[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 94 (Friday, May 15, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27095-27097]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13011]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health


Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing

AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, DHHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The inventions listed below are owned by agencies of the U.S. 
Government and are available for licensing in the U.S. in accordance 
with 35 U.S.C. 207 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results 
of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patent 
applications are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage 
for companies and may also be available for licensing.

ADDRESSES: Licensing information and copies of the U.S. patent 
applications listed below may be obtained by writing to the indicated 
licensing contact at the Office of Technology Transfer, National 
Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville, 
Maryland 20852-3804; telephone 301/496-7057; fax: 301/402-0220. A 
signed Confidential Disclosure Agreement will be required to receive 
copies of the patent applications.

Molecular Computing Elements: Gates and Flip-Flops

TD Schneider, PN Hengen (NCI)
DHHS Reference No. E-170-97/0 filed Feb. 20, 1998
Licensing Contact: John Fahner-Vihtelic, 301/496-7735 ext. 270

    The present invention is a method and apparatus for molecular 
computing which provides for molecular logic devices analogous to those 
of electronic computers, such as flip-flops, AND gates, etc. Coupling 
of the gates allows for molecular computing. The method allows data 
storage, the transformation of binary information and signal readout. 
Possible applications include encoding ``read only'' memory for 
microscopic identifiers, digital control of gene expression, and 
quantification of analytes. The computing elements also provide means 
for complex regulation of gene expression.

Lipooligosaccharide-Based Vaccine for the Prevention of Moraxella 
(Branhamella) Catarrhalis Infections In Humans

X-X Gu, JB Robbins (NIDCD)
Serial No. 60/071,483 filed Jan 13, 1998
Licensing Contact: Robert Benson, 301/496-7056 ext. 267

    This invention is a vaccine for the prevention of disease caused by 
M. catarrhalis, which is the third most common causative agent of 
otitis media (middle ear infection) and sinusitis in children. The 
emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria has caused concern that 
treatment of otitis media will become more problematic. This invention 
offers a new approach to managing otitis media. The vaccine is composed 
of lipooligosaccharide (LOS), isolated from the surface of strains of 
M. catarrhalis and detoxified by removing esterified fatty acids to 
produce detoxified LOS (dLOS), which is then conjugated to an 
immunogenic protein carrier such as tetanus toxiod. The conjugates have 
been shown to be nontoxic by the limulus amebocyte

[[Page 27096]]

assay. Antisera raised in rabbits immunized with the conjugate is 
bacteriocidal in vitro against homologous and many heterologous strains 
of M. catarrhalis.

Conjugate Vaccine for Nontypeable Haemophilus Influenzae

X-X Gu, C-M Tsao, DJ Lim, JB Robbins (NIDCD)
Serial No. 08/842,409 filed April 23, 1997
Licensing Contact: Robert Benson, 301/496-7056 ext. 267

    This invention is a vaccine for the prevention of disease caused by 
nontypeable H. influenzae (NTHi), which causes 25%-40% of otitis media 
cases (middle ear infections) in children. The emergence of antibiotic 
resistant bacteria has caused concern that treatment of otitis media 
will become more problematic. This invention offers a new approach to 
managing otitis media. The vaccine is composed of lipooligosaccharide, 
isolated from the surface of strains of NTHi and treated with hydrazine 
to remove esterified fatty acids, covalently conjugated to an 
immunogenic carrier, such as tetanus toxoid. The conjugates have been 
shown to be nontoxic by the limulus amebocyte assay, rabbit pyrogen 
test and in an mouse lethal toxicity test. Antisera raised in rabbits 
immunized with the conjugate is bacteriocidal in vitro against 
homologous and many heterologous strains of NTHi. A blind controlled 
trial in chinchillas, an animal model for otitis media, showed that the 
vaccines are protective against challenge by NTHi.

