Latest technologies from Michigan State University - Test

Synthesis and Applications of Polymaleimide

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 12:11:59 GMT

Executive Summary This invention is a process for producing an alkali metal polymaleimide salt by bulk, solution or aqueous processes. The polymers are useful as biodegradable chelating agents, detergent builders and anti-scaling materials. Description of Technology The technology of this invention relates to methods for producing alkali metal polymaleimide salts and applications therein. Maleimide monomer may be directly polymerized anhydrously in the presence of a metal oxide and alcohol initiator in a bulk or in the presence of solvent. Alternatively, the monomer may be anionic...

CH12F3 Cell Line with Various Knock-Outs

heguangm@msu.edu — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 11:15:06 GMT

Executive Summary The CH12F3 mouse B lymphocyte cell lines are useful tools to study the role of DNA metabolism in modulating immunoglobulin genes and DNA repair. Since enzymes involved in DNA metabolism play essential roles in embryogenesis, knockout of these proteins often resulted in lethality in mouse embryonic stem cells. MSU researchers have developed various enzyme-deficient CH12F3 cell lines compatible with cell viability. Key enzymes involved in DNA repair processes, such as ligases, endonucleases, deaminases and more, have been targeted for selective knockouts. Descr...

TEC2014-0073: Materials with Optically-Addressable Compression Memory

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:06:01 GMT

BackgroundThere is a need for recording compressive incidents in areas such as head injuries, or packaging. Concussion prevention and increased head protection for athletes has become a focus in all levels of sport. Football is one sport in particular that has recently come under fire for the many head injuries sustained by athletes, and their possible life-long impact. Increased knowledge of the effects of concussions or accumulated head injuries over a long period of time has encouraged a push for more protective helmets. New helmets with increased padding, additional equipment...

TEC2014-0061: Natural Biostimulant/Adjuvant Compositions for Increased Plant Growth/Biomass, Improved Fungicide and Fertilizer Efficacy, Dew Suppression, and Dormancy-Breaking in Cultivated Turfgrasses

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:05:58 GMT

Agricultural adjuvants are commonly used in conjunction with pesticides to enhance their efficacy. An adjuvant does not actively fight fungus or pests, but it improves the ability of a fungicide to prevent or cure disease. One popular adjuvant used in turfgrass applications is made of mineral oil, combined with a surfactant, emulsifier and dye. There are a few concerns with this particular adjuvant, specifically its effect on heat tolerance and adverse environmental impacts. In high heat, this adjuvant can kill the turf, resulting in a complete loss for the season, at a minimum. Also, ...

Genetic Targets and Gene Therapies for Treating Levodopa-induced Dyskinesias for Parkinsonisms

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:05:52 GMT

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates that there are 1.0 to 1.5 million people suffering from Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the United States alone. Those suffering from PD are afflicted with tremors in the limbs and face, rigidity and stiffness of the limbs and trunk, slowed movement, postural instability, and impaired balance. Presently, there is no cure for PD, but therapeutics are available to treat the symptoms and increase the quality of life for patients with the disease. The most common pharmaceutical treatment is levodopa (L-dopa) therapy. A mainstay of PD treatment ...

"U.S. v. Narciso, Perez & the Press"

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:05:51 GMT

Using interviews, archival video and photos, and FBI documents obtained via FOIA, U.S. v. Narciso, Perez & the Press is a half-hour documentary that reconstructs the trial of two Filipina nurses convicted of poisoning patients in the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI in the 1970s. During a six-week period in the summer of 1975, 27 patients experienced respiratory failure and 11 patients died at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Ann Arbor. In June 1976, after an intense FBI investigation, two Filipina nurses, Filipina Narciso and Leonora Perez, were charged with injectin...

Imported from China

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:05:50 GMT

This documentary, created by a team of Michigan State University Journalism and other College of Communication Arts and Sciences students and led by Academic Specialist Troy Hale and Associate Professor Geri Zeldes Alumit, follows several Chinese international students who are grappling with finding a place in American universities and within the larger U.S. context. The film demonstrates how relationships are nurtured and shaped across cultural boundaries. “Imported from China” is also a snapshot of the largest demographic shift in the university's history. In 2006, only 96 under...

Layered Skin Suturing Pad - Intramuscular Injection Training Pad - Subcutaneous Injection Training Pad - Cystocentesis/Bladder Palpation Training Block - Bovine Tail Venipuncture Model

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:05:48 GMT

Veterinary training requires that a student master certain techniques that require fine motor control – a skill that can only be obtained through repeated practice. A major issue during veterinary training is simulating the tactile sensation of live patients – skin, muscle, fat, and bone all offer varying resistance to applied pressure, laceration, or puncture. Educational models have to be able to accurately replicate the physical properties of different tissues. Current models succeed in that regard, but are not robust enough to be used through multiple lessons. There is therefo...

Natural mineral tetrahedrite as a direct source of thermoelectric materials

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:05:42 GMT

Thermoelectric (TE) materials make possible the direct conversion of waste heat into electricity, potentially improving energy efficiency or providing an alternative energy source. TE materials experience the thermoelectric effect, whereby voltage is generated when there is a temperature gradient within the material. Since 1995, advances in engineering have generated materials with marked improvement in their ability to convert heat into electricity. Unfortunately, many of the materials developed are not suitable for large scale applications, due to complex synthesis requirements, and expensi...

Laser for standoff detection

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:05:37 GMT

Standoff detection is used to identify specific, usually hazardous, materials at a distance. Hazardous materials may be of an explosive, chemical, biological, or nuclear nature, and so mitigating a potential threat is extremely important. The global market for hazard monitoring equipment has grown significantly in recent years and this growth is projected to continue into the future. Challenges to standoff detection include extending the effective range, reducing the impact of atmospheric and environmental interference, and increasing the sensitivity of the application to detect threats...

Cube2Cube (C2C)

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:05:29 GMT

This technology, named Cube2Cube (C2C), is a nimble learning platform integrating learning and gaming to facilitate acquisition of a target language. Working as a visualization system platform, C2C maps the fundamental sound elements of the subject language onto the six-sides of a cube. Players can learn the subject language by playing with the cubes and linking cubes together one at a time to create words and sentences. Through this cube playing activity, players learn to recognize rules governing patterns of words, rhymes, and sentence structure and to build those patterns while advancing t...

TEC2013-0040: Method to Increase Calorific Content and Enhanced Nutritional Value of Plant Biomass for the Production of Fuel and Feed

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:05:21 GMT

Background Production of alternative fuels such as biodiesel is on the rise around the world and in the U.S. due to a strong and growing desire to reduce dependency on petroleum-derived diesel fuel. The acceptance of biodiesel has been slowed due to its higher cost relative to petroleum-derived diesel. The higher cost of biodiesel is directly related to the cost of feedstock used for biodiesel production, which is often derived from crops also used for food. The displacement of food crops by energy crops causes higher food prices and is fueling a rapidly growing social, environmental, econom...

TEC2013-0007: Use of plants with increased level of highly methylesterified homogalacturonan for improving digestibility of plant biomasses.

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:05:12 GMT

Background Production of fuels and value-added chemicals from plant biomass often requires pretreatment of the biomass. Pretreatment increases the capital equipment needs and costs of the final product. Additionally, the use of seeds as a feedstock has been controversial, with some claiming that use of seeds for chemical production is increasing the cost of food. What is needed is non-food plant material such as stems or leaves that requires less pretreatment. Description This technology is a method and composition for improving the digestibility of plant biomasses by...

A Blueberry-derived FT-like (FLOWERING LOCUS T) Gene

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:05:11 GMT

Background The United States is the world’s largest producer of blueberries, a crop valued at $863.9 million in 2011. Demand for blueberries has continued to grow as a result of their well-marketed health benefits. Two principle types of the crop are grown for human consumption: lowbush and highbush. Highbush blueberries, able to grow and flower in more temperate climates, are the more frequently cultivated of the two. Both varieties require sustained exposure to cold in order to develop the ability to flower, a span of time known as the vernalization period. An extended harvest season ...

Field-operable nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based biosensor with embedded temperature control

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:56 GMT

Innovators at Michigan State University developed a portable Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based biosensor that utilizes magnetic nanoparticles as a biomarker for label-free isolation and detection of target bio-materials from complex sample matrices. The NMR-based biosensor operates at 0.47 Tesla, utilizing an embedded magnet and electrically-active nanoparticles for extracting and labeling the target. A robust temperature control system controls power and frequency to compensate for temperature fluctuation. The small size enables in-field testing and detection of biohazards, bacter...

120034: Introductory Business Chinese

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:49 GMT

Introductory Business Chinese is intended mainly for use by those who have little or no knowledge of the Chinese language but who, for any number of different reasons, wish to learn more about business and economics in the Chinese environment. The primary intended audiences are (1) business professionals who deal with Chinese people and Chinese companies and (2) those studying Chinese, and/or business, engineering, or other professions who wish to gain knowledge about "doing business in China."Through diligent work with this program learners should be able to acquire: - Basic "survival...

120016: Plants with Readily Extractable Lignin

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:44 GMT

Lignin, an abundant polymer of vascular plants that provides structural integrity to the plant cell wall, is the second most abundant polymer on earth and critical to the strength and survival of terrestrial plants. Unfortunately, its mechanical strength and resistance to chemical degradation, which is so essential for plant health, are problematic when trying to use plants as feedstocks for certain industrial and feed applications. Description Michigan State University (MSU), in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin and the University of British Columbia, has de...

The Kings of Flint

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:41 GMT

This documentary film follows Karate Masters Jacky and Dora King (who are also Master Gardeners,) as they teach students to grow their own food in urban gardens around Flint, Michigan. They see farming as a means of self-defense. When you grow your own food, the Kings say, you know what’s going into your body. The Kings also see farming as a way to revitalize Flint. At their Harvesting Earth Educational Farm, and each weekend at the local Farmer’s Market, they sell the fruits, vegetables and eggs they harvest. The Kings grow food; they also grow hope. Follow the Kings of Flint&nb...

110105: Transformer-less Unified Power Flow Controller

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:40 GMT

The ability to store and shift electrical power over time is becoming more important as economies increasingly adopt renewable power sources. Meshed AC power grids have limited controllability and cannot effectively handle congestion of key transmission lines during sporadic peaks and valleys of input power, such as that produced by solar and wind sources. Conventional unified power flow controllers (UPFCs) mitigate the congestion problem by balancing the load across transmission lines, but require expensive, large transformers with high losses. They are also inefficient at handling sporadic p...

110100: Control of Cellulose Biosynthesis

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:38 GMT

Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate that serves as the basic structural component of plant cell walls. It accounts for roughly one-third of all vegetal matter, making it the most common organic compound on earth. Due to its ubiquitous nature, cellulose and its derivatives are key resources for the agriculture, forestry, textile, and paper industries. For these industries that rely on plant biomass, profitability is directly related to the quantity and quality of cellulose harvested from crops. However, until now, there have been no known methods of genetically controlling the qua...

110081: High-Efficiency Power Transistor Gate Drive

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:33 GMT

Gate-drive technology is traditionally an open-loop passive method that has no real-time control of a semiconductor power device’s switching speed, overshoot, and switching power losses. The technology is unreliable and cannot be optimized over different operating voltages and current conditions. It suffers high transient overshoots at voltage and current if gate resistance is reduced to minimize the switching loss. A technology that can decouple the two issues with a satisfactory solution is needed. Michigan State University’s invention provides a current source-based, active, gat...

110073: Synthesis and Processing of Cubic LiLaZrO for Use in Lithium Ion Batteries and Fuel Cells

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:30 GMT

Lithium ion batteries are used in a wide variety of consumer goods such as cell phones, mp3 players, and digital cameras. These products are becoming increasingly smaller, requiring a smaller battery. Although lithium-based batteries provide superior energy densities over other battery types, lithium is high reactive with water. To safeguard against fire and thermal runaway, lithium batteries are currently encapsulated in packaging containing vents and thermal interrupts, which are space consuming. Eliminating the need for packaging reduces battery size and cost. Descripti...

110050: A Novel Enzyme That Synthesizes Sesquiterpenes to Provide Insect Resistance in Plants

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:25 GMT

Zingiberene is a sesquiterpene produced by many plant species including ginger, turmeric, cultivated tomato, and its wild relatives. It is synthesized at particularly high levels in the trichomes of certain accessions of the wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites and is a potent insect repellent. The identification of a gene from S. habrochaites that synthesizes zingiberene provides an opportunity to directly control the synthesis of the chemical in other plant species to improve resistance to insect pests. Description Michigan State University’s technology is a novel enzyme f...

110048: Ambiently Dried Aerogel for Thermal Insulation in High-Temperature Applications

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:24 GMT

Innovators at Michigan State University (MSU) have developed a novel porous silica-based aerogel material and the process for its fabrication. In contrast to the supercritically dried aerogel, a related material, the MSU approach uses gel and liquid extraction. Evaporation of the precursor solvent is performed at room temperature and pressure, producing the novel ambiently dried aerogel insulation. This ambient drying of the precursor solvent eliminates the need for expensive and complex super-critical drying and/or solvent exchange processes, making the material more accessible for commerc...

110036: Reactor for Incompatible Gases

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:21 GMT

Microorganisms that produce biofuels may be used to produce a wide array of gasoline alternatives. Higher alcohols, like isobutanol, are good candidates for alternative fuels because their energy density and octane value are similar to gasoline. Isobutanol has a high octane rating, is oxygenated, non-hygroscopic, and non-corrosive. The autotrophic microorganisms that produce isobutanol consume carbon dioxide, which makes isobutanol close to carbon neutral. This may beneficially lower greenhouse gas production. Description Michigan State University’s technology is a catalyti...

