Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for producing acetic acid, including the following steps: reacting a carbonylatable reactant such as methanol, methyl acetate, methyl formate or dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide in a reaction medium containing water, methyl iodide, and a catalyst to produce a reaction product that contains acetic acid; separating the reaction product to provide a volatile phase containing acetic acid, water, and methyl iodide and a less volatile phase; distilling the volatile phase to produce a purified acetic acid product and a first overhead containing water, methyl acetate, and methyl iodide; phase separating the first overhead to provide a first liquid phase containing water and a second liquid phase containing methyl iodide; and adding dimethyl ether to the process in an amount effective to enhance separation of the first overhead to form the first and second liquid phases.

Abstract: A method for removing permanganate-reducing impurities from an acetic acid product is disclosed. The method comprises contacting an acetic acid product containing permanganate-reducing impurities with peracetic acid and an oxygen-containing gas. The method is particularly suitable for post treatment of acetic acid that contains permanganate-reducing impurities such as crotonaldehyde.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing perfluoroalkyl phosphines, comprising at least one step in which at least one fluoro(perfluoroalkyl)phosphorane is reacted with at least one hydride ion donator, and the use of tris(perfluoroalkyl)phos-phines as perfluoroalkylating reactants.

Abstract: In the process of synthesizing alkylborazine compound represented by the chemical formula 2, by a reaction of a halogenated borazine compound represented by the chemical formula 1 with a Grignard reagent, thus synthesized alkylborazine compound is washed with water, or subjected to sublimation purification or distillation purification at least three times, and/or subjected to distillation purification at least twice. In the formulas, R1 independently represents alkyl group; R2 independently represents alkyl group; and X represents halogen atom.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions directed towards the diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C virus infection and the screening of potential therapeutic compounds using novel small molecules based on imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acids scaffolds.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): wherein when m is 0 to 4 R1 is selected from C1–6alkyl, C3–7cycloalkyl, C2–6alkenyl, —SO2NR4R5, —CONR4R5 and —COOR4; and when m is 2 to 4 R1 is additionally selected from C1–6alkoxy, hydroxy, NR4R5, —NR4SO2R5, —NR4SOR5, —NR4COR5, and —NR4CONR4R5; R2 is selected from hydrogen, C1–6alkyl and —(CH2)n-C3–7cycloalkyl; R3 is the group —CO—NH—(CH2)p-R6; U is selected from methyl and halogen; W is selected from methyl and chlorine; V and Y are each selected independently from hydrogen, methyl and halogen; m is selected from 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 wherein each carbon atom of the resulting carbon chain may be optionally substituted with one or two groups selected independently from C1–6alkyl; n is selected from 0, 1, 2 and 3; p and r are independently selected from 0, 1 and 2; s is selected from 0, 1 and 2; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof, and their use as pharmaceuticals, particularly as p38 kinase inhibitors

Abstract: Novel compounds useful for inhibiting the 90 kDa heat shock proteins containing a quinone-like moiety and a di-hydroxy phenol like moiety, similar to geldanamycin and radicicol.

Abstract: A process for producing a 2-alkylcysteinamide, which comprises hydrolysis of a 4-alkylthiazolidine-4-carboxamide represented by the general formula (2) or a salt thereof: wherein R represents a lower alkyl group having 1–4 carbon atoms; and each of R1 and R2 independently represents hydrogen or a lower alkyl group having 1–4 carbon atoms, or R1 and R2 are linked together to form an alicyclic, structure having 4–7 carbon atoms, excluding the case where both R1 and R2 are hydrogen, to give a 2-alkylcysteinamide represented by the general formula (1) or a salt thereof wherein R represents a lower alkyl group having 1–4 carbon atoms. Cells of a microorganism or treated products thereof having activity of stereoselective hydrolysis of a 2-alkyl-L-cysteinamide are allowed to act on the compound represented by the general formula (1) to yield a 2-alkyl-L-cysteine.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of separation by distillation of 6-aminocapronitrile (ACN) and hexamethylenediamine (HMD) from a mixture comprising ACN, HMD, tetrahydroazepine (THA), adiponitrile (ADN) and low boilers (LB). Also disclosed is a method for producing a distillate stream comprising HMD; a side draw stream comprising ACN, THA and low levels of dimers of ACN and HMD; and a tails stream comprising ACN, THA and substantially higher levels of dimers of ACN and HMD than found in the side draw stream. The side draw stream is particularly suitable for use in the production of caprolactam since the low levels of dimers of ACN and HMD do not greatly affect the catalyst life in the caprolactam production process. The tails stream can be further distilled to produce a tails distillate stream comprising ACN and THA, which can be recycled back to the first distillation column, further increasing recovery of ACN from the feed stream.

