Abstract: The present invention relates to 3D cell cultures, which contains hepatic cells and are infected by a pathogen, methods for preparing such cell cultures and uses thereof.

Abstract: A slip joint is described, with sliding ring and gasket seal, made of metal covered rings with a resilient core that is heat resistant to temperatures up to 600° C., applicable in a solid-gas separation closed cyclonic system in a fluid catalytic cracking unit. The set of gaskets (5) and sliding ring (4) make the differential thermal dilatations, longitudinal and axial, compatible between the concentric outlets, (2a) and (2b), interlinked, and reduces to a minimum the passage of gas and steam through the annular space (3).

Abstract: An air handling unit 30 (AHU) for housing a number of components used in a heating or cooling system to provide forced air for climate control in a particular structure includes the following interconnected components: a corner fitting construction (16) having symmetric corner portions; a single structural member construction (14); a single insulated panel construction (26) having a peripheral frame (24) providing multiple resilient seals (318, 320) with corresponding contact surfaces of the AHU frame. A corner fitting cap (200) and structural member cap (234) overlie each respective corner fitting (16) and structural member (14), providing enhanced insulative performance for the AHU (30).

Abstract: A device and a method for operating it for application in a vertical tube reactor with downward flow (downer), has the aim of ensuring the intimate mixing of the solid particulate catalyst with a reagent fluid. Homogeneous distribution of catalyst is due to the use of a plate having perforations. Said perforated plate normally allows the passage of a portion of the stream of catalyst. The other portion overflows the edge of the plate, flowing in the form of an annular curtain, near the inner surface of the surrounding tube of the device. After passing beyond the perforated plate, the curtain-flow undergoes a deflection produced by an annular screen, to be mixed with the stream originating from the orifices in the perforated plate. A hydrocarbon charge is injected below the perforated plate, forming a certain angle with respect to the direction of the downward flow of catalyst, by means of inlets distributed uniformly about cross sections of the surrounding tube.