Abstract: The present invention relates to skin care additive which comprises a diester skin care additive which is the reaction product of a fatty alkoxylated ester and a straight, branched or aromatic polyol or poly acid, where the skin care additive provides improved wet lubricancy and/or reduced skin irritancy. More especially, there is provided a personal hygiene product treated with the skin care additive, as such the invention also relates to providing the care additive as a coating on a personal hygiene product. The present invention may also provide use of such a personal hygiene product comprising said skin care additive to prevent or alleviate dermatitis, and in particular nappy rash.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of genetic constructs, expression cassettes and recombinant vectors comprising such constructs and cassettes for gene therapy and methods for treating neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The constructs comprise a promoter operably linked to a first coding sequence, which encodes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and a second coding sequence, which encodes GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1). The second coding sequence is 3? to the first coding sequence, and the first and second coding sequences are part of a single operon, wherein the genetic construct does not encode aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). The construct is delivered to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the subject.

Abstract: A method and composition are provided for backfilling the annular gap created as a tunnel boring machine advances through the ground. The fill material is comprised of two components that are combined and mixed together just prior to entering the annular gap. The first component is non-cement slurry consisting of a fluidized bed combustion ash such as coal ash. The second component consists of an alkali silicate such as sodium silicate. Additionally, ordinary Portland cement and/or metakaolin can be added to the grout composition.

Abstract: A compound field emitter (CFE) includes a first surface possessing a field enhancement factor >1, and a second surface possessing one or both of a field enhancement factor >1, or a low work function, wherein the second surface is coated, formed or applied upon the first surface. The second surface has a characteristic size at least 3 times smaller than the first surface, and the outer surface includes a coating of calcium aluminate 12CaO-7Al2O3.

Abstract: The invention is broadly directed to a drainage channel and grate assembly 10 comprising a plurality of drainage channels 12a and 12b and a plurality of drainage grates 14a to 14c. The drainage channels 12a/b join one another at a channel junction 16ab in an end to end relationship. The drainage grates 14a to 14c are also arranged in an end to end relationship and are connected to either one or both of the drainage channels 12a/b. One of the plurality of drainage grates 14b bridges the channel junction 16ab to support the drainage channel and grate assembly 10 at set junction 16ab.

Abstract: An improved biodiesel production process includes the steps of processing a feedstock to produce biodiesel, cooling the biodiesel so as to form sediment, and filtering the biodiesel to remove the sediment. The resulting biodiesel from the cold filtration process avoids problems of sediment formation during storage and transportation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composite material comprising an electrically conductive polymer, such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and an ionically conductive polymer, such as poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). This composite forms a dual conductor for three-dimensional electrodes in electrochemical applications including lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: A compound field emitter (CFE) includes a first surface possessing a field enhancement factor >1, and a second surface possessing one or both of a field enhancement factor >1, or a low work function, wherein the second surface is coated, formed or applied upon the first surface. The second surface has a characteristic size at least 3 times smaller than the first surface, and the outer surface includes a coating of calcium aluminate 12CaO-7Al2O3.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for emitting electrons from a hollow cathode are provided. The cathode includes a plasma holding region configured to hold a plasma, a gas supply source configured to supply gas to the plasma holding region, and an orifice plate disposed on a periphery of the plasma holding region. The orifice plate comprises a plurality of openings constructed to receive electrons from the plasma. The plurality of openings decouple gas conductance and electrical conductance across the orifice plate. The diameters of the plurality of openings are within a range of 20%-60%, inclusive, of a diameter of a circular opening with an area equal to a sum of the areas of the plurality of openings.