Abstract: A production method of a compound represented by the formula wherein R1a, R1b, R1c, R1d, R1e, R1f, R2a, R2b, R2c, R2d, R2e and R2f are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom and the like, and R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 are the same or different and each is a hydrogen atom and the like, or a salt thereof, which comprises reacting a compound represented by the formula wherein X is a leaving group and other symbols are as defined above, or a salt thereof, with a phosphine-borane complex represented by the formula wherein the symbols are as defined above, or a salt thereof, in a solvent in the presence of an amine and a nickel catalyst, is provided.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aldehyde or ketone by oxidizing a primary or secondary alcohol in the presence of a nitroxyl radical compound and a co-oxidant in an organic solvent, which process is characterized in using an organic N-bromoamide compound or a combination of N-chlorosuccinimide and a compound having bromide ion as the co-oxidant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydroformylation process in which at least one olefin having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms is reacted continuously with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a hydroformylation catalyst in a reaction zone in which a liquid phase is present and a stream S) is taken from the liquid phase, heat is removed from this stream and the stream is subsequently returned to the reaction zone without removal of a material component.

Abstract: Acrolein is prepared by a process of heterogeneous catalyzed partial gas phase oxidation, by passing a starting reaction gas mixture which comprises propene, molecular oxygen and at least one inert gas, in which the molecular oxygen to propene (O2:C3H6) mole ratio is ?1, and carbon dioxide and saturated hydrocarbons together in a total amount of at most 15 mol %, at elevated temperature and at an hourly space velocity on the fixed catalyst bed of propene present in the starting reaction gas mixture of ?120 l (STP)/l·h through a fixed catalyst bed whose catalysts are comprised of annular unsupported catalysts whose active component is at least one multimetal oxide of formula I, Mo12WaCobFecBidSieKfOn??(I) wherein a ranges from ?1 to ?3, b ranges from ?3 to ?8, c ranges from ?1 to ?4, d ranges from ?0.5 to ?1.5, e ranges from ?0 to ?10, and f ranges from ?0 to ?0.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compounds that can be used as an energetic binder used for improving the performance and the properties of a high explosive, and a preparation method thereof.

Abstract: A process for preparing (per)fluorohalogenethers having general formula: wherein: A and A?, equal to or different from each other, are selected among Cl, Br and H; m=1, 2; n=0, 1; R? is a C1 to C3 (per)fluoroalkyl substituent; R is a (per)fluoropolyether substituent; z and z? are 1 or zero, X1=F, CF3; by reaction of carbonyl compounds having formula: (R?)n—C(O)(F)q(CFX1(CF2)z(CH2)z?OR1)??(II) wherein: R? and n are as above; q=0, 1; X1=F or CF3; z=0 or 1; R1 is a (per)fluoropolyether substituent; in liquid phase, with elemental fluorine and with olefinic compounds of formula: CAF=CA?F2 ??(III) wherein A and A? are as above, at temperatures from ?120° C. to ?20° C., preferably from ?100° C. to ?40° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for obtaining reduced coenzyme Q10 which is useful as an ingredient in foods, functional nutritive foods, specific health foods, nutritional supplements, nutrients, drinks, feeds, cosmetics, medicines, remedies, preventive drugs, etc. suited for a commercial scale production in high quality and efficiently. The high-quality oily reduced coenzyme Q10 which has low viscosity and thereby easily handled may be produced by separating an aqueous phase from the reaction mixture obtainable by oily reacting oxidized coenzyme Q10 with a reducing agent in water, or by distilling off an coexisting organic solvent at or above the melting temperature of reduced coenzyme Q10 in concentrating the organic phase containing reduced coenzyme Q10. Moreover, a solution or slurry of reduced coenzyme Q10 may be obtained by adding a desired solvent to the obtained oily product, or a solid of reduced coenzyme Q10 may be produced by contacting the oily product with a seed crystal.

