Abstract: Solvent extraction is used to remove wax and contaminants from an iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in a natural circulation continuous-flow system. The wax-free catalyst is then subjected to controlled oxidation to convert the iron to its initial oxidized state, Fe203. Reactivation of the oxide catalyst precursor is carried out by addition of synthesis gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual bed catalytic system for the reduction of nitrogen oxides comprising silver-deposited alumina (Ag/Al2O3) and zeolite (ZSM-5). The present dual bed catalytic system provides significantly improved NOx reducing efficiency as compared to the system using Ag/Al2O3 or ZSM-5.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for manufacturing a catalyst composition. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a catalyst can comprise: forming a catalyst composition from a catalyst precursor and a volatile compound, disposing the catalyst composition on a substrate to form a supported composition, treating the supported composition with electromagnetic radiation, and removing at least a portion of the volatile compound to form the catalyst. In another embodiment, the method for manufacturing a catalyst can comprise: forming a catalyst composition comprising a volatile compound and a catalyst precursor, disposing the catalyst composition onto a substrate, and drying the catalyst composition at a temperature greater than or equal to a dew point of the volatile compound and less than or equal to a decomposition temperature of the catalyst precursor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a table for use in a plasma processing system that makes it possible to obtain a substrate processed with plasma, improved in within-substrate uniformity, and a plasma processing system comprising such a table.

Abstract: A device for performing biological analysis may include at least one reaction chamber configured to receive at least one sample for biological analysis and a thermal system configured to modulate a temperature of the at least one reaction chamber to cycle a temperature of the at least one biological sample. The thermal system may include a cooling system configured to cool the at least one reaction chamber. The cooling system may include a cooling fluid source positioned distally from the at least one reaction chamber, the cooling fluid source being in flow communication with at least one conduit configured to flow cooling fluid from the cooling fluid source to at least one location in thermal communication with the at least one reaction chamber.

Abstract: A biochemical reaction apparatus used to carry out a chemical reaction of fluid includes a cartridge including a container which is at least partially structured with an elastic body, the container including inside thereof a plurality of chambers to contain the fluid and flow passages to connect the plurality of chambers and rollers to apply an external force to the elastic body and deform the elastic body to move the fluid in the flow passages or the chambers by rotationally moving on a front surface of the elastic body while the roller contacts with the front surface of the elastic body, and in a cross-sectional shape of the roller, which is perpendicular to a roller shaft, at least not less than three corners are included, and the cross-sectional shape is a shape in which sides between the corners are equal in length.

Abstract: A syngas reforming reactor has a shell-and-tube configuration wherein the shell-side fluid flow path through the tube bundle has a longitudinal configuration. The reactor can include a shell-side inlet fluid distributor plate below the lower end of the tube bundle, and a flow sleeve in an enlarged-diameter discharge annulus at an upper end adjacent the tube sheet to prevent short-circuiting of the shell-side fluid into the shell-side fluid outlet. The tube bundle can include a plurality of ring baffles and lattice baffles.

Abstract: A decontamination system having modular components to efficiently decontaminate enclosures of various dimensions. The decontamination system includes a main unit comprising a controller, a supply of liquid decontaminant, a vaporizer for vaporizing the liquid decontaminant to generate a vaporized decontaminant, and a destroyer for breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. An embodiment of the present invention includes a detachable dryer and a detachable external blower that are in fluid communication with the main unit. An optional external destroyer and an optional external dryer may be controlled by the controller of the main unit to respectively increase the destroying and drying capacity of the decontamination system.

Abstract: A disinfectant swab is disclosed which comprises a pouch sized for protecting a luer valve. The pouch preferably has shape memory for grasping the luer valve after the pouch as been advanced over the luer valve. The pouch includes a disinfectant along at least one of a inner surface and an outer surface. In one example, the shape memory can be providing by at least one elastic portion. In one embodiment the pouch has at least one disinfectant along the outer surfaces so that the outer surface of the swab can be used to prep skin, drug vials and the like. The pouch can be sized to elastically grasp on a plurality of types of luer valves and/or to elastically grasp on a tube having the approximate outer diameter of a luer lock connector or another portion of a luer lock connector. The pouch can be comprised of elastic foam and/or can have a flattened configuration when stored and/or can be stored in a flat tear able sealed package.