Calorimeter and Method for Simultaneous Measurement of Thermal 
Conductivity and Specific Heat of Fluids

NL Gershfeld, CP Mudd, AJ Jin, K Fukada (NIAMS)
Serial No. 08/994,230 filed December 19, 1997
Licensing Contact: John Fahner-Vihtelic, 301/496-7735 ext. 270

    The present invention is a novel calorimeter and calorimetry 
apparatus and method for the ultrasensitive simultaneous measurement of 
heat capacity and thermal conductivity of fluids. The unique 
simultaneous measurement of the two parameters avoids sources of error 
in other methods. The calorimeter shows excellent accuracy of 1 part in 
10,000 and run-to-run variability of 1 part in 100,000, as well as 
excellent long-term reproducibility. The invention is well suited for 
the study of biomaterials, such as lipids and proteins and other 
colloidal systems, which are not easily analyzed using conventional 
commercial instruments.

A Multi-Slice PET Scanner Constructed From Side-Looking Phoswich 
Scintillators Coupled to Miniature Position-Sensitive 
Photomultiplier Tubes: Application in Small Animal Imaging

MV Green (CC)
DHHS Reference No. E-288-97/0 filed Nov 12, 1997
Licensing Contact: John Fahner-Vihtelic, 301/496-7735 ext. 270

    The present application describes a new positron emission 
tomography (PET) scanner. The design of this scanner allows reduction 
of the detector ring size relative to conventional scanners (thereby 
reducing cost) while increasing resolution, resolution uniformity and 
sensitivity. This combination of features makes the invention 
particularly well-suited for small animal imaging in biomedical 
research, e.g. evaluating changes in organ function due to genetic 
manipulations.

Chimeric Vaccine Against Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus

A Pletenev, R Men, RM Chanock, C-J Lai (NIAID)
Serial No. 60/061, 441 filed Oct 08, 1997
Licensing Contact: Carol Salata, 301/496-7735 ext. 232

    The present invention relates to a chimeric virus vaccine against 
tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). The preM and E structural genes 
of the tick-borne encephalitis Langat virus and the non-structural 
genes of the mosquito-borne dengue virus form a live, attenuated 
chimeric virus vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis virus. The live 
chimeric vaccine was administered intraperitoneally and exhibited 
complete attenuation in mice while at the same time providing 
protection against subsequent challenge with the virulent parental 
Langat virus which is virulent for mice.

Methods and Apparatuses for Processing Synthesized Models of 
Complex Medical Structures

RM Summers (CC)
Serial No. 60/056, 452 filed Aug 19, 1997
Licensing Contact: John Fahner-Vihtelic, 301/496-7735 ext. 270

    The present invention provides a new algorithm for generating 
computer models of complex anatomical structures from data such as CT. 
This algorithm minimizes the problem of ``leakage'' found in existing 
algorithms, which leads to incorrect assignment of voxels as belonging 
to the feature of interest. This improvement greatly speeds computation 
time, and anatomical features modeled with this algorithm may be 
displayed in real time, allowing ``virtual endoscopy.'' The method has 
been demonstrated in clinical ``virtual bronchoscopy.'' A method for 
computer-assisted detection of lesions within body cavities is also 
disclosed.

Simultaneous Multicolor Visualization of Chromogenic Dyes Using 
Brightfield Microscopy and Spectral Imaging

T Ried, M MacVille (NHGRI)
Serial No. 60/055,439 filed Aug 8, 1997
Licensing Contact: John Fahner-Vihtelic, 301/496-7735 ext. 270

    The present application describes a method and apparatus for 
spectral imaging. This invention enables one to distinguish permanent 
chromogenic dyes attached to DNA probes and hybridized to interphase 
cells from cytological preparations. This technology has application in 
areas such as analysis of Pap smears or cells from fine needle 
aspirations. Color identification is based on the measurement of the 
entire absorption spectrum of chromogenic dyes by means of spectral 
imaging, which allows for the unambiguous identification of otherwise 
not discernable dyes. This approach also allows for multi-parameter 
analysis of immunocytochemical markers and RNA in situ hybridization. 
The diagnosis, staging, and prognosis of human cancers could be greatly 
improved by complementing morphology with genetic markers for tumor 
progression using this method.

