Abstract: Aspects of the technology disclosed herein relate to methods for preparing and analyzing nucleic acids. In some embodiments, methods for preparing nucleic acids for sequence analysis (e.g., using next-generation sequencing) are provided herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating data indicative of a friction associated with a driving surface, and for using the friction data in association with one or more vehicles. In one example, a computing system can detect a stop associated with a vehicle and initiate a steering action of the vehicle during the stop. The steering action is associated with movement of at least one tire of the vehicle relative to a driving surface. The computing system can obtain operational data associated with the steering action during the stop of the vehicle. The computing system can determine a friction associated with the driving surface based at least in part on the operational data associated with the steering action. The computing system can generate data indicative of the friction associated with the driving surface.

Abstract: A tagless article of apparel formed from a knitted fabric having a selected thickness, the article of apparel having inner and outer surfaces, and a product label pad printed directly on the inner surface from a cliché with an ink composition comprising an ink, a solvent, and a hardener, the cliché having a depth sufficient to cause the ink composition to penetrate the inner surface of the fabric to a depth less than the thickness of the fabric.

Abstract: The specification provides a makeup includes a head with an applicator surface mounted on a base. The applicator surface receives makeup that is formed as a mark to be applied on a person's skin by the pressing or stamping and/or rocking or rolling of the head onto the skin. The applicator may be configurable so that the user may alter the shape of the mark applied to the skin by the applicator. One or more applicators may be included in a kit with a releasable handle.

Abstract: A cosmetic including two different systems for procurement of actives in the human skin and enhancing the collagen I synthesis. The cosmetic with enhanced collagen I synthesis can include 0.001 to 2% by weight, related to the total weight of the cosmetic, of a first retinol-containing system including retinol encapsulated in a chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose shell, 0.001 to 3.5% by weight, related to the total weight of the cosmetic, of a second retinol-containing system including cationic liposomes composed of phospholipids and with a quaternary fatty acid monoamine with C21-C23 alkyl residue and the difference to 100% by weight of cosmetic subsidiaries. Very small amounts of retinol in combination with both transport systems show a remarkable effect on the synthesis of collagen I in comparison with one or more other known combinations of retinol derivatives or encapsulated systems.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an image is provided to an augmented reality application program. The program detects colors and modifies the image. In particular, the program may analyze an image of a scene provided by a camera of a portable electronic device that may be problematic for color challenged users. It then modifies one or more colors such that a color challenged user viewing the altered image may perceive the scene colors as the colors would be perceived by a non-color challenged user viewing the scene.

Abstract: A wood preservative composition resulting from admixing components comprising: at least one preservative metal; a quaternary ammonium compound; at least 2 amine compounds; a pH reducing agent, and water, wherein the pH of the composition is from about 7.1 to less than 8.5. Surprisingly, this combination of materials results in a stable solution that can contain a moldicide yet have a commercially acceptable shelf life.

Abstract: A method for obtaining jet fuel from diesel fuel is provided, the method comprising subjecting the diesel fuel to hydrocracking to convert at least a portion of the diesel fuel into a mixture of light hydrocarbons, kerosene, naphtha and a liquefied petroleum gas, isolating the kerosene, recovering jet fuel from the kerosene, subjecting at least a portion of the mixture of kerosene, naphtha and a liquefied petroleum gas to steam forming to obtain a synthesis gas containing hydrogen, and recycling hydrogen contained in the synthesis gas to the hydrocracking step. A modular system for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A reactor for converting a feedstream having one or more oxygenated compounds to a product containing olefins is provided. The reactor comprises a fluidized reaction zone defined by a reactor wall and a feedstream inlet located adjacent the reaction zone. The feedstream inlet is operative to feed the reaction zone with said feedstream. A riser extends from said reaction zone and carries a vaporized combination of said feedstream and said catalyst from said reaction zone to a disengaging zone fed by the riser. At least one cooling tube is disposed within the reactor and extends substantially vertically and substantially parallel to the reactor wall. The cooling tube is located adjacent the reactor wall and extends from an upper portion of the reaction zone towards a lower portion of the reaction zone. Also provided is a cooling system for a methanol to olefin reactor. Finally, a method of producing olefins from a feedstream having an oxygenate is provided.

