Abstract: Processes for preparing an amine, the processes comprising: reacting a reactant selected from the group consisting of primary alcohols, secondary alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and mixtures thereof, with hydrogen and a nitrogen compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, primary amines, secondary amines and mixtures thereof, in the presence of a zirconium dioxide-, copper- and nickel-containing catalyst; wherein the catalyst comprises a catalytically active composition which comprises, before reduction with hydrogen, oxygen compounds of zirconium, copper, and nickel, 1.5 to 4.5% by weight of an oxygen compound of cobalt, calculated as CoO, and 0.2 to 5.0% by weight of at least one oxygen compound of niobium, sulfur, phosphorus, gallium, boron, lead or antimony, calculated in each case as Nb2O5, H2SO4, H3PO4, Ga2O3, B2O3, PbO and Sb2O3 respectively, and wherein the catalytically active composition does not comprise any molybdenum.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to nucleic acid sequences encoding proteins that are associated with abiotic stress responses and abiotic stress tolerance in plants. In particular, this invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding proteins that confer drought, heat, cold, and/or salt tolerance to plants.

Abstract: Cutting elements include an ultra-hard body, e.g., comprising diamond, that is attached to substrate, e.g., comprising a cermet. An interface exists between the body and the substrate, and an angle of departure as measured between the interface and a free edge of the cutting element within one or both of the body and substrate, is less than about 90 degrees to provide a desired stress reduction along the interface. The angle of departure can be from about 3 to 87 degrees. The desired reduced angle of departure is provided by a surface feature disposed along an outer side surface of the cutting element adjacent a free edge of the interface. The surface feature can in the form of a groove disposed circumferentially around the body and/or substrate outer side surface, that is configured to provide the desired reduced angle of departure within the body and/or substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to partly conjugated spirobifluorene polymers which are linked in the polymer via both spiro molecule halves. The materials according to the invention display a purer emission color and a longer life than materials according to the prior art and are therefore better suited for use in polymeric organic light-emitting diodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor structure comprising high-k material portions that are self-aligned with respect to the active areas in the semiconductor substrate and a method of fabricating the same. The high-k material is protected from oxidation during the fabrication of the semiconductor structure and regrowth of the high-k material and shifting of the high-k material work function is prevented.

Abstract: An information management system for operation over a network includes a first mobile device having a first application module, the first mobile device operating over the network and in communication with a second mobile device having a second application module, a first operating system residing on the first mobile device configured to detect a communication event between the first mobile device and the second mobile device, and an address book module residing on the second mobile device. The first application module is configured to send information associated with the first mobile device to the second mobile device in association with a detection of the communication event.

Abstract: The invention relates to a highly flexible sheet composite material comprising a block flexible foam and a layer of whipped foam made of polyurethane-based dispersions two-dimensionally bonded thereto, a process for preparing such a composite material, and the use thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of positioning nanoparticles on a patterned substrate. The method comprises providing a patterned substrate with selectively positioned recesses, and applying a solution or suspension of nanoparticles to the patterned substrate to form a wetted substrate. A wiper member is dragged across the surface of the wetted substrate to remove a portion of the applied nanoparticles from the wetted substrate, and leaving a substantial number of the remaining portion of the applied nanoparticles disposed in the selectively positioned recesses of the substrate. The invention is also directed to a method of making carbon nanotubes from the positioned nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for the oxidation of SO2 to SO3. The catalyst contains an active substance which contains vanadium, alkali metal compounds and sulfate applied to a support. The support contains naturally occurring diatomaceous earth, wherein the support contains at least one relatively soft naturally occurring uncalcined diatomaceous earth which has a percentage reduction of at least 35% in its D50 value determined in a particle size determination according to the dry method in comparison with the wet method.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a vulcanizable layered composition comprising at least two layers and at least one tie layer. The first of the two layers comprises a fluid permeation prevention layer and the second comprises at least one high diene rubber. The tie layer comprises, a mixture, in parts by weight relative to 100 weight parts of rubber, of suitable amounts of: (1) epoxidized natural rubber; (2) at least one high diene elastomer; (3) at least one filler; (4) least one tackifier; and (5) a rubber curing system. The fluid permeation prevention layer preferably comprises suitable amounts of: (A) at least one thermoplastic engineering resin component, preferably one or more nylon resins; and (B) at least one elastomer component, preferably a brominated isobutylene p-methylstyrene copolymer/and where the total amount of (A) and (B) is not less than 30% by weight, and wherein (B) is dispersed in a vulcanized or partially vulcanized state, as a discontinuous phase, in a matrix of component (A).

