Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided wherein microorganisms are used to alter the interface of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon-coated surfaces to increase oil recovery, for improved bioremediation and/or to benefit pipeline maintenance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for collecting nucleic acids from particulate samples. One embodiment disclosed herein relates to the use of ultrasonic energy to simultaneously shear large nucleic acid molecules and large particulates to very small sizes prior to or during a chemical binding step to a nucleic acid binding surface. Another embodiment involves crushing the nucleic acid binding surface prior to eluting the bound nucleic acid molecules to enable better wetting of the nucleic acid binding surface and easier diffusion of bound nucleic acid molecules out of the nucleic acid binding surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding WUS polypeptides. The invention further provides isolated WUS polypeptides. The invention also provides methods of using the polynucleotides to modulate the level of WUS, improve transformation efficiency, to stimulate plant cell growth, including stem cells, to stimulate organogenesis, to stimulate somatic embryogenesis, to induce apomixis, and to provide a positive selection for cells comprising the polynucleotide. The invention also relates to cells, plants and seeds comprising the polynucleotides of the invention or produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A composition comprising a refrigerant and a lubricant is disclosed, wherein the refrigerant comprises (i) a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of R125, R134a, R32, R152a, R143a, R218 and mixtures thereof, and (ii) a hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of propane, n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane, isopentane, dimethyl ether, and mixtures thereof; the lubricant comprises (iii) a hydrocarbon-based lubricant component; and (iv) a synthetic lubricant component; and the synthetic lubricant component is less than 30% by weight of the total lubricant. Also disclosed are methods of replacing refrigerants in refrigeration or air conditioning systems containing a refrigerant comprising a CFC or HCFC and a lubricant.

Abstract: Dielectric fluids are provided, the dielectric fluids comprising a mixture of polyol esters derived from a reaction of a) a polyol comprising pentaerythritol, trimethylolpropane, neopentyl glycol, or combinations thereof, and b) a mixture of fatty acid esters derived from a high oleic soybean oil comprising fatty acid moieties, wherein the high oleic soybean oil has a C18:1 content of greater than 65% of the fatty acid moieties in the oil, and a combined C18:2 and C18:3 content of less than 20% of the fatty acid moieties in the oil. Also provided are electrical apparatuses comprising the dielectric fluids, and processes for preparing the mixtures of polyol esters.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein Q is and Z1, Z2, J1, J2, M, R1a, R1b, R2a, R2b, R2c, R2d, R14 and R14a are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling an invertebrate pest comprising contacting the invertebrate pest or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.

Abstract: Furfural is obtained selectively and in good purity from non-fermentable branched sugars found in soluble waste streams of lignocellulosic biomass. In a monophasic method, stillage or syrup is contacted with water and an acid catalyst under suitable reaction conditions to convert the branched non-fermentable branched sugars to furfural. Additionally, the stillage or syrup can be treated with a water-immiscible organic solvent to form a biphasic mixture comprising an aqueous phase and an organic phase. The furfural that is produced preferentially partitions into the organic phase, from which it may be recovered.

Abstract: A process for preparing an aqueous pigment dispersion is provided in which a pigment, a coating agent, a grinding agent and a vehicle are subjected to grinding, followed by removal of the grinding agent and the vehicle to form a press cake, and dispersing the press cake to form a pigment dispersion. Also disclosed is an ink-jet ink containing an aqueous vehicle and the aqueous pigment dispersion thus made.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a dispersion for making décor paper having improved optical performance without negatively impacting mechanical strength comprising a TiO2 particle slurry comprising a treated TiO2 particle having a surface area of at least about 30 m2/g, and a cationic polymer; wherein the treatment comprises an oxide of silicon, aluminum, phosphorus or mixtures thereof; and the treatment is present in the amount of at least 15% based on the total weight of the treated titanium dioxide particle; paper pulp; and a cationic polymer; wherein the cationic polymer in the slurry and the cationic polymer in the dispersion are compatible; wherein for equal optical performance, the amount of treated TiO2 particle in the dispersion is reduced by about 10% when compared to a dispersion not comprising the treated TiO2 particle of (a). These dispersions are useful in making décor paper that may be used in paper laminates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electroconductive silver thick film paste composition comprising Ag, a glass frit and rhodium resinate, Cr2O3 or a mixture thereof all dispersed in an organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the paste composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode. The paste is particularly useful for forming a tabbing electrode.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polyamide compositions having improved anti-delamination. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel polyamide compositions demonstrating improved anti-delamination, in which the compositions have at least one reinforcement agent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polymer thick film conductive composition comprising (a) a conductive silver-coated copper powder; and (b) an organic medium comprising two different resins and organic solvent, wherein the ratio of the weight of the conductive silver-coated copper powder to the total weight of the two different resins is between 5:1 and 45:1. The invention is further directed to a method of electrode grid and/or bus bar formation on thin-film photovoltaic cells using the composition and to cells formed from the method and the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein Z is O or S; A1, A2, A3 and A4 are independently N or CR1, provided that only one of A1, A2, A3 and A4 is N; and R1, R2, R3 and Q are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling a parasitic nematode comprising contacting the parasitic nematode or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.

Abstract: A fluorinated aromatic epoxy compound having a fluorinated ether tail and a pendant epoxy functional group. These compounds are particularly useful as starting materials for producing various water and oil repellents and soil resists.

Abstract: Carpets are prepared from yarns comprising fibers comprising a fluorinated polyester blend prepared by melt blending a fluorovinyl ether functionalized polyester with a non-fluorinated polyester. The fluoroether functionalized polyester can be a homopolymer or a copolymer. The carpets exhibit durable soil, oil, and water repellency.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, wherein X is O or S; Y is O or S; and R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling an invertebrate pest comprising contacting the invertebrate pest or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein Z is O or S; and R1, R2, R3, Q and n are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling a parasitic nematode comprising contacting the parasitic nematode or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for preparing an ?,?-Cn-diol, wherein n is 5 or greater, from a feedstock comprising a Cn oxygenate. In one embodiment, the process comprises contacting the feedstock with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst comprising Pt, Cu, Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ir, Ru, or Fe on a WO3 or WOx support. In one embodiment, the process comprises contacting the feedstock with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a metal M1 and a metal M2 or an oxide of M2, and optionally a support. In one embodiment, M1 is Pd, Pt, or Ir; and M2 is Mo, W, V, Mn, Re, Zr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ge, Sn, Ti, Au, or Co. The Cn oxygenate may be obtained from a biorenewable resource.

Abstract: Disclosed are antimicrobial compositions, and methods for killing, inhibiting, or preventing the growth of microbes, using trimethylene glycol oligomers or dimers. The trimethylene glycol oligomers and dimers have the formula R(CH2CH2CH2—O—CH2CH2CH2)nR1 where R and R1 are hydroxyl, amine, or ester functionalitiess, and n is 2 or higher. The antimicrobial compositions are useful in personal care and cosmetic compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to sulfur based compounds useful in methods of carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide removal.