Abstract: A process for the separation of cobalt and/or manganese from impurity elements selected from one or more of calcium and magnesium contained in a leach solution, the process comprising the step of subjecting the leach solution to solvent extraction using an organic solution of a carboxylic acid such as Versatic 10 and a hydroxyoxime such as LIX 63, optionally together with a stabilzer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing heavy metals from a solution of waste or effluent containing chelating agents such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), 1,2-cyclohexanediamine tetraacetic acid(CDTA), and citric acid(Citrate), comprising: acidifying the solution with nitric acid, and oxidization of the acidified solution under controlled pressure and temperature. Upon oxidation, the heavy metal chelate (EDTA-m, CDTA-m or Citrate-m) is decomplexed, and heavy metal ions are liberated and can be precipitated using a conventional precipitation method such as by treatment with lime and a flocculent.

Abstract: Methods for the production of shaped nanoscale-to-microscale structures, wherein a nanoscale-to-microscale template is provided having an original chemical composition and an original shape, and the nanoscale-to-microscale template subjected to a chemical reaction, so as to partially or completely convert the nanoscale-to-microscale template into the shaped nanoscale-to-microscale structure having a chemical composition different than the original chemical composition and having substantially the same shape as the original shape, being a scaled version of the original shape. The shaped nanoscale-to-microscale structure formed comprises an element (such as silicon), a metallic alloy (such as a silicon alloy), or a non-oxide compound (such as silicon carbide or silicon nitride).

Abstract: An effluent gas scrubber and a method of scrubbing effluent gases are provided. An inlet port receives an effluent gas. The gas passes through successive chambers in which it is sprayed with a scrubbing fluid. An oxidizer within the scrubbing fluid is effective to oxidize non-water soluble gases within the effluent gas. An oxidation-reduction potential probe measures the oxidation-reduction potential of the scrubbing fluid and adds the oxidizer to the scrubbing fluid as needed. A pH probe measures the pH of the scrubbing fluid and adds a base to the scrubbing fluid as needed to maintain the pH at or above a threshold such as pH 7, or pH 12.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel poisoning-resistant catalysts used for automobile exhaust gas treatment systems. To alleviate the detrimental affects of engine oil and/or fuel additive poisoning the present invention provides for an overcoat layer comprising a porous refractory oxide and one or more base metal oxides, which is coated over one or more precious metal containing washcoat layers. The overcoat of the present invention prevents phosphorous as well as other poisoning deposits, from fouling and/or negatively interacting with the underlying precious metal containing washcoats. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides for the coating of the upstream end of a catalytic member by the overcoat layer, thereby creating an upstream poison capture zone.

Abstract: A process for cleaning a flue gas stream (10) in a flue gas cleaning system (2) to remove contaminants such as particulates and acidic components therefrom. The process includes admitting the flue gas stream to a particle collection device (18) to deposit the contaminants onto collector surfaces (19) therein, contacting the collector surfaces (19) with a wash water (20) to remove the contaminants therefrom, and discharging the wash water from the particle collection device (18) to a position downstream of the particle collection device (18). The discharged wash water is neutralized and circulated within the flue gas cleaning system (2).

Abstract: Provided in a catalyst system are: a first reaction part fitted with a first catalyst containing, as active constituents, at least, a complex oxide consisting of two or more oxides selected from among silica, alumina, titania, zirconia, and tungsten oxide, and a rare earth metal or transition metal (except Cu, Co, Ni, Mn, Cr, and V); and a second reaction part fitted with a second catalyst containing, as active constituents, at least, a noble metal and a silica-alumina type complex oxide.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing liquid substances, whereby the preparation is made in one or several micro-reactors and/or micro-mixers, the liquid substance to be prepared being continuously mixed with a washing liquid in the micro-reactors and/or micro-mixers.