110035: Microwavable Pie a la Mode

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:21 GMT

Michigan State University’s inventors have formulated a culinary dish and a specialized package that combines hot pie with a topping of ice cream in a single package. Winner of the 2011 Institute of Food Technologists’ National Product Development competition, the microwavable invention incorporates an insulated package that simultaneously heats the pie while keeping the ice cream frozen. The insulated packaging includes various susceptor films that allow for differential heating of food components. The films shield the cold portion of the food product while providing even heating of t...

110032: Hydrogel Microparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:19 GMT

Drug delivery is the process of administering a pharmaceutical compound to achieve a therapeutic effect. Drug delivery technologies can modify drug release profile, absorption, distribution, and elimination for the benefit of the patient. A current area of drug delivery research relates to targeted delivery models in which drugs are delivered only to specific areas of the body. Targeted drug delivery can treat many diseases, including certain cancers. Hydrogel-type materials are now on the market for use for various medications administered through the stomach and into the ...

110029: Algae Transcription Factors That Increase Oil Production

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:18 GMT

In recent years, the interest in alternative fuel has grown rapidly. There are many different alternatives on the market, from corn oil to algae. The largest advantages of algae biofuel are that it is a renewable source of energy and that algae may be grown autotrophically using energy from the sun. Autotrophic growth helps reduce or avoid the “food v. fuel” debate related to corn ethanol and vegetable oil biodiesel. There has been particular interest in algae, such as microalgae, that naturally accumulate oil, since this oil is readily converted into biodiesel. Microalgae are parti...

110028: Anti-Biofilm Compound 1 (ABC-1) and Associated Derivative Molecules

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:17 GMT

Bacteria commonly attach to living and nonliving surfaces in the form of biofilms. In this morphology, the bacteria synthesize a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that provide the biofilm with protection and structural support. The EPS also gives the biofilm resistance to antibiotics and immune system clearance, making biofilms very difficult, if not impossible, to treat. Biofilms are responsible for billions of dollars in expenses every year. They have been estimated to cause more than 17 million human infections and 550,000 deaths annually. Examples of these infecti...

110027: 3D Imaging Sensor

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:16 GMT

Three-dimensional imaging systems are currently of interest for a variety of applications including entertainment, robotics, vehicle safety cameras, topographical mapping, and building engineering. Modern industrial 3D photography uses 3D scanners to detect and record 3D information. The 3D depth information is reconstructed from two images using a computer by examining the pixels in the left and right images. This takes considerable computer power, making fluent recording and projection of 3D images in real-time difficult. To overcome the need for multiple images, high-speed 3...

110022: Method to Target and Isolate Mutants of Gram-Positive Bacteria

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:14 GMT

This technology is a method to modify the genetics of probiotic bacteria. The invention facilitates isolation of mutants of gram-positive bacteria without the use of antibiotics. It can be used as part of the process to generate targeted mutations in probiotic bacteria, which may in turn benefit human health. Current methods used to engineer probiotic bacteria employ the use of antibiotics as selectable markers. Such methods raise concerns related to increased antibiotic resistance, particularly when probiotics produced via antibiotics are used in food or medical products. This method ...

110016: Temperature Compensation for Floating-Gate Memory Circuit

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:13 GMT

Nonvolatile computer memory is a type of memory chip that retains its data even when its power supply is turned off. One example is the erasable, programmable read-only memory chip (EPROM). Nonvolatile memory can store multiple bits per cell by storing a range of charge levels in a floating-gate analog memory cell. One of the challenges of floating-gate memory, such as the EPROM, is balancing temperature compensation and memory capacity or density. Although methods for temperature variation compensation exist, the large-form factor often limits their application to small-scale processors. Whil...

110010: Improved Method for Producing Acetoxypropanoic Acid (APA)

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:11 GMT

The increasing awareness of biodegradability and sustainability by customers creates opportunities for the biorenewable chemical industry. Biorenewable chemicals are expected to have a 25 percent share in the chemical industry (excluding fine chemicals) by the end of 2030. Description Michigan State University’s invention uses lactic acid, a biorenewable feedstock, instead of a petroleum-based feedstock to produce 2-acetoxypropanoic acid (APA). APA is a polymer precursor necessary to produce acrylic acid, a common bulk chemical used in a variety of applications. The process is ...

100099: Compressive Spike Sorting for Neural Implants

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:05 GMT

Many companies sell neurophysiology data acquisition systems that are bulky, wired, and very expensive, requiring large computational power via PCs to sort neural spikes. In addition, the spike-sorting task is a fundamental step in the design of clinically viable brain machine interfaces for restoring normal sensory and motor function of disabled people. Many of these systems require high electrode channel count and large number of cells to operate efficiently and reliably. Description Michigan State University’s technology is an algorithm for sorting neural spikes fired by mu...

Gene For Zipped Lignin Production In Plants

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:04 GMT

Introduction Lignin, an abundant polymer of vascular plants that provides structural integrity and resistance to chemical and enzymatic damage to the plant cell wall, is the second most abundant polymer on earth and critical to the strength and survival of terrestrial plants. Unfortunately, its mechanical strength and resistance to chemical degradation, which is so essential for plant health, are problematic when trying to use plants as feedstocks for certain industrial and feed applications. Description of Technology Michigan State University’s invention is a new te...

100096: Economical Growth Media for Production of Cellulolytic Enzymes at High Concentrations

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:03 GMT

Producing biofuels from cellulosic materials, such as corn stalks, wood chips, and other biomass, requires the use of enzymes to degrade the cellulosic biomass into its molecular components. The cost to produce these enzymes is high, a factor contributing to the limited production of cellulosic ethanol. Michigan State University’s invention reduces the cost of enzyme production substantially. The technology provides a mixture that is three to five times more potent at inducing production enzymes, including cellulolytic enzyme production from saccharolytic microorganisms such as...

100094: Orchard Insect Control Device

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:01 GMT

Pheromone traps utilize “bug hormones,” or scents, that stimulate the type of scent produced by the female insect to lure their male counterparts. Males lured into traps are then prevented from mating. These traps assist the grower in determining the mating activity of the insect pest by counting insects trapped over a period of time. This information enables a sound decision to be made regarding the timing for the release of beneficial insects and the use of organic repellants and insecticides to knock down large pest populations. Michigan State University’s invention provide...

100093: A High-Speed Grammar Aware Application Protocol Parsing Algorithm for Networking and Security Devices

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:04:00 GMT

There is an increasing desire to create content aware networks that can improve data delivery by classifying and controlling messages based on content, application, and individual subscribers. There is also a need to improve network security via content-based monitoring and filtering. Building content aware networks requires both advanced application policies specified over application protocol fields, not just host IP addresses and port numbers, and high performance network devices that can parse inter-application message contents to extract the appropriate fields in real-time. ...

100090: Method to Produce Highly Digestible, Pretreated Lignocellulosic Biomass Using Anhydrous Liquid Ammonia

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:59 GMT

In the continuing push to develop alternative fuels, bioethanol is clearly a viable option. However, if it is to become a truly economical alternative, a more effective and efficient method of processing lignocellulosic biomass must be developed. Michigan State University has developed a novel lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment process that results in the formation of highly digestible cellulose III allomorph. The method also provides the option to simultaneously extract biologically inhibitory cell-wall extracts such as lignin, lignin decomposition products, xylo-oligosacch...

100085: Real-Time Colorimetric and Fluorescent Imaging in Live Cells

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:57 GMT

Innovators at Michigan State University (MSU) have developed a novel method for dynamic tracking of proteins in living cells. MSU's novel method tags proteins with a wide variety of colors, enabling several different proteins to be detected and tracked simultaneously. Using this method, multiple color variants are genetically tagged onto a protein expressed in cells, allowing proteins to be visualized over a very broad light spectrum -- including bright fluorescents -- as soon as they are synthesized. Unlike green fluorescent protein (GFP), which is expensive and requires significant activat...

100083: Continuous Nano-Hybrid Pretreatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Biofuels

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:56 GMT

Due to its abundant resources, lignocellulosic biomass is a promising candidate for bioethanol production to reduce the dependence of transportation fuels on petroleum and decrease the greenhouse gas emission. Biomass pretreatment is an essential processing step in the enzymatic hydrolysis of biofuels or pulp from lignocellulosic plants. While there are several pretreatment methods for producing biofuels, there is a need for less expensive and faster processing methods. Michigan State University’s technology is a cheaper and faster method for the continuous pretreatment of general lign...

100074: Dual Affinity Membrane Hydrocyclone for Simultaneous Water Purification and Oil Recovery from Produced Water

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:53 GMT

A large amount of contaminated waste water is generated from wellheads at offshore platforms during oil and gas productions. These heavily oil-contaminated waters cannot be discharged directly back into the environment and are currently purified by a number of expensive separation techniques. Effective separation of waste water into water and oil phases has tremendous potential to both decrease the environmental footprint of the oil industry and recover large amounts of oil that are now disposed of in addition to the existing partially cleaned waste-water stream. Michigan...

100068: Dissolved Oxygen Sensor

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:51 GMT

Oxygen monitoring is a critical factor in areas such as aquaculture, water quality and environmental monitoring, and biomedical research. There is a need for a commercial dissolved oxygen (DO) sensor system that can monitor DO in still or flowing aqueous media, operate continuously in the field, not be affected by environmental factors, and allow for real-time continuous monitoring without any limitations on data. Currently available sensors cannot meet all of these criteria. Description Michigan State University’s invention is a method for 24/7 monitoring of dissolved oxygen in any a...

100064: Microbial Rectifiers and Uses Thereof

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:50 GMT

When grown in vitro under various conditions, Geobacteraceae bacteria produce conductive protein filaments known as microbial or pilus nanowires. These microbial nanowires show promise for applications in nanoelectronics and bio-electronics. Current methods for producing microbial nanowires are limited by an inability to produce microbial nanowires in pure form, and the ohmic behavior limits uses to applications that require symmetric conductance. This excludes many nano-electronic and nano-medicine applications that require asymmetric conductance (rectification) for nano-wire function...

100046: Making Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) from Glycerol

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:45 GMT

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is used as an ingredient in sunless tanning products and in the food preparation industry. DHA’s skin coloring effect has also been examined to determine if it may benefit vitiligo patients (an uneven pigmentation of the skin); several DHA-containing products for this condition are now on the market. In recent years, the cosmetics industry has become interested in using DHA in its formulations for customers seeking enhanced skin tones. This technology is suitable for direct application to consumer products such as “glow” cosmetics. DHA, combined with a stabilized ...

100041: Symptom Management Toolkit for Caregivers of Cancer Patients

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:44 GMT

Cancer patients have numerous symptoms, both from the cancer itself and from the side effects of its treatments. Since many cancer treatments are delivered as outpatient procedures or via oral medicines, cancer patients and their caregivers often are dealing with symptoms from treatment and/or disease progression at home. They have significant needs for information regarding diagnosis and treatment, help with symptom management, assistance with communication and coordination of care, and support for surveillance and prevention of further problems. Uncontrolled symptoms can dela...

100031: Microbial Fuel Cells for Efficient Bioenergy Conversion

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:41 GMT

Microbial fuel cells (MFC), or electrochemical or biological cells, are used to convert biomass material into liquid fuel and ultimately into electricity. They convert chemical energy into electrical energy through the catalytic reaction of micro-organisms. This process occurs in nature, and researchers have had difficulty effectively and efficiently duplicating the process. MSU’s invention is an electrochemical cell that can be used to convert biomass material to liquid fuel electricity. The invention provides an economically and environmentally superior consolidated bioprocessing (...

100020: Quantitative Diagnostic Test for Malaria

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:38 GMT

Malaria, a devastating disease caused by parasites, results in 350–500 million infections and approximately 1 million deaths per year, primarily in Africa. The disease affects mainly children under the age of 5 years who have not yet established immunity against the parasite. With symptoms resembling influenza or cold, mild malaria infection can have a high rate of survival, but a subset of infections progress to a severe form where the patient lapses into coma or experiences organ failure. Although tests can be conducted to detect the presence of malarial parasites, there is a need fo...

Subsurface Water Retention for Sandy Soils

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:37 GMT

Introduction Competition for limited water supplies necessary for the production of crops on sandy soils is becoming more intense in the US and globally, particularly with the increasing need for biomass produced as renewable energy sources. Subsurface water retention technologies (SWRT) are designed to increase water use efficiencies by as much as 20 times. SWRT technologies have the potential to impact strategic water and nutrient conservation and improve food, fiber, and livestock productivity. Although supplemental irrigation and additional fertilization do increase plant p...

100005: Efficient TCAM-based Packet Classification Using Multiple Lookups and Classifier Semantics

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:35 GMT

Packet classification enables many networking services on the Internet, such as firewall packet filtering and traffic accounting. Using Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM) chips to perform high-speed packet classification has become the de facto standard in industry. TCAM chips classify packets by comparing a packet with the full suite of classification rules in ternary encoding, the comparison being done in parallel. Unfortunately, TCAMs have limitations of relatively small capacity, high power consumption & heat generation, and high cost. The well-known, range-expansion pro...

