Cloned Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Nucleic Acids
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Allan J. Tobin, Mark G. Erlander, Daniel L. Kaufman
Utilizing techniques of recombinant DNA technology, this invention describes a method for the large-scale production of eukaryotic glutamic acid decarboxylase65 (GAD65) polypeptides that has been shown to be useful in the diagnosis and therapy of autoimmune disease. Specifically, the antigenic components of GAD65 polypeptides can be a good diagnostic indicator of autoimmune disease such as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).
U.S. Patent No. 5,705,626
Issued: January 6, 1998

Immunoglobulins Reactive with Protegrins
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Robert I. Lehrer, Sylvia S. Harwig
Peptide-based compounds containing four invariant cysteine residues that have been optionally oxidized to contain two intramolecular disulfide bonds, or modified forms where the cysteines are replaced, are useful as preservatives and in preventing, treating, or ameliorating viral or microbial infection in animals and plants, and in inactivating endotoxin.
U.S. Patent No. 5,708,145
Issued: January 13, 1998

High Resolution Detector Array for Gamma-Ray Imaging
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Simon R. Cherry, Yiping Shao, Stefan B. Siegel, Robert W. Silverman
This gamma ray detection and locating system comprises an array of scintillator crystals connected to a multichannel photomultiplier tube by discrete optical fibers, each fiber connecting a single crystal to a corresponding specific location on the face of the photomultiplier tube. Also described is an improved system for identifying the location of specific electrodes in the photomultiplier tube receiving electrons generated by photons flowing from the crystal along the fiber to the tube.
U.S. Patent No. 5,719,400
Issued: February 17, 1998

Iron Chelator And Inhibitor Of Iron-Mediated Oxidant Injury
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Marcus A. Horwitz, Joseph R. Reeve
Exochelins can be used to prevent damage to living tissue from the formation or presence of the (OH) radical. In particular, this invention is directed to the administration of exochelins to infarcted myocardium prior to or coincidental with reperfusion to prevent damage to myocardium from iron-mediated free radical formation. Also presented is the chemical structure of exochelins and modified exochelins, as well as other applications of these materials in the treatment and diagnosis of disease in mammals.
U.S. Patent No. 5,721,209
Issued: February 24, 1998

Screening Assay for Anti-HIV Drugs
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Irvin S.Y. Chen, Jeremy B.M. Jowett, Vicente Planelles
The essential role of the Vpr protein of HIV in the progression of HIV infection is disclosed. Recognition of this role permits assay for potential drug candidates by virtue of their ability to interfere with the interaction of Vpr with its intracellular targets. Thus, cells that are modified to contain an expression system for the production of Vpr are cultured in the presence and absence of the drug candidate, and the growth rates are compared. The ability of a candidate to enhance the growth of a culture producing Vpr indicates its potential as an anti-AIDS therapeutic.
U.S. Patent No. 5,721,104
Issued: February 24, 1998

Etchants for Use in Micromachining of CMOS Microaccelerometers and Microelectromechanical Devices and Method of Making the Same
Participating UCLA Inventor:
Kristofer S. Pister
This invention describes accelerometers using tiny proof masses and piezoresistive force detection. Conventional wisdom would indicate that this approach would not yield useful sensors. However, in fact, according to the invention, such devices are suitable in a wide range of applications. The devices may include deformable hinges to allow the fabrication of three-dimensional structures. A new system has been developed that etches silicon highly selectively at moderate temperatures and without hydrodynamic forces potentially damaging to small structures and features. The system is based on the use of the gas phase etchant xenon diflouride, which is an unremarkable white solid at standard temperature and pressure.
U.S. Patent No. 5,726,480
Issued: March 10, 1998

Anti-VH3-15 Reagents and Methods for Their Use
Participating UCLA Inventor:
Jonathan Braun
This invention provides anti-VH3-15 idiotypic antibody materials, hybridomas producing this antibody material and methods for using these to detect, isolate and purify VH3-15 polypeptides. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding anti-VH3-15 antibody material and methods for using these molecules to detect, isolate and purify VH3-15 nucleic acid sequences.
U.S. Patent No. 5,738, 847
Issued: April 14, 1998

