap or slot. One or more actuators are coupled to the mechanical oscillator across the gap or slot. Each of the one or more actuators is configured to excite the mechanical oscillator in a driving mode. One or more optomechanical cavities are disposed substantially in a plane defined by the mechanical oscillator. At l...

A Microchip Optomechanical Accelerometer

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 12:57:47 GMT

Patent Abstract Technologies are generally described for operating and manufacturing optomechanical accelerometers. In some examples, an optomechanical accelerometer device is described that uses a cavity resonant displacement sensor based on a zipper photonic crystal nano-cavity to measure the displacement of an integrated test mass generated by acceleration applied to the chip. The cavity-resonant sensor may be fully integrated on-chip and exhibit an enhanced displacement resolution due to its strong optomechanical coupling. The accelerometer structure may be fabricated in a silicon nit...

Polyoxovanadate-Alkoxide Clusters: Charge Carriers for Non-Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 11:55:21 GMT

Application:Improved electroactive species for symmetric non-aqueous redox flow batteries. Advantages:1) Allows for ligand modification, giving rise to improvements in cluster stability during cycling.2) Metal-oxide core remains intact upon deep charge-discharge cycling, resulting in extremely high coulombic efficiences (~97%) with minimal overpotential losses (~0.3V). 3) Significant resistance to deleterious crossover, leading to improved battery lifetime and efficiency. See DOI: 10.1039/c7sc05295b

TugSafe Feeding Tube and Infusion Line System

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 05:49:59 GMT

Accidental dislodgement or misplacement of Gastrostomy tubes (G tubes), necessitates emergency department visits in 10% of patients within thirty (30) days of discharge from the hospital. In pediatric patients as high as seventy percent (70%) of emergency department (ED) visits are related to dislodgement of G tubes. The present invention is directed to providing an infusion tube detachment device. This device and system detaches from a surgically implanted component, without applying undue stress on the implanted component. Thereby leaving the implanted device in place...

Hand Held X-Ray Receptor

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 10:23:55 GMT

The present invention is a portable cadmium zinc telluride (CZT), imaging system. It is comprised of a radiation source, a novel sensing mitt (detector), that can be worn or held by the user and a collimator. The collimator is placed in front of the sensing surface of the CZT crystal and a processor converts a representation of the electrical signals, received from the CZT crystal, into display signals. The displays are then used to evaluate the tissue or object of interest. Advantages Over Other Technologies - Portable lightweight system- Low cost of usage both radiation and electri...

A Process for Determination the Radiological Composition of the Corrosion Layers within the Pipes of Light Water Receptors

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 08:43:28 GMT

This invention consists of a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) gamma spectroscopy system that is highly portable and can be operated by one person. It consists of a multichannel analyzer developed for expected default frequency (EDF).The system along with the novel methods of this technology, allows the device to be used to quantify the level and type of radioactive corrosion found in light water reactors or other contaminated systems. This can be accomplished without disassembly of the structures being tested. Advantages Over Other Technologies Accurate - The semiconductor-like detector ...

3' Deoxy Nucleosides and Their Analogs as Anti-HIV Agents Targeting HIV-1 Macrophage Infection

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:24:49 GMT

3' Deoxy Nucleosides and Their Analogs as Anti-HIV Agents Targeting HIV-1 Macrophage Infection

Weight Head Impact Exposure Metric

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:17:50 GMT

A novel system and method to predict when repetitive head impacts, such as those caused by playing contact sports, are accumulating to a harmful level. Problem Solved by the TechnologyConcussions are a frequent occurrence among athletes involved in contact sports such as football, ice hockey, soccer, and lacrosse (1.6-3.8 million/year). Sub-concussive repetitive head impacts (RHI) are even more common. It is believed that RHI cause structural alterations in the neuronal axon and microenvironment in the brain's white matter. In the short-term, RHI increase the risk for neurocognitive symp...

Protein Transducing Domain/Deaminase Chimeric Proteins, Related Compounds, and Uses Thereof

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:14:58 GMT

Applications:Along with 1174, the present invention is directed to provide a chimeric protein capable of transduction into B cells for purposes of treating Class Switch Recombination and Somatic Hypermutation, both involved in antibody production and diversity, as well as other conditions such as B cell lymphoma.

Activated Protein C Inhibits p53-Mediated Apoptosis and Acts as a Cell Survival Factor in the Central Nervous System

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:14:07 GMT

Applications:Activated protein C (APC), pro-drug, and/or a variant thereof may be used as an inhibitor of apoptosis or cell death and/or a cell survival factor, especially for stressed or injured cells or tissues of the nervous system including subjects with neurodegenerative disorders.Advantages:Novel biological functions (e.g., neuroprotection) can be independent or separated from inhibition of clotting or inflammation, and other biological properties of APC (e.g., antithrom-botic activity, ability to reduce NFB-regulated gene expression). It can be used in the treatment of disease or ...

Improved Fibronectin Scaffolds for Artificial Antibody

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:12:52 GMT

Applications:This technology demonstrates the utility of the fibronectin type III domain as a scaffold to discover novel high affinity binding proteins. The fibronectin type III domain is small, stable and its structure has been well characterized making it an attractive system. This technology has application in drug discovery and design.

Human Glandular Kallikrein (hK2)-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies that Enhance or Inhibit the Enzymatic Activity of hK2

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:11:36 GMT

Applications:hK2 is expressed primarily in the prostate, making it an attractive bio-marker for prostate cancer development. A panel of HK2-specific monoclonal antibodies was produced using a tumor-immunization strategy. Compositions, which may be monoclonal antibodies, are specific for hK2 relative to PSA. Compositions either enhance or inhibit the activity of hK2. hK2 levels in serum can be of diagnostic value for cancer detection, either alone or in conjunction with PSA.Thus, disclosed are assays using the compositions to identify the presence of hK2. It is als...

Blue-Noise Modulated Sigma-Delta Analog-To-Digital Converter

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:05:29 GMT

This analog to digital convertor (ADC) is designed to reduce the impact of substrate noise, when the noise-sensitive analog circuits and the noise-generating digital circuits are placed closely together on a common substrate.ApplicationsThis sigma-delta analog to digital converter (ADC) is to be used in integrated system-on-a-chip (SOC) circuits requiring high resolution and low to moderate bandwidth. AdvantagesThe first design studies and simulations of the new architecture show an overall improvement in signal to noise ratio of 14 dB. The proposed design is not ...

An Input Signal Power Sensing Sentry for Smart-Sensor Applications

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:03:54 GMT

A design for low power CMOS system-on-a-chip mixed signal wireless sensor devices. Applications:The concept is used in devices to monitor vibration, audio, radiation or other signals, for which low power usage is important. Such applications can include wireless vibration sensors in mechanical equipment to detect a bad bearing or other machine fault, or for intrusion detection in a security system. Advantages:This concept extends battery life by enabling a ?sentry mode? continuous monitoring of the signal at very low power consumption, on the order of nano-watts. Once a signal i...

Multimeric Nucleic Probes

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:00:49 GMT

The present invention provides detectably labeled RNA and DNA oligonucleotide multimers useful as diagnostic probes in medical, biological and chemical applications. A method for synthesizing DNA and RNA oligonucleotides, oligonucleotide multimers, and analogs, preferably those that are detectably labeled, is also provided. Oligonucleotide synthesis is performed by combining a circular single-stranded oligonucleotide template with an effective polymerase and at least two types of nucleotide triphosphate, without the addition of auxiliary proteins, to yield an oligonucleotide multimer comprisin...

Wireless Moisture Alarm (WMA) and Manualized Treatment for Urinary Continence Training (Working name of device: QT - Quick Trainer)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 11:10:13 GMT

Applications: A device and system that can be used for toilet training in children with developmental disabilities, such as autism, by triggering an alarm that is caused by a wetting event. It is comprised of a sensor with disposable strips that can be placed in the underwear or diaper of the child and a receiver that time stamps and sounds an alarm. The sensor is wireless and the receiving unit can receive signals from multiple sensors. Advantages: Current incontinence sensors are designed primarily for detecting bedwetting events and often aren’t disposable and wireless. The...

A Novel Anti-Obesity Therapeutic

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 10:53:02 GMT

A protein/peptide based therapy for the prevention and treatment of obesity with desirable side effect profile. Problem Solved by the TechnologyObesity is one of the major public health concerns with a more than a third of US adults considered obese. Obesity is associated with many diseases and reduces life expectancy. Current treatments for obesity include the use of medications or even surgery. Approved drugs target appetite, food absorption and metabolism but often have undesirable effects. ApplicationsResearchers from the University of Rochester have shown that Thy1 (CD90) ...

DUSP1/MKP-1 as a Therapeutic Target for Stroke

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 10:46:56 GMT

Brief Description:Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. About 137,000 Americans die of stroke every year. Stroke can cause death or significant disability, such as paralysis, speech difficulties, and emotional problems. A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain, causing hypoxia conditions in neurons and other cell types in the brain. The hypoxia-Inducible-Factor-1-α (HIF-1α) plays a critical role in sculpting the cellular transcriptional response to hypoxia. While moderate levels of hypoxia stimulate HIF-1α dependant a...

Nonsymmetric Optical System and Design Method

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 08:25:30 GMT

A novel system with non-rotational symmetry, enabling fast, compact designs for wide-field imaging through advanced diamond machining Institute Reference: 2-11150-11024 Background Traditional optical systems rely heavily on rotational symmetry, limiting their effectiveness in applications requiring wide fields of view or minimal size. Conventional systems also suffer from on-axis aberrations (like coma), especially when tilted or decentered. Recent advancements in diamond-turning technology have introduced new φ-polynomial surfaces, removing prior symmetry constraints and ...

Automatic Sports Video Analyzer (ASVA)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 08:16:16 GMT

Applications:This software with novel content-sensitive algorithms provides real-time, automatic analysis and summarization of digital sports video material. The system extracts key events from a sporting event. These key events include goals scored in a soccer match, touchdowns in a football game, or referee decisions. The tool could allow an individual to catch the highlights of a sporting event recorded with a personal video recorder (PVR). It could be used in place of more manual editing methods for TV sports broadcasts or for streaming video to cell phones, P...

Fenestrated Venous Endograft

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 07:12:18 GMT

A novel stent for the treatment of chronic venous stenoses or recannulated occlusions of large veins. Applications:This technology offers a novel approach to tackling problems inherent in current commercially available stents that are used to treat stenoses or recannulated occlusions of the venous system. The fenestrated venous endo-graft illustrated in this invention uses stent-graft technology to facilitate stenting across the venous confluences. Advantages:Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is the most common cause of venous outflow obstruction. Venous outflow obstruction of the iliac v...

Photoacoustic Imaging Using a Versatile Acoustic Lens

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 07:11:17 GMT

Applications:Photoacoustic imaging (also called optoacoustic or thermoacoustic imaging) has the potential to image animal or human organs with simultaneous high contrast and high spatial resolution. The photoacoustic signal is small and needs a mechanism to focus it on an image plane without degradation. This technology improves the signal to noise ratio in medical photoacoustic imaging in order to achieve high resolution images. Advantages:This technology is particularly applicable to imaging various soft tissues such as prostate and breast. Photoacoustic impulses generated using a pulse...