Abstract: A process for isolating purified 2-methoxypropene from a mixture which comprises 2,2-dimethoxypropane, 2-methoxypropene, methanol, acetone, and optionally other carbonyl group-containing compounds, which process involves subjecting the mixture to distillation, adding 2-aminoethanol and at least one base as assistants in the distillation, and isolating purified 2-methoxypropene.

Abstract: A method for producing 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol in which a ?-hydroxybutyric acid salt is reacted with 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-chloroethane to generate 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol is provided. This method leads to increased yields of 2,2,2 -trifluoroethanol, facilitates the separation of salt byproducts and allows the recycling of an aprotic polar solvent. The present invention concerns a method for producing 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol in which a ?-hydroxybutyric acid salt is reacted with 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-chloroethane in an aprotic polar solvent to generate 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol. This method is characterized in that the ?-hydroxybutyric acid salt used contains no more than 6 wt % of 4,4?-oxybis(butyric acid).

Abstract: A production process and a catalyst are provided, which can be less decreased in activity of the catalyst even when CO2, water and the like are present in the starting material and/or the reaction system, and which can produce a formic ester or a methanol at a low temperature and a low pressure. The present invention relates to a process for producing methanol, comprising reacting carbon monoxide with an alcohol in the presence of an alkali metal-type catalyst, and/or an alkaline earth metal-type catalyst to produce a formic ester, wherein a hydrogenolysis catalyst of formic ester and hydrogen are allowed to be present together in the reaction system to hydrogenate the produced formic ester and thereby obtain a methanol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a fatty alcohol, including hydrogenating a fatty acid ester to prepare a crude fatty alcohol product, and distilling and refining the resulting crude fatty alcohol to prepare a fatty alcohol, further including recovering a part or the whole of distillation residues obtained in the distillation step and removing an alkali component from the distillation residues, adding the treated distillation residues to hydrogenation step or to a starting fatty acid ester feed.

Abstract: A process for production of high-purity hexafluoroethane, wherein a mixed gas containing hexafluoroethane and chlorotrifluoromethane is reacted with hydrogen fluoride in a gas phase in the presence of a fluorination catalyst at 200–450° C., for fluorination of the chlorotrifluoromethane, or wherein pentafluoroethane containing chlorine compounds with 1–3 carbon atoms is reacted with hydrogen in a gas phase in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst at 150–400° C., and the product is then reacted with fluorine in a gas phase in the presence of a diluent gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing 4-(2-methylphenyl)benzotrifluoride, comprising reacting 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride with 2-methylphenylmagnesium chloride in the presence of cobalt-based catalyst and zinc salt.

Abstract: A process for the selective hydrogenation of dienes in mixed streams of olefin containing hydrocarbons, such as butadiene in a mixed C4 stream with minimum loss of monoolefins is disclosed wherein the reactor is operated at conditions which induce pulse flow. The pulse flow is induced in a downflow boiling point reactor by vaporization of a portion of the liquid feed at proper conditions.

Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to reactive gaseous products, comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time, or combusting a portion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Unrecovered gaseous products resulting from the reactions may be used to provide heat to the process by which reactive gas components are produced. Recovered gaseous products, together or individually, may be reserved for subsequent use or storage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward reducing corrosion in a methanol-to-olefin (MTO) effluent processing system, and particularly in the condensate removal system thereof, by injecting a neutralization agent into one or more target regions of the MTO effluent processing system. The neutralization agent ensures that any localized condensation in the MTO effluent processing system, particularly in the condensate removal system, occurs under basic conditions and that any acidic condensable components are neutralized. The invention is also directed to monitoring corrosion in an MTO effluent processing system and to monitoring the pH of localized corrosion sites in order to ensure proper neutralization of any acidic condensation formed therein.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a process and apparatus for producing olefins from oxygenates in a reactor. This process comprises these oxygenates with a catalyst to produce a gaseous mixture comprising light olefins and by-products, sending the mixture to a single stage cyclone within said reactor to separate said catalyst from said gaseous mixture and then sending said the to a second stage cyclone. The second stage cyclone is located outside of said reactor and it functions to remove the catalyst from the mixture. Then the catalyst can be returned to the reactor after having been treated in a regeneration zone to remove carbonaceous deposits from the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides new highly-efficient separation processes and systems for separating polymerization-grade ethylene and propylene from an initial effluent stream comprising ethane, ethylene, propylene, dimethyl ether, and one or more of propane, acetylene, methyl acetylene, propadiene, methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and C4+ components. In one embodiment, the initial effluent stream is provided from a methanol-to-olefin reaction system. It has been discovered that an efficient separation of these components is realized when DME is partially removed in a first separation step comprising methanol and water washing steps, followed by separation of the remaining components in additional separation steps.

