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|  University of Hawai'i Manoa |
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| University of Hawai'i Manoa |
The Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development's mission is to help University of Hawai‘i (UH) researchers identify, protect and commercialize intellectual property. It aspires to be a leading Asia Pacific technology transfer office, promoting and transferring the University of Hawai‘i's research discoveries to industry for the benefit of humanity.
Member:
Ishii, Daniel
Role:
Interim Director
Member:
Matsunaga, Lisa
Role:
Technology Licensing Associate
"An environmentally acceptable barrier against subterranean termites has been developed and is now available for use. The barrier is formed by placing a four inch layer of a granular material between the building and the ground. A minimum of 60% of the granules in the barrier must have at least one dimension measuring between 1.7 to 2.4 millimeters. The granules should be very hard and dense. Granules with these characteristics form a barrier which the termites cannot move, cannot chew through and cannot penetrate. The granules, in Hawai’i, are currently being manufactured from basalt (BTB). Basalt has almost ideal characteristics for this type of use."
"This UNICODE database file is based on the Pinyin or United Nations authorized alphabetic system for Chinese. The database consists of 71,400 lexical items in single-sort alphabetical order with words arranged strictly by the pronunciation of the whole word rather than of the first syllable. Each of the lexical items has a headword, character, part of speech, and one or more English definitions. In addition, environment of usage is indicated where necessary, and homophones are distinguished by numbers indicating relative frequency.
On May 15, 2001, the University of Hawai’i, authorized the Wenlin Institute to be the exclusive licensing agent for the ABC Chinese Langauge Dictionary. Interested software developers and other potential licensees should contact Wenlin: http://www.wenlin.com/"
"Air layering is the process of girdling a branch and forcing roots to form for propagation purposes. The specific invention is the filling of a plastic net sack with sphagnum moss or any other rooting medium for use in air layering woody plants. The commercial marketing of this invention would be to sell a long tube of netting pre-packed with dried compressed sphagnum moss. The sack would be sold in one long tube so that individual sacks of various lengths could be cut to accommodate branches of different diameters. The product would be sold by retailers marketing garden supplies to homeowners and professional horticulturalists."
"The technology covers the construct consisting of the baculovirus polyhedron promoter, the yeast flg5 leader sequence, and the p42 MSP1 sequence with the transmembrane domain deleted cloned at the University of Hawaii from the Uganda-Palo Alto isolate of P. falciparum. The patent application also considers the production of other, related p42 constructs based on allelic and variant sequences expressed by other isolates of P. falciparum. Malaria vaccine."
"Medical diagnostics using chemical sensing of antibody, antigens, DNA fragments and other biochemicals are addressed using semiconductor sensors and supportive biochemical processes. This successful marriage of semiconductor sensors and biochemistry address a diversity of potential biochemical diagnostics and measurements including detection and quantification of human, animal and plant diseases.
Target biochemical molecules attach specifically to one or more preselected, sensor-attached biochemical receptors resulting in a concentration- related, large output electronic output signal (current or voltage). This innovation overcomes low sensitivity and drift problems associated with earlier semiconductor biochemical sensing. Prototype devices have been developed and successfully tested. Experiments have shown high sensitivity and high specificity biochemical detection with very large electronic outputs measured. Multiple target detection and senor arrays with enhanced signal amplification and automation are enabled in this silicon IC technology. The basic operating principle of the biochemical sensor is to detect target molecules of a specific chemical compound by placing a liquid substrate (containing the target molecules) in contact with receptor-coated semiconductor sensor devices. Biochemical detection uses specific device architectures and processes. Typical large voltage or current output signals, proportional to the receptor-bound specific biochemical molecule density and its electric charges, are measured. Add-on amplifier devices can further enhance the already high detection sensitivity. Sensor devices may be prepared to simultaneously detect multiple specific biochemical species. Sensor device arrays may be constructed to provide multiple detection means in a single low cost, multi-diagnostic IC chip. Experimental results are available to support of the invention."
"Zinc has been found by our inventor to be a rapid and effective inhibitor of several specific lysin-related pathogenic outcomes: hyperkalemia, hemolysis, cytokine and histamine release, catecholamine surge, and that zinc also increases survival time in mice of lethal doses of Chironex jellyfish venom. Zinc is therefore suggested as a topical application for broad spectrum insect and cnidarian stings."