"Pre- and Intra-Operative Imaging of Bladder Cancer"

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 07:10:10 GMT

Brief Description: This invention provides methods for visualizing and distinguishing sentinel lymph nodes and involved nodes from other lymph nodes in the vicinity of the bladder in patients undergoing cystectomy or other operations to remove bladder tumors. Applications: This technology is a method for imaging sentinel lymph nodes of bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy or other procedures for aggressive or advanced diseases. Advantages: This technology is a cost-effective and efficient method for imaging lymph nodes of bladder cancer patients.

CariesPredict

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 07:02:06 GMT

Applications:The present invention relates to antibodies, binding portions or probes to the glucosyl-transferase enzyme and uses of these agents for detecting the glucosyltransferase enzyme in a sample for diagnosing dental caries in a patients, or for diagnosing predisposition of a child to early childhood caries.Advantages:An aspect of this invention relates to an immunological kit consisting of an antibody or binding fragment that specifically binds to the glucosyltransferase enzyme and a reaction platform for contacting the antibody to the oral sample in order to detect and diagnose predis...

Algorithm to Increase Dynamic Range of Wavefront Sensor to Correct Eye Defects

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 06:43:10 GMT

Applications: Wavefront sensors are used to diagnoses and correct the optical defects in the eye. This technology increases dynamic range of a conventional wavefront sensor without sacrificing measurement sensitivity for the eye and optical testing.Advantages: The increased dynamic range of wavefront sensor enhances diagnosis and correction of optical defects in highly myopic patients or patients with abnormal corneas who have very large amounts of optical defects. This is accomplished using software rather than modifying the existing wavefront sensor hardware and the software algo...

Method for Automatically Generating a Large Field of View Image From Many Small Field of View Images

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 06:40:40 GMT

Brief Description:Imaging systems that provide microscopic resolution often have a small field of view. When the sample to be imaged is large, several small field of view images must be obtained and stitched together to form an image of the entire sample. Current methodologies for doing this are long, tedious and labor intensive. This problem is particularly marked for adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (ALSLO), whose typical field of view is only ~ 1x1 degree. Conventional clinical imaging systems acquire data at low resolution of areas 30x30 degrees and up....

Mobile Applications Using Higher Capacity Color Barcodes

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 06:38:25 GMT

Applications: The technology provides the framework for the creation of high capacity color QR codes. These color barcodes are able to encode up to three times the data of the commonly used monochrome codes. The ability to encode more data is advantageous for advertisers and companies as more information can be provided to the customer. Advantages: The use of color allows QR codes to encode for more data per area then monochrome codes. While some color barcodes currently exist, they are susceptible to misregistration errors among the color planes observed in the printing proc...

Stretchy transparent materials returning to original shape when heated

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 06:33:51 GMT

Background While crystalline solids are only able to display elasticity at a strain limit of one percent, polymers can often withstand strains of up to several hundred percent and restore themselves to their original shape as a result of entropic elasticity. Shape memory polymers, on the other hand, return to their permanent shape after being stimulated by heat. These materials possess the ability to recover from extremely large strains imposed by mechanical loading, which allows bulky synthesized objects to be deformed into much smaller, pliable states for a temporary period of time and then...

Cholesteric Glassy Liquid Crystals for Selective Wavelength Reflection and Circular Polarization

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 06:33:10 GMT

Brief Description:This describes a class of glassy liquid crystal (GLC) materials for optical devices with outstanding mechanical properties for device fabrication and durability. Applications:Optical quality films prepared from these materials can be used for circular polarizers, circular polarized fluorescence films, optical notch filters and reflectors, filters for laser protection, latching electro-optical devices for optical communication, and low threshold, efficient circularly polarized lasers. Advantages:The uniqueness of this material class is reflected in the new term glass...

Controlled, Local, Targeted Bone Delivery of Small Molecule Drugs

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 09:44:14 GMT

This technology describes compositions and methods for controllable local delivery of therapeutic agents to promote bone formation. This technology can be used to develop treatments for clinical indications such as osteoporosis, bone cancer and fractures. This technology can be honed so that the therapeutic agents are specifically targeted to a site in need of bone formation.

A Functional Monoclonal Antibody Against DC-STAMP

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 12:51:58 GMT

Brief Description: Bone is a very dynamic organ as evidenced by the process of bone remodeling which relies on a delicate balance between bone formation and bone resorption and is orchestrated by osteoblasts (OB) and osteoclasts (OC). The coordinated interplay of OB and OC continuously remodels bone through highly regulated molecular and cellular events such that the entire human skeleton is replaced over the course of each decade of life. Disruption of the homeostatic balance of bone removal and replacement can manifest as pathologic bone loss observed in osteoporosis, periodon...

Ultrasound Sonoelastographic Imaging by Crawling Wave

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 11:42:36 GMT

Applications:Change in the mechanical properties of tissue is a possible marker of disease. In this technology, the imaging modality of sonoelastography is used to examine the stiffness of tissue to discriminate normal from abnormal tissue types (such as carcinomas) by visualizing shear wave interference pattern motion (termed “crawling waves”). The mathematical algorithms can be readily translated to existing commercial ultrasound scanners equipped with Doppler imaging functionality.Advantages:The technique provides real time quantitative imaging and analysis of tissue...

Improved Live Attenuated Flu Vaccine

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 13:32:07 GMT

Novel methodologies to engineer an improved and a more effective live attenuated flu vaccine. Problem Solved by this TechnologyCurrent flu vaccinations (injection-based inactivated influenza virus and recombinant influenza virus vaccines) are suboptimal as they generate limited cellular-mediated immune responses. Additionally, particularly vulnerable cohort such as young children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune system cannot receive these vaccines. Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), also known as nasal spray, is considered better for these populations due t...

Vaccine against Pneumocystis and Streptococcal Infections

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 11:46:47 GMT

Novel polypeptides and immunogenic conjugates capable of inducing passive and active immunity against Pneumocystis carinii and Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. Problem Solved by this TechnologyPneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), caused by an opportunistic pathogen Pneumocystis carinii, is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised populations. Existing anti-PCP treatments involve the use antibiotics and concomitant steroids, which have adverse side effects and poor compliance. Applications of this TechnologyResearchers at University of Rochester developed novel...

A Novel Approach to Treatment of Hyperglycemia Using a Nano-Particle-Encapsulated Peptide

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 11:15:42 GMT

A novel approach to treat Type 2 diabetes. Problem solved by this TechnologyThe highly inconvenient insulin injections remain the most prevalent treatment for Diabetes. By 2020, the global insulin market is expected to top $48 billion annually as insulin production costs are increasing and more insulin is being administered to diabetics due to developing insulin resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel therapies that target insulin resistance and are cheap for patients. Moreover, developing orally available drugs that increase glucose uptake or mimic insulin action remain ...

The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Health Index (CMT-HI)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 13:09:09 GMT

The CMT-Health Index (CMT-HI) is a disease-specific, patient-reported, outcome measure designed to reliably and responsively measure therapeutic benefit in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) clinical trials. The CMT-HI may also be used to measure overall patient health in a clinical setting. It covers the 18 areas of greatest importance to the adult CMT population and has been designed to satisfy recommendations from the FDA for use in drug labeling claims. ApplicationsThe CMT-HI is capable of both classifying patients with inherited neuropathies and measuring clinically-relevant change in...

The Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index Short Form (MDHI-SF)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 13:09:08 GMT

The Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index Short Form (MDHI-SF) is a brief survey designed to efficiently measure the overall level of disease burden in a patient with myotonic dystrophy type-1. It covers the 17 areas of greatest importance to the adult myotonic dystrophy population. This instrument was developed and validated through the outcome measures laboratory at the University of Rochester and is based on original questions developed for adult myotonic dystrophy patients (also see UR Tech Id: 6-2189 “The Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index (MDHI)” for a more complete description). ...

Congenital and Childhood Myotonic Dystrophy Research Survey: Instrument for Children Ages 5 to 7 (CCMD-HI 5-7)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 13:08:54 GMT

This is a disease-specific Patient-reported outcome measure for patients with congenital, childhood-onset, or juvenile myotonic dystrophy type-1. This instrument was developed and validated through the outcome measures laboratory at the University of Rochester and based on original questions developed for adult myotonic dystrophy patients (also see UR Tech Id: 6-2189 “The Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index (MDHI)” for a more complete description). ApplicationsPatients (ages 5 to 7) with congenital, childhood-onset or juvenile myotonic dystrophy type-1 complete this instrument to ...

Congenital and Childhood Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index: Instrument for Children Ages 8 to 11 (CCMD-HI 8-11)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 13:08:53 GMT

This is a disease-specific Patient-reported outcome measure for patients with congenital, childhood-onset, or juvenile myotonic dystrophy type-1. This instrument was developed and validated through the outcome measures laboratory at the University of Rochester and based on original questions developed for adult myotonic dystrophy patients (also see UR Tech Id: 6-2189 “The Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index (MDHI)” for a more complete description). ApplicationsPatients (ages 8 to 11) with congenital, childhood-onset or juvenile myotonic dystrophy type-1 complete this instrument to...

Congenital and Childhood Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index: Instrument for Children Ages 12 to 17 (CCMD-HI 12-17)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 13:08:52 GMT

This is a disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure for patients with congenital, childhood-onset, or juvenile myotonic dystrophy type-1. This instrument was developed and validated through the outcome measures laboratory at the University of Rochester and based on original questions developed for adult myotonic dystrophy patients (also see UR Tech Id: 6-2189 “The Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index (MDHI)” for a more complete description). ApplicationsPatients (ages 12 to 17) with congenital, childhood-onset or juvenile myotonic dystrophy type-1 complete this instrument t...

Congenital and Childhood Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index: Parent Proxy Instrument (CCMD-HI Proxy)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 13:08:51 GMT

This is a disease-specific proxy reported outcome measure for patient with congenital, childhood-onset, or juvenile myotonic dystrophy type-1. This instrument was developed and validated through the outcome measures laboratory at the University of Rochester and based on original questions developed for adult myotonic dystrophy patients (also see UR Tech Id: 6-2189 “The Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index (MDHI)” for a more complete description). ApplicationsParents or guardians of patients with congenital, childhood-onset or juvenile myotonic dystrophy type-1 complete this instrum...

Treatment for Female Infertility

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 11:43:38 GMT

A novel treatment for a variety of conditions resulting in female infertility. Problem Solved by this TechnologyAnti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) acts as a natural follicular gatekeeper limiting follicle growth initiation and maintains the primordial follicle pool during reproductive years. AMH is also an intra-ovarian regulator that inhibits follicular atresia at later stages of follicle development. Thus, low AMH levels lead to more rapid follicle loss contributing to pathophysiological conditions called diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and premature ovarian failure (also known as prema...

