Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrogen producing apparatus comprising an enclosed volume, the volume comprising: at least one gas inlet from the outside environment, at least one porous matrix material with hygroscopic or deliquescent properties and having ionic conductivity, an oxygen producing electrode, a hydrogen producing electrode, an optional separator positioned between the oxygen producing electrode and the hydrogen producing electrode, a connection for connecting the electrodes to a power source, and at least one outlet for collecting the produced hydrogen outside the hydrogen producing apparatus, wherein a porous matrix material is in contact with the oxygen producing electrode.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the nuclear spin polarization of target molecules (10) uses a hyperpolarized source material (12) that is co-confined with the target molecules (10) in a porous molecular matrix (20). The matrix (20) may be a D4R-polysiloxane copolymer such as polyoligosiloxysilicone number two (PSS-2) that has recesses of an appropriate diameter. A source material (12), such as parahydrogen, is transferred to the matrix (20) together with the target molecules (10), and an external pressure is applied to force them into the recesses of the matrix (20). The nano-confinement of the source material (12) and target molecules (10) together enables or enhances a transfer of spin polarization from the source material (12) to the target molecules (10). When the target molecules (10) are removed from the matrix (20), the enhanced spin polarization greatly enhances the signal strength of the target molecules (10) in any subsequent magnetic resonance measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing an upgraded bio-oil derived from black liquor, comprising the following steps: —Providing black liquor, which comes from the pulp and paper manufacturing industry; —Subjecting black liquor to a pyrolysis treatment with formation of a pyrolyzed black liquor gas and a solid mass, which comprises char and salts; —Catalytic conversion of said pyrolyzed black liquor gas by contacting at least part of the latter with a bi-metallic modified zeolite catalyst with formation of the upgraded bio-oil, which comprises benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX), naphthalene and non-BTX products.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the nuclear spin polarization of target molecules (10) uses a hyperpolarized source material (12) that is co-confined with the target molecules (10) in a porous molecular matrix (20). The matrix (20) may be a D4R-polysiloxane copolymer such as polyoligosiloxysilicone number two (PSS-2) that has recesses of an appropriate diameter. A source material (12), such as parahydrogen, is transferred to the matrix (20) together with the target molecules (10), and an external pressure is applied to force them into the recesses of the matrix (20). The nano-confinement of the source material (12) and target molecules (10) together enables or enhances a transfer of spin polarization from the source material (12) to the target molecules (10). When the target molecules (10) are removed from the matrix (20), the enhanced spin polarization greatly enhances the signal strength of the target molecules (10) in any subsequent magnetic resonance measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophobic coating of hydrophilic bottles for carbonated beverages to prevent gushing, in particular to hydrophobic coating of the bottle neck of a glass bottle. The invention also relates to a method to apply such hydrophobic coating to the inner surface of the glass bottle neck.

Abstract: An olefin oligomerization process comprises contacting an olefin feed with a catalyst composition. The catalyst composition includes a crystalline aluminosilicate having FAU, EMT or a combination of FAU and EMT framework type. The crystalline aluminosilicate has cobalt and at least one alkaline earth metal selected from calcium, barium, strontium and mixtures thereof within its intra-crystalline cages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophobic coating of hydrophilic bottles for carbonated beverages to prevent gushing, in particular to hydrophobic coating of the bottle neck of a glass bottle. The invention also relates to a method to apply such hydrophobic coating to the inner surface of the glass bottle neck.

Abstract: An extravascular system for accessing the vasculature of a patient including a catheter having an interior surface, a needle disposed within the catheter, and/or a needle cap defining at least one capillary space and including a flexible seal surrounding the at least one capillary space. The flexible seal may engage the interior surface of the catheter. A method of controlling exposure to a liquid from an extravascular system including providing a wicking material positioned adjacent to a flow channel such that any fluid located external to the flow channel is retained by the wicking material. The wicking material may be incorporated into any extravascular system where exposure to liquids is undesirable.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the conversion of a paraffinic feed produced from renewable resources, to the exclusion of paraffinic feeds obtained by a process employing a step for upgrading by the Fischer-Tropsch pathway, said process employing a catalyst comprising at least one hydrodehydrogenating metal, used alone or as a mixture, and a support comprising at least one Nu-10 zeolite and at least one silica-alumina, said process being carried out at a temperature in the range 150° C. to 500° C., at a pressure in the range 0.1 MPa to 15 MPa, at an hourly space velocity in the range 0.1 to 10 h?1 and in the presence of a total quantity of hydrogen mixed with the feed such that the hydrogen/feed ratio is in the range 70 to 2000 Nm3/m3 of feed.