"DSSAT (pronounced "dee'-sat") is microcomputer software program combining crop, soil, and weather data bases and programs to manage them, with crop models and application programs, to simulate multi-year outcomes of crop management strategies. DSSAT also provides for evaluation of the crop models; thus allowing users to compare simulated outcomes with observed results from field experiments or other measurements and observations. Crop model evaluation is accomplished by inputting the user's minimum data set, running the model, and comparing outputs with observed data. By simulating probable outcomes of crop management strategies, DSSAT offers users information with which to rapidly appraise new crops, products, and practives for adoption. DSSAT 4.0.2.0 for Windows is available."
"Researchers in the University of Hawaii's Free-Electron Laser Group have developed a Fourier transform spectrometer based on a modified Sagnac interferometer. The instrument uses two gratings as dispersive elements to greatly improve the spectral resolution, and in-line optics to match the beam size in the interferometer to optimize the efficiency. A CCD or photodiode array is used as the detector and the fast Fourier transform of the fringe pattern is performed by a computer."
Method uses a phase retrodirective antennna.
"UH researchers have discovered a creative use of zero valent iron and/or other metals to generate reactive oxygen species and undergo subsequent oxidation reactions to destroy organic chemicals and disinfects bacteria. This new technology is based on the oxidation mechanism mediated by zero valent iron or other metals, rather than commonly used reduction mechanism. The reaction mechanisms can be readily controlled and standardized for various applications. Applications of this technology have been demonstrated in a wide range of industrial effluents and domestic wastewater treatments for efficient pollutant mineralization and bacterial disinfection. In addition, this technology can be used in analytical chemistry to measure carbohydrate and vitamin contents in fruits, juices, soft drinks and formulated drugs."
"This technology deals with compositions of the baculovirus MSP1 p42 polypeptide and adjuvants which comprise immunogenic formulations in non-human primates. Studies have identified two pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvants capable of inducing a potent humoral and cellular immune responses in Aotus and conferring partial protection against P. falciparum infection."
"Researchers have developed transgenic banana of the cultivar Dwarf Brazilian that have been engineered to contain altered transgene sequences from the genome of Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV). These transgenic banana plants are resistant to infection by BBTV and do not develop symptoms of banana bunchy top disease after exposure to BBTV. These plants are being propagated in tissue culture and will be screened for desirable horitcultural traits and further evaluated for BBTV resistance under field conditions."
"A novel green technology has been developed to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) -- a type of truly biodegradable thermoplastic -- from organic wastes, such as food scraps or agricultural by-products. This technology has been demonstrated in laboratory bench scale (5-10L waste solids composting and 1L polymer production). The key technical innovation is a novel membrane bioreactor system and production process."
"Herbicide Ballistic Technology (HBT) is a novel method for precisioin long-range applications of herbicides to incipient week populations in remote natural areas and roadways. A major development for HBT utilizes the manufacturing process of encapsulating herbicide formulations into discreet aliquots. Some of the attributes of the herbicide formulation include cuticle penetration and systemic vascular movement within the plant such that discreet volumes directly adminstered to localized surfaces may result in significant injury or death to the target plant organism."
"Fossil fuels provide about 85% of the world’s energy but scientists have been trying to find alternative energy sources for decades because of the attendant environmental problems and the increasing costs of exploration and production associated with fossil fuels. Adding to these problems, the US Department of Energy projects that the world’s total energy consumption will rise 59% between 1999 and 2020. Many believe that hydrogen is the answer to the environmental, cost, and rising demand problems but hydrogen has always been difficult and costly to produce. However, researchers at the University of Hawai’i have developed a way to generate hydrogen using solar energy with new materials that are inexpensive and chemically wont break down over time.
The process uses a semiconductor photoelectrode and solar energy to split water into its constituent hydrogen and oxygen gases. It is basically a type of photovoltaic cell, which, when immersed into an aqueous solution, can develop sufficient voltage under sunlight to split the water into its component parts. The hydrogen gas generated is extremely pure, and can be collected, stored, and later fed into hydrogen fuel cells for powering homes, businesses, automobiles, buses, etc. The oxygen can also be stored and used for many medical and industrial applications."