Cheap, Plentiful, and Environmentally Friendly Method for Producing Hydrogen

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 11:29:13 GMT

Background Dominant methods to make hydrogen require fossil fuels such as natural gas. Renewable approaches to hydrogen production have employed expensive precious metal catalysts like platinum which are too costly to be commercially viable and/or chromophores which often require non-aqueous solutions and exhibit short decomposition lifetimes. Technology Overview Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a system that uses inexpensive catalysts and nanoparticles to make hydrogen from water and sunlight with the same efficiency as precious metal catalysts. In its most genera...

Improved Safer Nasal Spray Flu Vaccines

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:43:50 GMT

A novel live attenuated influenza virus nasal vaccine safe enough for use by young children and asthmatics.Problem Solved by this TechnologyYoung children, pregnant women, and persons with compromised immune systems are at high risk for complications arising from an influenza infection. These people are currently served with sub-dermal, or nasal applications of inactivated vaccines, which are less effective, but considered to be safer than live attenuated influenza virus (LAIV). However, studies suggest that nasal application of LAIV are most effective at preventing influenza because it ...

Development of Arenavirus Vaccines through Codon Deoptimization

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 14:07:15 GMT

A novel strategy for developing live-attenuated arenavirus vaccines. Problem Solved by the TechnologyArenaviruses have a significant impact on public health and pose a credible threat to biodefense.There are four arenaviruses that cause severe hemorrhagic fever in humans (Lassa virus, endemic to Africa; and Machupo, Junin, and Guanarito viruses endemic to South America). A fifth arenavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), is found throughout the world and it is particularly troublesome for immunocompromised individuals. Safe and effective arenavirus vaccines have remained e...

Preoperative Planning Document To Facilitate Correlation of IVUS and CT Scan Measurements For Placement Of IVUS-Guided IVC Filters

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 08:51:04 GMT

Preoperative planning document for the single puncture intravasular ultrasound (IVUS) guided bedside placement of IVC filters. Application Pulmonary Embolism (PE) has been reported in over 350,000 patients per year, with an estimated annual mortality rate of 240,000. Vena cava filtration is being used as an effective means of prophylaxis against PE in post-operative and critically ill patients. A safe and cost-effective method of placing the filters is through single puncture intravasular ultrasound (IVUS) guided bedside placement which eliminates risk of patient transport and exposure to...

A Non-Contact ECG System Employing Artifact Compensation

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 08:50:59 GMT

An integrated compact heart rate monitoring system that is suitable for long-term health monitoring Applications: This invention relates to electrocardiogram monitoring with non-contacting electrodes that may work through a subject’s clothing. Non-contact biosensors for cardiac monitoring are of great interest for a number of long term health sensing applications ranging from exercise and fitness monitoring to management of chronic health conditions. Advantages: The invention enables non-invasive sensing of cardiac signal, which is much less sensitive to changes in electrode to s...

Perfect Paraxial Cloak Design and Device

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 09:07:15 GMT

Applications A paraxial cloaking device provides a cloaking volume in which an item can be hidden from view, from a continuous range of directions in three dimensions. Advantages The cloaking device overcomes some of the limitations of previous devices, such as background discontinuity, using inexpensive, readily available materials in a novel configuration.

Tunable Shape Memory Polymers

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 07:48:15 GMT

A material that can be manipulated and deformed only to return to its original shape as necessary. Applications:This invention relates to a class of network polymers, containing reversibly associating side-groups that can be structurally tailored as “shape memory” materials for a variety of applications in biotechnology and medicine as well as such other uses as shapeable tools, intelligent packaging, recyclable thermosets, etc. They contain both covalent and non-covalent cross-links and can readily be deformed to over 100% strain and be tailored to return to their origi...

Heavy Atom Labeled acyl-CoA

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 10:48:00 GMT

A novel protocol to produce large quantities of nearly 100% homogenous heavy-labeled acyl-CoAs rapidly and inexpensively.Problem Solved by this TechnologyIndividual heavy atom-labeled acyl-CoAs are currently available made-to-order through several companies or are being generated in-house in labs as needed. The production of a full battery of acyl-CoAs is currently achieved using mammalian cells in a tedious and expensive process (that requires ~10 weeks and thousands of dollars in reagents). Researchers at the University of Rochester and the University of Pennsylvania have developed an altern...

Novel Synthetic Lung Surfactant Peptides

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 16 May 2014 13:16:08 GMT

A novel synthetic lung surfactant for the treatment of neonatal and acute respiratory distress syndromes.Problem Solved by the TechnologyLung surfactant replacement therapy is commonly used on premature infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). NRDS, caused by a lack of surfactant, occurs in 10% of premature babies (1% of all newborns) and is the leading cause of death in premature babies. Research has shown that surfactant therapy can also help to reverse surfactant dysfunction in acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ALI and ARDS can affect...

A novel method for treating and preventing dental diseases

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 09 May 2014 12:53:34 GMT

Background The challenges to developing effective anti-biofilm therapies include targeting and delivery of therapeutic agents to the appropriate surface, the short duration that the agents remain in contact with the surface, release at the appropriate time, and clearance of the agents. These challenges are especially relevant in the dental field since therapeutic agents are not retained for sufficient duration due to rapid clearance. Technology Overview This novel technology entails the use of pH-responsive nanoparticle carriers (NPC) that bind avidly to both the pellicle and exopolysaccha...

Macrocyclic Peptidomimetics for Alpha-Helix Mimicry

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:15:19 GMT

Brief Description: The technology presents novel macrocyclic peptidomimetic molecules and a method to generate these molecules for targeting alpha-helix-mediated protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions. Applications: This methodology can be employed for the development of low molecular-weight molecules for therapeutic or biotechnological applications. Specifically, the method of the invention is useful toward generating and identifying structurally and proteolytically stable peptidomimetics of alpha-helical functional motifs in proteins. The method...

Methods and Compositions for Ribosomal Synthesis of Macrocyclic Peptides

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:15:13 GMT

Brief Description: The technology presents a general method to generate cyclic peptides from recombinant genetically encoded polypeptide precursors. Applications: This methodology can be employed for the discovery and development of small molecules with tailored binding affinity for therapeutic or biotechnological applications. Specifically, this method can be applied for generating very large libraries of structurally diverse cyclic peptides. Such libraries can be easily screened and deconvoluted to identify ligands that can be used as capturing agents for bi...

Methods and Compositions for the Preparation of Conformationally Constrained Peptide-Containing Molecules

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:14:56 GMT

The technology presents general methods for generating large, combinatorial libraries of structurally diverse macrocyclic compounds with a hybrid peptide/non-peptidic backbone. ApplicationsThe methodologies of this invention can be used for the discovery and development of small molecules with tailored binding affinity for therapeutic or biotechnological applications. Specifically, the methods of the invention can be applied for generating very large libraries of structurally diverse compounds by taking advantage of both biosynthetic and synthetic combinatorial methods. Such libraries can...

Methods for Identifying, Diagnosing, and Predicting Survival of Lymphomas

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:14:51 GMT

The present invention discloses methods for identifying, diagnosing, and predicting survival in a lymphoma or lymphoproliferative disorder on the basis of gene expression patterns. The invention discloses a novel microarray, the Lymph Dx microarray, for obtaining gene expression data from a lymphoma sample. The invention also discloses a variety of methods for utilizing lymphoma gene expression data to determine the identity of a particular lymphoma and to predict survival in a subject diagnosed with a particular lymphoma. This information is useful in developing the appropriate therapeutic ap...

Survival Predictor For Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 11:14:51 GMT

This invention provides methods and arrays related to a gene expression-based survival predictor for DLBCL patients, including patients treated with the current standard of care, which includes chemotherapy and the administration of Rituximab. The invention provides a method of predicting the survival outcome of a subject suffering from diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that includes obtaining a gene expression profile from one or more DLBCL biopsy samples from the subject. The gene expression profile, which can be derived from gene expression product isolated from the one or more biopsy s...

The Fascioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Health Index (FSHDI)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 06:39:08 GMT

The Fascioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Health Index (FSHDI) is a disease-specific, patient reported outcome measure for FSHDI. Each question in the FSHDI was selected based on its relevance to a large muscular dystrophy population, its ability to be consistently understood by patients, its reliability during test-retest evaluation, its content validity, its face validity, its construct validity, and its responsiveness in detecting therapeutic change. FDA guidelines were implemented during instrument development in order to allow the FSHDI to be utilized to support drug labeling claims. Th...

Artemisinin Derivatives, Methods For Their Preparation And Their Use As Antimalarial Agents

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 07:03:03 GMT

Brief Description: The present invention relates to novel derivatives of the antimalarial artemisinin, methods and compositions for their preparation, and their uses in pharmaceutical compositions intended for the treatment of parasitic infections (primarily malaria). Advantages: Despite their viability of semisynthetic artemisinin as antimalarial agents, an important drawback is its very short half-life in plasma and in the human body(<1-2 hours). As a result of this it has limited metabolic stability and requires high and repeated doses of these compoun...

Methods and Reagents for Site-Specific Labeling of Peptides and Proteins

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 07:03:01 GMT

Brief Description: Methods for site-specific protein functionalization find a broad range of applications in the context of protein detection, imaging, and purification, in the development of improved protein-based therapeutics (e.g. via PEGylation), and in the preparation of protein microarrays. This invention describes a new chemical method for site-specifically labeling a target protein at its C-terminus with an organic molecule of interest, such as a fluorescent dye, an affinity tag, a polymer, a drug molecule, etc. This methodology involves the use of novel reagents t...

SURUS: Super-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 05:55:01 GMT

Applications: The technology uses an inverse filter solution to eliminate the speckle phenomenon and poor resolution dependency on the pulse length and width, to produce SURUS (super-resolution ultrasound) images. This technology has applications for creating higher resolution images for ultrasounds, radar, sonar and other pulse-echo imaging systems. Advantages: Currently a number of imaging systems exhibit speckle phenomenon that creates a pattern of nulls and peaks that are difficult to interpret. Additionally most imaging systems have poor resolution dependency on...

Real Time Blood Pressure Monitor and Aneurism Monitor

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 07:02:35 GMT

The technology disclosed herein is a device used to monitor blood pressure in moving animals and humans in real-time. The device is non-invasive and is capable of accurately monitoring blood pressure non-invasively (i.e. without being inserted intravascularly). Applications: This device will be used to non-invasively monitor blood pressure in moving animals and humans in real-time. Most importantly, the technology will be used to monitor aneurisms in patients with aortic or other large vessel aneurisms. High risk patients, such as those with Marfans syndrome, Syphillis, Ehlers Danlose sy...