Partially Insulated Occlusion Device
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Guido Guglielmi, Cheng Ji
This device is used in the occlusion of various lumen and other cavities in the body. In particular, it may be used to form an endovascular occlusion through the application of a radio-frequency modulated voltage to the device after its placement in the body. The elongated device is distally insulated to optimize its occlusive activity without harm to the body.
U.S. Patent No. 5,743,905
Issued: April 28, 1998

Diagnostic Test for Replicative Senescence in T Cells
Participating UCLA Inventor:
Rita B. Effros
This invention is a method for distinguising replicatively senescent T cells from replicatively non-senescent T cells in a cell population of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Another aspect of the invention is a method for separating immunologically senescent cells from immunologically non-senescent cells in a cell population.
U.S. Patent No. 5,744,317
Issued: April 28, 1998

Plasma Enhanced Chemical Transport Process for Forming Diamond Films
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Rointan F. Bunshah, Hans J. Doerr, Shyankay R. Jou
This chemical transport process is enhanced by a plasma formed in a substantially oxygen-free hydrogen environment for formation of microcrystalline diamond films at a relatively low deposition temperature and a rate of about 1 mm/hr. The process, performed at 80-180 Torr and a current density of about 1 amp/cm2 of substrate, can be scaled to deposit films on large areas. The invention further comprises doped diamond films produced by the process, said product having a well-faceted microcrystalline structure with X-ray diffraction pattern and Raman spectra indicative of a predominantly diamond structure. The doped diamond films can function as n-type and p-type semiconductors.
U.S. Patent No. 5,747,118
Issued: May 5, 1998

Treatment of Cystic Disease with TNF-Alpha
Participating UCLA Inventor:
David D.L. Woo
This method for treating polycystic kidney disease involves identifying a mammal having a cystic disease and administering to the mammal a pharmacologically effective anti-cystic amount of TNF-a or an agent that stimulates TNF-a production in vivo. The agent is administered in a pharmacologically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent.
U.S. Patent No. 5,750,495
Issued: May 12, 1998

Nucleotide Sequences of a T. Pallidum Rare Outer Membrane Protein
Participating UCLA Inventors:
David R. Blanco, Cheryl I. Champion, Michael A. Lovett, James N. Miller
Antigenic rare outer membrane proteins of Spirochaetaceae are obtained from organisms extracted from infected tissue by a novel process of isolation utilizing a discontinuous Ficoll gradient separation, release of outer membrane in a low isotonic and low pH buffer and identification of outer membrane by use of a lipid soluble dye. Four antigenic rare outer membrane proteins of T. pallidum subsp. pallidum useful in diagnosis and prophylaxis of syphilis are provided. Also provided are the amino acid sequences of two rare outer membrane proteins of T. pallidum subsp. pallidum, called TROMP 1 and TROMP 2, and the nucleotide sequences encoding them.
U.S. Patent No. 5,735,459
Issued: May 19. 1998

High Speed Self-Adjusting Clock Recovery Circuit With Frequecy Detection
Participating UCLA Inventor:
Aaron W. Buchwald
A clock recovery circuit based on an early-late gate approach is applied to high-speed serial communication links using NRZ data. The circuit has no systematic phase offset and therefore requires no external phase adjustment circuits or mechanisms. The circuit is used in high-speed integrated receivers for applications including fiber optics, disk-drive read/write electronics, mobile communications and high rate-twisted pair data transmission in multimedia systems. Quadrature samples are obtained and held that follow the shape of the NRZ data transition as a function of phase offset. The data signal is passed through the limiter, giving rise to a sawtooth shaped phase error signal. A derivative of the error function is taken to provide a frequence error signal to provide for frequency detection and assistance in frequency acquisition of the phase lock loop circuit, generating the recovery clock signal from a variety controlled oscillator.
U.S. Patent No. 5,757,857
Issued: May 26, 1998