Abstract: A method of converting methanol feedstock to olefins is provided and includes contacting the methanol feedstock in a first conversion zone with a catalyst at reaction conditions effective to produce a first reaction zone effluent comprising DME, unreacted methanol and water; cooling the first reaction zone effluent to separate DME as a first vapor product from the first reaction zone effluent and to form a first aqueous stream comprising water, unreacted methanol, soluble DME and oxygenates; contacting the first vapor product in a second conversion zone with a catalyst at reaction conditions effective to produce a second reaction zone effluent comprising light olefins, unreacted DME, water and oxygenates; cooling the second reaction zone effluent to separate the light olefins and the unreacted DME as a second vapor product from the second reaction zone effluent and to form a second aqueous stream comprising water, soluble DME and oxygenates; compressing the unreacted DME and the light olefins; separating DME

Abstract: Processes and systems are disclosed that relate to the removal of impurities and separation the light olefins from an MTO product vapor stream. Specifically, the processes and systems relate to recovery of light olefins during regeneration of an adsorber in an oxygenate removal unit. Processes and systems for recovering light olefins during regeneration of an adsorber in an oxygenate removal unit can include recycling residual effluent stream to an upstream operation unit upstream of the oxygenate removal unit. Processes and systems for recovering light olefins during regeneration of an adsorber in an oxygenate removal unit can also include recycling residual effluent gas produced by depressurizing residual effluent in the first adsorber, as well as preferably venting an effluent gas from the first adsorber to a compressor upstream of the oxygenate removal unit.

Abstract: The processes and systems disclosed herein relate to the removal of contaminants from the effluent of an oxygenate removal unit (ORU). More particularly, the processes and systems disclosed herein relate to the removal of contaminants resulting from the regeneration of adsorbers in an ORU.

Abstract: A process for denitrogenating diesel fuel includes contacting diesel fuel containing one or more nitrogen compounds with an acid ionic liquid in an extraction zone to selectively remove the nitrogen compound(s) and produce a denitrogenated diesel fuel effluent containing denitrogenated diesel fuel and acid ionic liquid containing nitrogen species; and separating denitrogenated diesel fuel from the denitrogenated diesel fuel effluent.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a petroleum distillate product is provided, the method includes subjecting a Fischer-Tropsch wax to a process of hydrocraking carried out at a pressure which is substantially lower that the pressure previously used. A catalyst including a noble metal is used in this method. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for fencing and other outdoor structures that allow the structure to be changed or adjusted to modify the function, use or appearance of the structure. The structure can be adjusted into a selected position and releasably secured, or portions can be changed to modify the appearance of the structure. One aspect of the invention provides an accessible compartment in the structure to retain objects such as wires or other conduits, and allows for attaching selected objects to the structure.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically identifying discrepancies resulting from the initial sale and servicing of a third party gift card using a central reconciliation system. The central reconciliation system receives and analyzes gift card sale transaction data from multiple sources. A first source is a point of sale, such as a booth or kiosk at a store or shopping center, the second source is a processor, and a third source is a bank. The central reconciliation system receives transaction data associated with the gift card sale from each source and automatically analyzes and compares the data to identify any discrepancies so that any discrepancy can be resolved. Reports can be generated on-demand via menu-driven selections or options showing the discrepancies and reconciliation thereof, and the reports can be accessed by a user via a standard network connection, such as the Internet, or provided to a user.

Abstract: Decoupler deflector devices and systems for automobile steering systems are provided. A decoupler deflector device in an automobile steering system can be connected to an upper intermediate shaft (“I-shaft”) portion or an I-shaft joint. The decoupler device can be adapted to contact a lower I-shaft portion and rotate the upper I-shaft portion downwardly such that the upper I-shaft portion does not interfere with a collapsing steering column when subjected to loading from an automobile driver during a front-end collision impact event. The decoupler device can comprise a first end portion coupled to an upper I-shaft portion and an I-shaft joint; and a second end portion spaced apart from the first end portion to contact a lower I-shaft portion and rotate the upper I-shaft portion. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for fencing and other outdoor structures that allow the structure to be changed or adjusted to modify the function, use or appearance of the structure. The structure can be adjusted into a selected position and releasably secured, or portions can be changed to modify the appearance of the structure. One aspect of the invention provides an accessible compartment in the structure to retain objects such as wires or other conduits, and allows for attaching selected objects to the structure.

Abstract: Radiation from a spectrally broad radiation source is reduced to radiation of limited spectral range with high efficiency by an emitter that includes a radiation source and a multilayer optical coating that reflects radiation of certain wavelengths back toward the source, allowing other wavelengths to pass. The multilayer optical coating provides a high efficiency reflectance, thereby minimizing loss of radiation energy despite limiting the escaping energy to one or more narrow selected wavelength bands. The resulting radiation is useful in treating a host to destroy or deactivate undesirable pathogens, cells, or tissues.

Abstract: Neoplastic tissue, viral and bacterial infections, and other physiological disorders and conditions are treated by irradiation of the host with electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength that is differentially absorbed by the offending tissue or cells. Radiation with differential absorption is also used in the sterilization of articles and packing made from synthetic polymers and for the treatment of food stuffs.