International Patent Applications Research Articles

ROSES: The most Complete System for Endovascular Surgery

ROSES, an innovative Robotic System for Endovascular Surgery, features a unique mechanism that continuously measures the resistance encountered by catheters and guide wires as they advance within the body. This feature operates seamlessly without the need for additional specialized components. The system is comprised of a series of robotic actuators (up to three) arranged linearly on slides running along a rail, inclined toward the patient. Another slide, housing a pair of step motors, facilitates the adjustment of relative positions between the actuators, with the proximal actuator affixed to the motor slide by a lateral bar. A force transducer, linked to the motor slide via a wire, is responsive to the gravitational component of any object on the rail. Importantly, this force remains constant even as the actuators move. However, the force dynamically changes if an external obstruction hinders the progress of catheters and guide wires, serving as an alert to the attending physician. The system, uniquely, is also capable of guiding the introduction of the first catheter, even if it is pre-curved. This capability facilitates the complete separation of the doctor from the patient throughout the entire surgical procedure. The system employs compact, purely mechanical disposables designed for a wide range of interventions utilizing commercially available catheters and guide wires, including angioplasty, brain and carotid surgery (for aneurysms or thrombi), TAVI, and various lower and upper limb procedures. Future developments include the incorporation of animated catheters capable of altering their shape configuration under console control. As the system also records the penetration length of each device and transmits this data to a workstation along with X-ray images, it effectively becomes the "black box" of endovascular surgeries. This functionality allows for a complete separation between physicians and patients throughout the entire surgical procedure. The system is safeguarded by multiple pending international patent applications.

A New Device (3D-MMD) and Method for Measuring Moisture Management Properties of Textiles

ABSTRACT Today, expectations from textile products have increased and the comfort features of clothes have gained more importance, especially for leisure and sports clothes. Therefore, the liquid moisture transmission of clothes is quite important, which has a significant effect on the body's ability to cool itself and the user's feeling cold after sweating. A new test instrument “3D-MMD” (3 Dimension Moisture Mapping Device), that measures the liquid moisture transmission feature of the fabrics in multidirection is introduced in this paper. The developed system includes two thermal cameras that allow measurement below and above of the sample. When the test liquid is dropped on the sample, the heat transfer occurs and due to the heat transfer during the transmission of moisture, the surface temperature of wetted and non-wetted parts of the fabric changes. This change is detected in the form of infrared data with the help of thermal cameras and converted into an electronic image. The wet area can be easily created by processing the images of the color visuals coming instantly from the thermal camera. The patent for this new method has been registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TR2020/21004). Meanwhile, the international patent application process continues (PCT/TR2021/051223).

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ovarian support cell co-culture improves oocyte maturation in vitro after abbreviated gonadotropin stimulation.

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ovarian support cell co-culture improves oocyte maturation in vitro after abbreviated gonadotropin stimulation.

The impact of language translation quality on commerce: The example of patents

Language matters, and it is an overwhelming stylized fact that language translation is an unavoidable part of global business. In this paper, we quantify the impact of translation difficulty reflected by the presence of multiple-meaning words in the original text. We focus on international patent applications because patent prosecution is nation-based. An inventor who seeks patent protection in a foreign jurisdiction with a different official language will need to file a translated version of the same document. Our estimates show that applications with more ambiguous original (English) text, are up to 25 percentage points less likely to receive a grant in the non-English jurisdictions (China, Japan, and South Korea). The results suggest that language translation difficulty can serve as a potential source of distortion in the global patent system. Ultimately, such translation difficulty may reduce the level of investment in global innovation activities, potentially leading to significant welfare loss. These findings serve to illustrate why international businesses should have adequate language translation strategy to address any translation difficulty arising from the presence of ambiguous words even when the deal involves the cross-border transfer of highly codified knowledge such as patents.