Measuring Interdisciplinary Team Performance in a Long-Term Care Setting

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:28:59 GMT

Brief description: Theory-based, reliable, and valid measures of interdisciplinary teamwork have long been considered desirable and useful in explaining patient outcomes and in assisting with quality-of-care improvement efforts. This technology is a survey tool used to assess interdisciplinary team performance in a long-term care setting and to measure team performance in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

The Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index (MDHI)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:59:14 GMT

The Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index (MDHI) is a disease-specific, patient reported outcome measure for myotonic dystrophy type-1 (DM1). Each question in the MDHI was selected based on its relevance to a large DM1 population, its ability to be consistently understood by patients, its reliability during test-retest evaluation, its content validity, its face validity, its construct validity, and its responsiveness in detecting therapeutic change. FDA guidelines were implemented during instrument development in order to allow the MDHI to be utilized to support drug labeling claims.&nbs...

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Action for Health

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:42:44 GMT

Brief Description: The technology disclosed herein is an online tutorial and course designed for health promotion and disease prevention.

AGES (Academic Graphic Education System)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:52:32 GMT

Brief Description: The technology described herein consists of a software program that uses Excel to track educational requirements and certifications for hospital employees. This program is viewed by staff (to track what they have to do, when they have to do it, and how to find the education) as well as leadership (to track compliance).

Deep Brain Magnetic Stimulator

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:00:57 GMT

Brief Description: The technology disclosed herein is a new device that uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to deliver electrical pulses to treat specific areas of the brain. The device is implanted deep within the brain and is capable of targeting small and specific regions for treatment. Applications: This technology will primarily be used to facilitate stroke recovery and help control intractable epilepsy without surgery. It will also be used to help manage a number of brain diseases including, intractable Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s dis...

Novel Treatment for Hydrocephalus

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 13:01:05 GMT

Brief Description: Ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting remains the most prominent treatment of choice. CSF shunting procedures provide a rapid means to normalize intracranial pressure and can prevent brain damage. In the U.S. there are approximately 69,000 annual hospital admissions for hydrocephalus resulting in over 40,000 shunting procedures and costing over one billion dollars. The excessive costs predominantly arise from relatively high complication and revision rates as well as costly equipment. This novel device and technique help avoid complication...

Novel ultrasound-based technologies to pattern human cells and engineer three-dimensional blood vessel networks

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 13:00:23 GMT

Background Current in vitro and animal models for novel drug discovery and testing often do not accurately predict the efficacy or side effects experienced inhuman trials. Consequently, billions of dollars are spent establishing clinical trials that are doomed to fail. Inexpensive, three-dimensional (3D),vascularized human tissue models have the potential to accurately predict cytotoxicity and pharmacokinetics of new drugs. Additionally, vascularized tissue implants could be used to treat ischemic diseases such as ischemic heart disease and peripheral artery disease where blood flo...

Implantable Real-Time Monitor for Strokes and Post Traumatic Brain Injury Complications

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:28 GMT

Brief Description: Real-time monitoring for strokes and post traumatic brain injury complications would provide early warning for timely intervention. Current methods of CT angiography or the use of the Licox probe are impractical for continuous monitoring, especially in moving subjects. Applications: This invention relates to an implantable device for continuous monitoring of post-stroke patients to prevent recurrent strokes. It would also allow monitoring for any complications following traumatic brain injury. Treatment for stroke is more time sensitive but l...

Methods of Studying Human and Non-Human Epidermal

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:25 GMT

Brief Description: The technology developed herein describes methods to study barrier properties and function of fully stratified, intact epidermal samples from both healthy and diseased subjects. Epidermal samples are isolated by using a Weck blade and are relatively free of dermis. Without the technique described herein, such measurements were not a possibility. Applications: The invention enables relatively precise measurements of epidermal barrier integrity of full thickness human and nonhuman epidermis never before achieved by a varie...

Simple NDSR Analysis Comparison Tool (SNAC)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:22 GMT

Applications: The technology disclosed herein is a nutrition analysis tool for the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR). Currently, NDSR does not allow physicians and researchers to make direct comparisons between important patient information and average nutritional standards. The program only allows users to input and monitor patient information. Advantages: The Simple NDSR Analysis Comparison (SNAC) tool developed herein allows important nutritional comparisons to be made and provides physicians and researchers with vital information surrounding patient vitamin and nut...

SILO Support Bracket

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:20 GMT

Application: This technology is primarily used to support Gastroschisis silo on a GE pediatric warmer. Advantages: The SILO support bracket allows the use of new GE beds (Pandas and Warmers) for babies with Gastroschisis. SILO also serves as a replacement for Drager warmers, which are over two decades old and in need of improvement.

Integrated Multi-criteria Decision Support Framework

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:18 GMT

Brief Description: A medical decision dashboard that provides patients with a recommended treatment option based on patient-ranked criteria. The dashboard is designed to help patients develop meaningful understandings of the differences between alternative resources and management strategies in order to make informed judgments about treatment methods and/or approaches. Applications: This technology will be used to support health care decision making at both the clinical and policy levels. The framework itself could also be adapted for use in any situatio...

Patient Information Forms for FSHD (Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy), DM (Myotonic Dystrophy), and Unaffected Blood Relatives of Individuals with FSHD or DM

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:16 GMT

Brief Description: This technology is a physician checklist used to capture clinical and molecular diagnostic criteria related to Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), Myotonic Dystrophy (DM), and unaffected blood relatives of individuals with FSHD or DM that is reported in patients’ medical records.

Methods For Determining The Presence Or Risk Of Developing Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:15 GMT

ApplicationsThis technology provides a DNA-based diagnostic method to determine the presence or the susceptibility of developing Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD) and also a method to treat FSHD. AdvantagesCurrently, the diagnostic test for FSHD1 requires pulse-field gel electrophoresis and Southern blotting to detect the contraction of the D4Z4 repeats, and there are no commercially available diagnostic tests for FSHD2. This invention provides an improved method for screening for the presence or risk of developing FSHD during pregnancy or after birth. Further, this method applies both...

Physician Checklists for FSHD (Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy) and DM (Myotonic Dystrophy)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:13 GMT

Brief Description: This technology is a physician checklist used to capture clinical and molecular diagnostic criteria related to Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) and Myotonic Dystrophy (DM) that is reported in patients’ medical records.

Cognitive Testing Model

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:12 GMT

Brief Description: The technology disclosed herein is an instructional manual that describes an original cognitive testing protocol. This protocol is specifically designed as a cognitive testing procedure for a national research study examining cancer patients.

Blood Procedures Operations Manual

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:11 GMT

Brief Description: The copyright disclosed herein is an original blood procedure manual. This protocol is unique and is designed for a national research study examining cancer patients.

IMMpattern - Immune Profiling Visualization Software

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:07 GMT

Brief Description: This is Matlab-based software to enable the visualization of immune profiling data and accompanying clinical information. It provides an environment to view a sample-by-feature matrix as well as to transform, standardize and cluster it interactively, and to view it in terms of its principal components.

ADTools 2.0

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:06 GMT

Brief Description: AD Tools 2.0 is a web based active directory account administration tool. Application: AD Tools 2.0 is a web based tool for active directory account holders, help desk, office administrators, active directory administrators, exchange server administrators and system administrators. It serves both functioning and recording purposes. Advantages: AD Tools 2.0 is the second of the AD Tools application line. The previous AD Tools application saw great success and was used in the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) for five years....

ImageMark

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:02 GMT

This invention is software that enhances the usability of Lucid Inc. for the purpose of using their Vivascope devices for assessment of Meissner Corpuscle density as a measure of sensory neuropathies. Applications: This software has significantly enabled quantization of Meissner Corpuscles by markedly decreasing the time required for assembly of images for Meissner corpuscles analysis and also by simplifying and semi-automating counts and morphologic and morphometric assessments of Meissner Corpuscles. This software will enable Meissner corpuscle density assessment as a measure of vario...

Breastfeeding Facts

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:26:00 GMT

Brief Overview The material consists of three documents, which are part of a package for use by health care providers with their patients. This form covers document three – Breastfeeding Facts, a patient education tool for providers to offer to women which contains supplemental information on breastfeeding as well as community resources for women.

Introduction to Toxicology

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:25:50 GMT

Brief Description: The copyright disclosed herein is a PowerPoint presentation regarding toxicology and is part of the “My Environment, My health, My Choices” series of curriculum modules on environmental health.

Electrical Model of the Brain

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:25:49 GMT

Brief Description: The invention described herein is a brain signaling model, which uses electricity and lights to simulate signals. In this model wires are used to represent neurons, which terminate in nodes that represent the eye, the visual cortex, the MT/V5 region and the lateral geniculate nucleus.

Strong Vision Equation for Enhanced Zyoptix Outcome

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 08:25:12 GMT

The present invention is an algorithm that provides better predictability of postoperative refractive error following customized LASIK treatment for myopia. Applications: The Strong Vision Method provides a superior treatment outcome following customized LASIK surgery by further compensating the effect of higher order aberrations on postoperative eyes. The use of this method will allow more patients to obtain an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20, or better. Advantages: The existing Zyoptix algorithm provides reasonably good postoperative refractive outcome, but the incidence of pos...

Manipulating mRNA Decay Pathway to Regulate Gene Expression

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:43:18 GMT

Brief Description: The process of mRNA decay, such as the Staufen1 (STAU1)-mediated mRNA decay (SMD), is integral to the post transcriptional control of genes that have been shown to be involved in a number of diseases. Alu elements are the most prominent repeats in the human genome: they constitute more than 10% of the human genome. The inventors report novel roles for Alu elements and lncRNAs whereby SMD is activated upon the formation of STAU1-binding sites (SBS). Applications: Isolated inhibition of SMD could be useful in upregulating physiologic tr...

Faculty Productivity Program

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:03:53 GMT

Brief Description: The Faculty Performance Program is a web-based program designed to collect and collate (monthly with a numerical value) all clinical and non-clinical activities performed by a physician in an academic institution. The program generates a quantifiable report on physician performance to provide the individual junior faculty member and department leadership a clearer understanding of his or her productivity. Applications: Every academic clinical department in medicine struggles with documenting the various clinical and non-clinical activiti...

Guidelines to Document and Manage Core Measure Conditions

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:14:28 GMT

ApplicationsThis is a concise and effective medical provider education material on a pocket reference card. It is based on Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services and the Joint Commission Core Measures to help improve quality of care. AdvantagesThis effective pocket reference card lists core measures and brief guidelines. It is designed to help providers improve quality of care based on CMS and Joint Commission coding rules. The guidelines are listed in simple form for easy and quick reference.

Biliverdin Reductase (BVR) Peptides That Inhibit PCK-delta for the Potential Treatment of Cancer and Inflammation

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:46:31 GMT

Applications: Dr. M. Maines is a leading expert in BVR research and has uncovered many applications for this enzyme. In this invention she has linked BVR to modulation of PKC and found potent inhibitory peptides that may have utility in both understanding and treating cancer. A multiplicity of functions has been ascribed to PKC. Recurring themes are that PKC is involved in receptor desensitization, in modulating membrane structure events, in regulating transcription, in mediating immune responses, in regulating cell growth, and in learning and memory. These functions are ach...