100004: A Systematic Non-Prefix Approach to Minimizing Packet Classifiers in TCAMs

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:34 GMT

090132: Synthesize Highly Reactive Subnano-Sized Zero-Valent Iron using Smectite Clay Templates

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:33 GMT

Zero-valent iron is a reactive and powerful reducing agent capable of breaking down toxic compounds. More recently, nanoscale ZVI has emerged as a remediation technology used to degrade toxic chemicals. The nanoscale material (10-100 nanometer particle size) is often preferred because it has significantly more surface area than standard ZVI, which makes nano-ZVI considerably more reactive. This increase in reactivity enables more efficient remediation. The emergence of ZVI as a preferred material for remediation processes and the acceptance of nanoscale ZVI because of its increased effi...

090131: Utility Promoters for Biomass Feedstock Biotechnology

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:32 GMT

Genetic optimization of biomass is necessary to improve the rates and final yields of sugar release from woody biomass. Areas that would benefit from genetic optimization include growth rate, environmental stress tolerance, yields of easily fermentable polysaccharides, total lignin content, lowering biomass recalcitrance to fermentation, and wood density. Successful application of biotechnology requires both gene discovery and a proper means for gene expression control. However, commercial use of biotechnology in crop improvement programs is severely limited by the lack of utility pro...

090127: Method to Improve Membrane Structures in Active Packaging Systems

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:30 GMT

Active packaging systems are desirable for specialized applications in the packaging of foods, chemicals, and medicines. Active packaging refers to the way materials embedded in the packaging membrane interact with the product to improve its shelf life, quality, and safety. Materials such as zeolite, alumina, and silica have been previously added to polymeric membranes to enhance performance properties for these active packaging applications. To further advance capabilities and to move beyond the limitations of those materials, Metallic Organic Framework (MOFs) materials have been form...

090126: Novel Electroactive Polymer-based Flow Sensors for Automotive Systems

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:29 GMT

Michigan State University’s sensing technology enables potential commercial applications in a broad range of industrial applications where information is needed on a combination of fluid/gas flow rates (e.g., in a line), along with the real-time density/viscosity variation of those fluids or gases. The invention uses electroactive polymer composites in various configurations (e.g., cantilevered or clamped). With these composites, a flexing of a polymer in response to fluid or gas flow causes a migration of positively charged ions (i.e., cations) in the polymer and a resulting electrica...

090110: Ionic Liquid Thin Layer Sensor

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:26 GMT

This invention employs ionic liquid (IL) films, which are non-volatile and capable of concentrating gases for subsequent detection. The invention includes multiple electrodes that can be modified with different IL compositions to enhance the selectivity of the sensor. In addition, simultaneous sensing can be carried out with two orthogonal methods to provide additional selectivity to the sensor and significantly increase the accuracy of the detection at little or no added power cost. This multi-dimensional sensing takes advantage of the unique properties of IL to realize both the elect...

090108: A Source and Production Method for Acetyl-Triacylglycerols (ac-TAGs)

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:25 GMT

Background Biodiesel can substitute for conventional petroleum diesel in almost all applications. Oftentimes, use of biodiesel requires engine modification since biodiesel has different solvent properties and often degrades natural rubber. Since use of biodiesel is increasing rapidly, alternative biofuel supplies are needed to accommodate the growing demand. Description Michigan State University’s inventions provide a source and production method for novel plant oils, acetyl-triacylglycerols (ac-TAGs), with possible uses as biodiesel-like biofuel and/or as low-fat food ingredient...

090106: Sequence and Cloning of Methyl Butenol Synthase

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:24 GMT

There is a growing economic and environmental need for the development of alternative fuel sources due to concerns of sustainability. An ideal biofuel would be highly renewable, efficient as a fuel, inexpensive, and easy to produce in high volume. A problem with many biofuels, including ethanol, is that they can only be produced in certain locations and with volume-production constraints. Methyl butenol, though, has the potential to be manufactured in very large quantities, made almost anywhere, and will be relatively inexpensive if it can be produced in a photosynthetic organism. Due ...

090068: Lignocellulosic Biomass Pretreatment Using Gaseous Ammonia

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:17 GMT

To achieve high yields of glucose and other products for use in biofuels and bio-based chemicals, lignocellulose must first be pretreated. The goal of pretreatment is to decrease the crystallinity of cellulose, increase the biomass surface area, remove hemicellulose, and break the lignin seal. Current pretreatments use liquid ammonia, dilute acid, organosolvents, and steam, among others. Each of these methods has drawbacks in its ability to effectively and efficiently pretreat and process lignocellulosic biomass. Michigan State University’s invention, Gaseous Ammonia Pretreatme...

090067: High Starch in Plant Leaves at Senescence

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:16 GMT

Currently, there is a great interest in using plant biomass, instead of grain, to produce ethanol. Starch can easily be used to make ethanol and would improve ethanol production from cellulose. In most plants, though, starch accumulated during the day is usually broken down each night, resulting in very little starch accumulation in the leaves. The quantity of starch present in the leaves of a plant will affect the gross yield and processing efficiency. Since currently existing high starch plants cannot degrade their starch early in their life, they do not grow as fast as plants that ca...

090062: Improved Method for Succinic Acid Recovery

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:15 GMT

Succinic acid and other carboxylic acids have commercial relevance in the pharmaceutical, food, and polymer production industries, as well as in the manufacture of other industrial chemicals. Description MSU’s invention simplifies the process for the recovery of succinic acid from fermentation broths in the form of ethyl esters, which enables separation of succinate by distillation. The novel aspect of this invention is the extraction of the acids from the fermentation broth into ethanol, eliminating several purification steps required to separate carboxylic acids without needing...

090055: Neuromorphic Spatiotemporal Where-What Machines

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:11 GMT

Despite a promising beginning, pattern recognition software using a “neural network” approach in general has encountered serious roadblocks limiting the rate of progress. Traditional methods cannot “attend” and “recognize” using the same network structure. For example, a system can find interesting regions, but cannot recognize objects: a system can only recognize objects that have already been segmented and separated from their natural background. A crucial challenge is to handle the demands for bottom-up “attention” to the presence of given objects in a particular class and ef...

090052: Method to Improve Binding Properties of Cellulosic Biomass

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:10 GMT

Cellulosic biomass is not dense enough to be transported economically over long distances. The treated biomass must be compressed to increase its density. However, when compressed, the biomass tends not to bind sufficiently. Additionally, current additives used to increase binding characteristics of the biomass are expensive. Michigan State University’s invention allows for the inexpensive binding of cellulosic biomass. This invention adds value to the Gaseous Ammonia Pretreatment (GAP) process (090068) developed by the inventor. It allows GAP treated biomass to be conveniently...

090037: System and Methods for Profile-Aware Content Delivery Using Context-Induced Wireless Network Transport Mechanisms

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:03:05 GMT

This invention combines elements of mobile advertising, behavioral advertising, and viral advertising. This invention is a complete system for providing relevant content to mobile devices, automatically sharing the content with interested peers, browsing the content, and using it at businesses. Consumers will carry a wireless device that acquires and maintains their context and profile information. This device will not have a graphical user interface (GUI), but can be read and managed either by plugging it into a USB port on a PC or by the wireless connection to a commercial kio...

090024: X-Plant Spinal Fixator

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:59 GMT

Lumbar fusion surgery is used for a variety of lumbar spine problems. Initially, most lumbar spine problems are treated conservatively. If symptoms persist, some individuals may be candidates for lumbar spine fusion surgery. The goal of such surgery is to relieve pain, numbness, and weakness, to restore nerve function, and to stop or prevent abnormal motion of the spine. Spinal implants are often employed for stabilization during such surgery. There is an ongoing debate, however, that spinal implants may have long-term adverse effects in promoting deterioration of vertebrae adjacent to ...

090023: Microperforated Polylactic Acid (PLA) Packaging Systems and Method of Preparation

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:58 GMT

Advanced packaging systems are required to ensure the quality of fresh produce for consumers, who often purchase the products several days after harvest. Supply chain distances are expanding to increase gains in geographical market share for fresh produce growers, which require a longer shelf life to present the product to consumers in marketable condition. Compared to traditional packaging systems, microperforation locks in nutrients, allows breathability, and extends the shelf life of the produce without having to add preservatives. Currently, most if not all microperforated systems ...

090022: Production of Oil in Vegetative Tissues

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:57 GMT

Production of alternative fuels such as biodiesel is on the rise around the world and in the U.S. due to a strong and growing desire to reduce dependency on petroleum-derived diesel fuel. The acceptance of biodiesel has been slowed due to its higher cost relative to petroleum-derived diesel. The higher cost of biodiesel is directly related to the cost of feedstock used for biodiesel production, which is often derived from crops also used for food. The displacement of food crops by energy crops causes higher food prices and is fueling a rapidly growing social, environmental, economical and...

090011: Fabrication and Characterization of Biodegradable PLA-Zeolite Composites

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:53 GMT

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) enhances quality, extends the shelf life of perishable foods, and prevents loss revenues due to food spoilage. MAP is required because the balance and interaction of certain gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen, with packaged foods contributes to either poor or high food quality. Advances in packaging materials and systems that enable more control of the quantities of gases for food and pharmaceutical packaging applications are beneficial. Michigan State University’s invention provides bio-based, multi-functional plastic packaging m...

090010: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Genotyping of E. Coli 0157:H7

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:52 GMT

E. coli O157:H7 is a major health problem causing infection in more than 70,000 patients a year in the United States. These infections may be both in large outbreaks as well as isolated sporadic infections in small numbers of individuals. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) typically uses Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) for identifying an E. coli outbreak, but it is neither a rapid nor inexpensive method. Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is used in clinics, but the test is too expensive and does not provide rapid results. A need exists for a quick real-time assay that will detect singl...

090003: A Systematic Approach to Minimizing Packet Classifiers in TCAMs

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:51 GMT

090002: Statistical Model for Diagnosing Breast Lesions

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:50 GMT

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has developed into a routine clinical practice for breast tumor detection and diagnosis. The American Cancer Society advises women at high risk for breast cancer to undergo a breast MRI rather than mammography. The current method used is a dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. While breast MRI is more sensitive for lesion detection, it is still difficult to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, resulting in a high incidence of false-positives. There is a clear need for solutions to improve differentiation between benign and malignant lesion...

090001: Ready-to-Dough! Allergen-free Refrigerated Cookie Dough

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:49 GMT

According to the International Food Safety Authorities Network, approximately 2 percent of adults and 5 percent of children in the general population have food allergies, and 90 percent of food allergies in children in the U.S. are caused by what the U.S. Food and Drug Administration calls the “big eight” food allergens: wheat, milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and soy. Allergen-free foods often address just one specific allergen, rather than multiple allergens, and the taste is often not as satisfying when compared with traditional products. Description Michigan State...

080076: Binding Protein for Detecting Phosphatidic Acid

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:47 GMT

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is an essential component of living cells. PA-signaling processes are extremely important biochemical pathways that are likely implicated in many diseases and in the pathology of serious health conditions. Its detection and measurement can be very important for basic science and biomedical research. Current methods for detecting PA are difficult, expensive, and widely considered adequate at best. This hampers important biomedical research related to basic cellular biochemistry and pathologies. Description MSU’s invention relates to the identification and cloning ...

080075: An Arabidopsis Gene Involved in the Conversion of Aldehydes to Alkanes in Arabidopsis Leaf Wax

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:46 GMT

Epicuticular wax layers of plants mainly consist of long straight-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons with a variety of substituted groups. Plant waxes have many functions, including increasing plant resistance to biotic stress (e.g., pathogens) and abiotic stress (e.g., temperature changes, drought). Additionally, since wax components have a high caloric content as compared to fossil fuel, they can provide an alternative and renewable hydrocarbon energy source. Currently, though, the process involved in converting aldehydes to alkanes in the plant wax synthetic pathway has not yet been ident...

080067: Non-Precious Metal Catalysts Synthesized Through a High Pyrolysis Method

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:44 GMT

Fuel cells convert fuel, like hydrogen or methanol, into electrical current to provide power for various applications. There are many types of fuel cells, which vary by material, fuels, and byproducts produced. For example, a hydrogen fuel cell uses a catalytic surface to electrochemically oxidize a fuel to liberate a proton (H+) and capture the corresponding electrons for electricity. Platinum is used at the cathode to reduce oxygen. In the case of hydrogen-based fuel cells, only water is generated as a byproduct, which provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventio...

080066: A Potential E. coli Vaccine to Prevent Travelers’ Diarrhea

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:43 GMT

080066: Highly Immunogenic E. coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) vaccine Categories: MedicalAnimal/Veterinary Pharmaceutical Therapeutic BackgroundEnterotoxic E. coli strains (ETEC) produce heat stable enterotoxin (STa). ETEC strains are a common cause of diarrhea (travelers’ diarrhea in humans) and animals (scours). Each year, approximately 20 million people will develop travelers’ diarrhea. Scours causes significant economic losses in cattle and swine through calf and piglet mortality, cost of treatment, and decreased growth rates. The severe diarrhea ...

080062: Adaptation of Human (Pro)renin Receptor for Drug Screening

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:42 GMT

The recent discovery of (pro)renin receptor, PRR, may have significant implications for intracellular signaling. Moreover, animal studies of PRR have shown that its gene knockout results in lifelessness. Thus, an understanding of PRR could lead to one or more valuable therapies. PRR is also involved in the regulation of blood pressure at a “localized” level. Renin bound to PRR appears to be more active than the free enzyme, and prorenin bound to PRR is also activated. The ability to effect changes in PRR could result in a new, fourth approach to anti-hypertensive therapy. Michig...