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyether polyol composition for the preparation of polyurethane foams, comprising: (a) a polyether polyol having a hydroxyl functionality of 2, an OH number within a range of from 50 to 65 mg of KOH/g and a proportion of primary hydroxyl groups within a range of from 40 to 80%, based on the total number of primary and secondary hydroxyl groups, having a PO content of from 45 to 55% by weight and an EO content of from 40 to 55% by weight; (b) a dispersion of a polymer in a polyether polyol, wherein the OH number of the dispersion is within a range of from 10 to 30 mg of KOH/g and the polyether polyol has a hydroxyl functionality of 3, a proportion of primary hydroxyl groups within a range of from 70 to 90%, based on the total number of primary and secondary hydroxyl groups, a PO content of from 70 to 90% by weight and an EO content of from 10 to 30% by weight; (c) a polyether polyol having a hydroxyl functionality of 3, an OH number within a range of from 220 to 290 mg of KOH/g a

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyurethane (i) comprising from 20% by weight to 70% by weight of isocyanate dissolved in the thermoplastic polyurethane, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polyurethane (i) comprising the isocyanates.

Abstract: Bis(hydroxyquinoline)-metal complexes and the use thereof as bleach catalysts are described.

Abstract: An applicator nozzle may comprise an attachment portion configured to attach the nozzle to a receptacle configured to contain a product and an arrangement of at least two teeth disposed so as to form at least one row comprising first and second end teeth. At least one of the teeth of the arrangement may define a channel configured to be placed in flow communication with product contained in the receptacle. The channel may open on an exterior of the at least one tooth via at least one outlet aperture facing substantially in a direction of at least one adjacent tooth. The nozzle may further define at least one groove and the outlet aperture may open into the groove. The groove may extend from the outlet aperture substantially to a free extremity of the at least one tooth. The arrangement may be formed by a single molded piece and may be configured so as to present an obstacle to product flowing from the at least one outlet aperture beyond the first and second end teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing methylenediphenyl diisocyanates which comprises at least the steps: A) reaction of aniline with formaldehyde in the presence of hydrochloric acid as catalyst to give a mixture of diamines and polyamines of the diphenylmethane series (MDA) and subsequent at least partial neutralization of the hydrochloric acid by means of alkali metal hydroxide, B) reaction of the mixture of diamines and polyamines of the diphenylmethane series obtained in step A) with phosgene to give a mixture of diisocyanates and polyisocyanates of the diphenylmethane series (MDI) and hydrogen chloride, wherein C) the hydrochloric acid which has been neutralized in step A) is separated off in the form of a solution containing alkali metal chloride and is subsequently at least partly fed to an electrochemical oxidation to form chlorine, alkali metal hydroxide and optionally hydrogen and D) at least part of the chlorine produced in step C) is used for preparing the phosgene used in step B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particularly economic overall method for producing menthol, specifically for producing optically active, essentially enantiomerically and diastereomerically pure L-menthol and racemic menthol, starting from the starting material citral which is available inexpensively on an industrial scale. The method comprises the following steps a) catalytic hydrogenation of neral and/or geranial to give citronellal, b) cyclization of citronellal to isopulegol in the presence of an acidic catalyst, c) purification of isopulegol by crystallization and d) catalytic hydrogenation of isopulegol to give menthol.

Abstract: An interocclusal appliance is formed from a single polymer material composition as one unitary piece or from multiple polymer material compositions as a two-piece preform. The two-piece preform includes a base material and an impression material that has a softening point lower than the base material. Teeth are received into the heat-softened impression material, so as to contour the impression material. A portion of the impression material also may contour to a portion of the user's palate. In certain embodiments, substantially no polymeric material contacts the front surfaces of the front teeth, leading to greater comfort and better air flow between front teeth. In still another embodiment, the appliance fits over front teeth only and no polymeric material contacts the maxillary molars.

Abstract: Use of thermoplastic molding compositions comprising, as essential components, A) from 29 to 99.95% by weight of a polyester, B) from 0.05 to 2.0% by weight of Na2CO3, K2CO3, NaHCO3, KHCO3, or a mixture of these, based on 100% by weight of A) and B), and also C) from 0 to 70% by weight of further additives, where the total of the % by weight values for A) to C) is 100%, for producing laser-transparent moldings of any type.

Abstract: Absorption medium for acid gases comprising an oligoamine (A) of the general formula (I) and a primary or secondary alkanolamine (B) of the general formula (II) in which the weight ratio of oligoamine (A) to the primary or secondary alkanolamine (B) is 0.2 to 4, and also the process for removing acid gases from a gas stream by contacting the gas stream at a pressure of 0.05 to 10 MPa abs with an aqueous solution brought to and maintained at a temperature of 20 to 80° C. of said absorption medium.