Abstract: This disclosure describes computer-implemented techniques that enable users to control and coordinate a set of network-enabled home automation devices. Users may generate, customize, and share home automation device dashboards. These dashboards may include user interface elements, such as tiles, that users may use to determine that status of home automation devices and send commands to the home automation devices. In some examples, users may use timeline-based user interfaces to schedule actions to be performed by home automation devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved solid state sorbent materials and methods for controlling and enhancing carbon dioxide adsorption performance for selected metal-organic framework (MOF) materials. The present disclosure further relates to inventive methods using a novel class of diamine-appended metal-organic frameworks MOF absorbents displaying step-shaped adsorption isotherms with large carbon dioxide capacities. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to diamine-appended MOF materials exhibiting step-shaped adsorption isotherms that are employed in a method utilizing humidity to control and improve carbon dioxide adsorption performance.

Abstract: A method and agent to induce accelerated creep deformation of shale rock formations in the annular gap between a shale formation and non-cemented sections of a casing string have been developed. A fluid containing alkali silicate or a modified alkali silicate is added to the annular space between the shale rock formation and the casing string. The alkali silicate promotes creep deformation of the shale rock, effectively closing the annulus surrounding the casing. It has been found lithium silicate provides the strongest shale-casing bond and is the presently preferred material for closing abandoned wells.

Abstract: A genetic construct comprises a promoter operably linked to a first coding sequence, which encodes tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and a second coding sequence, which encodes GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1), wherein the second coding sequence is 3? to the first coding sequence, and the first and second coding sequences are part of a single operon. The genetic construct does not encode aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composite material comprising an electrically conductive polymer, such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and an ionically conductive polymer, such as poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). This composite forms a dual conductor for three-dimensional electrodes in electrochemical applications including lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: A holding apparatus mountable to a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises one or more mounting members; one or more rear holding members; one or more front holding members; and one or more clamping actuators operatively associated with the front and/or rear holding members. The one or more clamping actuators are capable of moving the front holding members and/or the rear holding members to thereby releasably, clampingly engage an object placed between the front and rear holding members. The apparatus may be particularly adapted for holding firearms. The apparatus may be particularly adapted for use with all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Also provided are methods of holding and/or securing an object such as a firearm using the apparatus, before or after mounting the apparatus to a vehicle.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle is provided with an extendable arm and a mandible structure. The mandible structure includes a pair of mandibles with toothed portions that cooperatively engage such that the mandibles may be opened and closed by applying a force to only one of the pair of mandibles. The mandible structure hangs freely from the extendable arm and is balanced so that the mandible structure naturally maintains a substantially vertical orientation. In the closed position, the mandible structure defines an interior cavity suitable for securely grasping a ring.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pre-login of user(s) to sessions or resources in an information handling system are disclosed. A method for pre-login may include the steps of determining if any users are to be pre-logged on to a session or resource within a select period of time from a current time, and counting the number of users to be pre-logged on. A pre-login time for the users may be calculated and scheduled, and the users may be pre-logged on to the session or resource at the pre-login time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expression system for enzyme replacement therapy with the aim of obtaining or maintaining a steady level of L-DOPA in the blood of an individual, achieved through systemic administration of the expression system. The invention is thus useful in the treatment of catecholamine deficient disorders, such as dopamine deficient disorders including Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract: This disclosure describes computer-implemented techniques that enable users to control and coordinate a set of network-enabled home automation devices. Users may generate, customize, and share home automation device dashboards. These dashboards may include user interface elements, such as tiles, that users may use to determine that status of home automation devices and send commands to the home automation devices. In some examples, users may use timeline-based user interfaces to schedule actions to be performed by home automation devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing multiple users with access to a virtual container are described. In an example implementation, a method includes generating a virtual container, maintaining the virtual container by managing the contents of the virtual container and managing a state of the virtual container, determining a recommendation of a virtual item based on criteria associated with a first remote network client, sending to a second remote network client a control signal representing the recommendation of the virtual item, adding information representing the virtual item to the contents of the virtual container, sending to the first remote network client, a control signal representing that the virtual item has been added to the contents of the virtual container, updating the contents of the virtual container, updating the state of the virtual container to a locked state, and publishing the contents of the virtual container.