Productivity gains from migration: Evidence from inventors

This paper studies the relationship between migration and the productivity of high-skilled workers, as captured by inventors of international patent applications. Using machine learning techniques to uniquely identify inventors across patents, we are able to track the migration patterns of nearly one million individual inventors across countries. Migrant inventors account for more than nine percent of inventors in our sample. The econometric analysis seeks to explain the recurring finding in the literature that migrant inventors are more productive than non-migrant inventors. We find evidence that migrant inventors become about twenty-three percent more productive after having migrated. The disambiguated inventor data are openly available.

Tricklevent Yenilikçi Pasif Cephe Havalandırma Sisteminin Isıl Konfor ve Enerji Tasarrufu Açısından İncelenmesi

In our study, the effects of the Tricklevent passive ventilation system with the international patent application number 2013/08326 on thermal comfort and energy saving were examined. Tricklevent innovative passive ventilation system is a ventilation system placed on the facade and controlled by an automation system designed vertically or horizontally. In our study, a 14 m2 prototype room with Tricklevent system was built and measurements were taken from places determined by thermocouples as the system was closed-open. The tests were conducted at 11:00 am during the hottest hours of the day on August 15-16, 2021. The system was also analyzed with computational fluid mechanics software. For numerical analysis, the Re number was calculated and it was determined that the flow was turbulent. The k-Ɛ turbulence model was used in the analyses. In the analysis, independence from the network was studied. The Discrete Transfer model was used as the radiation model. 1009 W/m2 solar load is defined. The velocity of the ambient air is calculated as 1.94 m/s, the pressure difference is 2.19 Pa and the air flow to be taken from the system is calculated as 0.024 m3/s. According to the results obtained in the tests, it has been determined that when the Tricklevent system is turned off, the indoor temperature exceeds the ambient temperature within 16 minutes with the effect of radiation, and the indoor temperature reaches a maximum of 30 °C in 16 minutes and 34.5 °C after 24 minutes when the system is on. It has been determined that a temperature drop of 2-3 oC is sufficient when Tricklevent Y.P.H.S is on, while the air conditioner should provide a temperature drop of approximately 6.5-7.5 oC when the system is off. It has been observed that the compressor operating time will be longer when the system is off. As a result of the study, it was seen that 14 kWh energy saving was achieved in the prototype room. According to the power of the air conditioner, as a result of not operating the air conditioner for 16 minutes, 16% savings were achieved in a 1-hour period. Depending on the height of the building, the operating time of the air conditioner can be up to 34 minutes with the advantage provided in air flow and temperature. This showed that the energy savings to be made can be between 16-50% in 1 hour time.

Characterisation of Novel Nitrogen Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide

The utilisation of fuel cells in everyday life is of critical importance for the introduction of clean energy and departure from carbon-based economy. The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) rate on the cathode is the key factor for effective polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Therefore, novel cathode catalysts have to be designed to reduce the ORR over voltage. One of the most efficient ways to increase the ORR rate is to use nitrogen doping of carbon materials.1 Such materials are also promising for applications in supercapacitors and other energy storage devices.2 In this work, experimental results based on a nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide are presented. The nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide has been produced by Sea Further SARL using a biological micro-organisms and non-toxic chemicals.3 The material has been characterised by several physical methods: particle size distribution analysis, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, gas adsorption method, and electrical conductivity measurements. X-ray diffraction data reveal the presence of peaks characteristic to reduced graphene oxide. The specific surface area of the bulk material is around 2.4 m2 g− 1 based on the nitrogen adsorption method. The bulk sample, in powder form, exhibited considerable specific conductance under pressure.Additionally, electrochemical measurements have been conducted in 0.1 M HClO₄ and 0.1 M KOH solutions. The electrochemical stability, capacitive behaviour, and ORR activity of nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide have been determined using cyclic voltammetry, rotating disc electrode and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods. The material under discussion has a good electrochemical stability within the investigated potential region in both media. The measurement data show that the ORR kinetics in alkaline media is much faster than in acidic media. Surprisingly, this material has a high gravimetric capacitance. Therefore, nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide has high potential for energy storage devices and is promising co-catalyst material in fuel cell. Acknowledgements This work was supported by the EU through the European Regional Development Fund under project TK 141 “Advanced materials and high-technology devices for energy recuperation systems” (grant number 2014 2020.4.01.15 0011); and by the Estonian Research Council (grant number PUT PRG 676). References N. Daems, X. Sheng, I.F.J. Vankelecom, and P.P. Pescarmona, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2, 4085 (2014).N.A. Elessawy, J.E. Nady, W. Wazeer, and A.B. Kashyout, Sci. Rep., 9, 1129 (2019).V. Iakimov, International Patent Application No. WO2021/059152, WIPO, April 1st 2021.