Conflict of Interest (COI)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:03:40 GMT

Brief Description: A web-based tool to assess and mitigate conflict of interest in collected and reported data. Applications: Conflict of Interest (COI) is a secured, internal, web-based tool designed to allow the manipulation, collection and management of any reported data that may potentially be considered a conflict of interest. The logic built-in can be altered for collection based questions. The technology is built around a three layer architecture that includes an interface, database, and business logic layer.

Technology Abuse Scale (TAS)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:03:39 GMT

Brief Description: This technology is a scale that measures the severity of abuse one experiences via technology.

Simple, Accurate, Real-Time 3D Imaging System

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:03:35 GMT

Brief Description:This invention relates to a simple, inexpensive, automated 3-D imaging system that will allow a physician to perform a rapid preoperative and postoperative 3-D analysis of the head and neck. The technology aids in airway quality evaluation in anesthesiology; plastic surgery and biometric systems, including 3-D facial recognition. Applications: This technology could be used by anesthesiologists for difficult intubations, to reduce related mortality and morbidity; early detection of obstructive sleep apnea due to particular head and neck features. Plastic or maxillofacial ...

Tip of the Week for Medical Providers

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:03:11 GMT

ApplicationsThis simple program is an innovative medical provider education material for appropriate treatment and chart documentation. AdvantagesThese innovative weekly tips on key patient treatment subjects are designed as part of a chart clarification campaign. The tips are listed in simple bulleted form for easy and quick reading such as: "When treating adult patients with 'Hypertension'" .... followed by three to six critical tips to keep in mind.

Methods and Systems for Vertigo Treatment

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 07:01:36 GMT

Applications: Only 20 % of the patients are correctly diagnosed and fewer are appropriately treated. Subjective visual vertical (SVV) method of diagnosis and normalization of the vestibular ablation has limited its diagnostic potential. Visual background also affects SVV. With a rotating background, the dynamic visual vertical (DVV) is normally shifted in the direction of rotation. Advantages:This invention would greatly assist in the correct diagnosis of migraine associated vertigo (MAV) and for rehabilitation of patients with MAV and peripheral vestibular disorders.

Data Forms for: Cellular and Molecular Pathophysiology (CAMP) of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) Study

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 07:01:35 GMT

Applications: The data forms capture clinical and genetic information on patients with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD). Advantages: The captured data provides an assessment of clinical category in which they best fit as well as an assessment of their disease severity.

Measuring the Ocular Point Spread Function Using Adaptive Optics

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:34:29 GMT

Brief Description: A system to overcome limitations in lateral resolution found in popular wavefront sensors. Applications: This invention identifies the current Shack-Hartmann type ocular wavefront sensors and proposes a design to combat the model’s limited lateral resolution. The proposed invention is to measure the point spread function of the eye by creating a tiny point source on the retina using adaptive optics. Advantages: The ability to measure precisely the lower and higher order wave aberrations using ocular wavefront sensing techniques ha...

Scanning Optical System for a Large Axial Scan Depth Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:34:29 GMT

Brief Description: A system to improve vision care accommodation and intraocular lens development. Applications: This invention identifies the two limitations associated with the traditional telecentric scan that most of the commercial anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems use and proposes a novel design to tackle these issues. Advantages: Most of the commercial anterior segment OCT systems use telecentric scan geometry in which the beam is shone straight into the eye parallel to the optical axis. This technique poses two major...

Optical Pulse-Train Generator

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:51:44 GMT

This optical pulse train generator is a new electronic-photonic integrated circuit (EPIC) built on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform, using a transfer matrix analysis of micro-rings with a time-interleaved architecture. Applications: This optical arbitrary wave form generator on a silicon chip can be used in optical-based interconnect within computer systems, in telecommunication and in LADAR systems and instrumentation. The EPIC circuit creates a train of pulses from a single optical pulse, with each pulse having an adjustable delay, and then combines the pu...

A Multidimensional Real-Time Pain Monitoring System

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:50:54 GMT

ApplicationsThis invention relates to monitoring pain and distress in premature infants and in other non-communicative populations such as critically ill and those cognitively impaired. It would also potentially have broad applications for parental monitoring of new born infants. The proposed system would automatically measure multiple parameters and integrate them to arrive at an objective measure which would be displayed in real-time for the clinicians. It would replace current subjective and manual assessment by clinicians to arrive at a “pain score”. It also provides an objecti...

R26STOPrtTA Mouse Strain- a Unique System for Spatiotemporal and Lineage-specific Gene Expression

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:49:07 GMT

Applications: Inventor has developed an advanced method for conditional gene expression in mice that integrates the Cre-mediated and tetracycline-dependent expression systems. An rtTA gene, preceded by a loxP-flanked STOP sequence, was inserted into the ROSA26 locus to create a R26STOPrtTA mouse strain. When the STOP sequence is excised by Cre-mediated recombination, the rtTA is expressed in the Cre-expressing cells and all of their derivatives. Therefore, cell type-, tissue-, or lineage-specific expression of rtTA is achieved by the use of an appropriate Cre transgenic str...

Anti-mouse HUMMR polyclonal antibody and Anti-human HUMMR antibody

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:49:01 GMT

ApplicationsA novel polyclonal anti-HUMMR antibody. AdvantagesHUMMR, a novel mitochondrial protein induced by HIF-1 and hypoxia, biases mitochondria transport in the anterograde direction. HUMMR may have implications for maintenance of neuronal viability and function during physiological and pathological states. These novel HUMMR antibodies will greatly facilitate the clinical research around HIF. These antibodies have been published in HUMMR, a hypoxia- and HIF-1alpha-inducible protein, alters mitochondrial distribution and transport. Li Y, Lim S, Hoffman D...

Dual-Detection of Phase for Full Range Doppler OCT

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 04 May 2010 13:47:13 GMT

Dual-detection OCT offers full-range, high-sensitivity imaging for biological tissues, overcoming limitations of conventional OCT methods Institute Reference: 2-11150-10011 Background Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technology widely used in biological research and medical diagnostics. OCT captures detailed cross-sectional images of tissue structures by measuring the interference of reflected light. However, conventional OCT systems often suffer from imaging artifacts, limited depth range, and sensitivity issues, particularly when phase shifts or D...

Polyclonal anti-GPR56 Antibody Recognizes GPR56 on Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Human Tissue Sections

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:06:14 GMT

A novel polyclonal anti-GPR56 antibody. AdvantageGPR56 is a potential diagnostic/prognostic marker for multiple human diseases. Its expression pattern and level are regularly determined on archived human specimens. However formalin fixation and paraffin embedding often destroy antigens on tissues, preventing most antibodies from recognizing the corresponding antigens on tissue sections. We have developed this new antibody against GPR56 and showed effective staining on paraffin-embedded sections. This novel antibody will greatly facilitate the clinical research around GPR56 and its applica...

Novel Transcutaneous Energy Transfer (TET) Device

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:06:09 GMT

Applications: A ventricular assist device (VAD) is an auxiliary blood circulation pump. It is implanted to assist the left, right or both ventricles to enhance circulation. The power source is worn externally by the patient with a cable going through the skin. The opening in the skin becomes a portal for serious infection which may also travel to the heart. Numerous attempts have been made over the years to power VADs transcutaneously. Almost all such attempts have been of some variation of electromagnetic energy transfer from a sending coil outside the body to a receiving co...

Monoclonal Antibodies to Dengue Fever NS1

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:03:04 GMT

ApplicationsThis invention presents serious of monoclonal mouse IgG and IgM antibodies against yellow fever virus and dengue fever, and the antibody-producing hybridoma cell lines. These antibodies have multiple applications in production of vaccine against yellow fever.AdvantagesThese antibodies have been proved to be very helpful in testing, quality control, and manufacturing vaccines against yellow fever and dengue fever. Antibodies available are for NS1 and E protein of dengue and yellow fever virus.

Monoclonal Antibodies to Dengue Fever E Protein

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:03:03 GMT

Carbazole-Based Host Polymer for Electro-Phosphorescent OLEDs

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:03:00 GMT

Brief Description: This describes a carbozole-based host polymer for electro-phosphorescent OLED devices with balanced electron and hole transport, and which is solution-processible. Applications: This is a new class of OLED (organic light emitting diode) host materials for use in flat panel displays for computer monitors and TV and for solid state lighting and back-lighting for liquid crystal displays. Advantages: The materials have the following advantages: 1. Compared to conventional OLED molecular materials, which must be vacuum-deposited into thin films, th...

Software for Adaptive Optics: TsunamiSLO

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:45 GMT

Brief Description: The software provides user-friendly control of devices needed for adaptive optics: wavefront sensor (Shack-Hartmann or other) with a digital camera, wavefront corrector (such as Boston Micromachines deformable mirror, or ImagineEyes deformable mirror), laser controller (such as Thorlabs ITC-502 or other) and power meters (such as Newport 1930 or other). Applications: For the control of wavefront sensors and aberration correction devices used in adaptive optics in scanning laser ophthalmoscopes, optical coherence tomography and other research applicat...

High Capacity Embedding in Printed Images by Halftone Orientation Modulation

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:38 GMT

The technology is a technique for hiding data inside a printed image by modulating the orientation of elliptically shaped halftone dots. Applications: This is a method for embedding data in a printed image which can be extracted by a digital scanner for security or document work flow purposes, for passports and other legal papers. The data could be security code or encrypted message, meta-data such as a URL, a voice file for the visually impaired or a contone image file for better reproduction. A signed or encrypted thumbnail of the image itself may be embedded i the halftone ...

Software for Computing Zernike Characterization of an Optical Wave Front: TsunamiWave

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:36 GMT

Brief Description: The software is used for the full characterization of an optical beam, by the computation of Zernike polynomials from wavefront sensor data. Applications: For use in adaptive optics systems, such as scanning laser ophthalmoscopes, optical coherence tomography and astronomy. Advantages: The software provides a full characterization of the optical beam and is built to integrate with software used to control devices used in adaptive optics, such as wavefront sensors (Shack-Hartmann or other) with a digital camera, wavefront correctors (suc...

Flexible, Decoupled Hardware-Accelerated Transactional Memory

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:30 GMT

This is a new architecture for multi-processor computers using transactional memory. ApplicationsToday’s multi-core computers require explicit parallel programming, which is difficult. This transactional memory (TM) system can be used in computers with multi-core processors to reduce programming complexity and increase parallel program scalability. AdvantagesCurrent software TM systems run on stock processors and provide substantial flexibility, but incur significant overhead for data versioning and validation in the face of conflicting transactions. Hardware TM designs have be...

Color Look-Up Tables with Lossless Compression

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:26 GMT

Brief Description: This image processing technology provides data compression for the color transformation tables which are embedded in printer firmware for optimal color printing. Applications: The concept is to be used in digital printing devices, such as color ink jet and color laser printers. Color look-up tables provide transformation between various color spaces, such as device independent color spaces (CIELAB) and device-dependent color spaces (CMYK), which can depend on print media and artistic preferences. These color look-up tables are embedded in...

