Abstract: A process for synthesising a defined compound, such as solketal, wherein the process comprises subjecting a solution comprising another defined compound, such as glycerol, to a potential difference. A compound and a composition obtainable by the process, and a product comprising the compound or the composition.

Abstract: A two-step process is provided for forming large photonic single crystals of about 0.1 millimeter and greater via DNA coated colloidal particles. The two-step process generally include decoupling the nucleation and growth steps. In particular, DNA colloidal particles are partitioned in nanoliter droplets formed in a water in oil emulsion using microfluidics. Once a crystal nucleates within a droplet, depletion of particles occurs as the crystal grows inhibit formation of more crystals within the droplet. A small number of droplets containing these seed crystals are then mixed with droplets containing weak DNA coated colloidal particles. The emulsion is then broken and heated at a temperature effective to cause dissociation of the weak particles while the seeds remain stable. The system is further cooled at a temperature effective that the particles stably adhere to the seed crystals resulting in growth while inhibiting nucleation of new crystals.

Abstract: The present application provides hydrogel microcapsules, particularly, canonized hydrogel microcapsules having improved substantivity. This application further relates to the use of hydrogel microcapsules for delivering encapsulated actives in a wide range of industries and applications including: agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics industry, personal care products, laundering detergents, homecare & cleaning products, dish washing detergents, oral care, dental care, textiles, paper, mining, oil industry, water treatment, adhesives, coatings, plastics, sealants, construction, paints, inks and dyes onto different substrate surfaces such as skin, hair, textiles.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use with the front trunk, motor or engine compartment of an automobile is provided, the seal assembly including a sealing flange, a sealing member attached to an end portion of the sealing flange, and a hood assembly that includes an upper panel and an inner surface comprised of a sealing surface. The sealing surface of the hood assembly is configured to form a seal with the sealing member when the hood assembly is in a closed position. The sealing surface of the hood assembly is spaced apart from the end portion of the sealing flange, thereby allowing the sealing surface to pass by the end portion of the sealing flange when a downward force, such as that experienced during a head-on collision with a pedestrian, is applied to the hood causing the hood assembly to be downwardly displaced past the closed position.

Abstract: The present application provides hydrogel microcapsules, particularly, canonized hydrogel microcapsules having improved substantivity. This application further relates to the use of hydrogel microcapsules for delivering encapsulated actives in a wide range of industries and applications including: agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics industry, personal care products, laundering detergents, homecare & cleaning products, dish washing detergents, oral care, dental care, textiles, paper, mining, oil industry, water treatment, adhesives, coatings, plastics, sealants, construction, paints, inks and dyes onto different substrate surfaces such as skin, hair, textiles.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use with the front trunk, motor or engine compartment of an automobile is provided, the seal assembly including a sealing flange, a sealing member attached to an end portion of the sealing flange, and a hood assembly that includes an upper panel and an inner surface comprised of a sealing surface. The sealing surface of the hood assembly is configured to form a seal with the sealing member when the hood assembly is in a closed position. The sealing surface of the hood assembly is spaced apart from the end portion of the sealing flange, thereby allowing the sealing surface to pass by the end portion of the sealing flange when a downward force, such as that experienced during a head-on collision with a pedestrian, is applied to the hood causing the hood assembly to be downwardly displaced past the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for constructing a water barrier. In the method a core of quarry run is arranged on the underwater bottom and provided with a protective layer of stones or concrete blocks, with the proviso that, at least at the position of the water barrier, the underwater bottom is raised using bottom material. The method is particularly suitable for constructing a water barrier for relatively deep water.

Abstract: A bumper beam for a vehicle includes an outer skin formed of a polymeric material and a core provided within the outer skin. At least a portion of the core comprises an expanded material. The bumper beam is configured for coupling to a vehicle and the outer skin and core are configured to resist deformation in a vehicle collision.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid cell for an atomic force microscope. The liquid cell includes a liquid cell housing with an internal cavity to contain a fluid, a plurality of conductive feedthroughs traversing the liquid cell housing between the internal cavity and a dry side of the liquid cell, a cantilevered probe coupled to the liquid cell housing, and a piezoelectric drive element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The cantilevered probe is actuated when a drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric drive element through at least one of the conductive feedthroughs. A method of imaging an object in a liquid medium and a method of sensing a target species with the liquid cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting a chemical species with an oscillating cantilevered probe. A cantilevered beam is driven into oscillation with a drive mechanism coupled to the cantilevered beam. A free end of the oscillating cantilevered beam is tapped against a mechanical stop coupled to a base end of the cantilevered beam. An amplitude of the oscillating cantilevered beam is measured with a sense mechanism coupled to the cantilevered beam. A treated portion of the cantilevered beam is exposed to the chemical species, wherein the cantilevered beam bends when exposed to the chemical species. A second amplitude of the oscillating cantilevered beam is measured, and the chemical species is determined based on the measured amplitudes.

Abstract: A bumper assembly and a process of fabricating the assembly that is designed to increase kinetic energy absorption and reduce deflection during a vehicular impact event. The bumper assembly comprising a vehicular bumper beam, a pair of mounting brackets that attach the bumper beam to a vehicular frame, and a fascia that partially encloses the bumper beam. The vehicular bumper is a structural cross member with two or more beads on an impact face of the bumper beam.