Methods For Treating Parasitic Infection Using Thiopeptides

MJ Rogers, TF McCutchan, GA McConkey, A Fairfield (NIAID) DHHS 
Reference No. E-202-97/0; PCT/US97/11939 filed July 7, 1997.
Licensing Contact: Carol Salata, 301/496-7735 ext. 232

    This invention provides a method for treating a parasitic infection 
(when the parasite has a plastid-like organelle) with a thiopeptide. 
The parasitic infection may be caused by parasites of the Apicomplexa 
phylum, the Microspora phylum or the Ascetospora phylum. The 
thiopeptide used to treat the parasitic infection can be any member of 
the class of compounds characterized as sulfur-rich peptide antibiotics 
with multiple thiazole rings which inhibit protein synthesis in the 
plastid-like organelle of the parasites.

[[Page 27097]]

The disclosed thiopeptides can be, but are not limited to, thiostrepin, 
micrococcin P. nosiheptide, siomycin, sporangiomycin, althiomycin, the 
thiocillins and/or thiopeptin, as well as sulfur-rich peptide 
antibiotic containing multiple thiazole rings, produced by 
streptomycetes or other peptide antibiotic-producing organisms.

Image Registration Using Closest Corresponding Voxels With an 
Iterative Registration Process

J Ostuni (LDRR)
Serial No. 08/847,733 filed Apr 28, 1997 (claiming priority date of Apr 
29, 1996)
Licensing Contract: John Fahner-Vihtelic, 301/496-7735 ext. 270

    The present invention provides a novel method of 3D medical image 
registration, that is, the alignment of two or more related 3D images. 
This method overcomes problems seen in conventional registration 
techniques arising from mismatching of voxel intensities. This is of 
particular importance when registering images derived from different 
techniques, such as MRI and CT. The invention allows the registration 
of images despite the lack of direct relationship between intensity 
levels in the different techniques, varying patient placement, and 
occlusion and noise in the image.

System for Synergistic Combination of Multiple Automatic Induction 
Methods and Automatic Re-Representation of Data

L Hunter (NLM)
DH Reference No. E-118-96/0; PCT/US97/08951 filed May 23 1996
Licensing Contact: John Fahner-Vihtelic, 301/496--7735 ext. 270

    The present application describes a unique prototype of an advanced 
framework which relates to the field of multidimensional data mining, 
machine learning, and analysis that has been named COEV (for 
COEVolutional). COEV synergistically combines different methods of 
statistical analysis, neural networks, decision trees and genetic 
algorithms for the resolution of data queries. COEV automatically 
determines the optimal methods and data representations to apply at 
each step of inquiry and, as a result, can provide outcomes that are 
significantly more accurate than can be achieved by use of any one 
methodology alone. The invention uses an evolutionary learning 
technology to improve predictive outcomes with continued use. COEV is 
designed to advance the accuracy, flexibility, speed and ease of use of 
advanced data analysis technologies.
    Characteristics of problems that are appropriate for the 
application of the COEV method are: (1) Appropriate for machine 
learning, in that there is a well-defined set of input variables and a 
clear prediction target; (2) difficult for traditional methods, and 
where a modest improvement in accuracy over existing machine learning 
methods (e.g., neural networks) would be significant; (3) there is a 
large amount of training data, ideally thousands of cases.
    Possible application areas of interest include the analysis of 
high-throughput screening data for pharmaceutical discovery, detecting 
patterns of fraud in insurance claims, or automating screening of 
medical images.
    This invention requires further R&D and testing to make it a 
practical system for widespread use.

    Dated: May 7, 1998.
Jack Spiegel,
Director, Division of Technology Development and Transfer, Office of 
Technology Transfer.
[FR Doc. 98-13011 Filed 5-14-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140-01-M