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20150264 – The digital inline holographic particle tracking velocimetry (DIH-PTV) processing package enables high-fidelity flow measurements for a wide range of applications ranging from microfluidics to turbulent channel flows. The 3D PTV technology provides accurate, cost effective, full 3D measurement of particle concentration and velocity for gaseous and liquid flows with minimal human... Read More
20160144 – A nanowire based single ring resonator (SRR) bio microsensor significantly enhances quality factor (Q-factor) and sensitivity. The proposed nanowire-based SRR employs a displacement current that flows through nano dielectric gaps between metallic nanowires of the SRR, resulting in minimized dissipative heating and eddy current generation as well as maximized energy storage. Small gaps in... Read More
20160143 – A new method builds microscale, free-standing, three-dimensional (3D), hollow, graphene-based structures using an origami-like self-assembly approach. This method allows for the fabrication of a hollow 3D graphene-based structure that incorporates the tunable optical properties of multilayered 2D graphene oxide (GO) into 3D geometry. The approach fabricates a 3D structure with both... Read More
20160141 – A new self-assembly approach produces functionalized three-dimensional (3D) micro cubic devices using lithographic methods. These methods fabricate functionalized microscale structures that are free-standing, hollow, 3D and large scale, and feature metal electric device patterning on the surface. Metal patterns (arrays of split ring resonators, or SRRs) acting as metamaterials are defined... Read More
20150123 – An easy, scalable method extracts high yields of purified, marketable phytate from ethanol waste streams. Phytate, a coproduct of ethanol production that is not digestible by many livestock, increases phosphate pollution from livestock waste. The efficient phytate extraction process is selective and improves livestock feed properties of dry distillers grains (DDGS) by removing... Read More
20160145 – Vertically oriented semiconductor nanowires are created on a metal substrate by a fabrication method that combines photoresist and etching. The simplified photolithography process simplifies nanowire creation and improves precision/control of nanowire density by forming high aspect ratio porous structures with improved side wall quality and high yield. After a developer creates resist... Read More
20160342 – CD44 receptors, abundant on cancer cell surfaces, promote cell adhesion, metastasis and tumor growth. Selective antagonists of the CD44-HA (hyaluronic acid) interaction could help distinguish CD44-specific effects from interactions between HA and other receptors and prove valuable in cancer treatment and atherosclerotic research. While 5- or 8-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines (5a- or... Read More
20140254 – A new generation of lignin plastics feature very high lignin content and exhibit comparable—or even superior—properties compared to conventional PMMA and polystyrene. These innovative polymeric materials contain at least 80% lignin and are predominantly comprised of methylated or non-methylated ligninsulfonate. These plastics show promising tensile strength, and plasticizers or other... Read More
20170140 – A new, versatile optimization technique enables microstructure imaging of crossing white matter fibers. Microstructure Imaging of Crossing (MIX) White Matter Fibers is a novel regression method that can characterize tissue microstructure in the brain white matter from diffusion MRI (dMRI) data. The technique is robust, versatile and utilizes the Variable Separation Method (VSM) to fit... Read More
20160163 – Glucose, a widely available and inexpensive sugar molecule derived from corn, can be modified to produce a new, sustainable polymer for use in thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs). In a simple two-step synthesis, the glucose-based monomer GATA (glucose-6-acrylate-1,2,3,4-tetraacetate) produces diblock and ABA triblock copolymers via Reversible... Read More
20160238 – Biobased and chemically recyclable polyurethane (PU) offers a greener alternative to petroleum derived polyols used in the synthesis of thermoplastic polyurethanes, flexible foams and elastomers. A new technique uses renewable and degradable β-methyl-δ-valerolactone (MVL), to create a bio-based PMVL (poly β-methyl-δ-valerolactone) polyol with similar mechanical properties and performance... Read More
20150118 – Non-immunoglobulin based fibronectin protein scaffolds that bind specifically to hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET) can be used for molecular tumor imaging and targeted therapy. The non-naturally occurring protein scaffold includes a stable framework and loop region engineered to specifically bind MET. Its small size (94 amino acids) enables improved distribution and tissue and/or... Read More
20160256 – A new reaction path has been discovered to make metastable lactone acid in high yield (94%) by simple mixing of a 1:1 blend of corn-based chemicals - itaconic anhydride and furfuryl alcohol – at room temperature. In addition, multiple reaction pathways have also been demonstrated for conversion of itaconic anhydride and furans into derivatives amenable to novel polymer or chemical... Read More