Ultrasound Imaging of Tissue Stiffness by Spatially Modulated Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (SM-ARFI)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:13 GMT

Applications: Tissue stiffness is a known marker of disease, but it is difficult to see in conventional imaging. Significant change in tissue stiffness can occur without a related change in ultrasound echogenicity or x-ray density. Quantitative measurements of stiffness, in terms of the shear modulus, would be useful clinically in the diagnosis of liver fibrous, and for finding tumors the 40% of all prostrate tumors which are not visible in ordinary ultrasound, but which can be detected by palpation because of a tissue stiffness. Acoustic radiation force impulse (AR...

Method for Nano-Structuring Metal Surfaces by Femto-Second Laser Machining

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:09 GMT

This is a process using a femto-second laser, which produces nanostructures with high surface area on metals such as Ti, Pt, Au, Cu, Al, W. The method can dramatically alter the surface reflectivity rendering the metals black, or can be controlled to produce unexpected colors. For example, platinum and aluminum can be made to appear gold, gray, or black.Applications:The method for modifying the surface of metals and other materials with femto-second laser pulses can be used in several applications.For increasing optical absorption of metals for light absorbers in detectors and s...

Fluid Management System and Method for Fluid Dispensing and Coating

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:08 GMT

Applications: This invention relates to the problem of dispensing a thin film of a release agent in liquid (oil) form to certain rotating rolls in electrophotographic copiers or printers. It consists of an integrated oil dispenser system with a pouch in which the oil is stored and a dispersing mechanism, controlled by an electrostatic transducer. An important feature of this dispersing system is a wiper blade with integral electrodes, permitting active control of the oil film that is applied to the roller. The entire dispensing system is conveniently fabricated from a single piece...

Ballistic Deflection Transistor and Ballistic Deflection Transistor Based Logic Circuits

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:08 GMT

The nano-scale structures of the transistor are smaller than the mean-free path of the electrons, which travel in a ballistic, non-ohmic manner in the semiconductor. The device does not have a conventional junction, like convenitional transistors, and uses a non-linearity phenomenon which only exists in the ballistic regime. Applications: This fundamentally new transistor concept is expected to operate in the THz frequency range. It will be used in ultra-high speed digital, analog and mixed signal circuits. Initial applications are expected in high sp...

Enhanced Music and Audio Via Embedded Data in MP3 Files

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:07 GMT

A technique for embedding data in an mp3, but not in the header file. The metadata is not easily removed by a hacker without significantly destroying the audio. The data capacity depends somewhat on the nature of the music, but is of the order of tens of kb/minute, with no change in the size of the mp3 file. Applications Data embedded in mp3 audio files can be used for protection of copyrighted digital media, and to enhance a musical recording with such things as lyrics, cataloging information, musical scores, MIDI representation, album cover graphics, ...

PC-Compatible Software for X-ray Spectroscopy with an SXX-100

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:05 GMT

This PC-compatible software provides a technology update for existing SSL SSX-100 X-ray spectroscopy instruments, which were originally controlled by a HP 9000 computer with commercial HPBASIC software.ApplicationsThe software enables the use of a modern PC to control an existing SSL SSX-100 X-ray spectroscopy instrument, improving performance and data transfer to modern PC and Macintosh computer systems.AdvantagesThe original older HP computer is now out-dated and awkward for data acquisition and data transfer to modern PC and Macintosh computers. The software is implemented for use in ...

Image sensor with a Current Sensing Active Pixel (CSAP)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:03 GMT

This is an improved CMOS image sensor, which is 40 times faster than conventional CMOS image sensors, operating from a 3.3 V power supply, with significantly lower 1/f noise. The circuit utilizes the standard APS design and retains the high fill factor in a 0.35 µm standard CMOS process. In this current sensing active pixel (CSAP) sensor, the negative feedback circuit that connects the readout of the pixel increases the current driving capabilities and readout speed. Applications For image sensors in digital cameras and in cell phone cameras. Advantages The first advantage ...

Retinal Imaging of Low Light Signals

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:02:02 GMT

This technology enables high resolution in vivo images of the retina by a technique of simultaneous image capture and dual registration, which corrects for the natural movement of the living eye to enable many imaging frames to be combined to increase the signal to noise ratio from very weak signals, such as those from fluorescence or phase imaging, by monitoring the eye motion with conventional reflectance imaging.ApplicationsRetinal imaging is done to diagnose retinal disease, such as diabetic macular edema, retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration (MDA) and glaucoma. Thi...

Distributed Amplifiers with Built-In Filtering for UWB Impulse Radio

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:01:51 GMT

Brief Description:This technology provides a distributed amplifier (DA) with built-in, on-chip filters so that the frequency response of the distributed amplifier is controlled, on chip, not only within the pass band, but also in the transition and stop bands. The very precise filtering is particularly useful for UWB impulse radios, which need to control interference between UWB and existing narrow-band wireless communication.Applications:Distributed amplifiers are widely used in wideband systems, such as ultra wideband (UWB) radio, radar, ultra-fast instrumentation, high spe...

Reflective Optical Biosensor

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:01:45 GMT

Brief Description: This technology uses polarized light reflectance interferometry for label-free detection of pathogens, monoclonal antibodies, proteins and other target bio-molecules on a micro-array silicon chip, with sensitivity similar to that of SPR and ELISA techiniques, but in a low cost real-time system. Applications: This technology can be used for the label-free detection of bio-molecules in several market segments: 1. Measurement of biomolecular interactions in research and drug discovery. 2. Point-or-care ...

Retinal Imaging with Adaptive Optics Optical Coherence Tomography (AO-OCT)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:01:32 GMT

Adaptive optics is used in optical coherence tomography (OCT) to provide very high axial resolution in a non-invasive "optical sectioning" technique for imaging at various depths within living human tissue. In the current commercial application of OCT for retinal imaging, the transverse resolution is limited by the intrinsic ocular aberrations of the eye. This invention applies adaptive optics via a deformable mirror and wavefront sensor to correct for those aberrations.ApplicationsRetinal imaging is used to diagnose diseases of the eye. AdvantagesAxial resolu...

Reconstruction of an Image Mosaic

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:01:25 GMT

Brief Description:This is software which can automatically knit together images into a continuous mosaic. The process involves fiding matching features in the input image, rejecting inconsistent matches, and computing a projective mapping which wraps the images into a common coordinate system for display.Applications:The software can be used for automatic map-making. It can also be used in security monitoring and surveilance systems, which have object recognition and change detection features. Other applications include uses in a system for route-finding, obstacle detection and path plann...

Change Detection and Object Discovery in Video

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:01:21 GMT

Brief Description:Software which analyzes digital video and detects the motion of objects to analyze the nature of that object.Applications:This software is used to automate security video cameras, by analyzing the video to discover objects by watching for activity, and then evaluating the compact changed regions. Application to homeland security systems and automated security camera systems.Advantages:The software detects the motion of objects and proceeds to analyze the nature of that object. After the detection of the change in the scene, the software then obtains high resolution image...

Image Authentification and Data Embedding

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:01:15 GMT

The software technology, which we have called AuthentImage , embeds imperceptible tags (watermarks) into an image without causing any loss of the image information. The tags embedded within the image provide a verification mechanism to assure that the image has not been altered. The information in the embedded tags can be extracted and is used to identify the image, establish its source, and verify its integrity (assure that it has not been tampered with). ApplicationsThe ability to assure that authenticity of an image is useful in medical imaging, forensic photography, assured document a...

Metrics to Predict the Subjective Impact of the Eye's Wave Aberration

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:01:12 GMT

A vision quality metric is an algorithm which interprets the complex wavefront measurements of the aberrations in a human eye in a way which reflects the subjective perception of vision quality. ApplicationsThe vision quality metric is to be used with a wavefront aberrometer to calculate a description of the quality of vision. This metric can serve as the merit function (or optimization parameter) to compute an objective prescription of vision correction. As such, it can be used in an auto-refractor device to provide the defocus and astigmatism descriptors normally used to prescrib...

Wireless Control Protocol for Energy Efficiency in Ad-Hoc Networks

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:01:05 GMT

The technology provides real-time packet broadcasting in a multihop radio network using a medium access control (MAC) protocol that combines advantageous features of both centralized and distributed networks for energy efficiency with high throughput. ApplicationsThis is for radio communication by a group carrying radios, such as a military unit, or a fire-fighter team.AdvantagesA novel clustering algorithm dynamically organizes the network into two-hop clusters, which coordinate channel access and minimize interference. Time is organized into cyclic superframes, which consist of several...

Domino Logic with Variable Threshold Voltage Keeper

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:00:54 GMT

The invention offers a high speed, low power domino logic circuit for microprocessors. The design involves a dynamic body biased keeper circuit which simultaneously reduces power consumption and enhances speed.. ApplicationsFor CMOS logic circuits requiring high speed.AdvantagesDomino CMOS logic circuits which are commonly used in high performance microprocessors for their high speed and area characteristics, are highly sensitive to noise as compared to static gates. In standard domino logic gates, a feedback keeper is employed to maintain the state of the dynamic node against coupling noise, ...

Sigma-Delta Analog to Digital Converter Architecture Based upon a Novel Modulator Design Employing a Mirrored Integrator

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:00:42 GMT

This technology provides an improved analog to digital converter (ADC) for lower noise, increased resolution and stability, reduced power consumption and smaller device size. Applications: This analog to digital converter (ADC) will compete with the conventional sigma delta ADC designs for high resolution applications because of both dynamic range and power reasons, and with other ADC types in certain applications because of its low power requirements. Advantages: In the new architecture, the frequency spectrum of the input signal is reflected about one-half the Nyquist f...

Adaptive Issue Queue for Reduced Power at High Performance

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:00:41 GMT

Brief Description: This is a method to reduce power consumption in microprocessor functional modules which have dedicated memory, buffer, or queue resources by forming a queue to those resources, based on dynamic statistics of the memory module activity, and depending on need or activity, the modules are adaptively changed in size. Applications: This concept is for super-scalar micro-processors. Such processors can accept instructions similar to a scalar processor, but has the additional capability to fetch, issue and execute multiple instructions in a given machine cy...

Mice Carrying Null or Conditional Mutations in the Bambi Gene

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:59:37 GMT

Applications:The Bambi gene encodes an inhibitory pseudoreceptor for the Bmp/TGF-beta super-family of signaling molecules. The Bambi mutant mice will be useful for research and drug development for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases, stem cell biology and cancer biology, liver function and homeostasis, immune system modulation, etc.Advantages:This is the first reported mutant mouse strain with mutation in the Bambi gene. Moreover, the mouse was generated with a conditioned mutation and allows cell type specific and development time specific inactivation of the gene, enabling det...

A Behavior Observational Instrument

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:59:36 GMT

Applications:This is a behavioral observational instrument in the form of a manual for use in recording maternal and toddler behaviors during limit setting interactions. It provides the definitions and parameters of specific behaviors to be observed and methods of pattern recognition and classification. Advantages:Children are classified on the basis of their autonomy and ability to respond to their mother's behavior, initiations and prohibitions. It is expected that the classifications reflect the extent to which a child is internalizing external controls and strategies for controlling t...

