Abstract: Herein provided are composite materials comprising a phenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and one or more metals. The composite materials may contain metal oxides, such as copper and zinc oxide. The composite materials may be used for catalysis, such as in CO2 hydrogenation. Methods of forming and using the composite materials are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a biological sample analyzer has a housing having at least one outer wall that defines a cavity therein, an air intake, and an air exhaust. A plenum is disposed within the cavity and has at least one plenum wall that defines an air duct therein. A receptacle, which can support a consumable holder containing a biological sample, is disposed within the internal cavity. At least a portion of the receptacle is supported within the air duct such that an air gap is defined between the receptacle and the at least one plenum wall. A heater applies heat to the consumable holder so as to heat the consumable holder when the consumable holder is supported by the receptacle. A fan forces air along a path that extends from the air intake, through the air gap, and to the air exhaust so as to cool the heater.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a biological sample analyzer has a housing having at least one outer wall that defines a cavity therein, an air intake, and an air exhaust. A plenum is disposed within the cavity and has at least one plenum wall that defines an air duct therein. A receptacle, which can support a consumable holder containing a biological sample, is disposed within the internal cavity. At least a portion of the receptacle is supported within the air duct such that an air gap is defined between the receptacle and the at least one plenum wall. A heater applies heat to the consumable holder so as to heat the consumable holder when the consumable holder is supported by the receptacle. A fan forces air along a path that extends from the air intake, through the air gap, and to the air exhaust so as to cool the heater.

Abstract: Devices, kits, and methods related to embodiments of an improved liquid test sample injection device for use in diagnostic assays and for the collection of liquid waste produced from such diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards methods of converting glycerol to an allyl compound, involving deoxydehydrating glycerol with formic acid and heat to form allyl alcohol; and esterifying the allyl alcohol with formic acid and/or phthalic anhydride and heat to form allyl formate and diallyl phthalate. In some instances, the heat is generated by a microwave. In further instances, the methods involve polymerizing the allyl alcohol, allyl formate and/or diallyl phthalate to form poly(allyl alcohol) or poly(allyl formate) or poly (diallyl phthalate). In some instances, the allyl polymers were used for the consolidation of oil sands tailings.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards methods of converting glycerol to an allyl compound, involving deoxydehydrating glycerol with formic acid and heat to form allyl alcohol; and esterifying the allyl alcohol with formic acid and/or phthalic anhydride and heat to form allyl formate and diallyl phthalate. In some instances, the heat is generated by a microwave. In further instances, the methods involve polymerizing the allyl alcohol, allyl formate and/or diallyl phthalate to form poly(allyl alcohol) or poly(allyl formate) or poly (diallyl phthalate). In some instances, the allyl polymers were used for the consolidation of oil sands tailings.

Abstract: A method of conversion of a lipid to an olefin product includes heating a mixture of unsaturated triacylglycerols or alkyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids and a reactant olefin with microwave irradiation, in the presence of a ruthenium complex catalyst.

Abstract: A method of conversion of a lipid to an olefin product includes heating a mixture of unsaturated triacylglycerols or alkyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids and a reactant olefin with microwave irradiation, in the presence of a ruthenium complex catalyst.

Abstract: A method of converting lipids to useful olefins includes reacting a mixture of lipids and a reactant olefin with microwave irradiation in the presence of ruthenium metathesis catalysts. The lipids may be unsaturated triacylglycerols or alkyl esters of fatty acids. The lipids may be sourced from renewable sources such as vegetable oil, waste cooking oil, or waste animal products.

Abstract: Methods of using modified keratin to remove trace metals and/or napthenic acids from a waste water stream are described. The waste water stream may be mature or fine fluid tailings from oil sands operations, and the methods may include the removal of trace metals, naphthenic acids with simultaneous consolidation of the tailings. The keratin may be modified to unfold the keratin, disrupt disulphide bonding, add functional groups, and/or maintain or stabilize the unfolded configuration.

Abstract: A method of converting lipids to useful olefins includes reacting a mixture of lipids and a reactant olefin with microwave irradiation in the presence of ruthenium metathesis catalysts. The lipids may be unsaturated triacylglycerols or alkyl esters of fatty acids. The lipids may be sourced from renewable sources such as vegetable oil, waste cooking oil, or waste animal products.

Abstract: The invention is directed to thermoplastics derived from feathers. The thermoplastics are prepared by blending whole feathers or portions thereof with a plasticizer in an amount ranging from about 20 wt to about 40 wt % and a reducing agent in an amount ranging from about 1 wt % to about 5 wt % to form a mixture; and either extruding the mixture to form an article, or pressing the mixture into a film at an elevated temperature.