Oligodendrocyte-Specific Protein and Method for Diagnosing and Treating Disease
Participating UCLA Inventor:
Jeff Bronstein
This invention involves a protein consisting essentially of purified oligodendrocyte-specific protein or purified biologically active variants thereof, or a combination of purified oligodendrocyte-specific protein and biologically active variants thereof. That purified and isolated peptide has the sequence Ala-Lys-Tyr-Arg-Arg-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ala-Gly residues 115-124 of SEQ ID NO:2. It is a device for identifying an epitope region of a peptide, protein, or protein homologue of interest comprising a polypropylene membrane having a plurality of sequentially oriented peptide spots. Each spot contains a peptide having an amino acid sequence, where the amino acid sequences of the peptides on the peptide spots sequentially progress through the amino acid sequence of the peptide, protein, or protein homologue of interest. It is a method of diagnosing and treating multiple sclerosis, as well as a method of diagnosing a disease or condition, such as an autoimmune disease, with the disease or condition having the clinical feature of antibody production against a peptide, protein, or protein homologue.
U.S. Patent No. 5,756,300
Issued: May 26, 1998

Method for Producing Secretable Glycosyltransferases and Other Golgi Processing Enzymes
Participating UCLA Inventors:
James G. Paulson, Eryn Ujita-Lee, Karen J. Colley, Jasminder Weinstein
This invention provides an expression system in genetically altered cells for producing soluble and secretable glycosyltransferases instead of the membrane-bound glycotransferases that naturally occur within the Golgi apparatus of cells. Secretion of soluble forms of glycosyltransferases by genetically engineered cells enables greatly increased production and simplified recovery of this important class of enzymatic catalysts. Soluble glyocotransferases and other soluble Golgi processing enzymes are likely to find widespread use in the synthesis of carbohydrates possessing precisely defined sequences.
U.S. Patent No. 5,776,772
Issued: July 7, 1998

Method and Device for Treating Intracranial Vascular Aneurysms
Participating UCLA Inventor:
Tarik F. Massoud
A device and method for the therapeutic management of intracranial vascular aneurysms are provided involving the use of intravascular balloon catheters that can directly image the aneurysm and can occlude the entire lumen of the aneurysm sac using liquid sealing agents. The intracranial catheters have various configurations designed to treat aneurysms regardless of the aneurysm’s neck size and at different locations within the intracranial vascular system.
U.S. Patent No. 5,776,097
Issued: July 7, 1998

Method and Apparatus for Generating Radiation Utilizing DC to AC Conversion with a Conductive Front
Participating UCLA Inventors:
John M. Dawson, Warren B. Mori
A method and apparatus are provided for generating radiation of high power, variable duration and broad tunability over several orders of magnitude from a laser-ionized gas-filled capacitor array. The method and apparatus convert a DC electric field pattern into a coherent electromagnetic wave train when a relativistic ionization front passes between the capacitor plates. The frequency and duration of the radiation is controlled by the gas pressure and capacitor spacing.
U.S. Patent No. 5,780,971
Issued: July 14, 1998

Inhibition of Cyst Formation by Cytoskeletal Specific Drugs
Participating UCLA Inventor:
David D.L. Woo
This method of producing a culture of polycystic kidney cells that form cysts in vitro also provides a cell culture of polycystic kidney cells. A method for screening an agent in vitro to determine the effectiveness of the agent in treating polycystic kidney disease is disclosed. Further, this invention provides a method of treating a mammal having polycystic kidney disease by administering pharmaceutical compositions, including taxol.
U.S. Patent No. 5,882,881
U.S. Patent No. 5,789,189
Issued: March 16, 1999
Issued: August 4, 1998

Method and Apparatus for a Wavelength Selective True-Time Delay for an Optically Controlled Device
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Bahram Jalali, Sivasubramaniam S. Yegnanarayanan
Phased-array antennas can significantly benefit from the implementation of photonic signal processing and distribution techniques. Optical time delays provide a unique solution to the problems associated with beam squint. The broadband nature of optical delay lines enables beam steering independent of microwave frequency. This invention describes a new integrated true-time delay (TTD) technology in which the delay is controlled by the optical wavelength. The technique uses a phased-array waveguide grating and can readily be integrated on a single substrate using the silica or semiconductor waveguide technology.
U.S. Patent No. 5,793,907
Issued: August 11, 1998