Abstract: The invention relates to unsymmetrical nanoscale or mesoscopic particles, and to a method for preparing the same. Said particles are characterized by a surface F1 and the zone Z2 carries groups F2 different from the groups F1, the zone Z1 being free of groups F2 and the zone Z2 being free of groups F1. The method of preparation comprises the following steps: 1) the zone Z2 of the surface of the initial particles is masked by fixing a polymer nodule thereto; 2) the masked particles obtained at the end of step 1) are treated in order to modify the nonmasked surface zone Z1 thereof; 3) the polymer nodule is removed after modifying the zone Z1; 4) optionally, the surface of the zone Z2 of the particles is modified following the demasking process.

Abstract: A solidified mass for a high-purity multicrystal silicon material that is preferably applicable to producing crystal type silicon ingots for photo voltaics, and a process for producing the solidified mass are provided. The mass of silicon solidified from molten state is a solidified mass produced by dropping molten silicon into a receiving vessel and allowing the vessel to receive the molten silicon, said solidified mass containing bubbles and having (i) an apparent density of not less than 1.5 g/cm3 and not more than 2.2 g/cm3 and (ii) a compressive strength of not less than 5 MPa and not more than 50 MPa. The process for producing a mass of silicon solidified from molten state includes the steps of dropping molten silicon into a receiving vessel and allowing the vessel to receive the molten silicon, wherein the surface temperature of the vessel for receiving the molten silicon is not lower than 0° C. and not higher than 1000° C.

Abstract: In the batch production of high purity polycrystalline silicon, in which a U-shaped silicon carrier body is fastened in an open deposition reactor, the deposition reactor is hermetically sealed, the U-shaped carrier body is heated electrical current, a silicon-containing reaction gas and hydrogen are introduced into the reactor through a supply line so that silicon from the reaction gas is deposited on the carrier body, the diameter of the carrier body increases and a waste gas formed is removed from the deposition reactor through a discharge line, and, after a desired diameter of the polysilicon rod is reached, deposition is terminated, the carrier body is cooled to room temperature, the reactor is opened, the carrier body is removed from the reactor and a second U-shaped silicon carrier body made of silicon is fastened in the deposition reactor, an inert gas is fed through the supply and discharge lines into the open reactor from at least the time when the reactor is opened to extract the first carrier body

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for producing a single crystal, and a method for producing a silicon single crystal using the same. An apparatus for producing a single crystal includes a heating device which heats polycrystalline silicon raw material held in a crucible to form silicon melt, and a pulling up device which grows a silicon single crystal while pulling it up from the silicon melt accompanied with rotation. By providing the apparatus with a magnetic field generation unit which applies to the silicon melt a cusp magnetic field a shape of neutral plane of which is symmetric around the rotation axis of the silicon single crystal and is curved in the upward direction, various conditions for producing a silicon single crystal having a defect free region is relaxed, and a silicon single crystal having a defect free region is produced at high efficiency.

Abstract: A safe, economical and predictable process for producing ammonia from a urea solution, preferably where only a small amount of ammonia is required, (i.e. for SCR denitrification for small boilers, flue gas conditioning to enhance precipitator efficiency and/or alleviate plume problems, SNCR and the like), using an ultrasonic processor to cause “cold boiling” of portions of such solution and produce gaseous ammonia.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alkaline-earth metal carbonate powder comprising a core consisting essentially of at least one alkaline-earth metal carbonate and a shell consisting essentially of at least one Group IV transition metal compound, to the method for manufacturing the same and to an improved method for preparing highly crystalline alkaline-earth metal containing mixed oxide powder. The highly crystalline mixed oxides obtained by means of the process according to the invention are used as starting material for high-performance dielectric, especially multi-layer capacitors, and for high performance dielectrics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing spherical carbon comprising step of heat-treating a mixture of a carbon precursor and dispersion media, a spherical non-graphitizable carbon using the same, and a method for preparing spherical artificial graphite.