On diversification taking into account innovation activity and resource availability of regions

An approach to assessing the possibility of diversification of the regional economy based on the formation of recommendations for the development of sectors to the level of strong ones is presented. The approach is based on regression analysis using an extended economic basis, including characteristics of regional differentiation and innovation activity. On this basis, sectors can be identified, the development of which depends on the innovation activity of the regions. A condition is described that makes it possible to assess the sufficiency of the resource provision of the sector in the region for its development to the level of a strong one. As a result of the approbation of the proposed approach, 20 sectors have been identified, the volume of production of which depends on the innovative activity of the regions aimed at creating international patent applications. For the Construction sector, considered as an example, 11 regions have been identified in which this sector has sufficient resource provision for development to the level of a strong one. The possibility of turning this sector into a strong one in other regions may be associated with an increase in their innovation activity and government support.

Analysis and Calculation of Patent Self-Sufficiency Rate of Chinese Enterprises Based on Typical Cases

In 2021, the number of international patent applications in China will be the first in the world, but the self-sufficiency rate of Chinese patents is not high. According to data released by IC Insights, China's domestic chips are close to 6% self-sufficiency data. Therefore, according to the status quo of patent applications in China, this paper selects 4 typical enterprise patents from State Grid, Sinopec, Huawei, and OPPO according to the nature of the companies ranked among the top global applicants for PCT international patents. Relevant data is gathered and a classification analysis is conducted at beginning. Then the patent self-sufficiency rate of 4 typical enterprises is analyzed and calculated. The study found that the patent self-sufficiency rate of Chinese enterprises is not high at present. The stable development of the patent self-sufficiency rate is conducive to the sustainable development of enterprises. The patent self-sufficiency rate of Chinese enterprises increases with the increase of R&D investment.

International patent applications and innovation in South Africa

Background: Experts recommend support to patents for stimulating innovation. Also, the South African government supports patents, in particular, international patents. In this paper it is examined how this strategy can be designed to successfully trigger economic progress.Aim: The present South African activities in patents are investigated in this paper and areas identified where an intensification of patenting looks promising for economic progress.Setting: The patent activities since 1985 are analysed and compared to the annual export–import balance from 2009 to 2018, in order to identify starting points for improving economic structures. The data are linked to current suggestions to the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) for future technologies.Methods: The analysis of patents is performed, using the international patent database PATSTAT, as well as the analysis of the export–import balance at the WITS database of the World Bank.Results: The patent analysis reveals a low level of South African domestic patents, with a focus on less complex goods and a stagnation period of 35 years. The data on the export – import balance show negative figures for consumer goods and even more so for capital goods.Conclusion: Economic progress can be accelerated by stimulating patent and economic activities to produce more complex consumer and capital goods. However, it may be necessary to focus on certain areas at the beginning in order to achieve a sufficient critical mass of competence and international competitiveness. In any case, the support of patents is only successful when it is closely linked to a strategy regarding technology.

PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF ALGAL BIODIESEL PRODUCTION

This article aims to carry out an initial patent mapping of algal biodiesel. The production of algal biodiesel is one of the forms of third generation biodiesel; it is an environmentally friendly alternative energy whose main advantage is that it does not compete with food, as the algal biodiesel is produced from synthesized lipids by algae in growth using sunlight. The methodology used was the patent mapping by activity having as search criteria: the Espacenet database (“worldwide”); and, the keyword: biodiesel and algae and algal biodiesel. It was observed that about 80% of the family of patent documents referring to this technology were applied between 2007 and 2016 and that these documents were published mainly in China (34% of patent documents), followed by the United States (25% of patent documents) and thirdly, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WO), that is, the PCT's international patent application, which indicates an interest in protection in several countries (15% of patent documents). Concluding that China and the United States are the countries that invest the most in the development and protection of technologies related to the production of algal biodiesel, however, the interest in protection goes beyond these countries, since the interest in alternative energies is worldwide.