Method for Treating Ischemic Brain Stroke
Participating UCLA Inventor:
John G. Frazee
This invention provides a proficient and safe method to return arterial blood flow in the brain in the treatment of acute ischemic brain strokes. The quicker the brain tissues receive arterial blood, the greater the chances of reducing permanent injury. The brain has a blood circulatory system including a torcular Herophili and first and second transverse venous sinuses adjoining the torcular Herophili. The method includes a partial occlusion of the first and second transverse venous sinuses in first and second locations, respectively, to partially obstruct venous blood drainage while permitting some antegrade venous blood flow from at least one of the transverse venous sinuses. A flow of the patient’s arterial blood is introduced into at least one of the transverse venous sinuses, providing a substantially continuous retrograde to blood flow into the venous side of the brain of the patient to overcome the lack of arterial blood flow for a period of time until the patient exhibits at least some resolution of ischemic brain symptoms.
U.S. Patent No. 5,794,629
Issued: August 18, 1998

Assay for Humoral Immunity to Macromolecules
Participating UCLA Inventor:
Nir Kossovsky
Some of the wide variety of new materials being introduced into patients as implants or therapeutic agents may trigger adverse immunogenic responses due to the conformational changes induced in native macromolecules (e.g., silicone-altering macromolecule conformation by rendering normally hydrophilic extracellular spaces more hydrophobic). This invention offers a method to screen for such immunogenic responses, employing an immunoassay in conjunction with a native macromolecule bound to a biomaterial or pharmacologic support surface.
U.S. Patent No. 5,798,220
Issued: August 25, 1998

Simultaneously Acquiring Video Images and Analog Signals
Participating UCLA Inventors:
David M. Rector, Ronald M. Harper
This invention is a system for the simultaneous collection, storage and analysis of an analog signal and video signal. The output is a standard composite video signal containing analog and video data. The system also provides for interleaving digitized physiological signals and video images of subjects onto digital media in a standard file format. The system can provide for multimedia communications such as teleconferencing, surveillance systems using video and analog signals, and single cell physical and visible behavior according to changing conditions.
U.S. Patent No. 5,798,798
Issued: August 25, 1998

Staggered Striping in Multimedia Information Systems
Participating UCLA Inventor:
Richard Muntz
Multimedia information systems often cannot support the continuous display of multimedia objects and suffer from frequent disruptions and delays, termed hiccups. This is due to the low I/O bandwidth of current disk technology, the high bandwidth requirement of multimedia objects, and the large size of these objects that almost always requires them to be disk resident. One approach to resolve this limitation is to decluster a multimedia object across multiple disk drives in order to employ the aggregate bandwidth of several disks to support the continuous retrieval (and display) of objects. This invention describes staggered striping as a novel technique to provide effective support for multiple users accessing the different objects in the database. Detailed simulations confirm the superiority of staggered striping.
U.S. Patent No. 5,799,174
Issued: August 25, 1998

DNA Sequencing Apparatus and Method for a Small Formal Gel with a Magnified Readout
Participating UCLA Inventor:
Suraj P. Bhat
The invention provides an improved method of DNA sequencing in a gel by running the DNA in a mini-gel of approximately 8 x 11 cm at a reduced electrophorectic voltage and without pre-heating the buffer solution in contact with the gel. The separated DNA fragments can be visualized by computer magnification. As a result, costs, expense, time and difficulties in handling large DNA sequencing gels are avoided.
U.S. Patent No. 5,800,993
Issued: September 1, 1998

Protegrins
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Robert I. Lehrer, Sylvia S. L. Harwig, Vladimir N. Kokryakov
These are peptide-based compounds that contain four invariant cysteine residues that have been optimally oxidized to contain two intramolecular disulfide bonds. Modified forms in which the cysteines are replaced are useful as preservatives and in preventing, treating, or ameliorating viral or microbial infection in animals and plants, and in inactivating endotoxin.
U.S. Patent No. 5,804,558
Issued: September 8, 1998