"Administration of intravenous zinc gluconate for emergency medical treatment of acute cardiovascular collapse occurring from Chironex jellyfish venom stings and "Irukandji" associated catecholamine storms of severe carybdea jellyfish venom stings. Our researcher has found that the kinetics of lethal hyperkalemia can be markedly slowed by intravenous zinc gluconate (an existing therapeutic agent administered intravenously) and therefore potentially useful for emergency management of stings associated with high morbidity and mortality."
"A team of researchers at Utah State University and the University of Hawaii are conducting research on a new class of microtubule stabilizing agents, known as laulimalides. Laulimalide stimulates the polymerization of tubulin in the absence of polymerization promoters such as glycerol and GT. In cells, laulimalide induces dose-dependent reorganization of cellular micro-tubules, the formation of abnormal mitotic spindles and mitotic arrest, and is followed by initiation of apoptosis. The biological activities exhibited suggest a mechanism of action similar to paclitaxel (Taxol™). Application: cancer therapy."
"A new class of logic circuits processes information in the same way as the brain. Like neurons, the networks’ components can have varying degrees of activation, and an activated component can either activate or suppress other components. The networks have simpler and more efficient architecture than standard logic circuits, and they produce classical Boolean logic as well as the more general fuzzy logic. The networks are modular and recursively defined, allowing a simple construction process."
"A novel approach to isolate the Androgenic sex hormone (AH) from the crustacean freshwater prawn and marine shrimp using in vitro glandular secretion of the AH from AH-producing Androgenic glands. Yields in commercially important, female-superior, sexually dimorphic shrimp can be dramatically improved by using all-female population (reaching 20%-30% larger body size than males) generated by mating normal genetic females with genetic females that have been "sex-reversed" into "neomales." The latter have been produced by the inventors by implanting the AH producing Androgenic glands, responsible for male development, into immature genetic females. The same has also been accomplished by immersing the immature genetic females into an AH solution."
"Scientists at the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics & Planetology (HIGP) have developed a system which can perform both Raman spectroscopy and LIBS (Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) using a single laser source, a spectrograph equipped with a multi-channel detector. Raman spectroscopy provides the molecular vibrational spectra and is widely used technique for positive identification of a molecule from their Raman fingerprints. LIBS produces atomic spectra of the ionized plasms on the material surface, and is used for identification of atoms present in the material. The combined system can do both Raman and LIBS spectroscopy simultaneously. The system operates at stand-off distances and provides a powerful remote sensing capability by recording both Raman and LIBS data."
"Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats are tandemly repeated motifs of 1-6 nucleotide bases. They are present in both coding and non-coding regions of a genome and characterized by a high degree of length polymorphism."
"A new way has been developed to treat waste water from agricultural operations such as concentrated animal feeding operations ( CAFOs ). The system reduces pollutants arising from lagoons of dairy and swine manures and other agricultural operations generating waste water. The system uses local materials such as soil and organic materials in a way that enhances the natural cleansing properties of soils. The system is particularly effective in removing phosphorus, nitrogen, and coliform bacteria, while reducing COD and BOD. Some studies suggest pesticides and endocrine disrupting compounds are also reduced."
"The Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite protein - MSP1-42 - is being tested in clinical trials as a malaria vaccine, however, although MSP1-42 has been demonstrated to be immunogenic, it is not protective against malaria."
"A unique and modular bioinformatic process for the discovery of potential peptide vaccines against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has been developed by UH researchers. This process is based on the identification of diverse Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) involved in the response and protection to Mtb exposure and/or infection. The antigens are selected based on the host HLA genotype, making them designer vaccine peptides. The peptides can be combined in recombinant peptides or used as a cocktail of native proteins, in order to provide adequate global coverage. In addition to vaccine development, synthetic HLA peptides can be used for diagnostic purposes. By exploiting patients’ reactivity to their personal small synthetic HLA peptide and applying empirically determined thresholds, infection versus exposure can de determined via an in vitro Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) release assay."
"A novel pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line with Werner RecQ helicase mutation has been created and was established from a patient with Werner Syndrome. WRN is an enzyme involved with DNA replication and repair and mutations of WRN predispose cells to premature aging, senescence, and oncologic transformation. WRN has been implicated as a tumor suppressor gene in recent literature. This is believed to be the first cancer cell line with mutant WRN, based on a review of current literature."