Med Schedule - A Web-based Software Solution for Nursing Staff Schedule Management

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:59:33 GMT

Applications:Med Schedule is a completely secure web-based software solution for nursing staff scheduling and management designed to handle the complex scheduling issues in a hospital environment. The scheduling process embodied in Med Schedule has three phases: 1. Initial Self schedule: The employee can enter preferred schedule and preferences within customizable parameters 2. Second self schedule: Employees can move themselves heavy staffed days to lightly staffed days of their choice. 3. System Administrator Juggle: Administrator does the final juggle of the staff prior to fi...

The Ontology Mapper

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:59:30 GMT

ApplicationsThis is a Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI) collaborative project between developers at UCSF, UPenn, and Rochester that involves a software component that can translate data between any two encodings so that data can be repurposed and reinterpreted in novel ways. This application has direct application to the semantic web. AdvantagesThis invention does away with semantic modelling and instead identifies the relations between data by using a knowledge management framework called the Ontology of Mapping Relations. This involves the specific invention of a software ...

Human KC-NL Crosstalk Subversion by HCV

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:58:42 GMT

Applications:The invention has developed an in vitro culture system based on the isolation of human Kupffer cells (KC) and natural Killer Cells (NK) from the donated liver grafts. The model can be used for the identification of drug targets of viral hepatitis, and for testing drugs and biologics.Advantages:The model uses human cells directly from the liver.

Identification of a Novel Stem Cell Marker

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:58:37 GMT

Applications:The invention identifies a Novel Stem Cell Marker Gpr177, a G Protein-coupled Receptor. Gpr177 is a useful marker in the identification, isolation and characterization of specific stem cell population, including neural stem cells in specific regions of the brain and spinal cord, and cancer stem cells as well.Advantages:The Gpr177-expressing stem cells have potential for the treatment of the brain and spinal cord injuries, the neuromuscular malfunction, and the learning and memory disorders. Because Gpr177 presents in unglycosylated and glycosylated forms, it is also useful for stu...

Mouse Model of Chronic Viral Hepatitis

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:58:36 GMT

Applications:The invention generates a novel mouse model of acute and chronic T cell mediated hepatitis, which shares some important features with viral hepatitis in man. The mouse model is valuable in identifying drug targets for viral hepatitis.Advantages:The mouse model is driven directly by CD8+ T cell and results from the recognition of an antigen that is expressed in a minority of hepatocytes. The mouse model does not depend on transgenic expression of the antigen and is not complicated by immune self-tolerance. The model results in the induction of genes associated with liver fibrosis.

Novel Intra-Ocular Pressure Regulating Device

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:58:30 GMT

Applications:The current invention proposes a novel intra-ocular pressure regulating device to aid in current glaucoma research and to treat human eye conditions such as hypotony (low eye pressure) which when chronic, can lead to debilitating loss of vision. This is based on a novel eye pressure regulated animal model of reversible elevated eye pressure to mimic human glaucoma.Advantages:Current animal models of glaucoma such as those induced in monkeys utilizing laser application to the outflow pathway to destroy it in an effort to raise intra-ocular pressure are not reproducible. They ...

A Training Curriculum for Mental Health and Spiritual Care Professionals in Healthcare Settings

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:58:26 GMT

This is a set of disaster behavioral health training materials for health and non-healthcare workers.ApplicationsThe materials will be used to train behavioral health, spiritual care and other community helpers to respond to the needs of individuals impacted by disasters and public health emergencies. It can be utilized by state and local health and mental health agencies and other disaster response organizations to train their personnel. The curriculum titled 'Disaster Mental Health: A Critical Response' is composed of the following:- Instructor Edition (6-1583)- Instructor Manual (6-1584)- P...

A Training Curriculum for Mental Health and Spiritual Care Professionals in Healthcare Settings

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:58:24 GMT

A Training Curriculum for Mental Health and Spiritual Care Professionals in Healthcare Settings

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:58:23 GMT

A Training Curriculum for Mental Health and Spiritual Care Professionals in Healthcare Settings

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:58:22 GMT

This is a set of disaster behavioral health training materials for health and non-healthcare workers ApplicationsThe materials will be used to train behavioral health, spiritual care and other community helpers to respond to the needs of individuals impacted by disasters and public health emergencies. It can be utilized by state and local health and mental health agencies and other disaster response organizations to train their personnel. The curriculum titled 'Disaster Mental Health: A Critical Response' is composed of the following: - Instructor Edition (6-1583)- Instru...

Carbohydrate-targeted Therapeutic Agents, Diagnostics, and Sensors

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:58:04 GMT

Applications:Carbohydrates represent a particularly enticing and important challenge to the organic chemist interested in molecular recognition. In addition to their role in addressing the fundamental problem of understanding binding and selectivity, novel carbohydrate receptors have significant potential as tools in the rapidly evolving field of glycomics, as components of sensing systems for isolated sugar and for pathogens, and as leads for the development of new therapeutic agents. The invention identifies a small molecule that binds carbohydrates with high affinity via non-covalent intera...

Modulating Melanin Expression

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:59 GMT

Compounds which can induce melanin expression to aid in certain clinical indications or for cosmetic purposes. Problem Solved by This TechnologyMelanin is important for disease prevention, because it absorbs ultraviolet light in the UVB and UVA spectrum. This protects keratinocytes from the mutagenic effects of sunlight. In addition, melanin has a social function, as it determines skin and hair color. Agents that increase melanin synthesis are of interest, because of their potential use as “natural sunscreens” that stimulate the skin’s resident melanocytes to produce and...

Antigen Release Beads for a Quantitative ELISPOT or FLORISPOT Assay

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:48 GMT

Applications:This research has developed a method to quantify the specific amount of antigen released by cells in an ELISPOT assay.Advantages:Currently, an ELISPOT assay can only quantify the number of cells producing a particular antigen. This technology allows the user to create a standard curve for antigen release and determine the actual amount of antigen released by the cells.

Reagents Identifying PPARγ Isoforms

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:37 GMT

Applications:Reagents can be used for commercial western blot/ELISA/Flow Cytometry.Advantages:Currently there are no proven reagents that distinguish PPAR gamma isoforms.

Provider Portal/Web Bed Board

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:24 GMT

Applications:The "Web Bed Board" system was developed by the Division of Medical Informatics and the URMC Information Systems Division to manage the facets of the SMH and HH patient census. The "web bed board," is an application within the URMC Provider Portal, replacing the legacy magnetic census board that had occupied the SMH admitting office. The Admission/Discharge/Transfer and other results are fed in real time into the Clinical Data Repository where it can be viewed by URMC providers and staff.Advantages:This invention improves upon the prior method of or...

Polyketal Nanoparticles (PKNs): a Novel Macrophage-Selective Drug-Delivery System

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:23 GMT

ApplicationsPolykeltal nanoparticles (PKNs) represent a novel and effective drug delivery vehicle, which appear to target macrophages selectively. Currently, PKNs can be used to incorporate any lipophilic pharmaceutical or lipophilic peptide. Inventors are now working on adapting the reverse-phase emulsion technique which will allow for the incorporation of hydrophilic compounds including nucleic acids and siRNA. PKNs represent a prime drug delivery vehicle for conditions, like shock syndrome, in which macrophage activation plays an important role in the pathophysiology. AdvantagesThe che...

Kcnn4 Knockout Mouse

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:19 GMT

Applications:The Kcnn4 Knockout Mouse model will be helpful for developing treatment for sickle cell anemia and diarrhea.Advantages:Kcnn4 Knockout Mouse model can be used for testing function, related genetic diseases and treatment related to the Kcnn4 gene.

Human Biliverdin Reductase is a New Member of the Insulin Receptor Substrate Family with Serine/Threonine/Tyrosine Kinase Activity

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:15 GMT

Applications:Human biliverdin reductase (BVR) is an evolutionary conserved soluble enzyme that was originally characterized in the context of its reductase activity (conversion of biliverdin to bilirubin) and more recently shown to possess serine/threonine/tyrosine kinase activity. The present work demonstrates that this dual kinase activity of BVR may play a role in the insulin signaling pathway. First, BVR acts as a substrate for insulin receptor (IR) tyrosine kinase activity and subsequent activation of BVR is thought to block insulin mediated glucose uptake. In addition, BVR ac...

Pediatric Blood Pressure Screening Wheel

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:06 GMT

Applications:This is a copyrighted screening wheel with potential for widespread use in screening for high blood pressure in children.Advantages:The current method for determining if a child has elevated blood pressure is very cumbersome. It involves plotting a height percentile on a CDC growth chart and then looking at a complicated table for the systolic and diastolic blood pressure that corresponds with the percentile. The physician then has to recognize that less than 90% is normal and greater than 95% is elevated. This tool allows for easy determination of blood pressure...

A Model to Study the Role of IL-1ß in Neurodegeneration and Brain Injury

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:57:05 GMT

Applications:A novel transgenic mouse model was created to investigate the role of IL1ß in neurodegeneration and brain injury. This model may also be used to test existing and novel drugs and therapies for suppression of neuroinflammation associated with brain disorders.Advantages:Creation of conditionally expressed IL1ß and IL-1A (receptor antagonist) mice provides an important tool for dissection of the role of IL-1 in brain and neurodegeneration.

Mouse Model of Osteoarthritis: Over-Expression of Smurf2 in Cartilage to Induce Disease and Over-expression of Smurf1 as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:56:54 GMT

Applications:We have generated col2-promoter-Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor2 (col2-Smurf2) transgenic mice which possess a loss of TGFß signaling and display each of above characteristics, thus displaying a phenotype more representative of the disease process. Furthermore, the over-expression of Smurf2 in cartilage that has been induced in these mice correlates with the increased Smurf2 expression that is seen in osteoarthritic cartilage tissue harvested from patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty due to osteoarthritis.Advantages:This col2-Smurf2 mouse model may present a ph...

Recombinant GST-Tagged Vitronectin Can Be Used as a Cell-Culture Substratum

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:56:52 GMT

ApplicationsA Cell-Culture Substratum.AdvantagesLarge quantities of Vitronectin can be quickly and easily produced, eliminating the need for using human blood as a source for Vitronectin.

Quaternary Antimuscarinic Compounds for the Treatment of Bladder Diseases

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:56:24 GMT

Applications:The present invention covers the use of quaternary compounds with antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) properties for the treatment of bladder diseases, including urinary incontinence. The present compounds extend the existing patent portfolio to embrace a family of structures that show promise for intravesical use. The preferred rout of administration is intravesical. Oral or systemic routes might be effective if controlled release within the bladder could be achieved with further pharmaceutical development effort.Advantages:The present compounds have high affinity ...