Abstract: Product purity from or capacity of a simulated-moving-bed adsorptive separation process is increased by flushing the contents of the transfer line previously used to remove the raffinate stream away from the adsorbent chamber, preferably into the raffinate column used to separate desorbent from raffinate product. Preferably a stream from the adsorbent chamber at an intermediate point between the feed entry point and raffinate withdrawal is used as the flushing liquid. This flush step eliminates the passage of a quantity of the raffinate material into the adsorbent chamber in the transfer-line flush period or when the process conduit is subsequently used to charge the feed stream to the adsorbent chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated COP1 nucleic acid sequence from a maize plant and the isolated COP1 nucleic acid sequence is named as ZmCOP1. The present invention also relates to a method of using the ZmCOP1 nucleic acid sequence to control the shade avoidance response of a crop plant for high density farming and yield enhancement.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a plant having an early flowering property is provided. Specifically, the present invention provides a transformed plant having a gene that suppresses flower-bud formation or the antisense DNA of this gene.

Abstract: The current invention relates to enhancing gene expression in the roots, flowers, seeds, and pod wall of plants. More specifically the invention relates to a promoter that could be used to drive the expression of structural genes or other DNA sequences. We disclose the sequence of said promoter and give examples showing the function of said promoter.

Abstract: The invention relates to assembled particles of a plant virus containing a predetermined foreign peptide as part of the coat protein of the virus, and a method for their production. The foreign peptide is preferably a biologically functional peptide, the biological application of which requires or is enhanced by presentation of the peptide in association with a larger molecule or particle.

Abstract: A novel gene encoding a Coleopteran inhibitory Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal crystal protein is disclosed. The protein, tIC851, is insecticidally active and provides plant protection from at least cotton boll weevil, Anthomomus grandis, when applied to plants in an insecticidally effective composition.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated MT017827 with high yield potential, tolerance to Roundup™ herbicide, early Group 1 maturity, and is resistant to race 3 and moderately resistant to race 14 of Soybean Cyst Nematode, further including the plants and seeds of the cultivar MT017827, methods for producing a soybean plant by crossing the cultivar MT017827 with itself or another soybean plant. The invention also relates to soybean cultivar MT017827 further comprising one or more single gene traits, and to methods of producing a soybean having such traits by introgression, transformation or mutagenesis. The invention also includes using the soybean cultivar MT017827 to produce other soybean cultivars, breeding lines, and progeny.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated SG1750NRR is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar SG1750NRR, to the plants of soybean SG1750NRR, to plant parts of soybean cultivar SG1750NRR and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar SG1750NRR with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety SG1750NRR, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar SG1750NRR and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar SG1750NRR with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for increasing the flavonoid content of a plant wherein said process comprises increasing the activity of chalcone synthase and flavonol synthase therein. The invention further relates to novel plants obtainable by the process of the invention and to food products made therefrom.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I292796. This invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I292796, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I292796 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. This invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I292796 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line, and to crosses with related species. This invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I292796, and also to the SSR and isozyme typing profiles of corn variety I292796.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I062695. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I062695, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I062695 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I062695 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I062695.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I285302. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I285302, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I285302 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I285302 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I285302.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH255138. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH255138, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH255138 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH255138.