20160116 – The University of Minnesota’s Bee Squad has developed a safe and effective varroa mite testing kit for beekeepers. The kit, based on the University of Nebraska's non-destructive testing method called the “powdered sugar roll,” monitors varroa mite levels in honey bee colonies and supports beekeepers in regular mite monitoring to better manage their colonies based on mite levels. The... Read More
20160392 – Colloid imprinted mesoporous (CIM) carbon offers many benefits as an interlayer to interface the ion-selective layer to the underlying electron conductor. In this technology, the electrochemical sensor is prepared by interfacing the ion-sensing layer to a CIM carbon modified with a redox buffer, which could also be developed into a printable ink. The explicit use of well-defined redox... Read More
20150324 – Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) can selectively detect toxic saccharide-binding proteins (lectins) such as Ricin B Chain (RBC). The technology first attaches glycopolymers to gold-coated nanoparticles as the capture matrix, and then performs SERS to detect any lectins attached to the glycopolymers. These methods could be used for ricin detection, for screening and/or monitoring... Read More
20150106 – A next generation HIV integrase strand transfer (INST) inhibitor selectively targets and potently inhibits HIV integrase. The drug features a distinct pharmacophore and shows great promise in reducing resistance. Biochemical testing and molecular modeling strongly corroborate the inhibition of INST as the antiviral mechanism of action. Furthermore, selected antiviral analogues also... Read More
20170064 – A software program based on Fourier transform methods (FTM) provides accurate image-based fiber orientation and alignment data in tissue samples. FTM surpassed other methods in delivering accurate results, findings confirmed by applying FTM to SEM micrographs of fibrin tissue analogs. The code may also be used to characterize fiber orientation or other microstructural features in a... Read More
20170008 – A new reporting algorithm improves accuracy in assigning responsible provider data for inpatient hospital accounts. Following guidelines established by the Center for Medicaid Services (CMS), this algorithm helps coders adhere to federal and state rules and regulations while helping hospitals measure physician quality and performance. The algorithm is based on several components: ... Read More
z01074 – Schizachyrium scoparium 'MinnBlueA' little bluestem "Blue Heaven™" is a unique form of little bluestem, a native prairie grass known for its tolerance of sites with dry soil and full sun. It is a great plant for low maintenance sustainable landscapes. Several characteristics make this carefully selected variety attractive through all seasons. It has a taller, more upright form (40-48... Read More
20160252 – New chemical structures capable of emitting saturated blue light can be easily synthesized. These compounds hold promising emissive properties, especially of blue light, in both a solid state as well as in solution. Potential applications include organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, and/or organic field effect transistors (OFETs). In addition, the... Read More
20160343 – A new process synthesizes multifunctional alcohols from bio-derived carboxylic acids. Starting with itaconic acid or mesoconic acid, this high-yield, two-step process uses heterogeneous catalysts in aqueous media as an efficient method of producing of lactones, diols and triols, where resulting alcohols such as 2-methyl butanediol and 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol can be used to prepare... Read More
20150223 – A new catheter design allows for easy cannulation of multiple vascular branches at the same time. The system consists of a delivery sheath with an endovascular separator that keeps multiple wires separated. By preventing the wires from wrapping around each other, the device promotes atraumatic treatment of aortic diseases. Placed on a central shaft, four to six dividers—which can widen or... Read More
20150142 – A system using a combination of mathematical strategies, integrates residential rooftop solar cell installations and optimizes the performance of the power grid via dispatches (requests) from the grid to the solar cell installations. This optimization may provide a competitive advantage for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) providers interested in enhancing remote... Read More
20160139 – An AC-powered liquid-plasma process offers sustainable biodiesel production from a feedstock mixture of oils/fats and alcohol. This continuous process uses recycled waste cooking oils and/or animal fats and is fast, cost effective and does not require catalysts or high temperatures. The high voltage energy associated with electric discharge in the feedstock mixture breaks down chemical... Read More