080059: Kalkaska Potato Variety

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:40 GMT

Kalkaska (Solanum tuberosum) is a round, white chip-processing potato variety developed at Michigan State University. The variety is high yielding and has a resistance to common scab (Streptomyces scabies). It has a strong vine and a full-season maturity. Characteristics · Plant: Medium to tall height, semi-erect with a balance between stems and foliage visible, and white-colored flowers. · Tubers: Round tubers with flakey, brown-colored skin. Tubers have creamy flesh with a low incidence ...

080056: Diacylglycerol Acyltransferases Involved in Oil Biosynthesis in Microalgae

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:39 GMT

The need for the development of biomass-based domestic production systems for high energy liquid transportation fuels is widely recognized. Concerns related to environmental impact and the price of oil combined with political issues related to dependence on foreign oil have increased interest in alternative biofuels. Currently, transportation fuel is primarily derived from petroleum with increasing availability of biofuels, including ethanol derived from corn and biodiesel derived from soy and palms. This technology relates to the identification of enzymes involved in oil biosyn...

080035: A novel fermentation process for intracellular lipase production using pelletized Rhizopus oryzae

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:35 GMT

Of known enzymes, lipases have attracted the most scientific attention due to their importance in industrial enzyme applications. In addition to their natural function of hydrolyzing carboxylic ester bonds, lipases can catalyze esterification, interesterification, and transesterification reactions in nonaqueous media. This versatility makes lipases the enzymes of choice for potential applications in the food, detergent, pharmaceutical, leather, textile, cosmetic, and paper industries. However, limitations of the industrial use of these enzymes have been mainly due to their high pr...

080034: Insect Cell Lines for Use in Baculovirus Expression Vector System (BEVS)

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:34 GMT

Most membrane proteins are not sufficiently abundant in nature to purify and crystallize, and gene expression systems have been unable to reliably express membrane proteins in sufficient quantities. The baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is one of the most widely used gene expression systems for eukaryotic proteins and is optimal for glycosylated protein expression in a cost-effective manner. BEVS has also been used to express some membrane proteins. Despite some success, however, many membrane proteins cannot be expressed at high enough levels for structural studies. One possible me...

080014: Toxin Produced by Euglenoid Algae

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:30 GMT

An alga was isolated from an aquaculture fish pond during a fish kill event. The alga was grown in pure culture and was determined to be responsible for the fish deaths. The algae were grown in sufficient biomass to extract the toxin. Description Michigan State University’s invention is a method of isolating and purifying euglenophycin, a toxin derived from Euglena sanguinea. The novel toxin composition is obtained from euglenoid algae isolates. The purified toxins produced by these euglenoid isolates have activity against cancerous cell lines. Applications The compou...

080011: B-Cyclodextrins as Nucleating Agents for Polylactide (PLA)

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:29 GMT

Polylactic acid (PLA) is growing rapidly in popularity as an alternative to petroleum-derived plastics for packaging and other applications. It is biodegradable, thermoplastic, and derived from renewable resources. However, there are characteristics associated with PLA that limit its workability. Particularly, the slow crystallization rate of PLA makes it difficult to process for injection molding and extruding when compared with many other thermoplastics. Nucelating agents are known to increase crystallization rates, and in fact, many have been explored for use with PLA. However, many...

080003: Noninvasive Neonatal Gastroesophageal Reflux Monitor

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:27 GMT

Some newborn infants have serious reflux problems that can result in gastric fluids ascending the esophagus to the trachea, where the fluid can then be aspirated into the lungs. Current gastroesophageal reflux (GER) diagnostic tests are invasive, use a pH probe mounted on a nasoesophageal catheter that does not detect non-acidic gastric reflux, and have diagnostic inaccuracies and limitations. Description GER is characterized by frequent and persistent heartburn, which occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (the valve separating the esophagus and stomach) does not close properly,...

Nanoclay Modification and Compound Formulation for Foaming Linear Polypropylene

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:25 GMT

Introduction Linear polypropylene is not ideal for making foams for sealing purposes due to poor melt strength. The attempts to overcome this limitation by cross-linking a portion of the linear polymer or by adding a long chained branched polymer have resulted in unwanted side effects, such as a reduction in recyclability. Additionally, long chain branched polymers are expensive and increase foam cost. Description of Technology Michigan State University’s technology is a method for improving the foaming properties of linear polypropylene through t...

070155: Active Packaging Gas Insert

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:23 GMT

Many synthetic fungicides have been used to prevent decay of perishable plant products albeit some may pose health risks. Thus, fungicides will likely face greater use restrictions in the future. The market needs more safe and effective ways to enhance produce freshness. Description A packaging system is provided for the controlled release of various antifungal compounds by incorporating the compounds a packaging insert. For example, the antifungal compounds can be incorporated into a container or sachet (e.g., porous or discontinuous) that is in turn incorporated into a portion of the ...

070152: An Autonomously Adaptable Self-Structuring Patch Antenna

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:22 GMT

The patch antenna (PA) is widely used in communications and radar systems. Its primary benefits over other types of antennas are that it is conformal, and can thus be placed onto the surfaces of aircraft and land vehicles, that it is polarization diverse (can be configured for multiple polarizations), and that it is simple to construct. A typical PA is designed to work in a narrow band around a single frequency, with the resonant frequency determined by the dimensions of the patch. Many antenna applications require broader bandwidths or must be usable at two or more discrete frequencie...

070146: Chicken Noodle Bites

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:21 GMT

The frozen snack foods segment is a well established category of frozen foods market. Products in the category aim to provide a tasty, fast, and convenient snack to consumers short on time. The category is comprised of, but not limited to products like pizza rolls, pizza bites, egg rolls and min-burritos. Description This invention conveniently miniaturizes a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup into a nutritious, microwaveable, bite-size, frozen snack. The novel aspects of the invention are the broth formulation and the processing technique, which provide the flavor and texture that clo...

070144: Improved Processes Production of Lower Cloud Point Biodiesel

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:20 GMT

Although the demand for biodiesel is rapidly growing internationally, production of the fuel has been plagued by quality related problems. This in turn has caused a lack of consumer confidence in biodiesel, compounded by continued competition with petroleum-based alternatives that are available at a better price point and higher quality. Although several measures of quality can be used a limiting factor is often the cold weather performance of biodiesel that is manifested as a "cloud point" and "pour point" temperature that is too high for the climate. This problem curtails viability of...

070138: Bacterial Artificial Chromosome of Feline Herpesvirus-1

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:19 GMT

According to the US Humane Society, nearly 36 percent of US households own at least one of the approximately 90 million owned cats, and 56 percent of owners have more than one. Cats are susceptible to Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), the agent of feline viral rhinotracheitis, which accounts for more than 50% of all infectious upper respiratory disease in cats and is an important cause of feline ocular lesions. MSU’s technology suite involves a Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) clone containing the complete and annotated genome of feline herpes virus-1 (FHV-1) for vaccine and diagnosti...

070137: Bacterial Artificial Chromosome of Feline Herpesvirus-1

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:18 GMT

According to the U.S. Humane Society, nearly 36 percent of U.S. households own at least one of the approximately 90 million owned cats, and 56 percent of owners have more than one. Cats are susceptible to feline herpes virus (FHV-1), the agent of feline viral rhinotracheitis, which accounts for more than 50 percent of all infectious upper respiratory disease in cats and is an important cause of feline ocular lesions. Description Michigan State University’s technology involves a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone containing the complete and annotated genome of FHV-1 for ...

070121: Conductive Sheet Molding Compound with Carbon Based Nanomaterials

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:13 GMT

Graphite is a layered material and the stiffest material found in nature--significantly higher than clay that could be displaced by this invention in related applications. Graphite has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. MSU has developed an inexpensive process to produce exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP) which when added to polymers can produce nanocomposites with superior mechanical and conductivity properties, low permeability, scratch resistance, and reduced flammability.There are vast uses of polymer composites for automotive and electronic structural application...

070096: Hybrid PVC/Wood-Flour Nanocomposites and Method of Manufacture

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:07 GMT

The Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) industry is moving towards using more petroleum-free components for WPC blends, while attempting to retain or improve performance of their products. Wood plastic composite products have strength and stiffness properties that are somewhere between plastic and wood, and do not offer mechanical performance similar to solid wood. Improving the drawbacks of WPCs (e.g., lower flexural strength and modulus) could improve their acceptance in load bearing structural applications and open new applications for these composites. Nanocomposite technology is a relativ...

070175: Automated Voice Response System for Management of Cancer Patient Symptoms

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:06 GMT

070090: Immortalized Chick Fibroblast Cell Line for Production of Human and Veterinary Vaccines

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:04 GMT

Cell-culture-based technology for vaccine production is robust, reliable, and could become a practical alternative for the pharmaceutical industry. Once the virus is propagated and harvested, the downstream processing parameters for purification, filling, and packaging of the vaccine are similar to current pharmaceutical methodologies and egg-based methodologies. However, there are no lead times involved because typical cell-culture processes use cell lines. Once a cell line is infected with the seed virus in a fermenter, the process can begin. The critical aspect is the availability of...

030090: Symptom Management Toolkit for Cancer Patients

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:02 GMT

Cancer patients have numerous symptoms, both from the cancer itself and from the side effects of its treatments. Since many cancer treatments are delivered as outpatient procedures or via oral medicines, cancer patients often are dealing with symptoms from treatment and/or disease progression at home. They have significant needs for information regarding diagnosis and treatment, help with symptom management, assistance with communication and coordination of care, and support for surveillance and prevention of further problems. Uncontrolled symptoms can delay cancer treatment, result in...

070081: Identification of the Gene for Amatoxin and Phallatoxin

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:01 GMT

Mushroom poisonings are not very common but they are difficult to diagnose. Amanita mushrooms produce multiple classes of toxins, the two most important being amatoxins and phallotoxins. Upon ingestion, amatoxin binds to the RNA polymerase II enzyme, effectively causing cytolysis of hepatocytes (liver cells). Phallotoxins destroy liver cells by disturbing the equilibrium of G-actin with F-actin, causing it to shift entirely to F-actin. Symptoms may take as long as 24 hours after ingestion to appear. By then, it is far past the time in which stomach pumping would yield an efficient resu...

070080: Down Regulation and Up Regulation of Maize Lignin Biosynthesis Enzymes via RNAi Technology to Reduce Crop Pre-treatment Requirements for Bio-fuel Production, and/or Improve Hardwood Quality

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:02:00 GMT

Crops and crop residues such as maize stover are considered attractive cellulosic biomass feedstock for the production of bio-fuels, but suffer from the need to chemically pre-treat the material to break-down lignin and release cellulose and hemi-cellulose for fermentation. Crops with reduced pre-treatment would be advantageous. Lignin is also a major structural component of trees. Alteration in lignin content and/or composition could provide wood with improved properties. Description The invention is crop plants, particularly maize, but also trees, with altered lignin composition throu...

070073: Efficient Selection of Carbon Nanotubes by Desired Properties

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:57 GMT

In the beginning powder form, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a wide range of physical dimensions and electrical properties at the level of individual CNTs. A number of researchers have tried various methods of selecting and manipulating (CNTs) produced in batch quantities. However, these processes do not select CNTs by specific dimensions, or select CNTs by conductivity (e.g. for use as semiconductors or as conductors). In addition, current methods of selecting CNTs have negative side effects in altering the structure and electrical properties of the CNTs. Description The CNT selection me...

07031: Master Electronic Key for Multi-Purpose Authentication

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:53 GMT

People carry numerous keys, including physical keys, key cards for doors, parking and other use, garage door openers, and wireless fobs for cars, and they also use passwords or physical tokens for unlocking laptops and cell phones. It would be a great convenience to consolidate these into a single electronic key that could gain access to all of these things. This is akin to a hardware master key that can open multiple locks. Description This technology provides a novel user-authentication approach for pervasive computing environments. A person uses a single device, the master key, that...

070028: Increased Starch and Soluble Sugar Accumulation in Plants for Biofuels

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:51 GMT

The use of plant photosynthetic tissue, such as leaves and stems, for use as feedstock for biofuels requires desegregation and degradation of the most abundant form of fixed carbon, plant cell walls. Cell walls typically account for 90 to 95 percent of the fixed carbon in plant tissue, and due to their extreme complexity and recalcitrance to digestion, they necessitate time and cost intensive pretreatments before fermentation for ethanol production. Description Michigan State University’s invention provides a means to block the transport of fixed carbon from leaves, retaining th...

070021: Poly (1,4-benzodioxepin-3-alkyl-2,5-dione)s: Degradable Polymers with High Glass Transition Temperatures

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:49 GMT

Polylactic acid (PLA) is growing rapidly in popularity as an alternative to petroleum-derived plastics. It is biodegradable, thermoplastic, and derived from renewable resources. However, polylactides must be crystalline tor them to be dimensionally stable above 50° C, which is a characteristic that limits its use for some applications. Manipulating the crystallinity of the polymer is a common strategy for rendering polylactides stable. However, a clear, glassy polymer that is dimensionally stable above 100° C would be particularly useful for food packaging and biomedical applications. ...

070019: Improved Mass Air Flow Sensor for Automotive Applications

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:47 GMT

Competition in the automotive industry has increased the need for superior engines. Electronic monitoring and microsecond control systems enable a level of sophistication and performance that has previously not been available. Accurate input to engine control systems has become a priority. Combustion air flow control is as important as control of the air-fuel ratio, where the measurement of this air flow is commonly done with a mass air flow sensor (MAFS). Description The technology is an air flow sensor for automotive engines. In particular, it can measure air mass flow when the flow ...

