Other

University of Colorado

Beckman Instruments, Inc.

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Vitalwear, Inc.

Howard R Davidson

John C Hutton

Jan Jensen

John M Pinneo

Howard Edelman

Brian J Bayley

Richard E O'Brien

Xiaoling Qu

Janet M Wenzlau

Seija Hackl

The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that a polypeptide, referred to herein as Betacam, is selectively expressed on the surface of pancreatic islet cells. Thus, in one aspect, the invention is directed to compositions comprising Betacam or that can be used to detect Betacam. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of detecting (e.g., non-invasively) pancreatic beta cells from a mammalian cell source. Another aspect of the invention is directed to cellular purification of pancreatic beta cells from a heterogeneous cell source of multiple kinds. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of identifying agents that modulate activity of Betacam. In yet another aspect, the invention provides for improved treatment and diagnosis of diabetes.

Method for detecting and purifying pancreatic beta cells

Described is the identification of ZnT8 as an autoantigen target in type I autoimmune diabetes (T1D), other autoimmune disease, and other diabetes-linked diseases and conditions. Also described are a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic tools and methods based on this discovery. The identification of genetic variation in ZnT8 as an important player in the initiation of the disease process and the progression of autoimmunity to clinical diabetes is disclosed.

Diagnostic and therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases and uses thereof

A method and compositions for detecting autoimmunity to islet glucose-6-phosphatase related protein (IGRP). Detection of IGRP autoantibodies alone, and in combination with other molecules such as the 65-kDa form of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), insulin and insulin granule membrane proteins ICA512 (IA-2) and phogrin (IA2&#x3b2;) auto-antigens, provides an effective and reliable chemical assay for the diagnosis of autoimmune (type 1) diabetes. Additionally, this invention provides therapeutic regimens based on IGRP and related molecules for the amelioration of the diabetic clinical condition. Therefore, IGRP alone or in combination with other autioimmune diabetes associated antigens such as insulin, IA-2 and GAD, is useful in the prediction (diagnosis), treatment (therapy), and prevention (prophylaxis) of diabetes.

Use of islet glucose-6-phosphatase related protein as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic target for autoimmune diabetes

A fluid circuit connector system includes a quick-release connector for connecting a set of tubes to an object. The quick-release connector includes a release button, a lock arm, a lock tab and a cavity configured to receive the tubes and a set of coupler housings. The connector system includes an object fitting having lock recess may be configured to receive the lock tab. The object fitting includes a cavity. The system further includes a set of male coupler housings each including a first unitary valve and a set of female coupler housings each including a second unitary valve. Each female housing is configured to receive and engage one of the male coupler housings. The system includes a set of seals configured to seal each male coupler housing and each female coupler housing when the quick-release connector is connected to the object fitting.

Fluid circuit connector system

A diamond foam article comprises diamond deposited material on a substrate having an open contiguous structure that permits the flow of fluids in at least one direction through the material. Methods for forming a diamond foam article comprise providing a foam substrate; preparing the foam substrate for diamond deposition; and depositing diamond material on the foam substrate by one of several diamond deposition methods.

Diamond foam material and method for forming same

A device is provided for attachment to the existing snap portions on a helmet such as a motorcycle helmet. Design elements are presented on a display member, and in some embodiments the display member extends across several helmet snap portions. One embodiment incorporates helmet accessories, such as visors, while still providing the outward presentation of the design elements on the display member.

Motorcycle helmut snap-on decorative device

A secondary seal arrangement for use in a rotor to ensure the retention of the fluid sample within the test tube cavity of the rotor during high speed centrifugation in an ultracentrifuge. The secondary seal arrangement acts in cooperation with both a spacer member over the centrifuge tube and a sealing plug for the rotor cavity to provide a seal of the cavity over the test tube to reduce the possibility of escape of any fluid which may inadvertently exit the centrifuge tube itself. The secondary seal is positioned within the rotor tube cavity above the capping seal for the centrifuge tube to provide a closure of the rotor tube cavity above the centrifuge tube.

Secondary centrifuge tube seal

A carrier assembly for pivotal placement on a swinging carrier rotor wherein the carrier has a support member which maintains the carrier assembly in a centered location between the hinge pins on the rotor. The carrier assembly has a frame unit which holds a microtitration plate containing samples to be centrifugated. The support member in the carrier assembly is slidably engaged with the frame unit and eliminates the need for welds. Each end of the support member has a generally semicircular sleeve portion which provides for the easy placement and removal of the carrier assembly from the rotor hinge pins. Retaining means are positioned on the support member to prevent deflection of the carrier frame unit along the support member during centrifugation.

Growing community of inventors

Palo Alto, CA, United States of America

Howard R Davidson