20160117 – An effective and nearly hands-free apparatus easily washes polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) and nitrocellulose membranes used for immunoblotting in research and clinical diagnostics labs. The device consists of three stacking reservoirs: The top reservoir is filled with wash buffer, the middle holds the immunoblot membrane(s) to be washed, and the bottom collects liquid waste. Wash buffer... Read More
20150063 – Modeling the mesoscale mechanics of nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes is of critical interest. A new framework, based on the Distinct Element Method (DEM), simulates mesoscale mechanics of nanostructures and nanostructured materials. The method uses distinct elements (rigid particles) to model elementary discrete cells (grains or representative elements) of nanostructures, including... Read More
20140348 – Genetically modified Azotobacter vinelandii (A. vinelandii) bacteria excrete greater amounts of extracellular nitrogen-containing compounds, such as ammonia or urea, than their wild-type counterparts. Such terminal products could be used effectively as biofertilizers. Unlike many nitrogen-producing bacteria that only function in anaerobic environments, the aerobic properties of A.... Read More
20140201 – The Center Glow Ninebark shrub is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub ideal for either residential or commercial landscapes. It is available for licensing to nurseries to be propagated and commercially sold. These licensed nurseries are authorized to sell plants for propagation and resale. You must have a license from the University of Minnesota before purchasing plants for propagation. ... Read More
20170002 – CG-TARGET (Chemical-Genetic Translation via A Reference Genetic interaction nETwork) software is a pipeline that uses a genetic interaction network for predicting the molecular target of a compound/mode-of-action from chemical-genetic interaction profiles. Three input datasets (chemical-genetic interaction profiles, reference genetic interaction profiles, and a mapping from the query... Read More
20170001 – BEAN-counter (Barcoded Experiment Analysis from Next-generation sequencing) software is a pipeline for quantitative scoring of chemical-genetic interactions from sequencing-based chemical-genetic interaction screens. It provides a complete toolset for processing multiplexed sequencing data from barcoded mutant pools into chemical-genetic interaction profiles, based on these basic inputs:... Read More
20130180 – Isothermal vitrification technology provides stable, long-term room-temperature storage of liquid biospecimens such as blood or serum. A lyoprotectant cocktail, which includes excipients that protect and stabilize biomarkers, is electrospun into a non-woven adsorbing/dissolving matrix that readily and homogenously mixes with liquid biological samples. Vacuum drying the samples rapidly... Read More
20140016 – A low power, wide bandwidth phased array for wideband signal steering applications minimizes squinting and eliminates wideband signal blockers. The technology makes use of Charge Reuse Analog Fourier Transform (CRAFT) and features a switched capacitor based radio frequency (RF) front-end that delivers wider bandwidth, higher speed, a smaller footprint, scalability and an improved dynamic... Read More
20120150 – A switched capacitor based radio frequency (RF) front-end channelizer for software defined radios (SDR) and/or cognitive radios (CR) offers lower power, higher bandwidth channelization capabilities that may reduce the sample rate and dynamic range requirements for wide-band digitization in SDRs. The technology, based on Charge Reuse Analog Fourier Transform (CRAFT) design, offers longer... Read More
20100247 – Filtration techniques used in a new filter sensor can differentiate particles with different shapes. Using a combination of a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) with a uniform pore filter, nanoparticles with various mass-mobility fractal dimensions (Dfm) can be differentiated. The sensor is also able to measure mass mobility as well as the effective length (or maximum projected length)... Read More
20150160 – A unique algorithm quickly and accurately determines optimal stimulation settings for deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode arrays. The algorithm generates a patient-specific “grid,” representing a target tissue to be activated, by compiling brain geometry and lead-specific geometry data. It then determines a maximum activation function value for each point on the grid and uses an... Read More
20150060-2 – A low-cost AC homopolar motor design combined with flywheel energy storage technology maximizes efficiency and energy density while reducing the self-discharge rate as well as the costs associated with such technology. The bearingless AC homopolar motor uses a single winding to provide torque and suspension without permanent magnets. The electric machine uses dual purpose no voltage... Read More
20160223 – The design of a bio-intensive gardening tool creates planting holes in a hexagonal pattern that accommodate 1 3/8-inch soil blocks. Ideal for 30-inch wide beds, the design is for two sizes: either 6-inch or 9-inch spacing between the holes in any direction. The tool creates two rows of holes in the soil, making planting much quicker, easier and more accurate. Each push of the tool digs... Read More