070004: Method to Produce Biodiesel by Fermentation

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:45 GMT

Production of alternative fuels such as biodiesel is on the rise around the world and in the U.S, due to a strong and growing desire to reduce dependency on petroleum derived diesel fuel and its unstable pricing. The acceptance of biodiesel has been slowed due to its higher cost relative to petroleum-derived diesel. The higher cost of biodiesel is directly related to the cost of feedstock used for biodiesel production, which is often derived from crops also used for food. The displacement of food crops by energy crops causes higher food prices and is fueling a rapidly growing social, e...

060145: Functionalization of Polylactides by Click Chemistry

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:41 GMT

Polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycotides are growing rapidly in popularity as an alternative to petroleum-derived plastics for biomedical applications. They are biodegradable, thermoplastic, and derived from renewable resources. However, there are functional characteristics associated with these polymers that limit their use for some biomedical applications. These include their hydrophobicity and their lack of chemical functionality along their backbone. Also, production of these polymers is often complex and costly. Cost effective production methods for preparing these compounds are n...

060129: Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Analog-to-Digital Converter

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:38 GMT

On-chip signal compression is one of the key technologies driving development of energy efficient biotelemetry devices. Michigan State University’s technology is a novel architecture, called multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), for analog-to-digital conversion that combines sigma delta conversion with the spatial data compression in a single module. The method includes receiving an input vector which represents a plurality of analog signals, transforming the input vector using a linear transformation matrix, converting the transformed input vector to a digital stream using an...

060125: Topologically Controlled Composite Materials with High Energy Absorption Capability

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:37 GMT

Conventional fiber composites are prone to severe delamination, cracking, and fiber breakage upon projectile impact. This lack of toughness is a critical limitation on the possible uses of the composite. Description The technology describes the formation of a composite structure using a variety of fiber configurations that provide increased fiber bridging and improved toughness. This effects a doubling of energy absorption capability which allows the material to withstand a projectile impact far better than existing materials. Benefits Usability: Due to its superior impact resistanc...

060116: Multilayer In-place Learning Networks

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:35 GMT

Creating a neural network that can be fully and automatically trained for classification or regression analysis has been a great challenge. The well-known methods such as feed-forward networks with back-propagation learning, radial-basis functions, support vector machines, cascade-correlation learning architecture, and independent component analysis do not consider optimal statistical efficiency, and therefore suffer from a variety of problems such as local minima and unnecessarily large memory requirements. Description This technology is a network design for multi-layer neural-network...

060114: A Single-Input, Single-Output (SISO) Microcantilever Sensor

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:34 GMT

In recent years microcantilever structures have gained wide acceptance for use as physical, chemical and biological sensors. Such sensors consist of a silicon or poly silicon beam coated with a substance that activates the surface such that it will absorb the material to be sensed. As the target material is absorbed, the mass, and thus the resonant bending or vibrational frequency, of the beam changes signaling the material's presence. Generally, due to practical limitations, only a lone analyte or group of analytes can be detected through this approach. Arrays of isolated oscillators, ...

060104: Identification of an Arabidopsis Disease Resistance Gene, AtMIN7

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:31 GMT

Plants and other complex organisms possess an innate immune system that enables host response to a number of pathogens that would otherwise cause harm or death. Plants are usually able to mount a response to most pathogens and recover from infection. However, some pathogens have developed offensive mechanisms that attack, weaken, and/or destroy the plants ability to respond effectively to pathogenic infection. The response mechanism by plants and the counter activity by pathogens are not clearly understood. Elucidation of these mechanisms will provide strategies that will lead to techn...

06098: Method and Apparatus for Autonomous Self-Powered Integrated Piezo-Floating Gate Sensors

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:30 GMT

Each year, hundreds of thousands of hip and knee replacement surgeries are performed in the United States. Most of these prosthetic implants are expected to last for at least 20 years after which revision and replacement surgery will be required. In many cases, however, excessive wear and loosening of artificial joints leads to joint swelling, bone loss, pain and eventually the premature need for replacement surgery. Such cases often prove to be more traumatic and less successful than the initial implant. Long-term monitoring of biomechanical implants for excessive wear and fatigue, wh...

060096: High Yield Glycerol to Propylene Glycol Conversion Process

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:29 GMT

The increased production of biodiesel has resulted in a concomitant increased availability of glycerol, a byproduct of the production process. As a result the price of glycerol has experienced a sharp downward spiral. Challenges have confronted biodiesel producers who have pursued Glycerol conversion to the Propylene Glycol, a more desirable and higher priced chemical that is used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products. Attempts to convert Glycerol in a cost effective manner have thus far been plagued by low yield and the presence of undesirable contaminants. Description T...

060077: Determining Ejection Fraction Volumes on a Continuous Basis

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:26 GMT

People with progressive heart failure need ejection fraction (EF) measurements as critical information in diagnosis and treatment. EF is the percentage of the total volume in a ventricular chamber of the heart that is ejected per beat, a key measure of overall heart function. A technology allowing continuous monitoring of EF would allow for much better patent care than current capabilities where waits of many hours are commonly required to obtain a single EF reading. In addition, a system allowing such data to be gathered at the home, rather than in a hospital, would be a major cost sav...

060073: Micro-Encapsulation of Volatile Compounds into ß-cyclodextrins

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:25 GMT

Postharvest losses due to spoilage of fresh fruit during shipping, storage, and marketing are largely caused by several fungal species. Current preventative methods for addressing this problem are either ineffective or expensive. Therefore, advanced antifungal systems are required to ensure the quality of fresh produce for consumers, who often purchase the products several days after harvest. More recently, the use of naturally occurring plant volatiles with known antifungal properties has been explored as a means to reduce post harvest losses caused by fungi. These compounds are attra...

060061: Molecular Design of Thermostable Alcohol Dehydroganase for Synthesis for Chiral Aromatic Alcohols

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:22 GMT

Chiral aromatic alcohols are important building blocks for a variety of high-value chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and various other chiral compounds. Generally only one enantiomer is biologically active for the intended purpose of the drug; the other enantiomer can be toxic. To achieve enantiomeric purity using current methods of traditional chemical synthesis, a reaction must either be fed a chiral feedstock or comprise an additional separation step, either of which can be time consuming and/or very costly. Therefore, there is a need for more efficient ways of pr...

060042: A Composition and a Method for Preparing PLA with Improved Performance Characteristics

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:19 GMT

There is a growing trend in the plastics industry towards utilizing sustainable materials and processes for polymer production. This trend is driven by social, political, economical, and environmental concerns motivating a desire to lessen dependency on petroleum-derived products. Polylactic acid (PLA) is growing rapidly in popularity as an alternative to petrochemical-based plastics. It is biodegradable, thermoplastic, and derived from renewable resources. However, there are several major drawbacks associated with PLA, including low elongation at break, poor impact strength and heat d...

060041: Electrically Conducting Diamond Powder for Use as an Electrochemical Electrode

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:17 GMT

Diamond is a material of significant interest in material science given its collection of impressive mechanical, electrical, acoustic, and chemical properties. One method of fabricating thin-films of synthetic diamond is through chemical vapor deposition. Conductive diamond can be grown in the presence of boron. Conducting diamond powder can be added to augment the electrode surface area for higher capacity in reducing or oxidizing chemical species. Description The invention is a process for forming electrically conducting diamond particles (diamond powder) that are bound to a layer of ...

950097: Computational Screeing and Docking Tool (SLIDE)

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:14 GMT

SLIDE (Screening for Ligands by Induced Fit Docking Efficiently) represents a general approach to organic and peptidyl database screening. It can handle large binding-site templates and uses multi-stage indexing to identify feasible subsets of template points for ligand docking. An optimization approach based on mean-field theory is applied to model induced-fit complementarity, balancing flexibility between the ligand and the protein side chains. SLIDE can screen 100,000 compounds within a few days and returns a ranked list of sterically feasible ligand candidates, ranked by complementa...

060004: Nanocomposite Formulations from Biodegradable Polymers and Methods of Making Those

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:07 GMT

High-barrier packaging is of interest to those packaging products in the food, pharmaceutical, medical, chemical and cosmetics industries. It is required to protect packaged products from the infiltration of unwanted gases, water vapor and flavors. High-barrier films are usually achieved by co-extrusion, lamination, coating and layering of polymer films. However, problems such as de-lamination and migration can limit the effectiveness and/or robustness of these barrier films, eventually compromising the barrier characteristics of the packaging. Furthermore, presently available barrier ...

050123: A Reliable Process for Fabricating Single Nanowires and Nanotubes

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:06 GMT

In a broad class of future nano-devices, a key challenge will be to construct connections between electrodes using single carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or semiconductor nanowires (NWs). Current methods have major difficulties with repeatability and the ability to eliminate uncertainties. A major problem is that growing NWs or CNTs across an electrode gap is fundamentally a random process. Description The method of this invention combines an electrophoresis deposition method with an atomic force microscope (AFM) based nano-manipulation system in a reliable and controllable way to deposit and ...

050122: Pneumatic Nano-Probe Tip for Nano-Manipulation and Manufacturing

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:05 GMT

A major problem with nano-manipulation is holding the target. Due to the lack of micro force/flow feedback, the target is often destroyed during its manipulation. It would be highly desirable to have a means for picking up and releasing nano-objects without the above difficulties. Description The current invention addresses current operational problems with nanomanipulation by coupling a micropump to provide a vacuum or overpressure to a tiny latex tube. A partial vacuum at the tip can hold the object to be manipulated, and an overpressure releases a previously held object, or emits a ...

050110: Biodegradable Plastics with High Glass Transition Temperatures Replace PET and Polystyrene

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:03 GMT

Beginning around 1995, the inventor took an interest in finding ways to make polymers from natural resources since it was apparent that petroleum-based polymers would eventually increase markedly in cost as the world reserves of petroleum diminished. An associate suggested they research making polymers from hydroxyl acids. This led to the idea of making polymers from lactic acid raw materials - the resultant polymers would be biodegradable. Years of experiments have resulted in novel biodegradable polymers with excellent material properties. Description The invention describes methods t...

050097: Customizable and Renewable Nanostructured Interface for Bioelectronic Applications

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:01:00 GMT

Biomimetic interfaces consisting of synthetic lipid membranes allow proteins to be immobilized in an active conformation on a surface. The protein's activity is transduced into an electrical signal using electrochemical techniques to render a biosensor. Biomimetic interfaces that contain an upper layer of a hydrophobic lipid membrane, and a hydrophilic layer between it and the working electrode, have been integrated in silicon chips and are candidates for miniaturization and large scale production. The middle hydrophilic layer requires aqueous solutes for transduction. However, the sol...

050086: Wood Flour Filled Polyvinyl Chloride Composites and Their Foams

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:59 GMT

The Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) industry is moving towards using petroleum-free components for WPC blends, while attempting to retain or improve performance of their products. Wood plastic composite products have strength and stiffness properties that are somewhere between plastic and wood, and do not offer mechanical performance similar to that of solid wood. Improving the drawbacks of WPCs (e.g., lower flexural strength and modulus) could improve their acceptance in load bearing structural applications and open new applications for these composites. Description This invention employs...

050084: Methylene Blue Dye Test Strips for Qualitative Detection of Hydroxyl Radicals

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:58 GMT

Michigan State University’s invention is a method for indicating the presence of hydroxyl radicals in an aqueous solution. The method uses a simple procedure requiring inexpensive materials, without the addition of competitive probe chemicals that potentially can interfere with the reaction. Mythylene blue dye qualitatively indicates the presence of hydroxyl radicals by visible, distinct bleaching of the blue dye on a paper test strip. A lack of bleaching indicates the absence of hydroxyl radicals in the sample. Benefits · Provides...

050077: Plant Extracts from Verbascum Species with Antifeed Propertyies for Arthopods

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:56 GMT

Many plant species produce noxious chemicals to kill or otherwise inhibit insect feeding activity. Many of these secondary metabolites are very potent and often very specific. Extracts from these plants can be used as environmentally safe bio-pesticides for crops or other plants such as flowers to inhibit insect damage, often as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program. These extracts are of particular interest for organic food production. Furthermore, if the specific identity of active compounds can be ascertained and are novel, then these compounds can be made by chemical ...

050075: Inhibition of Cancer Cells Expressing Activated Ras Gene by Reducing the Expression of Sprouty with RNA Interference or Similar Technologies

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:55 GMT

According to the CDC, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U. S., killing more than 553,000 Americans each year. Control of this disease is a national priority. There are many mechanisms by which normal cells can be transformed into cancer cells. One that is well known and associated with a large number of cancers is mutation of the H-Ras gene into an activated oncogene. In particular, a large percentage of lung and pancreatic cancers express activated forms of H-Ras. Description This technology describes a potential approach for control of cancer cells that express a mut...

050074: PCR-Based Capsular Typing Method for Serotyping Group B Streptococci

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:54 GMT

Group B streptococci (GBS), although generally carried asymptotically, can cause invasive disease in newborns, pregnant women, and immunocompromised adults. This bacteria is the most common cause of neonatal and obstetric sepsis and an increasing cause of septicemia in the elderly and immunocompromised patients. It affects approximately 20,000 people/year, nearly half of these cases in newborns. The incidence of neonatal GBS sepsis has been reduced in recent years by the use of antibiotic prophylaxis, but there are problems with this approach. The ability to determine the clonal composi...