"The utility of GFP as a tool in molecular biology has prompted the search for other proteinaceous fluorophores. Recent alternatives include RFP and GFP mutants. There is great interest in finding new fluorescent protein family members, specifically compounds that exhibit properties not currently available in the limited number of known FPs. Novel proteins, which exhibit a broad excitation spectrum and/or an extremely red-shifted emission spectrum, have been identified in Physalia."
"A novel process to either extract or directly transesterify bio-oils from biomass or extract proteins from biomass using a one-step process."
"A novel process to either extract or directly transesterify bio-oils from biomass or extract proteins from biomass using a one-step process."
Scientists at the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics & Planetology (HIGP) have developed a system that can perform both Raman spectroscopy and LIBS (Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy) using a single laser source, a spectrograph equipped with a multichannel detector. Raman spectroscopy provides the molecular vibrational spectra and is widely used technique for positive identification of a molecule from their Raman fingerprints. LIBS produces atomic spectra of the ionized plasms on the material surface, and is used for identification of atoms present in the material. The combined system can do both Raman and LIBS spectroscopies simultaneously. The system operates at stand-off distances and provides a powerful remote sensing capability by recording both Raman and LIBS data.
"A seawater deaerator with a large reservoir through which seawater slowly flows. Gas injected into the bottom of the reservoir forms bubble nuclei that move upward, expanding but not coalescing, and withdrawing dissolved gas from the seawater. The deaerated seawater flows out of the reservoir and into a flash evaporator. Gas is withdrawn from a low pressure gas chamber at the top of the reservoir by a vacuum pump, and the exhaust from the pump supplies gas to the air injectors."
"The invention consists of two self-steering antenna arrays that permit secure data transmission between a wireless server and clients. One of the self-steering antennas is able to sense the direction of a incoming radio transmission and send a reply back in that same direction, without the complexities associated with conventional phased arrays or smart antennas. The other self steering array points a null of the radiation pattern towards the direction of the incoming signal. The whole system effectively provides super high directivity enabling point-to-point communications."
"Immunoassays are based on specific interactions between antibodies and antigens. They are indispensible in modem clinical diagnostics, drug screening practices, and medical research in general. A key technical challenge in developing the next-generation immunoassay has been to achieve simple and highly sensitive reporting to signal the antigen-antibody interaction.
An innovative reporter system has been developed that enables simple self-assembly between the reporter and the antibody through a unique linker. Using this technology, no laborious labeling and conjugation is necessary as commonly required for reporters used in conventional immunoassays. A wide variety of reporter functions can be readily introduced to broaden the selection of assay formats and detection methods."
"Members of a Novel Class of Biological Sensors and Their Potential Applications in Medicine and Microsensor Field (Heme Proteins HemAT-HS and HemAT-BS)"
"University of Hawaii researchers have identified HtrX and YhfV, the first myoglobin-like heme proteins in the Archaea and in Bacteria, respectively. Heme proteins play an essential role both in stabilizing molecular oxygen for transport and storage to support living organisms on earth. These functions are performed by hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb)."
"This new microtubule-stabilizing agent is an effective cytotoxin against many cancer cells in vitro. Bioassay-directed purification of the crude lipophilic extract yielded a steroid with paclitaxel-like microtubule-stabilizing activity. Non-transformed cells treated with the agent exhibited interphase arrest and extensive microtubule bundling. Many of the microtubule bundles were located in the cell periphery, apparently nucleated independent of the microtubule-organizing center. The compound also initiated the breakdown of the nucleus into micronuclei."
"This structure of the plant MSP1 p42 recombinant polypeptide appears to be similar to that obtained from P. falciparum as well as from the baculovirus expression system." Produces malaria vaccine.
"A digital two-dimensional grid of position and elevation data for the land and sea portions of the Big Island of Hawai’i, also referred to as a Digital Elevation Model. This grid is composed of various marine and subaerial survey data from numerous sources, most of which are publicly available for nominal fees from the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC). This technology improves and combines the geographically separate NGDC data into a format readily usable in The GMT-System(TM), a public domain software. The grid can produce contour maps, color-shaded relief perspective-like images, and 3D fly through's. Application in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is another option. Scientists can produce base maps to overlay their own data and the grid can be loaded into other programs to help in the analysis of other data types."
Your OTTED representative is available to assist you in arranging for the transfer of research material into or out of the University.