Monoclonal Antibodies to Yellow Fever E Protein

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:56:02 GMT

Applications:This invention presents serious of monoclonal mouse IgG and IgM antibodies against yellow fever virus and dengue fever, and the antibody-producing hybridoma cell lines. These antibodies have multiple applications in production of vaccine against yellow fever.Advantages:These antibodies have been proved to be very helpful in testing, quality control, and manufacturing vaccines against yellow fever and dengue fever. Antibodies available are for NS1 and E protein of dengue and yellow fever virus.

Transgenic Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease Containing Either Wild-Type or Doubly-Mutated Human Alpha-synuclein

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:55:50 GMT

ApplicationsThis transgenic mouse model can be used to study Parkinson's Disease. The mouse model expresses a doubly mutated form of human alpha-synuclein. AdvantagesThis model has proven useful in understanding the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease in humans and can be useful in designing rational interventions to slow or halt the course of the disease. This model can also be used to evaluate Parkinson's Disease therapeutics.

HSA LR Mice (Mouse Model of Myotonic Dystrophy)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:55:49 GMT

ApplicationsThe invention offers a transgenic mouse model for myotonic dystrophy. This mouse model expresses expanded CUG repeats and develops myotonia and myopathy. This model can be utilized to examine interactions between the loss- and gain-of-function effects of the mutation and to investigate the mechanism for nuclear retention and toxicity of expanded CUG repeats.AdvantagesIn vivo model for muscular dystrophy.

A Mouse Line that Lacks Phosphoinositide

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:55:46 GMT

ApplicationsThe invention generates a mouse line that is Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase g-deficient. The mouse model can be used in target validation assays for arthritis, asthma, septic shock, and atherosclerosis. AdvantagesThe mouse model can provide information as to which human disease might benefit from drugs designed to inhibit Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase g.

Database for CARE-HD Trial Sponsored by NINDS

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:55:43 GMT

Applications:The database provides information on whether remacemide and/or coenzyme Q can effectively treat Huntington's disease.Advantages:The database is a unique collection of data from 30 months of clinical trials.Technology Status:The database is ready for use.

Dioxin Responsive lacZ Mouse Model

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:55:36 GMT

Applications:The mouse model provides a useful tool for both the examination of the endogenous role of the Ah receptor in proliferation or differentiation and of the developmental targets of dioxin-like compounds.Advantages:A useful model for studying how dioxin-like compounds affects Ah receptors in vivo.

Animal Model for the Testing of Allergens and Irritants

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:55:26 GMT

Applications:A novel in vitro molecular reporter test which measures the upregulation of a keratinocyte-derived costimulatory molecule induced by allergens and irritants.Certain chemicals enhance the attributes of products which come in significant contact with the skin, such as cosmetics and clothing. Oftentimes it is not clearly understood what effects these chemicals may have on the skin until after a product has reached the market. Because the health of potential consumers is at risk, product testing using human volunteers and animals (i.e., the Draize Test) is conducted to mea...

Transgenic Mice Expressing Human PSA

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:55:18 GMT

ApplicationsHuman prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been widely used as a serum marker for cancer of the prostate. The cell type-specific expression of PSA also makes it a potential tumor antigen for prostate cancer immunotherapy.AdvantagesGeneration of a mouse model expressing human PSA allows for the study of the immunological aspects of this protein within either normal or malignant prostate tissue.

E1-A Immortalized Retinal (E1A-NR.3) Cell Culture

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:55:17 GMT

ApplicationsThe established retinal cell line retains retinal properties, is non-tumorigenic but immortal. It is ideal for in-vitro drug screening.AdvantagesIt is one of very few retinal cell lines.Technology StatusE1 cell line is ready for use.

Hybridoma Cell Line & Monoclonal Antibodies Named IV.3

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:55:08 GMT

ApplicationsThis invention presents monoclonal antibodies against FcRII, and the antibody-producing hybridoma cell line. These antibodies can be utilized in evaluation of function and regulation of FcRII.AdvantagesThis inventions presents the first monoclonal antibody that recognize FcRII, and provides a novel tool in FcRII related research.

Acoustically Induced Blood Stasis and in vivo Optical Spectroscopy Thereof

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:30:01 GMT

ApplicationsThe present invention combines the effects of ultrasound-induced blood stasis and optical spectroscopy to create a new, non-invasive tissue imaging and diagnostic tool. It has applications in non-invasive tissue diagnosis, localized drug delivery, non-invasive manipulation of vascular blood flow and oxygenation for generally enhanced therapeutic and diagnostic effects. AdvantagesPresently there are few tissue diagnosis methods approved for clinical use. For some tissue diagnosis purposes, imaging molecules is sufficient (e.g. MRI, CT, PET etc.). Breast cancer is very difficult...

Monoclonal Antibodies to von Willebrand Factor Propolypeptide (VWFpp)

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:30:01 GMT

ApplicationsThe invention offers monoclonal antibodies against VWFpp as a diagnostic for von Willebrand disease. VWFpp is stored only in the endothelial cell and release of this protein may serve as marker for endothelial cell damage of von Willebrand disease. Advantagesvon Willebrand disease has very mild signs and the condition can be difficult to diagnose. The common blood test for von Willebrand disease is the measurement of VWF antigen. The present invention offers an alternative method by measuring VWFpp, adding further accuracy to identify the disease.

Non-Invasive in-vivo Imaging of Mechanoreceptors in Human Skin Using Confocal Microscopy

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:30:00 GMT

Applications:This invention relates to a technique for non-invasive in vivo imaging of the sensory nerve endings in the skin or Meissner's corpuscles using confocal microscopy.Advantages:Assessment of sensory nerve endings in the skin (Meissner's corpuscles) by means of invasive punch skin biopsy from the palmar surface of the hand or fingers or the sole of the feet has been done for a century as a research technique to understand sensory function and has been considered a potentially useful approach to study and diagnose sensory loss and sensory neuropathies in the clinic. However...

Novel Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Chimeric Virus Like Particle (cVLP)-Based Gene Delivery System for Phrophylaxis and Immunotherapy of Infectious Diseases

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:19:36 GMT

Applications:As demonstrated in vitro and in vivo results, HPV VLPs, preferably chimeric HPV L1/L2 VLPs, are useful for facilitating delivery and expression of plasmid DNA to antigen presenting cells, and for enhanced induction of immune responses against co-administered plasmid DNA-based immunogens. Results also demonstrate enhanced immune response to infectious diseases other than HPV. HPV chimeric VLPs have been evaluated for immunotherapy against HPV disease with only modest results. DNA immunization has demonstrated more promising, but still modest results.Advantages:Here we show th...

Stabilized Outersurface Protein A Fragment as a Lyme Disease Vaccine

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:19:32 GMT

ApplicationsLyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi that can result in damages to joints, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Outsurface protein A (OspA) is a major surface antigen of Borrelia burgdorferi. Anti- OspA mAb has been shown to protect severe combined immunodeficiency mice from clinical symptoms of Lyme disease, suggesting that the Anti- OspA mAb blocks spirochete transmission by binding to OspA. The invention develops site-directed mutations of OspA whose fold conformation is stable. AdvantagesThe invention develops a stabilized sma...

Stable Human Fc Receptor-Transformed Cell Lines to Detect Virus-Neutralizing and Enhancing Antibodies

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:54:55 GMT

Applications:The invention offers a novel method to screen anti-flavivirus antibodies in blood for neutralizing and replication-enhancing antibodies using Fc gamma R transformed macrophages. Although this invention is immediately applicable to dengue virus infection, in principle it is applicable to any viral pathogen whose replication may be enhanced by antibodies.Advantages:The invention offers simplicity and the prospect of an automated, high through-put alternative to both conventional virus plaque neutralization and immune enhancement assay. The method will offer a standardized form...

RECRUIT - A Database Solution for the Management of Clinical Trial Recruitment

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:54:36 GMT

Applications:RECRUIT is a clinical trial recruitment management software program developed internally by the Informatics Core of the NIH funded Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) at the University of Rochester. Research-this application is applicable to all research projects.Electronic-optimized for speed and user friendliness using tried-and-true database technologies developed by the UR Informatics.Calendaring-built in calendaring component allows for scheduling, tracking, protocol subject compliance and allows for alerts to ensure that all protocols are completed.Rete...

MADDIT II Blood Samples

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 11:52:23 GMT

Applications:This set of biological materials arose from a genetics research study at the University of Rochester in the area of sudden cardiac death. The University also possesses genotypic and phenotypic data related to each sample (subject) that participated in this study. The data collected during the course of the study is owned by a third party.

Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibition as a Treatment Strategy for Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:47:11 GMT

Applications:The invention proposes a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by targeting Tissue Factor (TF) pathway. Preliminary human and animal data have demonstrated that TF is associated with PAH. By blocking TF pathway, the progression of PAH would be stopped and early pathological vascular changes could be potentially reversed. Blockade of TF pathway can be currently implemented by administration of TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI) (invented by Chiron) to PAH patients. Future effort should be directed toward developing an orall...

Mouse Model of Osteoarthritis

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:06:03 GMT

Applications: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease and currently there is no effective treatment for the diseases. We have generated a conditional activation genetic mouse model that can help to identify new drugs for the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. The mouse model can also test the effect and efficacy of existing or newly identified osteoarthritis drugs. Advantages: Using the mouse model, we demonstrate for the first time that over expression of a key gene in articular chondrocytes leads to the development of OA in adult mouse.

Repair and Regeneration of Articular Cartilage, and the Repair and Regeneration of Fibrocartilaginous Tissues

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:03:49 GMT

The invention provides methods for the protection, repair and regeneration of articular cartilage, and fibrocartilaginous tissues using recombinant parathyroid hormones, such the FDA approved biologic agent – teriparatide (Forteo®, Eli Lilly). Problem Solved by this TechnologyCurrently, the only treatments for cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis (OA) involve palliation focused on pain management and joint replacement. The longstanding inability to develop a disease-modifying therapy that can rejuvenate joint cartilage is a great unmet need considering the high prevalence o...

Robot-Assisted Platform for Intratumoral Delivery (RAPID) System

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:03:07 GMT

ApplicationsThis technology relates to robot-assisted radioactive seed implantation for prostate brachytherapy. It is an automated system for delivery of seeds or other therapeutic or diagnostic capsules to internal organs of the patient’s body for radiation brachytherapy and includes a needling mechanism, a 2DOF robot, an ultrasound probe driver, a 5DOF passive platform, and an easy lock cart. The needling mechanism implants radioisotope seeds by its cannula and stylet driven by two moving stages pushed by DC motors with ball screw transmission. Force sensors are included for detecting ...

Photodynamic Therapy with Spatially-Resolved Dual Spectroscopic Monitoring and Related System

URVenturesInfo@URMC.Rochester.edu — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:18:54 GMT

Brief Description:Since 2003, a collaborative research effort between researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) and the Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) has resulted in the development of a system for delivery of photodynamic therapy(PDT) for the treatment of cancer with capabilities for realtime spectroscopic monitoring and feedback controlled dosimetry.Applications:This invention involves instrumentation developed for delivery of spatially resolved photodynamic therapy (PDT) in vivo, employing real-time measurements of fluorescence emission spectra corrected for ef...