050059: Ti-15A1-33Nb (at.%) and T-21A1-29Nb (at.%) Alloys for Biomedical Implant Applications

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:51 GMT

Erosive bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, periodontitis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypercalcemia of malignancy and aseptic loosening are a growing medical problem which can lead to the need for replacement surgery with bone-replacement materials. Such materials must exhibit several characteristics in order to be successful, including biocompatibility with near-bone hard and soft tissue, a modulus near that for bone to prevent stress shielding, and a tensile and compressive strength and fracture toughness equal to or greater than that of bone. Due to their excellent specific strength and...

050048: Process for Production of Higher Yield Low-Emission Biodiesel

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:49 GMT

Biodiesel is rapidly gaining market momentum as the next major biofuel for energy sustainability. Factors such as the recent spike in oil prices, the increasing environmental awareness of U.S. consumers and recent tax incentives have all spurred interest and rapid growth in biodiesel technologies in the U.S. However, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the continued growth of the biofuels industry and the long-term market potential for biofuels depends upon the resolution of critical issues that influence the supply of and demand for biofuels. For each of the major biofuels-corn...

050039: F-Box Protein Targeted Plant Oil Production

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:47 GMT

In addition to their importance in human nutrition, plant seed oils are major ingredients in nonfood products, such as soaps, detergents, lubricants, cosmetics, paints, and biofuels. Demand for these vegetable oils has increased steadily due to their versatility and recent use in the development of alternatives to petroleum-based fuels. Transgenic methods that significantly increase oil production without negatively affecting other structures and functions of the plants would help address the increased demand for these oils. Michigan State University’s invention provides a method of ...

050034: Improved AFM Manipulation of Nano-Objects

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:46 GMT

In traditional atomic force microscope (AFM) based nano-manipulation systems, a cantilever is used as the probe tip to manipulate nano-sized objects. Because of the need for good contact with the object, a "pre-loaded" force must be exerted by the cantilever on the object, making it difficult for an operator to "feel" the object or to adjust and control the force on the object, thereby making it harder to effectively manipulate. Description The sensor in this invention is a cantilever silicon beam with a piezoelectric film deposited in several segments on both sides. The result is a fl...

050026: A Force Sensing Probe for Micromanipulation and Microassembly

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:44 GMT

A current limitation with existing micro-probe tips is their relatively high degree of bending when encountering objects on surfaces. This significantly limits the ability of micro-probes to manipulate micro-objects. In addition, the sensor can only have a small dynamic range in its bending if it is to maintain high accuracy in manipulating objects. Description The invention overcomes the bending limitations of existing micro-probe tips through a highly sensitive PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) piezoelectric force sensor to measure contact force and its rate of change. An active micro-f...

050018: A Novel Tomographic Imaging System Using a Conformable Mirror

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:41 GMT

Michigan State University’s technology is a conformable mirror for use in computer-aided tomography (CT) systems. The design eliminates the need for an enclosed space, which is stressful for children and people with claustrophobia. The mirror is the only moving component. Software is used to construct the entire tomography once the data is collected. Benefits · Eliminates the bulky enclosed design common to most CAT systems · Since the mirror is the only moving part, the motion of so...

050011: Use of Arginase and/or Threonine Deaminase in Plant Protection against Herbivores

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:40 GMT

Insect pests are a major cause of damage to the world’s commercially important agricultural crops. Current strategies aimed at reducing crop losses rely primarily on chemical pesticides. Transgenic crops with intrinsic pest resistance offer a potential alternative. Michigan State University’s invention provides an alternative to chemical pesticides by producing plants with an enhanced resistance to insect pests. Arginase and threonine deaminase, which are produced in plant tissues, are enzymes that degrade amino acids essential for insect growth. These enzymes do not affect amin...

050010: Continuous Monitoring of Cardiac Output and Left Atrial Pressure

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:39 GMT

Cardiac output (CO) is the volume of blood ejected by the heart per unit time, while left atrial pressure (LAP) is the blood pressure in the left heart during the cardiac filling phase. Both CO and LAP permit the diagnosis of various cardiovascular disease processes and thereby facilitate imminent therapeutic decisions. Thus, the ability to monitor effectively CO and LAP is extremely desirable. Several conventional methods exist to measure CO and LAP. However, they are generally too invasive and unsafe, too impractical and/or too inaccurate for clinical use. Description This invention ...

050009: High Impact-High Stiffness Bacterial Bioplastic

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:38 GMT

This technology is a new approach for producing biodegradable plastic that overcomes some prior limitation inherent in the use of Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). PHB is a desirable material because of its high crytallinity and water resistance. Crytallinity is when chains pack closely together in a regular way, allowing stronger intermolecular forces. The polymer is less flexible and stronger as a result. The current technology addresses the inflexibility (brittleness) and thermal instability of PHB through the incorporation of high modulus fillers (clay). Benefits * Improved flexibility: ...

050008: Nano-layered Silicates with High Chemical Reactivity

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:37 GMT

The smectite family of layered silicate minerals, the so-called "swelling clays," have theoretical surface areas of 700 meters per gram or larger. However, accessing this surface area for important materials applications such as catalysis, adsorption, and polymer-clay nanocomposite formation is not readily achievable; the elementary one-nanometer thick nanolayers stack to form tactoids, thus reducing the effective surface area for useful chemical reactions. The tactoids can be swelled by a swelling solvent to access interlayer regions. However, this approach is inconvenient and limits ...

040138: Ceramic Membrane Filtration of Ozonated Water

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:32 GMT

Membrane filtration is considered one of the best available technologies for meeting Stage 2 D/DBP requirements. However, one of the major problems with membrane processes is the decrease in permeate water flux resulting from membrane fouling. In addition, although membrane filtration of drinking water provides a barrier against pathogens and particles, disinfection after filtration is usually necessary to control bacterial regrowth on the filtrate side of the membrane. As a result, the production of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) remains a serious issue. Description The invention comb...

040132: A Reactive Extrusion Process for Formation of Biodegradable, Bioabsorbable Co-Polymers of 1,4-Dioxan-2-one and a Cyclic Ester

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:30 GMT

Current methods for producing these polymers typically result in low conversion of monomer to polymer product. Removal of the monomer is a time and cost intensive procedure. Description This invention describes an approach to synthesize copolymers of 1,4-dioxan-2-one and a cyclic ester using continuous extrusion and an organometallic polymerization agent (catalyst or initiator) with good control of conversion of monomer to polymer and of molecular weights. Benefits High efficiency: Continuous extrusion is a highly efficient method of polymerization. Cost effective: Lower ...

040124: Epitaxial Permalloy with Unique Magnetic Properties

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:28 GMT

The need for improvements in sensitivity, performance and reduction in size of magnetoresistive devices, such as non-volatile magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) and magnetic sensors, is the driving force behind the search for new magnetic materials. The switching characteristics, homogeneity of magnetic domains, magnetic anisotropy and magnetic domain reversal speed (switching speed) are all critical to the performance of such devices. In recent years, non-epitaxial permalloy (Py) has become one of the favored ferromagnetic materials used in magnetic storage and sensing appli...

040116: Bouncer Adjuvant

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:26 GMT

Pesticide adjuvants are substances other than water that are added to the pesticide formulation, to enhance the effectiveness of the pesticide. Adjuvants used for agricultural applications have been categorized as extenders, wetting agents, sticking agents and fogging agents. They are accepted amongst pesticides users and are reported to have been used for almost as long as pesticides. The overall adjuvant market is estimated at $1 billion in US or 35% of pesticide market. Description This invention is a tank-mix spray adjuvant that significantly increases the efficiency of pesticide de...

040115: Biodegradable Polymeric Nanocomposite Compositions Particularly for Packaging

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:25 GMT

040109: Novel "Green" Materials from Soy Meal and Natural Rubber Blends

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:24 GMT

Petroleum-based plastics are derived from a non-sustainable source, for which alternatives are presently sought. These plastics are also environmentally burdensome because they are not biodegradable. This and other drawbacks associated with petroleum-based plastics have led to increased research efforts toward the development of biodegradable and natural replacements. At present, biodegradable polymers include synthetic polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA), biopolymers produced by microorganisms, such as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and natural biopolymers, such as starch and protein. ...

040108: Method for the Separation of Peptide or Protein Materials

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:23 GMT

The recent focus on proteomics research has resulted in an increased demand for sophisticated methods to identify and analyze post-translational processing of proteins for the purpose of analyzing cellular signaling networks and diagnosing diseases. The reversible process of phosphorylation/dephosphorylation is one modification that is critical for intra- and intercelluar signaling. To better study the properties of phosphorylated proteins and peptides, it is important to be able to separate them from their unphosphorylated counterparts. Current methods for accomplishing this separatio...

040100: Formaldehyde-Free Binding Systems for Wood-Based Composites

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:21 GMT

Formaldehyde is a widely used industrial chemical that is also a suspected carcinogen. Worker and end-user exposure to formaldehyde is heavily regulated by at the state and federal level by agencies including HUD, EPA, and NIOSH. Particleboard (PB) and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are two composite wood products that are traditionally made using formaldehyde-based adhesives. Formaldehyde vapor tends to escape during composite manufacturing and is also out-gassed to some extent from the finished products. Description Michigan State University’s invention is a method for...

040091: Radial Wave Rotor

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:18 GMT

Traditional attempts to use depressions or pockets to control wave reflection of off-design operation in internal combustion engines undesirably reduce the sensitivity of axial wave rotors to engine speed changes. Nevertheless, there still exists a need to improve the performance and reduce the size of traditional wave rotors to enhance their commercial viability or adapt a different geometry for more convenient implementation. Michigan State University’s invention uses an axial wave rotor as a supercharger in internal combustion engines for automotive vehicles. The wave rotor a...

040081: Process for the Preparation of Lactic Acid and Glyceric Acid

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:16 GMT

Michigan State University’s invention is a process for making lactic and glyceric acid. Aqueous solutions of hexose and pentose sugars, typically glucose or fructose, are digested in the presence of strong anionic exchange resins that act as solid bases. Lactic and glyceric anions form but are bound to the ion exchange resins. The spent sugar solutions are removed and then, through addition of sulfuric acid, the lactic and glyceric acids separate from the resin and are recovered as useful products. Benefits · The process achieves...

040059: Wave Rotors for Ultra-Micro Gas Turbines

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:11 GMT

Gas turbine engines are essentially simple devices having only three parts: a compressor, a combustion area, and a turbine. Applications of such engines are well know, for example, in jet engines of aircraft, propulsion systems of tanks, and small industrial power plants. Devices such as wave rotors have been used in an attempt to improve the efficiency and the output of gas turbine engines. Most applications of gas turbine engines are very large in scale, and only recently have gas turbine engines been able to be produced in a smaller scale. Although gas turbine engines may be produce...

040039: Miniature Microwave Plasma Torch

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:06 GMT

Michigan State University’s invention uses microwave-based plasma torch technology to provide a miniature version of the plasma torch. The miniature plasma torch operates at or near atmospheric pressure to process materials or render spectroscopy applications. The torch can provide a spot sized from a quarter millimeter to several millimeters. The device can also be integrated into a hybrid plasma torch/laser apparatus for materials processing. Benefits · Operates near or at atmospheric pressure for use in materials processin...

040020: Engineering Functional Groups into Electrospun Nanofibers for Cell Culture

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:02 GMT

Cell culturing is the process of growing cells in an artificial environment under controlled conditions in an effort to cause the cells to behave as they would in vivo. This is difficult to achieve because, in addition to the conditions such as temperature, pH, and gas concentrations, nutrients and energy requirements must be supplied in cell culture media. Additionally, for some studies, substrate materials are required for cellular adhesion to enable proliferation of cells to form tissues, and growth factors are needed to promote growth and differentiation of cells. Although there ha...

040015: Improved Fluid Distribution System for Bioreactor Landfills

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:00:01 GMT

Landfills to treat solid waste are divided into two primary categories, the "dry tomb" and the bioreactor landfill. The key difference between these two types resides in the fact that bioreactor landfills require controlled addition of leachate or moisture to the solid waste in the landfill. These types of landfills are considered to be more environmentally friendly. The effective recirculation of a leachate and other liquids, or fluids (such as steam or air) to the solid waste in the landfill is a major component in a bioreactor landfill. The injection of the leachate or moisture into ...

040006: Compositions and Methods for Immunotherapy of Cancer and Infectious Diseases

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:58 GMT

Background A principal goal in the development of immunotherapies is to achieve a safe and effective activation of the immune system. One of the early signals of T lymphocyte and Natural Killer cell activation is the induction in expression of the cell surface glycoprotein CD69. This protein is involved in lymphocyte proliferation and functions as a signaling-transmitting receptor in these cells. Being able to regulate the expression of CD69 would be one significant step toward the development of an immunotherapy which would have broad reaching applications from cancer to infectious disease....

030073: Improved Force Sensing on Nano-Manipulated Objects

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:56 GMT

Efficient manipulation of nano-sized objects will require an effective means for sensing the force exerted by a nanoprobe on the object. Current PZT (lead zirconium titante)-based piezoelectric force sensors are limited in their sensitivity. Description By using a highly sensitive polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric force sensor to measure contact force and its rate of change, the invention promises an advancement in micromanipulation and microassembly technology. PVDF has excellent sensitivity and better dynamic properties than PZT, providing output voltages ten times higher t...

