Abstract: A method for direct synthesis of cyclic carbonates is achieved by reacting at least one epoxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of a choline catalyst, such as choline chloride, under mild conditions such as a temperature between about 25° C. to 150° C. and a pressure of from about atmospheric to 75 psi (0.52 MPa), in a cyclic carbonate solvent. The choline catalyst may be the only catalyst used, and a co-catalyst or hydrogen bond donor is not necessary. The concentration of choline catalyst in the solvent ranges from about 0.5 mol % to about 10 mol %, based on the epoxide.

Abstract: A method for direct synthesis of cyclic carbonates is achieved by reacting at least one epoxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of a choline catalyst, such as choline chloride, under mild conditions such as a temperature between about 25° C. to 150° C. and a pressure of from about atmospheric to 75 psi (0.52 MPa), in a cyclic carbonate solvent. The choline catalyst may be the only catalyst used, and a co-catalyst or hydrogen bond donor is not necessary. The concentration of choline catalyst in the solvent ranges from about 0.5 mol % to about 10 mol %, based on the epoxide.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for automating workflow of assigning jobs and tracking the process. The exemplary method comprises receiving job data for a plurality of jobs, assigning a current job to one of a plurality of users based on a business rule, sending the current job to the one of the users, and receiving further data for the current job. Additional exemplary methods comprise marking the current job complete when the further data is an indication that the job has been successfully completed. Further exemplary methods comprise sending the current job to a problem resolver when the further data is an indication that the job includes a problem.

Abstract: The invention provides novel bis-pyridylpyridones which are antagonists at the melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1), pharmaceutical compositions containing them, processes for their preparation, and their use in therapy and for the treatment of obesity and/or diabetes.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for automating workflow of assigning jobs and tracking the process. The exemplary method comprises receiving job data for a plurality of jobs, assigning a current job to one of a plurality of users based on a business rule, sending the current job to the one of the users, and receiving further data for the current job. Additional exemplary methods comprise marking the current job complete when the further data is an indication that the job has been successfully completed. Further exemplary methods comprise sending the current job to a problem resolver when the further data is an indication that the job includes a problem.

Abstract: This invention relates to the compound of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: (R)-N*6*-ethyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-indeno[5,6-d]thiazole-2,6-diamine This invention also relates to methods of making, methods of using, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound of Formula I and salts thereof.

Abstract: A system for providing an interface between a launch vehicle and a payload of the launch vehicle includes payload integration points of the launch vehicle that remain unchanged relative to different payload configurations, such that a payload is configurable apart from the launch vehicle. The system makes it possible to de-couple payload installation and launch vehicle turnaround operations. Payloads can be configured off-line from launch vehicle processing, thus making it possible to accommodate unique payloads while reducing wear and tear on the launch vehicle.

Abstract: A valve guide of alloyed gray cast iron comprising from about 3 to about 3.5 wt. % carbon, about 0.2 wt. % phosphorous maximum, from about 0.35 to about 0.75 wt. % molybdenum, from about 1.8 to about 3 wt. % silicon, from about 0.6 to about 1 wt. % manganese, from about 0.8 to about 1.5 wt. % chromium, balance essentially iron, is heat treated by austenitizing, quenching, and tempering, to obtain a Rockwell C hardness from about 35 to about 45. The microstructure comprises at least about 3% intercellular carbide in a matrix of tempered martensite. Such valve guide exhibits improved wear resistance during use in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A medicament for the treatment or prevention of diseases due to infection by Neisseria meningitidis, characterized in that it comprises glycoconjugates and/or lipooligosaccharides (LOS) included in outer membrane vesicles, blebs, lipid layers, liposomes and/or killed or commensal bacteria with cross-reactive antigens to Neisseria meningitidis of the serogroup A, B, C, H, I, K, L, X, Y, Z, 29E or W135, or non-capsulated meningococcal strains,and/or antibodies against such glycoconjugates and/or lipooligosaccharides.

Abstract: A powder metallurgy method for making valve guides for use in internal combustion engines advantageously utilizes uniaxial side pressing to form compacts. Such compacts are subsequently sintered, formed into a cylindrical shape, and then hollowed to form a valve guide. The valve guides exhibit improved uniformity and density and hardness from end to end of the valve guide when contrasted to powder metal valve guides formed with uniaxial end pressing.

Abstract: A modular payload carrier for use in a launch vehicle includes at least one module configured to fit in a payload bay of the vehicle and attachable to at least one other module configured to fit in the bay. The module includes an outer wall contoured generally to fit a bottom surface contour of the bay. The carrier can be used for the manifesting of both deployable and non-deployable payloads. Processing of payloads with the carrier can be performed, in large part, separately from launch vehicle processing. Thus launch costs and turnaround times can be reduced.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing copolymers of ethylenically unsaturated monomers with ethylenically unsaturated derivatives of fatty acids and/or oils via emulsion polymerization techniques is performed in two stages. One or more suitable ethylenically unsaturated monomers are polymerized in the first stage of an emulsion polymerization. The ethylenically unsaturated derivatives of fatty acids and/or oils are blended with other monomers and polymerized in a second stage of the polymerization reaction. A suitable surfactant is added to the polymerization mixture to facilitate formation of the emulsion. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is a hybrid surfactant, i.e., one having both anionic and non-ionic characteristics.

Abstract: A system for providing an interface between a launch vehicle and a payload of the launch vehicle includes payload integration points of the launch vehicle that remain unchanged relative to different payload configurations, such that a payload is configurable apart from the launch vehicle. The system makes it possible to de-couple payload installation and launch vehicle turnaround operations. Payloads can be configured off-line from launch vehicle processing, thus making it possible to accommodate unique payloads while reducing wear and tear on the launch vehicle.

Abstract: A system for providing an interface between a launch vehicle and a payload of the launch vehicle includes payload integration points of the launch vehicle that remain unchanged relative to different payload configurations, such that a payload is configurable apart from the launch vehicle. The system makes it possible to de-couple payload installation and launch vehicle turnaround operations. Payloads can be configured off-line from launch vehicle processing, thus making it possible to accommodate unique payloads while reducing wear and tear on the launch vehicle.

Abstract: A modular payload carrier for use in a launch vehicle includes at least one module configured to fit in a payload bay of the vehicle and attachable to at least one other module configured to fit in the bay. The module includes an outer wall contoured generally to fit a bottom surface contour of the bay. The carrier can be used for the manifesting of both deployable and non-deployable payloads. Processing of payloads with the carrier can be performed, in large part, separately from launch vehicle processing. Thus launch costs and turnaround times can be reduced.

Abstract: A system for providing an interface between a launch vehicle and a payload of the launch vehicle includes payload integration points of the launch vehicle that remain unchanged relative to different payload configurations, such that a payload is configurable apart from the launch vehicle. The system makes it possible to de-couple payload installation and launch vehicle turnaround operations. Payloads can be configured off-line from launch vehicle processing, thus making it possible to accommodate unique payloads while reducing wear and tear on the launch vehicle.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing copolymers of ethylenically unsaturated monomers with ethylenically unsaturated derivatives of fatty acids and/or oils via emulsion polymerization techniques is performed in two stages. One or more suitable ethylenically unsaturated monomers are polymerized in the first stage of an emulsion polymerization. The ethylenically unsaturated derivatives of fatty acids and/or oils are blended with other monomers and polymerized in a second stage of the polymerization reaction. A suitable surfactant is added to the polymerization mixture to facilitate formation of the emulsion. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is a hybrid surfactant, i.e., one having both anionic and non-ionic characteristics.