Innovation‐adjusted economic complexity and growth: Do patent flows reveal enhanced economic capabilities?

AbstractUnderstanding economic growth has been a primary pursuit for generations of economists. Hidalgo and Hausmann (2009) (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106, 10570–10575) charted new territory in this pursuit by using bipartite international trade networks to characterize the economic complexity of a country based on the capabilities implied by the products it exports. The resulting Economic Complexity Index (ECI) correlates strongly with income levels and predicts subsequent economic growth with some statistical precision. We propose an innovation‐adjusted ECI (i‐ECI) that uses a high‐resolution patent–trade concordance to construct trade networks weighted by domestic and international patent application flows. The i‐ECI thus reflects firms’ decisions about where to seek patent protection on industry‐specific inventions, allows for heterogeneity in the relative importance of patenting across industries, and implicitly captures firms’ perceived innovation potential in the recipient countries. Although the i‐ECI is highly correlated with the ECI (correlation coefficient greater than 92%), it is a stronger and more statistically precise predictor of economic growth than the unadjusted ECI.

Composite value index of trademark indicators: A market value analysis using Tobin's Q

This paper provides novel empirical evidence on the market valuation of a firm's intangible assets for U.S. firms during the period 1991–2015, exploring the relationship between Tobin's q, R&D, advertising, utility patents, international patent applications, design patents, trademarks, and value weighted IP measures. The Tobin's q is found to be positively and significantly associated with the proposed composite value index of trademark indicators above and beyond the other measures of intangible assets. The paper articulates some managerial implications on how firms could benefit from investing in trademarking and enlarge market value through the combination of multiple IP strategies.

Glucocorticoid (GC) Induced Cytokine Expression in CD4+ T Cells Is a Candidate Biomarker for Clinical Steroid Response in Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia

IntroductionWhen a group of patients with Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) (Bristol, UK) were asked to help prioritise research questions they identified glucocorticoid (GC) side effects, relapses and a trial and error approach to ITP treatment as the most impactful problems from their perspective. Although high dose GCs remain the most common first line treatment for adults with ITP and are recommended in guidelines, side effects are very common, with a survey reporting 98% had at least one side effect and 38% stopped or reduced dosage due to intolerable side effects (Brown et al, BMC Blood disorders, 2012; 12:2). Heterogeneous responses and high relapse rates are also significant problems; approximately 20% of patients with ITP are refractory to GCs, so-called steroid-resistant (SR) individuals, and only approximately 20% of patients maintain long term remission. There is currently no way to predict the success of GC treatment prior to administration. Consequently, there is an unmet need for a clinically validated biomarker of clinical GC responsiveness. This would help personalise treatments, ensuring GCs are only given to patients likely to benefit, whilst more efficacious treatments are given earlier to those expected to be SR.Immune cells can be isolated from patients' peripheral blood and cultured in vitro to examine their responses to GCs. Different CD4+ T cell subsets have differential responses to GC treatment, and we have recently shown that CD4+ T cells expressing the cytokine interleukin (IL)-17 (so-called Th17 cells) are GC resistant (Schewitz-Bowers et al, PNAS, 2015, 112(30):4080-5). The expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 has previously been reported to be impaired in T cells from SR asthma patients (Xystrakis et al, J. Clin. Invest., 2006, 116:146-155), and in the most pro-inflammatory subtypes of Th17 cells (Ramesh et al, J. Exp. Med., 2014, 211(1):89-104). We therefore hypothesized that poor clinical response to GCs can be predicted by analyzing the expression of IL-17 and IL-10 in patients' CD4+ T cells exposed to GCs in vitro .MethodsFollowing informed written consent, peripheral blood was drawn from patients with ITP requiring first line steroid treatment registered at University Hospitals Bristol, UK. Of these, 22 demonstrated complete response to steroid treatment with platelet count rising >100 x109/L within 2 weeks of treatment (steroid sensitive, SS) and 10 were refractory to treatment with a platelet count remaining <30x109/L following 2 weeks of treatment (steroid resistant, SR). Blood samples from patients with non-infectious intraocular inflammation (uveitis: an autoimmune condition treated with steroids) were also taken as a control disease cohort (SS n=14, SR n=21). CD4+ T cells were isolated and activated via the T cell receptor with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 T cell activation beads in the presence or absence of the synthetic GC Dexamethasone (Dex). After 96 hours of culture, intracellular cytokine expression of IL-10 and IL-17 was examined by multiparameter flow cytometry.ResultsCD4+ T cells isolated from clinically SR ITP patients showed higher expression of IL-17 and lower expression of IL-10, resulting in a reduced IL-10:IL-17 ratio when activated with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 beads in the presence of Dex (Figure 1A), compared to clinically SS patients (p=0.0015). Similar results were found in patients with uveitis (aCD3/aCD28+Dex SS vs SR p=0.0044), corroborating this finding (Figure 1B).ConclusionThese data suggest that CD4+ T cells are important mediators of clinical response to steroid treatment and that the cytokine signature of CD4+ T cells may form the basis of a laboratory biomarker to help predict clinical response to GC treatment for patients with ITP as well as those with other autoimmune conditions. This would aid clinical decisions for patients, potentially maximizing treatment efficacy while minimizing side-effects. [Display omitted] DisclosuresBradbury:Novartis: Consultancy, Other: Travel support; Amgen: Other: Conference attendence; BMS Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Bayer: Other: Conference attendence. Lee:EMD Serono: Consultancy; University of Bristol: Patents & Royalties: International Patent Application No: PCT/GB2014/053804 / US Patent application No. 61/919,404 (A biomarker and companion therapeutic for steroid refractory diseases); Nanomerics: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Glucocorticoids Reduce the Number and Function of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi Regulatory B Cells in Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenia

IntroductionIL-10-producing regulatory B cells (Bregs) are important modulators of immune regulation, and in humans this population has been shown to be enriched within the CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cell population in peripheral blood. The production of IL-10 by Bregs can be induced through activation of B cells through toll like receptor (TLR) and B cell receptor (BCR) ligation, or indirectly through T cell-mediated activation via CD40:CD40L interactions. Loss of Breg-mediated suppression, either through numerical deficiency or loss of function, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and inflammation-mediated diseases, including chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP; Li et al, 2012, Blood, 120:3318-3325). The purpose of this study was to extend this observation by interrogating the effect of systemic immunosuppressive treatment, in particular with glucocorticoids (GCs), on Bregs from the peripheral blood of patients with ITP.MethodsFollowing informed written consent, peripheral blood was drawn from patients with ITP registered at University Hospitals Bristol, UK, and healthy volunteers. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation, and multiparameter flow cytometry performed to quantify the frequency of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells. For functional studies, CD19+ B cells and CD4+ T cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy donors using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and subsequently co-cultured in a 1:1 ratio. Cells were activated with either anti-CD3 (indirect B cell activation via T cells) or a combination of CpG and IgM (direct B cell activation), in the presence or absence of the synthetic GC Dexamethasone (Dex). After 72 hours, intracellular IL-10 expression in B cells was quantified by flow cytometry.ResultsNo significant difference in the proportion of CD19+CD24hiCD38hi Bregs was seen between newly diagnosed ITP patients (n=7) before treatment had started, compared with healthy donors (n=7), (6.5% vs 8.2%, p=0.3176; Figure 1). However, patients receiving GC treatment (n=8) had a significant reduction in the proportion of Bregs when compared with both healthy donors (2.5% vs 8.2%, p=0.0012), and untreated ITP patients (2.5% vs 6.5%, p=0.0093). Similarly, ITP patients receiving another commonly used immunosuppressive drug, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, n=10), had a significant reduction in the proportion of Bregs compared with both healthy donors (1.7% vs 8.2%, p=0.0004), and untreated ITP patients (1.7% vs 6.5%, p=0.0042). Patients treated with a thrombopoietin (TPO) mimetic (n=6) (not immunosuppressive) had no reduction in the proportion of Bregs compared with untreated ITP patients (5.37% vs 6.49% p=0.4452). Furthermore, in cultures activated by CpG and IgM, Dex did not significantly affect the number of IL-10-producing B cells (5.4% vs 5.4%, p=0.9232, n=10). However, in anti-CD3 activated cultures, Dex significantly reduced the proportion of IL-10 producing B cells (2.0% vs 0.8%, p=0.0094, n=8).ConclusionsThese observations suggest that a deficiency of Bregs in the peripheral blood is not a result of disease activity in ITP patients, but rather the consequence of immunosuppressive drug treatment. Consistent with this, the effect of Dex on B cell IL-10 production is likely to be an indirect phenomenon through the suppression of T cell-mediated activation of Breg function. Overall, these observations show that immunosuppressive treatments such as GCs can deplete Breg numbers in the peripheral blood and, through a T cell mediated mechanism, reduce their ability to produce the immunoregulatory cytokine IL-10. [Display omitted] DisclosuresBradbury:BMS Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Other: Travel support; Bayer: Other: Conference attendence; Amgen: Other: Conference attendence. Lee:University of Bristol: Patents & Royalties: International Patent Application No: PCT/GB2014/053804 / US Patent application No. 61/919,404 (A biomarker and companion therapeutic for steroid refractory diseases); EMD Serono: Consultancy; Nanomerics: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Comparison of innovative development indexes in the space of regional differentiation characteristics

Currently, one of the priorities of the country's development is the transition of the economy to an innovative path of development. Analysis and evaluation of innovative development at the regional and national levels, quantitative assessment of regional innovation activity, and development of methods for evaluating the effectiveness of interaction between science and business that allow choosing the right strategies for solving management problems are of particular relevance. The subject of the research is the indexes of innovative development of regions. The purpose of the study is to compare the indexes of innovative development of regions and identify indexes that do not have significant differences. Eight indexes describing the innovative development of Russian regions are compared. We use four of the author's indexes, published earlier: the index of technical efficiency innovative space for international patent applications TEMPZ, the index of technical efficiency innovative space for patent applications TEPZ, the index of technical efficiency innovative space issued patents TEPV and the index of technical efficiency innovative space developed for new technologies TETECH. Along with the author's indexes, four other indexes with a similar applied focus are considered, published by the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) in National Research University — Higher School of Economics (HSE), RIA rating, and Association of Innovative Regions of Russia (AIRR). In the course of the study, a comparative analysis of the indexes of innovative development in the space of expert-defined characteristics of regional differentiation was made. Analysis of the cosines of the angles between the indexes constructed using the beta coefficients of the regressions of these indexes on the differentiation characteristics allows us to refine the results of correlation analysis and identify a subset of indexes that are not distinguishable when solving control problems parameterized using the differentiation characteristics.

SARS-CoV-2 Ferritin Nanoparticle Vaccines Elicit Broad SARS Coronavirus Immunogenicity