20160197 – Analysis of recent human clinical samples determined that patients with high levels of ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 14 (USP14) were six times more likely to experience recurrence of endometrial cancer than patients with low levels. In addition, higher USP14 levels added predictive value even when disease grade was known. No biomarkers are currently available to assess the... Read More
20160019 – The disadvantages of liquid pistons can be overcome by using a ferrofluid as the volume displacing liquid along with a magnetic field. The ferrofluid is stabilized by applying an appropriately oriented magnetic field. This stabilizing force helps to prevent splashing and droplets and allows the machine to be operated at frequencies an order of magnitude faster than the operation with... Read More
20150048 – An inexpensive laparoscopic camera handling trainer (CHT) provides effective training for 30° laparoscopic camera navigation. The device consists of a transparent Plexiglas viewfinder, trocar support and a graphical path for users to navigate. The viewfinder is connected to a monitor that displays images from the camera and features a geometric shape indicates correct targeting of the... Read More
20130002 – A method has been developed that quantitatively evaluates neurological conditions, such as schizophrenia. Hypofunction of N-methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain have been demonstrated to be correlated with the presence of schizophrenia. Moreover, dysfunction in the central nervous system should be mirrored in the retinal synaptic systems. Visually evoked responses have... Read More
20150306 – A monomer has been created that can be used to synthesize hydroxy-telechelic poly(ethylene-co-isobutylene) (PEIB) and is an alternative to polyisobutylene (PIB) in thermoplastic polyurethanes. PIB offers advantageous traits such as chemical resistance, low permeability and excellent stability, and is biocompatible and approved for use in biomedical applications. However, PIB has been a... Read More
20120158 – The automatic jigsaw puzzle solving algorithm has potential uses in the reconstruction of shredded documents, assembly of broken artifacts in archeology and other assembly applications. The algorithm uses only the shapes of the pieces (not the picture itself formed by the puzzle) to solve the puzzle. No assumptions are made regarding the shapes or the overall layout and shape of the... Read More
20150202 – A unique nozzle design improves upon flow blurring nozzle flow dynamics. The new design features a counterflowing atomization air stream that directs air upward into the liquid stream, breaking the liquid into small droplets as opposed splitting them at the outflow. Counterflowing the gas flow relative to the liquid flow generates a highly unstable velocity profile within the liquid flow... Read More
20130212 – A new discrete piston pump/motor yields an unprecedented combination of simplicity, efficiency and versatility. This new pump/motor, which can be used as a pump, motor, or combination of a pump and motor, varies displacement by changing the axial position of a single novel rotary valve. It improves efficiency by discrete piston displacement that applies high pressure to pistons for only a... Read More
20120076 – A robust yet flexible nanoporous filtration membrane can be produced from block copolymer. The process begins by synthesizing a nanoporous cross-linked polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene-polylactide tetrablock terpolymer that displays good tensile and elongation properties. Then the polylactide is removed via hydrolysis or reactive ion etching, resulting in a tough, self-assembling ABAC... Read More
20160095 – An innovative method produces hematopoietic stem cells (HSPCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hESCs and iPSCs). Inducing hematopoietic differentiation of stem cells and treating them with an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) antagonist promotes early human hematoendothelial development and may improve HSPC production from hESCs and iPSCs for clinical applications. In addition to AHR... Read More
20160174 – Using peptides to recruit T cells and antibodies to tumor sites could change the landscape of cancer immunotherapy. A new technology uses antigenic peptides to stimulate the natural “sensing and alarm” function of resident memory T cells (TRM) at tumor sites in order to promote an immunostimulatory and effector environment. These activated TRM cells enhance the effect of current cancer... Read More
20160147 – A new wall and ceiling panel design can transform hard-surfaced spaces into quieter areas. Echoes and feedback from hard surfaces can be softened with an innovative vacuum formed topographical surface panel. This variable vacuum formed wall creates a customized acoustic environment by diffusing and dispersing sound along its length and even absorbing sound in specific locations. By... Read More