Abstract: An acoustic stringed instrument includes a multi-tiered neck-body joint that removably secures the neck to the body, provides a superior structural and acoustical coupling and enables an expanded treble cutaway that provides improved access to higher regions of the neck and elimination of the neck heel and other external structures in the vicinity of the neck joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soundboard of composite fibre material construction for acoustic stringed instruments, comprising a core plate and a fibre laminate which is provided on at least one of the two outer faces of the core plate and is composed of long fibres embedded in a carrier material, the core plate having a lower average density than the fibre laminate. In this case a part of the core plate including the two end regions of the central zone of the core plate has a longitudinal compression strength which is greater than the longitudinal compression strength of the remaining part of the core plate. In this way a construction is achieved which is particularly stable under compression whilst at the same time having an improved acoustic quality.

Abstract: A stand device for use with objects such as musical instrument cases. The stand can be attached to an instrument case for supporting the instrument case in an upright position. The musical instrument may be stored within the case for protection against the elements or accidental damage. The stand may be placed in an extended position for supporting the musical instrument case, or the stand may be retracted to a compact configuration to facilitate transporting, storing and handling the stand. The stand may include a body that may be attachable to the instrument case through a pair of connectors and a brace member. The body may also have a pair of legs for providing additional stability to the stand. When the stand is retracted, the connectors, brace member and legs may be received within the body so as to be out of view.

Abstract: A percussion instrument lift comprising two end-lifts connected by a support rod. Each end-lift comprises a frame, a lifting frame coupled to the frame, and a lift extending between the frame and the lifting frame. Two platforms are adjustably mounted to the lifting frame of the end-lift. The platforms can be transversely slid on the lifting frame so as to accommodate an instrument of varying widths. A fastener can secure the positioning of the platforms with respect to the lifting frame.

Abstract: A keyboard instrument which is capable of ensuring sufficient strength of neighboring portions of chassis and preventing generation of noise, while restricting lateral motion of hammers. Keys are pivotally supported by chassis arranged side by side in a left-right direction. Hammers are pivotally supported by the chassis, for each being pivotally moved in accordance with depression of the associated key. Guides are formed in the chassis and each have a pair of left and right sidewalls opposed to the associated hammer from opposite sides, for restricting lateral motion of the associated hammer. Out of the guides, one at a boundary of each adjacent two of the chassis has the pair of sidewalls formed by an end sidewall of one of the adjacent two chassis and an end sidewall of the other of the same.

Abstract: A video game system comprises memory for storing data defining graphical objects for use in a video game. The system further comprises logic configured to enable a user to select at least one musical song to be played during a run of the video game. The logic is further configured to control at least one of the graphical objects during the run of the video game based on an attribute correlated with the selected song.

Abstract: A method for the use of the white keys of a musical keyboard such as a MIDI keyboard for the playing a selected scale whereby all while keys of the keyboard are remapped to the selected scale such that adjacent keys of the keyboard can be used to play adjacent notes of the selected scale. There is also disclosed a method for providing a functional aspect to at least one black key of a musical keyboard such as a MIDI keyboard, wherein upon a key of the keyboard being pressed, a first check is conducted to determine if a user has activated the selected scale setting; and if the selected scale function has been activated, a second check is conducted to determine if the key is a black key or a white key. If the key is a black key a second lookup table is checked based on a MIDI message for the black key to determine a corresponding functional aspect corresponding to the black key.

Abstract: Sound data output and manipulation with haptic feedback. Haptic sensations are associated with sound data to assist in navigating through and editing the sound data. The sound data is loaded into computer memory and played such that sound is output from an audio device. The sound playing is controlled by user input for navigation through the sound data. Haptic commands are generated based on the sound data and are used to output haptic sensations to the user by a haptic feedback device manipulated by the user. The haptic sensations correspond to one or more characteristics of the sound data to assist the user in discerning features of the sound data during the navigation through and editing of the sound data.

Abstract: A system for creating a variation of an audio track from audio building blocks is presented, where track variation may be created during a live performance. Two or more of the presented systems may be coupled to automatically maintain a beat mix between two or more playing audio track building blocks. Audio building blocks are prepared in advance to include features that may enable the creation of the track variation and the automatic maintaining of the beat mix.

Abstract: A selector switch for musical instruments, such as electric guitars. is provided having a single, manually operated toggle member adapted to perform greater functionality. A selector switch is disclosed which indexes longitudinally for the electrical connection of pickup(s) for resultant amplification but will additionally provide further associated connectivity by means of a transverse indexing motion thus availing expanded switching function from a single switch apparatus. This inventive step is referred to as a compound selector switch.