Abstract: An olefin oligomerization process comprises contacting an olefin feed with a catalyst composition. The catalyst composition includes a crystalline aluminosilicate having FAU, EMT or a combination of FAU and EMT framework type. The crystalline aluminosilicate has cobalt and at least one alkaline earth metal selected from calcium, barium, strontium and mixtures thereof within its intra-crystalline cages.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlled release delivery system comprising a bio-active compound and a matrix carrier, wherein said matrix carrier is an amorphous microporous non-fibrous silicon or titanium oxide being loaded with said bio-active compound and wherein the micropores of said matrix carrier have a mean size in the range of 0.4 to 2.0 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new synthesis procedure for a family of silica based polymer materials synthesized through the interconnection of silicate oligomers with reactive silanes. By using this synthesis it is possible to generate novel silica based polymer materials. The present invention thus also relates to the members of this group of ordered silica based polymer materials whereby silicate oligomers are interconnected trough siloxane bridges and with empirical formulae Abx, whereby A presents the silicate oligomer, b the siloxane bridge and x the ratio between the number of silanes and the number of silicate oligomers in the material. This group of materials are particularly useful for certain applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing blood exposure or contamination upon withdrawal of a hypodermic needle is provided. The apparatus may include a needle having a tip and a shield configured to at least partially entrap the needle tip upon withdrawal of the needle. The apparatus may further include a blood stabilizing material disposed such that upon withdrawal of the needle the blood stabilizing material is disposed in operative association with the needle tip such that blood carried by the needle is prevented from escaping the apparatus. In some exemplary implementations, the blood stabilizing material may be disposed on one or more surfaces of the shield. The shield of the hypodermic needle may include protective device and/or a housing for shielding the needle tip upon withdrawal. The housing may be adapted to at least partially cover the needle tip upon withdrawal of the needle.

Abstract: Treatment of a fungal biofilm on implants is via a combination of drugs and/or via the implant pre-treatment with one drug or via the combination of drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques to enhance the acid catalytic activity of nanoporous materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intraluminal device, in particular an intraluminal prosthesis, shunt, catheter or local drug delivery device. In order to increase the bio-compatibility of this device, it is provided with at least one coating. The coating contains a therapeutic agent which is comprised in a matrix that sticks to the intraluminal device. Instead of being formed by a little bio-compatible polymer, the matrix is formed by a bio-compatible oil or fat, such as cod-liver oil or olive oil. Preferably, the bio-compatible oil or fat further comprises alfa-tocopherol.

Abstract: A compressed formulation comprising an ordered mesoporous silica loaded with an active ingredient, a combination of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and croscarmellose sodium, and optional further excipients.

Abstract: A coated implantable medical device is described, wherein the coating comprises a coating matrix and particles of one or more molecular sieves, preferably zeolite of zeogrid particles, optionally loaded with one or more bioactive agents. The coating matrix itself can function as a second drug-carrying interface. The coating comprising the molecular sieve material has an excellent biocompatibility and allows suitable drug delivery into the body of an animal, preferably a mammal and most preferably a human.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intraluminal device, in particular an intraluminal prosthesis, shunt, catheter or local drug delivery device. In order to increase the bio-compatibility of this device, it is provided with at least one coating. The coating contains a therapeutic agent which is comprised in a matrix that sticks to the intraluminal device. Instead of being formed by a little bio-compatible polymer, the matrix is formed by a bio-compatible oil or fat, such as cod-liver oil or olive oil. Preferably, the bio-compatible oil or fat further comprises alfa-tocopherol.

Abstract: CO2 conversation into organic molecules is based on the photo-oxidation of water into oxygen gas O2, protons H+, and electrons. The conversion of CO2 occurs at the photo-cathode and involves the generated protons, electrons and the “fuel” CO2.