Method for Reducing Storage Requirements for Grouped Data Values
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Min-Jen Tsai, John D. Villasenor, Feng Chen
This invention relates to data compression and, in particular, to compression of run/level coded data or other sequential, digital data.
U.S. Patent No. 5,818,877
Issued: October 6, 1998

Nucleotide Sequences of a T. Pallidum Rare Outer Membrane Protein
Participating UCLA Inventors:
David R. Blanco, James N. Miller, Michael A. Lovett, Cheryl I. Champion
This is a novel process for isolating antigenic rare outer membrane proteins from the pathogenic family Spirohacetaceae. Specifically, the invention embodies four antigenic outer membrane proteins of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum and their diagnostic and prophylactic properties in the diagnosis and treatment of syphillis. Also provided is the amino acid sequence of a rare outer membrane protein of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum and the gene encoding it.
U.S. Patent No. 5,821,085
Issued: October 13, 1998

Cloned Leptospiral Outer Membrane Protein
Participating UCLA Inventor:
David A. Haake
This invention provides an antigenic preparation containing a 63 Kd outer membrane protein from Leptospira that can be used immunologically as a vaccine for leptospirosis caused by this organism. Also provided in the invention are polynucleotides encoding the protein and antibodies that bind the protein; these are useful in the diagnosis of leptospirosis.
U.S. Patent No. 5,824,321
Issued: October 20, 1998

Motion-Estimating Method
Participating UCLA Inventors:
John Villasenor, Feng Chen
A motion-estimating method for determining a motion vector, using a bit rate-distortion technique in image compression, is provided. The method compresses data efficiently by selecting a motion vector for enabling maximum compression rate in a rate allowance limit, when a video encoder based on the H.263 standard is implemented.
U.S. Patent No. 5,825,930
Issued: October 20, 1998

Serine Protease Operative Between 75°C and 103°C
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Jeffrey H. Miller, Peter Markiewicz
The invention is the discovery of a new serine protease that exhibits proteolytic activity at high-temperatures ranging from 75°C to 130°C. Isolated from a homogenate of hyperthermophilic, Pyrobaculum aerophilum, the protease has been given the name “aerolysin.” The high temperature proteolytic activity of aerolysin is well-suited for use as a detergent additive. The invention also discloses the complete nucleic acid sequence of the gene encoding aerolysin, as well as the amino acid sequence of the enzyme.
U.S. Patent No. 5,830,740
Issued: November 3, 1998

Method for Aiding in the Reduction of Incidence of Tobacco Smoking
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Karce Daniel Rose, Jed E. Rose, Murray E. Jarvik
This invention provides a method in aiding in the reduction of the incidence of tobacco smoking, utilizing a simultaneously or independently administered transdermal nicotine delivery patch and low-concentration oral nicotine aerosol spray. These alternate sources of nicotine allow for the delivery of nicotine into the bloodstream at levels corresponding to that achieved from tobacco smoking. Also provided is a device for the application of the low-concentration oral nicotine aerosol spray.
U.S. Patent No. 5,834,011
Issued: November 10, 1998

Method of Modulating Radical Formation by Mutant CuZnSOD Enzymes
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Dale E. Bredesen, Joan S. Valentine, Martina Wiedau-Pazos, Joy J. Goto, Edith B. Gralla
Disclosed in the invention is a method to modulate free radical formation and treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease) in patients with a mutant copper-zinc super oxide dismutase (CuZnSOD enzyme). ALS-associated mutant CuZnSOD has been shown to catalyze the formation of harmful hydroxyl radicals at a faster rate than its wild-type counterpart. The administration of copper chelating agents decreases the hydroxyl-generating activity of mutant CuZnSOD and has been shown to reverse the effects of some ALS-associated mutants, but does not alter the survival of cells expressing only wild-type CuZnSOD. Thus, the invention demonstrates that ALS caused by mutant CuZnSODs is treatable.
U.S. Patent No. 5,834,457
Issued: November 10, 1998