The need for SARS-CoV-2 next-generation vaccines has been highlighted by the rise of variants of concern (VoC) and the long-term threat of emerging coronaviruses. Here, we designed and characterized four categories of engineered nanoparticle immunogens that recapitulate the structural and antigenic properties of prefusion SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S), S1 and RBD. These immunogens induced robust S-binding, ACE2-inhibition, and authentic and pseudovirus neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. A Spike-ferritin nanoparticle (SpFN) vaccine elicited neutralizing titers (ID50 > 10,000), 20-fold greater than convalescent donor serum titers following a single immunization, while RBD-Ferritin nanoparticle (RFN) immunogens elicited similar responses after two immunizations, that also showed potent neutralization against circulating variants of concern. Passive transfer of IgG purified from SpFN- or RFN-immunized mice protected K18-hACE2 transgenic mice from a lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Furthermore, S-domain nanoparticle immunization elicited ACE2 blocking activity and ID50 neutralizing antibody titers >2,000 against SARS-CoV-1 highlighting the broad response elicited by these immunogens.Funding: We acknowledge support from the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency (Restoral FY20). This work was also partially executed through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (W81XWH-18-2- 0040).Declaration of Interest: M.G.J. and K.M. are named as inventors on International Patent Application No. WO/2021/21405 entitled “Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.” M.G.J. is named as an inventor on International Patent Application No. WO/2018/081318 and U.S. patent 10,960,070 entitled “Prefusion Coronavirus Spike Proteins and Their Use.” Z.B. is named as an inventor on U.S. patent 10,434,167 entitled “Non-toxic adjuvant formulation comprising a monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA)-containing liposome composition and a saponin.” Z.B. and G.R.M are named inventors on “Compositions And Methods For Vaccine Delivery”, US Patent Application: 16/607,917. M.S.D. is a consultant for Inbios, Vir Biotechnology, Fortress Biotech and Carnival Corporation and on the Scientific Advisory Boards of Moderna and Immunome. The Diamond laboratory has received funding support in sponsored research agreements from Moderna, Vir Biotechnology, Kaleido, and Emergent BioSolutions. S.R., P.M.M., and M.T.E. are employees of AstraZeneca and currently hold AstraZeneca stock or stock options. Zoltan Beck is currently employed at Pfizer.Ethical Approval: All research in this study involving animals was conducted in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, and other federal statutes and regulations relating to animals and experiments involving animals and adhered to the principles stated in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, NRC Publication, 1996 edition. The research protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of WRAIR. BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were obtained from Jackson Laboratories (Bar Harbor, ME).

An approach to assessing the possibility of diversifying the regional economy taking into account innovation activity

An approach to assessing the possibility of diversifying the regional economy is presented on the basis of the author’s methodology for formation of recommendations for development of regions and sectors. The approach is based on regression analysis using an extended economic basis, including the characteristics of regional differentiation and innovative activity. On this basis, sectors can be identified, the development of which depends on the innovative activity of the regions. The estimates obtained make it possible to judge the influence of the characteristics of regional differentiation and innovative activity on development of such sectors. It is shown that innovative activity can contribute to diversification, if the region has a relatively high level of economic development. As a result of approbation of the offered approach, 20 sectors were identified, the production volume of which depends on the innovative activity of the regions aimed at creating international patent applications. It is shown that for each sector, the development of which depends on innovative activity, regions can be identified, where the growth of innovative activity can be accompanied by an increase in the volume of production of this sector and its appearance as a strong one. For the CONSTRUCTION sector, considered as an example, 17 regions have been identified that are priority for development of this sector and its transformation into a strong one.

PABC: A Patent Application System Based on Blockchain

Under the protection of the patent system, an inventor can patent his or her invention, to make an economic profit from the patent, thus encouraging further invention. However, a patent is territorial. To get an international patent, the invention should be patented several times in all target patent offices, even with the help of international conventions like PCT, leading to inefficiency, expensiveness, and uncertainty. Therefore, we construct an international patent application system based on a permissioned blockchain named PABC. Patent applications can be approved or rejected without relying on one patent office. Each patent office in a country or region manages a peer node of the system, reaching agreements of all the applications. First, we build the model of the system and detail the three-layer architecture of PABC Core. Then, we implement PABC on a permissioned blockchain platform — Hyperledger Fabric. In addition, experiments about its throughput, transaction latency, and failure rate were carried out. The results show that PABC can meet current needs.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism Among Hospitalized Patients with Cancer and COVID-19: Report from the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19) Registry

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Venous Thromboembolism Among Hospitalized Patients with Cancer and COVID-19: Report from the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19) Registry