030062: Composite metal Matrix Castings and Solder Compositions and Methods for Microelectronics and Metal Matrix Castings

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:53 GMT

The rapid advance in the miniaturization of electronic components require novel soldering solutions with sub-micron reinforcements. Sub-micron reinforcements can minimize grain boundary sliding. Another challenge is increased current density in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). Ion migration across electrodes causes voids and ultimately solder joint failure. This invention provides the necessary submicron reinforcements to mitigate these emerging challenges and thus to extend its service life. Description This technology is an improved solder composition. Lead-free solder is str...

030052: Preparation of Hymenialdisine Derivatives and potential Application to Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases, Alzheimer's, and Cancer

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:51 GMT

Cyclin-dependent kinases and NF-kB regulate a large number of genes and biochemical pathways. Deviations in their activity are associated with diseases, including those linked to immune, inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic responses. Many areas of drug discovery are focused on discovery of reagents that inhibit their activities. Naturally occurring compounds that are identified through marine biology represent a broad spectrum of potentially useful compounds. The multi-ring indolazepine derivatives described here are closely related to hymenialdisine compounds that have been isolated from...

030039: Real-time Nanomanipulation using AFM

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:46 GMT

An efficient system for manipulation of nano-sized objects would be greatly aided by the ability of an operator to "feel" the objects he/she is manipulating. Description The invention proposes an atomic force microscope (AFM) based Augmented Reality System consisting of an AFM connected to a haptic device allowing the operator to feel the nano-objects he is manipulating in real-time. By using this system, the operator can manipulate nano-sized objects in real-time by controlling the 3D motion of the AFM tip through the haptic device and at the same time receive real-time visual and 3D f...

030035: Composition and Method for Drought-Tolerant Ryegrass

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:45 GMT

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is a diploid cool-season bunch-type grass that is widely used for turf purposes. It germinates rapidly and is quick to establish—characteristics that have led to its frequent use in turfgrass mixtures in both the temperate and transition climatic zones. Perennial ryegrass is used in lawn, golf course tees and fairways, and some highly maintained athletic fields because it tolerates relatively short mowing heights and traffic while providing a good playing surface. It is broadly adapted to cool, temperate climates, and moist environments. However,...

030037: Prestrained Thin-Film Shape Memory Actuators Offer Rapid, Strong Response

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:44 GMT

Prior use of thin films of SMA materials has been confined to the deposition of films onto rigid substrates such as silicon, limiting their use to planar elements which are not amenable to the pre-straining required to obtain maximum shape memory strain recovery. Prior SMA cyclic actuator systems using wires, springs or sheets require users to impart strains into the martensitic phase of an SMA material before use, to provide biasing forces to reset the actuator to a starting position on cooling. These straining operations often require substantial mechanical complexity and are general...

020088: Process and Method of Preparing Food Products with Psyllium

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:42 GMT

The importance and benefits of dietary fiber are well known and medically accepted. An appropriate and regular intake of dietary fiber can prevent constipation and hemorrhoids and lessen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis. Fiber has also been shown to play a role in treating and preventing elevated cholesterol, heart disease, strokes, colon polyps, and colon cancer. Psyllium is derived from the husks of the seeds of Plantago ovata, a plant that often grows wild in the southwestern United States. It contains a high level of soluble dietary fiber and is...

030027: A Method for the Cost-Effective Preparation of Organofunctional, Mesostructure Molecular Sieves for Toxic, Heavy Metal Ion Trapping and Heterogeneous Catalysis

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:41 GMT

The ability to create lower cost, industrial strength catalytic materials with desired pore sizes and with a chemically modified surface of organic groups can improve efficiency and selectivity in existing industrial processes that modify vast volumes of fluid. Template agents (usually organic molecules or ions) direct the crystallization of the zeolite including resulting pore size and shape. Description The innovation described in this invention relates to the development of sodium silicate hydrolysis chemistry in the presence of a surfactant that allows the silica to be incorporated ...

030023: Renewable, Low-Cost Polyols and Polyesters from Natural Oils

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:39 GMT

As petroleum usage continues to increase and reserves of petroleum continue to be depleted, polymer manufacturers seek alternative methods for making useful materials currently derived from petroleum raw materials. Because of a personal desire to help understand and exploit 'green' technologies, the inventor of this technology has been studying bio-based material sciences since 2000. After a few years of work, and several experiments, it became apparent that a simple method to convert plant oils into polyols was possible in a one-pot process. The resulting polyols and polyurethanes hav...

030021: Industrial Fructose Production

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:38 GMT

Michigan State University’s invention increases the efficiency of high fructose corn syrup production using enzyme-based methods. The enzyme xylose isomease has been modified to have enhanced stability, activity, and utility. The invention includes an efficient method of producing this enzyme in quantity with the intended use in industrial production of fructose from glucose. Benefits · Increased efficiency and decreased cost of production: Increasing the stability of the enzyme in fructose production increases the activity of the...

030012: Expression of a Recombinant Transgene

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:35 GMT

Transgenic plants have gained interest from industry as natural bioreactors for the production of pharmaceutical and industrial products. Advantageous expression systems based on promoters strategically designed to optimize transgene expression in plant cells are required to maximize the potential of transgenic plants for industrial purposes. Additionally, the use of transgenic plant technologies to protect plants is an environmentally-friendly alternative to pesticides for farming purposes. Description This invention provides a more specific, more controllable, and environmentally fri...

030009: Efficient Catalytic Production of Isoamines for Pharmaceutical Applications

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:34 GMT

A number of compounds used as intermediates in drug manufacture are difficult to produce. One such class of compounds is iminoamines. It would be desirable to have a way of easily manufacturing a wide variety of substituted iminoamines with good regioselectivity. This capability would make possible the production of a wide variety of chemical intermediates used in potential drug discovery and current drug manufacture, and thus would be of interest to pharmaceutical customers. Description This invention uses a titanium metal catalytic complex to couple three simple starting materials in...

020072: A Source and Production Method for Acetyl-Triacylglycerols (ac-TAGs)

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:30 GMT

Biodiesel can substitute for conventional petroleum diesel in almost all applications. Oftentimes, use of biodiesel requires engine modification since biodiesel has different solvent properties and often degrades natural rubber. Since use of biodiesel is increasing rapidly, alternative biofuel supplies are needed to accommodate the growing demand. Michigan State University’s inventions provide a source and production method for novel plant oils, acetyl-triacylglycerols (ac-TAGs), with possible uses as biodiesel-like biofuel and/or as low-fat food ingredients. By combining an ac-TAG-rel...

020060: Novel Multi-Substituted Imidazolines with Potential anti Microbial and Anti-inflammatory Application

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:27 GMT

NF-kB is a transcription factor that regulates a large number of genes and biochemical pathways, including those involved in immune, inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic responses. Many areas of drug discovery are focused on developing reagents that regulate NF-kB. Imidazolines are potent inhibitors of NF-kB, and are currently being used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, including asthma, arthritis, fungal infections and hypertension. Imidazolines exhibit other properties which make them potentially useful in enhancing the activity of chemotherapy agents. Description This techn...

020043: Environmentally Friendly Polylactide-Based Biocomposite Materials for Flooring

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:24 GMT

The growing environmental awareness, increasing societal concern and new environmental rules and regulations have triggered a paradigm shift in designing and engineering of eco-friendly green materials for flooring applications. Polylactic acid (PLA) polymers or polylactides are useful biodegradable polymers because of their origin from renewable resources like com. The objective of this invention is to replace existing flooring materials based on halogenated polymers, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with novel, eco-friendly polylactide-based materials for 21st century floorings. Pol...

020039: Z-Source Power Converter for High-Efficiency Power Conversion

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:22 GMT

Power converters, also known as power inverters, are necessary components to all electrical/electronic products. Due to their ubiquity, power converter attributes such as efficiency, robustness, cost, and peak power are very important. Description The invention is an Impedance Source (Z-source) Power Converter. The converter performs both buck and boost conversion, and one of DC/DC, AC/DC, or AC/AC conversion.This converter increases robustness and efficiency while maintaining the desirable traits of prior converters (e.g. V- and I- converters). It can be used for high power application...

020020: Plant Cyclopropane Fatty Acid Synthase

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:19 GMT

Vegetable oils are used not only in the food industry but also increasingly in the chemical industry. The utility of any particular oil depends upon chemical and physico-chemical properties of the oil, which is determined by the composition of the constituent fatty acids. Plant oils are often modified to meet industrial specifications. Such modifications of vegetable oil have typically been achieved by chemical means, but genetic means are increasingly being used to provide novel oil feedstocks. One class of particular interest is the class of fatty acids containing three carbo...

020019: Ultrastable Porous Aluminosilicate Structures and Derived Compositions for Industrial Catalysis

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:18 GMT

The ability to create industrial strength catalytic materials with desired pore sizes can improve efficiency in existing industrial processes that modify vast volumes of fluid. Tunable pore sizes of interest 'in catalysis' include micropores (pore diameters up to 2 nm) and mesopores (2 to 50 nm). Description This technology is a porous aluminosilicate material (zeolite) that resists degradation from high temperatures and steam and a process for attaining 'tunable' pore sizes. The resulting pore sizes depend on surfactant-directed (e.g., detergent) assembly of zeolitic seeds derived from...

020017: Electrically conductive polycrystalline diamond and particulate metal-based electrodes for fuel cells and other electrochemical applications

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:17 GMT

Diamond is a material of significant interest in material science given its collection of impressive mechanical, electrical, acoustic, and chemical properties. One method for fabricating thin-films of synthetic diamond is through chemical vapor deposition. Conductive diamond can be grown in the presence of boron. Platinum can be integrated into the diamond surface to form a Pt/diamond composite that is electroactive for generating key elements in fuel cells and other electrochemical applications. Description The invention is a dimensionally stable Pt/diamond composite electrode for use ...

020015: Microstripline Circuits for Microwave Plasma Discharges

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:16 GMT

Widely used in a variety of products and processes, plasmas are generated by applying a voltage between electrodes to facilitate gas ionization. The voltage may be static (DC) or varying at a fixed rate that can be in the RF range (<100 KHz) or as high as tens of MHz in frequency. Typical plasmas have a characteristic physical dimension on the order of 40 to 80 cm. Smaller plasmas can be generated via waveguide or cavity structures and exciting frequencies in the microwave regime (>1 GHz). However, the necessary electrode structures become increasingly small and more difficult to ...

020011: Environmentally Friendly Epoxy

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:14 GMT

Epoxies are thermosetting polymers formed through the combination of a resin and a hardener. They are extensively used for coatings, for adhesives, and as a base for composite materials. Epoxies are recognized for their versatility, high tensile strength, and high temperature resistance. However, due to environmental and health concerns, there is a growing demand for epoxies that are safer for both the user and environment. Description Michigan State University’s technology is the formulation of an eco-friendly epoxy. This epoxy uses a biodegradable glucose-based copolymer, glucose male...

020007: A Safe, Efficient Method of Oxidatively Cleaving Olefins to Selectively Produce Aldehydes, Carboxylic Acids, Esters, or Ketones

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:13 GMT

Oxidative cleavage of olefins is a powerful synthetic method for producing a range of desired organic compounds and is often used, for example, by the pharmaceutical industry and the petroleum industry. Current methods rely on oxidants, such as potassium permanganate and sodium periodate, or ozonolysis. There are serious drawbacks to these methods such as solubility issues, undesirable side-products, poor yields, and, in the case of ozonolysis, production of explosive intermediates. Description This invention provides a mild, safe and versatile method of oxidatively cleaving mono, 1,1-d...

010056: Late Blight Resistant Potato Variety "Jacqueline Lee"

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:11 GMT

The Jacqueline Lee potato variety has a bright golden skin, yellow flesh, attractive oval shape, and excellent cooking qualities that make it suitable for tablestock use. In addition, it has been determined to have a high level of foliar resistance to the US-8 genotype of Phytophthora infestans de Bary under Michigan field and greenhouse conditions. It is a full-season variety with vine maturity similar to Snowden. Benefits · High yield potential · High set (14-16 tubers/hill) of med...

010052: Single Compartment Electrochemical Bioreactor System

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:09 GMT

A biofuel cell is a device that directly converts microbial metabolic power into electricity using electrochemical technology. Microbial fuel cells have previously used systems with two compartments: (1) an aerated cathode compartment containing a chemical solution of ferric cyanide and oxygen; and (2) an anode compartment containing bacterial cells, electron mediator, and reduced substrate. MSU’s invention is an electrochemical bioreactor system with a single compartment containing first electrode, second electrode, electrically conductive material connecting the electrodes, electrolyt...

010041: Ultrastable Organofunctional Microporous to Mesoporous Silica Compositions for Industrial Catalysis

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:06 GMT

The ability to create industrial strength catalytic materials with desired pore sizes and with a chemically modified surface of organic groups can improve efficiency and selectivity in existing industrial processes that modify vast volumes of fluid. Template agents (usually organic molecules or ions) direct the crystallization of the zeolite including resulting pore size and shape. Description This technology is a method for preparing a porous silica material with functional organic groups incorporated into the structure. Pore size can be controlled over a wide range through templating ...

010036: Improved Alumina Catalyst

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:59:04 GMT

Alumina has been used as a catalyst in a wide variety of industrial processes for many years. Even modest improvements in alumina catalysts can have a significant impact on efficiencies of production of a very wide variety of chemical compounds. There is a continuing commercial need for new tailored alumina catalysts that can more efficiently produce existing chemical compounds, or that lend themselves to the production of new compounds. Description A mesostructured gamma-alumina is prepared by hydrolyzing an aluminum salt or alkoxide in the presence of a polyethylene oxide surfactant,...

