Abstract: A rapid and inexpensive process for increasing the amount of hydrocarbons (e.g., oil) produced and the rate of production from subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs by displacing oil downwards within the oil reservoir and into an oil recovery apparatus is disclosed. The process is referred to as “gas-assisted gravity drainage” and comprises the steps of placing one or more horizontal producer wells near the bottom of a payzone (i.e., rock in which oil and gas are found in exploitable quantities) of a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir and injecting a fluid displacer (e.g., CO2) through one or more vertical wells or horizontal wells. Pre-existing vertical wells may be used to inject the fluid displacer into the reservoir. As the fluid displacer is injected into the top portion of the reservoir, it forms a gas zone, which displaces oil and water downward towards the horizontal producer well(s).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of new polyols and polyesters from a natural oil or other unsaturated fatty acid esters is described. The process involves ozone cleavage of double bonds in the fatty acid chains of the oils along with coupling of a hydroxylated compound such as a mono-alcohol, a diol, or a polyol to the cleaved ends of the molecules resulting from the cleavage with a base. The resulting polyols and polyesters are as intermediates for polymers.

Abstract: The invention provides novel a hybrid slip casting-Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) process which can be used to produce arbitrary shape geometries with controlled materials properties. The invention provides processes for the fabrication of Functionally Graded Materials (FGM) by a controlled Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD).

Abstract: A differential microphone having a perimeter slit formed around the microphone diaphragm that replaces the backside hole previously required in conventional silicon, micromachined microphones. The differential microphone is formed using silicon fabrication techniques applied only to a single, front face of a silicon wafer. The backside holes of prior art microphones typically require that a secondary machining operation be performed on the rear surface of the silicon wafer during fabrication. This secondary operation adds complexity and cost to the micromachined microphones so fabricated. Comb fingers forming a portion of a capacitive arrangement may be fabricated as part of the differential microphone diaphragm.

Abstract: Thiazole and thiophene compounds are disclosed having utility in treating inflammatory conditions, immunoinflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. Methods for the synthesis of these compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: High efficiency electricity generation processes and systems with substantially zero CO2 emissions are provided. A closed looping between the unit that generates gaseous fuel (H2, CO, etc) and the fuel cell anode side is formed. In certain embodiments, the heat and exhaust oxygen containing gas from the fuel cell cathode side are also utilized for the gaseous fuel generation. The systems for converting fuel may comprise reactors configured to conduct oxidation-reduction reactions. The resulting power generation efficiencies are improved due to the minimized steam consumption for the gaseous fuel production in the fuel cell anode loop as well as the strategic mass and energy integration schemes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting, treating, characterizing, and diagnosing cytomegalovirus in mammals using a nested-PCR methodology using specific predesigned primers are described.

Abstract: A method of making chlorins comprises the steps of reacting (e.g. condensing) a dipyrrin western half intermediate with an eastern half intermediate to form a tetrahydrobilene, and then cyclizing the tetrahydrobilene to form a chlorin. Intermediates including tetrahydrobilenes useful in such reactions are also described.

Abstract: A method of making a porphyrin is carried out by: (a) condensing (i) a 1,9-bis(N,N-)dialkylaminomethyl)dipyrromethane of Formula II: with (ii) a dipyrromethane to produce a reaction product; then (b) oxidizing the reaction product; and then (c) optionally demetallating said reaction product to produce the porphyrin. The reaction is particularly useful for making substituted porphyrins with a wide range of substituents at the A and/or B (the 5 and/or 15) positions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting lipids of varying polarities from oleaginous material.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a parallel computation unit including an input port and an output port and a one-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model. The input port is configured to sample at a time t1 a boundary condition signal for the one-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model and the output port is configured to provide an output signal before the boundary condition signal is sampled at a time t2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a solution containing at least one endopeptidase to substantially reduce or completely eliminate allergenic proteins contained in the peanut (Arachis hypogea). In particular, the direct application of a solution containing at least one endopeptidase to either raw, blanched, or roasted peanuts or peanut products or derivates, has been shown to substantially reduce or completely eliminate the activity of allergenic proteins. The treated peanuts showed no degradation in quality or sensory acceptability, and have the flavor and aroma of natural whole peanuts. Hypoallergenic or non-allergenic peanuts produced in accordance with the present invention may be used as ingredients in various food products and other edible materials.

Abstract: Converting cyclic amines to lactams using gold supported catalysts.

Abstract: An image stabilization system includes an optical assembly configured to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted by a target and produce focused image of the target; a focal plane array, the focal plane array being configured to receive the image and integrate at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation making up the image to produce an electrical representation of the image; sensors configured to provide kinematic data; a control system receiving the kinematic data and estimating jitter-induced motion of the image on the focal plane and outputting a control signal; and actuators configured to receive the control signal and to translate the focal plane along two orthogonal axes and rotate the focal plane about a third orthogonal axis such that jitter-induced motion of the image on the focal plane is reduced.

Abstract: N- and O-substituted 4[2-diaromaticmethoxy and methylamino)alkyl] piperidines exhibit high CNS activity with respect to the dopamine transporter (DAT) and serotonin transporter (SERT). Preferred compounds exhibit highly differential behavior as between the DAT and SERT and between the DAT and the norepinephrine transporter (NET). The compounds have utility in treating CNS disorders, including but not limited to cocaine addiction, depression, and Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides polyolefin blends and nanocomposites and methods for their production. In embodiments, a blend or nanocomposite of the present disclosure may include at least one polyolefin and at least one ionic liquid and/or one modified carbon nanofiller. In embodiments, the at least one modified carbon nanotube may be treated with at least one ionic compound.

Abstract: Novel redox based systems for fuel and chemical production with in-situ CO2 capture are provided. A redox system using one or more chemical intermediates is utilized in conjunction with liquid fuel generation via indirect Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, direct hydro genation, or pyrolysis. The redox system is used to generate a hydrogen rich stream and/or CO2 and/or heat for liquid fuel and chemical production. A portion of the byproduct fuels and/or steam from liquid fuel and chemical synthesis is used as part of the feedstock for the redox system.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides stilbenoid derivatives and methods for using stilbenoid derivatives to modulate the activity of cannabinoid receptors or scavenge reactive nitrogen species.

Abstract: Methods for NMR microimaging of biological tissue are provided. Polymeric nanoparticles are provided as a contrast agent to subject tissue to be imaged. Each polymeric nanoparticle may include an iron oxide core that exhibits superparamagnetic properties that enhance tissue imaging when placed within a magnetic field, an anionic surfacant applied to the core, a polymeric layer that encapsulates the core and the anionic surfacant, and an antibody attached to the polymeric layer to facilitate attachment to the subject tissue. Following the provision of the polymeric nanoparticles as a contrast agent to the subject tissue, the subject tissue may be images utilizing a twenty-one Tesla microimaging technique.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of modulating the level of an endocannabinoid in a subject in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits the interaction of the endocannabinoid with an intracellular fatty acid binding protein (FABP). The invention also provides a method of identifying an agent for modulating the level of an endo cannabinoid in a subject comprising testing the agent for its ability to modulate binding of the endocannabinoid with an intracellular FABP. The invention also provides a method of identifying an agent for modulating the level of an endocannabinoid in a subject comprising testing the agent for its ability to modulate expression of an intracellular FABP. The invention also provides a method of identifying an agent for treatment of a neurological disorder comprising testing the agent for its ability to modulate the interaction of an endocannabinoid with an intracellular FABP.