Leptospria Membrane Proteins
Participating UCLA Inventors:
David A. Haake, Ellen S. Shang
This invention presents novel leptospiral membrane lipoproteins, LipL1 and LipL2, associated with pathogenic strains of Leptospira. LipL1 is of about 35 kDa, and LipL2 is of about 41 kDa. Also disclosed are the method for purifying these proteins from Leptospira, their nucleotide and amino acid sequences, the cloning of the genes encoding the proteins and their recombinant proteins, methods for producing antibodies to these proteins, and the resulting antibodies. These proteins, their immunogenium, fragments, and antibodies against them are useful for inducing an immune response to pathogenic Leptospira and provide a diagnostic target for leptospirosis.
U.S. Patent No. 5,837,263
Issued: November 17, 1998

Method and Apparatus for Globally Accessible Automated Testing
Participating UCLA Inventor:
Scott P. Layne
This invention relates to Internet-accessible automated test instruments that can be used in scientific and medical investigations. An access-enabling message that includes instructions performable by remote test equipment is sent over the Internet. A process controller interprets and transforms these commands into automated test instrument suite commands, which are provided to laboratory modules to perform the requested tests. Test data results are then obtained and sent over the Internet to the remote site.
U.S. Patent No. 5,841,975
Issued: November 24, 1998

Diphtheria Toxin Receptor-Binding Region
Participating UCLA Inventors:
David Eisenberg, Seunghyon Choe
This invention features a polypeptide consisting of amino acids 379-535 of diphtheria toxin, and portions thereof. This region, shown by X-ray crystallographic analysis to comprise the receptor binding domain of diphtheria toxin, is used as an immunogen and clinical therapeutic against diptheria.
U.S. Patent No. 5,843,711
Issued: December 1, 1998

Quantitative Measurement of Tissue Protein Identified by Immunohistochemistry and Standardized Protein Determination
Participating UCLA Inventor:
Dennis J. Slamon
Cellular components are quantitated using stained cell samples, computerized image analysis, and cellular standards, where the computerized image analysis value can be translated into the amount of the component per cell. The methodology is demonstrated with breast cancer cells and quantitation of the HER-2/neu gene. The quantitation is shown to have prognostic capability as to the future course of the disease.
U.S. Patent No. 5,846,749
Issued: December 8, 1998

Methods and Kits Useful for Detecting Autoantibody to Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Allan J. Tobin, Mark G. Erlander, Daniel L. Kaufman
Isolated polypeptides useful in ameliorating GAD-associated autoimmune disease, such as diabetes, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the peptides are disclosed.
U.S. Patent No. 5,846,740
Issued: December 8, 1998

Method and Apparatus for Endovascular Thermal Thrombosis and Thermal Cancer Treatment
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Guido Guglielmi, Cheng Ji
This invention provides an improved device to promote clot formation during aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations and fistulas, to stop uncontrolled bleeding. Specifically provided is an improved catheter for use in the endovascular heating of blood to promote thrombosis, as well as for the heating of blood in a tumor, resulting in the destruction of the tumoral cells.
U.S. Patent No. 5,851,206
Issued: December 22, 1998

Cloned Borrelia Burgdorferi Virulence Protein
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Cheryl I. Champion, Michael A. Lovett, David A. Haake, James N. Miller, David R. Blanco
A 17kD outer-membrane protein, designated EppA for exported plasma protein A, has been identified and associated with the virulence of Borrelia burgdorferi. EppA has immunologic and diagnostic applications as a vaccine or test for Lyme disease, the disease caused by this organism.
U.S. Patent No. 5,854,395
Issued: December 29, 1998

Method for Inducing a CD1-Restricted Immune Response
Participating UCLA Inventors:
Robert L. Modlin, Peter Sieling
Based on the observation that CD1 functions to present foreign and autoimmune antigens to a select subpopulation of T-cells, this invention provides methods for detecting the presence of a CD1-presented antigen in a sample, methods for purifying CD1-presented antigens, vaccines containing CD1-presented antigens, methods of blocking CD1 antigen presentation, methods of identifying and/or isolating CD1 blocking agents, methods of inducing CD1 expression, and T-cell lines for use in the methods disclosed therein.
U.S. Patent No. 5,853,737
Issued: December 29, 1998