010008: A One-Step Synthesis of 5-Hydroxymethyl 2-Oxazolidinones

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:59 GMT

Oxazolidinones are a class of compounds containing 2-oxazolidone in the structure. They are used in chiral synthesis and are an important class of molecules in the pharmaceutical industry especially in the areas of antimicrobial and behavior disorder. Oxazolidinone based antimicrobials are especially active against some of the most resistant human pathogens including enterococci, staphylococcus aureus, and streptococcus pneumonia. Description Michigan State University’s invention is a one-step synthesis of 5-hydroxymethyl oxazolidinones from boronic acid esters of 3, 4-dihy...

010007: A One-Step Route to Chiral 5-Trityloxymethyl Oxazolidinones

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:58 GMT

Oxazolidinones are a class of compounds containing 2-oxazolidone in the structure. They are used in chiral synthesis and are an important class of molecules in the pharmaceutical industry especially in the areas of antimicrobial and behavior disorder. Oxazolidinone based antimicrobials are especially active against some of the most resistant human pathogens including enterococci, staphylococcus aureus, and streptococcus pneumonia. Description Michigan State University’s invention is a one-step route to chiral 5-trityloxymethyl oxazolidinones from chiral 3-hydroxy 4 trityl...

000092: Wrinkled 1 (wri1) Seed-Oil-Increasing Transcription Factor

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:55 GMT

Plant seed oils are used in many products, including human and animal food products, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, paints, lubricants, and to make biodiesel. Demand for vegetable oils has been increasing steadily and has been bolstered by recent interest in using these oils as renewable alternatives to petroleum fuels. Michigan State University’s invention provides a gene and method to increase oil production in plants. The wri1 gene is a transcription factor that turns on genes involved in oil production, causing the plant to increase oil production. Expression of the wri1 gene in ...

000085: Divinyl Ether Synthase Gene and Protein and Uses Thereof

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:54 GMT

Pesticides are useful and necessary to protect crops from insects and weeds that would otherwise cause harm or destruction. However, pesticides are often burdensome to the environment and sometimes harmful to humans and wildlife. For this reason, alternative technologies are sought that will lessen and ideally eliminate the need to use pesticides for plant protection. The use of recombinant products and transgenic plant technologies are believed to be a promising approach to achieving this goal. An ideal scenario is to engineer plants with built in defensive mechanisms that would prote...

000073: Process and Intermediate Compounds for the Preparation of Pyrrolidines

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:52 GMT

Michigan State University’s invention relates to the preparation of pyrrolidines, preferably chiral, from tri-O-acetylketopentulosonic acid methyl esters. In particular, the invention relates to the preparation of 3,4-dihydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl pyrrolidines, which can be substituted or unsubstituted in the N position. IP Protection Status U.S. patents 6,518,437; 6,482,973; 6,482,974; 6,492,543; and 6,583,297 Japanese patent 3,394,047

000060: Process for the Preparation of a 1,5-Dideoxy-1, 5-Imino Hexitols from Oximes and Imines

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:48 GMT

Michigan State University’s invention relates to a multi-step synthesis of a 1, 5-dideoxy-1, 5-imino hexitol from a ketoaldonic acid methyl ester of a hexose sugar with protected hydroxyl groups to novel intermediates. In particular, the invention relates to processes which enable the production of novel intermediates to the hexitol and, in particular, a ketoaldonic acid methyl ester oxime or alkylimine, which forms the ring structure of the hexitol by alternate routes. IP Protection Status U.S. patents 6,462,197; 6,590,121; 6,605,724; and 6,831,176

000056: Rapid Test to Detect Bovine Coronavirus and Rotavirus

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:47 GMT

Calf diarrhea, commonly called scours, remains a problem in the beef and dairy industries. In fact, more than half of unweaned dairy heifers that contract scours die according to a recent USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) report. Calves that survive have lifelong poorer performance than healthy calves. When a serious unexpected outbreak occurs, the remedial actions include identifing the causes and strengthening the precautionary measures. Veterinary assistance is required to get a proper diagnosis, which may involve laboratory tests. Fecal samples from scou...

000032: Purification of Drinking Water Using Ozonation in a Fluidized Bed Bioreactor

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:43 GMT

The conventional approach to including ozonation in water treatment is to combine it with biological treatment (biotreatment). One problem of conventional ozonation/biodegration processes is that the biodegradable organic carbon (BDOC) in the organic materials formed by the initial ozonation is difficult to quickly remove during the subsequent biotreatment. This "slow" BDOC, if not removed will contribute to the formation of disinfection by-products after chlorination, and may also result in biological regrowth in the distribution system. Description The invention relates to a process ...

000025: Hydroforming of Composite Materials

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:40 GMT

In hydroforming, a metal blank is formed into a desired shape with the use of fluid pressure impinging on the blank which in turn impinges on a die that gives the blank its final shape. Hydroforming has a number of advantages when compared to other shaping processes, including reduced tooling cost, increased drawability, and enhanced stability. Currently, there has been little or no use of hydroforming in the production of composites. However, there is a need for a forming and shaping method that can produce complex composite structures with as little wrinkling or tearing as possible. ...

000020: Process for the Preparation of Polymers of Dimeric Cyclic Esters

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:39 GMT

Polylactic acid (PLA) is growing rapidly in popularity as an alternative to petroleum-derived plastics. It is biodegradable, thermoplastic, and derived from renewable resources. Presently, the preparation of crystalline materials requires enantiopure L-lactide, where lactic acid is produced by microbial fermentation, and the cyclic lactide monomer is made by oligomerization and catalytic dimerization. PLA is then produced from the lactide monomer by ring-opening polymerization. This process is costly, weakening PLA's position as an alternative to less costly petroleum-derived plastics....

000013: Catalysts and Process for Hydrogenolysis of Sugar Alcohols to Polyols

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:37 GMT

Metal-catalyzed cleavage of polyols (MCCP) is a novel technology for preparing low molecular weight polyols such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol from high molecular weight polyols. Specifically, MCCP is a novel route for breaking apart these sugars (C6 and C5) using a metal-catalyzed, alkaline cleavage of sugar alcohols to C3 compounds. The technology possesses several advantages over existing methods. MCCP accelerates the cracking step, is able to utilize lower reaction temperatures, and has better selectivity. Thus, for example, it is able to produce lactic acid as desire...

000009: Anti-mycotoxin Compound and a Screening Test for Mycotoxin Inhibitors

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:35 GMT

Mycotoxins, metabolites produced by specific fungi, are introduced into the food chain by pre-harvest and post-harvest contamination of foods and livestock feed. Infestation of crops and food by mycotoxin producing fungi causes serious immunosuppressive, carcinogenic, cytotoxic, and teratogenic effects in humans and animals. The Aspergillus mycotoxin, aflatoxin, is the most potent naturally occurring carcinogen and one of the most economically important mycotoxins worldwide. Fusarium mycotoxins infect the grain of developing wheat and maize and include deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, w...

000006: Plant Seed Specific Promoters

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:34 GMT

Constitutive promoters, such as the CaMV 35S promoter, are commonly used for producing transgenic plants. However, constitutive promoters offer very little expression control, and cause their products to be expressed throughout the entire life of the plant and ubiquitously in tissues of transgenic plants. This effect is often harmful to the health of the plant, reducing bioreactor (plant) life and negatively affecting the desired output. Tissue-specific promoters enable expression of desired traits in targeted tissue only, and usually offer greater control of expression timing and leve...

000002: Higher Efficiency Process for Preparing Clays for Use in Nanocomposites

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:32 GMT

Polymer-clay nanocomposites are used in such applications as packaging films, containers, automobile trim and injection-molded components. Homostructured mixed ion clays used in such nanocomposites require a relatively slow and complicated process to be prepared. The existing process for preparing homoionic organoclays (a critical component of the above mixed ion clays) requires relatively long reaction times and significant amounts of solvents. An entire process to make the homoionic organoclay also has to be completed before it can be mixed with an inorganic clay to make a homostruct...

990041: Method of Inhibiting Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria in Plants

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:29 GMT

Michigan State University’s invention is a method of inhibiting fungi and bacteria present in plant materials by applying biologically pure culture of Pseudonomas aureofaciens in an admixture with metabolites from the growth of P. aureofaciens and growth medium. The method is useful for controlling bacterial and fungal diseases in plants as a microbial biocide in an environmentally safe way using biological control. It is especially use useful in inhibiting fungi and bacteria in fruit and vegetable crops, shrubs, flowers and bedding plants, cereal crops, trees, and nursery stocks....

980061: Condensed Phase Catalytic Hydrogenation of Lactic Acid to Propylene Glycol

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:20 GMT

Propylene glycol is a nontoxic chemical used in polymers production, as a nontoxic antifreeze, and in food, drink, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. Propylene glycol is currently made commercially by high pressure and high temperature hydrolysis of propylene oxide. Description Michigan State University’s invention provides a low-cost method of producing propylene glycol from lactic acid. The process produces high yields of propylene glycol from crude or unrefined lactic acid under reaction conditions with high selectivity and low byproduct formation. This inventi...

980036: Microbial Utilization of Electricity

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:15 GMT

The promotion of reductive processes in a biological system requires an electrochemical bioreactor system having a cathode compartment equipped with a cathode and an anode compartment equipped with an anode. The cathode and anode compartments are separated by a cation selective membrane, such that the cathode and anode are connected by a conductive material to a power supply. MSU’s invention details novel reductive processes in which biological systems are promoted by providing an electrochemical bioreactor system with cathode and anode compartments; placing a neutral red and biologi...

980030: Photopolymerizable Compositions for Encapsulating Microelectronic Devices in High-Speed Manufacturing

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:13 GMT

Composite materials are typically comprised of two-phase materials. There is a continuous binder (matrix) phase and a stronger or stiffer (discontinuous) reinforcement material phase. To achieve high speeds in manufacturing, reaction injection molding (RIM) techniques have been employed widely.However, resins (e.g., unsaturated polyesters, epoxies, vinyl esters) have become popular for a wide array of applications. Resin transfer molding (RTM) has been developed for low-volume production and involves a mechanical pumping apparatus to transfer catalysts and reactive resins from holding ...

980015: Compositions and Methods for Protecting Cultivated Plants from Herbicidal Injury

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:09 GMT

Michigan State University’s invention is a composition for protecting cultivated plants and is comprised of an herbicide and a repellant adjuvant that reduces retention of the composition on the foliage of the cultivated plant. Benefits · Protects cultivated plants from herbicidal damage · Especially useful when a plant is at a vulnerable stage of growth · Potential to reduce volume of herbicides utilized in a spray operation due to dec...

970082: A Dynamically Controllable, High Volume, Flow Rate Positive Displacement Pump (DCHV Pump)

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:58:05 GMT

Positive displacement pumps for liquids and gases typically include one or more pistons, cylinder assemblies, and associated inlet and outlet valves which control the flow of fluid pumped into and out of the cylinders. Such pumps are typically capable of relatively high pressure rise operation. A drawback of such positive displacement pumps is that both the inflow and outflow are distinctly pulsatile in character which yields relatively small flow rates. The ability to adjust pressure and flow rates with such pumps would dramatically improve the output pressure. Description The inventio...

970024: Hydrophobic Mesoporous Silica Composition

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:57:57 GMT

There is a need for improvements in the preparation of porous materials that are active for binding metals from solution on an industrial scale. The materials have the composition of organic-inorganic metal oxides and prior art is difficult to synthesize or to achieve ideal porosity for metal binding. Description This technology is a method for preparing a mesoporous organosilica for catalysis and adsorbent activities. The hydrophobic mesoporous molecular sieves (HMS) have an inorganic oxide composition, and the surface of the mesopore walls are reactive organic silane moieties. The mat...

950094: Method for the Inhibition of Fungal Growth in Fruits and Vegetables

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:57:31 GMT

Many synthetic fungicides have been used to prevent decay of perishable plant products albeit some may pose health risks. Thus, fungicides will likely face greater use restrictions in the future. Using natural products with fungicidal properties may be an attractive alternative to prolonging product freshness and promoting enhanced flavor and quality. Description Invention is to use hexanal in a controlled atmosphere to treat harvested fruit or vegetables. Hexanal as a natural volatile acts as a residue-free antifungal agent that enhances aroma biosynthesis in fruits & vegetables. ...

950009: Catalytic Applications of Mesoporous Metallosilicate Molecular Sieves and Method for Their Preparation

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:57:15 GMT

Catalysis of larger molecules would proceed more quickly with larger pores that would allow for more flux into and out of the pores. In addition, one of the most important methods for converting hydrocarbons to useful industrial chemical, intermediates, and pharmaceuticals is catalytic oxidation. Current oxidation routes result in large quantities of waste pollutants that are extremely difficult to dispose of and too expensive to recycle. Description This technology can catalytically oxidize or hydroxylate organic compounds within its mesoporous metallosilicate material. The molecular...

930042: Method for the Separation of Proteins from Grain Flour

heguangm@msu.edu — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 09:56:24 GMT

Edible films are widely used for a number of applications in the food industry, including to coat food surfaces, separate different components, casings, pouches, or wraps. They are used in the pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries to deliver medications, appetite suppressants and vitamins. Additionally, experts in the packaging and aforementioned industries envision even greater use of these films in the future. Hence, product developers in these fields are seeking technologies that will provide processing advancements that enable use of a broader range of materials in a cos...