Abstract: A solution is produced by introducing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and a carbon nanotube bulk material containing a cluster of aggregated single-walled carbon nanotubes into water (H2O). The single-walled carbon nanotubes are solubilized by CMC in the solution and separated from the cluster. The solution in which the single-walled carbon nanotubes are dispersed by using ultrasonic waves is filtered by filters to produce a carbon nanotube solution containing dispersed single-walled carbon nanotubes. A carbon nanotube-containing film is produced by dropping the carbon nanotube solution onto a plate and drying the carbon nanotube solution.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and apparatus for the removal of hydrogen sulphides from streams containing them, in particular from wastewater streams. According to the invention, hydrogen sulphide is stripped from the process liquid by means of a vacuum stripper. The gas thus produced has a high H2S content, which facilitates further processing.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for generating steam in steam reformation processes in which at least one first steam stream and one second steam stream are generated. The first steam stream (process steam) is preferably completely used in the steam reformation process, while the second steam stream (export steam) can be utilized externally. The export steam is generated preferably solely by vaporizing degassed and demineralized water (high purity water).

Abstract: A catalyst that can be used for the production of hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels in steam reforming processes contains an active metal of, e.g., at least one of Ir, Pt and Pd, on a catalyst support of, e.g., at least one of monoclinic zirconia and an alkaline-earth metal hexaaluminate. The catalyst exhibits improved activity, stability in both air and reducing atmospheres, and sulfur tolerance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing diantimony pentoxide having a high oxidation purity. A process for producing an aqueous sol of diantimony pentoxide, which comprises mixing diantimony trioxide (Sb2O3) and an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution in an aqueous medium, and after the temperature has reached from 50 to 80° C., reacting the diantimony trioxide with the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution while keeping the reaction temperature at a level not higher by at least 10° C. than a desired set temperature in the temperature range, to thereby obtain a sol having dispersed in the aqueous medium diantimony pentoxide particles which have a primary particle size of from 2 to 50 nm and which have a diantimony trioxide/diantimony pentoxide weight ratio of not higher than 5 wt %.

Abstract: The invention provides an indium adsorbent that can cause indium to be adsorbed, and a simple and inexpensive indium fractioning method for isolating and recovering high-purity indium from an acid solution whose primary component is hydrochloric acid and that contains indium. A primary component of the indium adsorbent is an anion-exchange resin that has a crosslinked structure produced by the copolymerization of styrene or acrylamide and divinylbenzene, and at least one of a quaternary ammonium group and a tertiary ammonium group, and that is provided with an acid-adsorbing ability. An acid solution whose primary component is hydrochloric acid and that includes indium is brought into contact with the anion-exchange resin to cause indium to be adsorbed to the anion-exchange resin.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of short nucleic acid molecules that modulate Aurora-B kinase (AurkB) expression. The invention includes compounds, compositions and methods useful for the modulation of expression and activity of genes involved in the AurkB pathway. In one embodiment, the present invention provides short nucleic acid molecules, such as siRNA, which can be used in treating, preventing, or inhibiting cancer, and any other proliferative disease, trait or condition, which respond to a reduction in AurkB expression in a cell or tissue. Such short nucleic acid molecules can be used alone or in combination with other treatments or therapies, including short nucleic acid molecules that modulate expression of EGFR.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a composition comprises a microparticle including a radioactive isotope and an imageable element. In another embodiment, a method includes forming a microparticle including a target isotope and an enriched paramagnetic isotope, and transforming the target isotope into a radioactive isotope. In yet another embodiment, an apparatus includes an imaging system to image a subject; and a radioactive microparticle suitable for infusion into the subject for imaging by the imaging system and including an enriched paramagnetic isotope that is enriched to reduce generation of radioactive impurities while maintaining or improving imaging sensitivity.

Abstract: Positron emitting compounds and methods of their production are provided. The compounds have the formula: (F)m G (R)n wherein each R is a group comprising at least one carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus or sulfur atom and G is joined to R through said carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus or sulfur atom; G is silicon or boron; m is 2 to 5 and n is 1 to 3 with m+n=3 to 6 when G is silicon; m is 1 to 3 and n is 1 to 3 with m+n=3 to 4 when G is boron; and wherein the compound further comprises one or more counterions when the above formula is charged; and wherein at least one F is 18 F.

Abstract: Described are methods of assessing whether a subject has or is at risk of having multiple organ amyloidosis (MOA) The method includes detecting a diagnostically predictive collection of biomarkers of multiple organ amyloidosis, wherein the detection of a diagnostically predictive collection of biomarkers indicates the subject has or is at risk of having multiple organ amyloidosis Also described are methods of monitoring treatment of subjects with multiple organ amyloidosis and evaluating therapeutic compounds Representative biomarkers for use in the methods may be selected from variant serum amyloid A (SAA) allele, elevated SAA level, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level, depressed glycosammoglycan (GAG) level, elevated interleukin-18 (IL-18) level, elevated macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) level, elevated hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) level, presence of an antibody against citrullmated vimentm (Sa), presence of a monoclonal immunoglobulin light chain, increased serum albumin, and increased cr

Abstract: Described is an antibody, or a fragment of an antibody, which binds to an epitope under specifically chosen conditions, and the binding of which to that epitope is broken under specifically chosen different conditions, in addition to an antibody or fragment thereof with which a diagnostically, therapeutically or cosmetically active substance is optionally conjugated, for targeted and temporary diagnostic, therapeutic or cosmetic treatment of externally accessible parts of the human and animal body, wherein both the specifically chosen binding conditions and the conditions wherein the binding is broken lie within physiologically acceptable limits and are formed by the pH and/or ionic strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modification of isotope ratios in peptides and polypeptides as an alternative to full isotopic exchange for coding in proteomics. Subtle modification of isotope ratio does not compromise protein identification experiments and can thus provide elemental composition data for accurate isotope ratio decoding. Application of subtle modification of isotope ratio proteomics (SMIRP) offers a convenient approach to in vivo isotope coding.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of imaging amyloid deposits and to styrylpyridine compounds, and methods of making radiolabeled styrylpyridine compounds useful in imaging amyloid deposits. This invention also relates to compounds, and methods of making compounds for inhibiting the aggregation of amyloid proteins to form amyloid deposits, and a method of delivering a therapeutic agent to amyloid deposits.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to herbal materials and methods for making such materials in medicinally useful and pharmaceutically acceptable forms. Particularly, the present invention relates generally to Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal) materials and methods for making such materials in medicinally useful and pharmaceutically acceptable forms. More particularly, the present invention relates a process which allows the standardization of the product to specified levels of bioactivity in both hydro-alcoholic tinctures and solid extracts in the processing of goldenseal materials to produce extracts which qualify as pharmaceutical grade compositions which are suitable for use in clinical or veterinary settings to treat and/or ameliorate diseases, disorders or conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for differentially representing myocardial tissue in different states of damage, comprising the following steps: administering a myocardium-suitable contrast agent to a patient under examination; entering at least one patient-specific parameter affecting the speed of uptake by and elimination from the myocardium of said contrast agent; calculating a point in time after administration of the contrast agent at which a difference between a contrast agent content in necrotic myocardial tissue and a contrast agent content in non-necrotic myocardial tissue attains a maximum value, on the basis of the at least one patient-specific parameter, and carrying out, at the point in time calculated, a late-phase CT scan for accentuation of necrotic myocardial tissue compared to non-necrotic myocardial tissue. The invention likewise relates to apparatus, in particular for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method for screening a gene relating to a psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia, which comprises the step of using a nematode behaviorally sensitized with amphetamine, methamphetamine, apomorphine, cocaine or the like for screening of a gene relating to the behavioral sensitization, and a method for screening a substance useful for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of a psychiatric disorder, which comprises the step of using a nematode behaviorally sensitized with amphetamine, methamphetamine, apomorphine, cocaine or the like for screening of a substance that affects the behavioral sensitization.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of neuroprotection, inducing release of neurotrophic factors, inhibiting the over-activation of innate immune cells, attenuating the toxin-induced death and/or damage of tissues, reducing inflammation, treating an inflammation-related condition, and inhibiting NADPH oxidase, that includes contacting or administering an effective amount of at least one compound of the invention that include: valproic acid, sodium butyrate, and salts thereof; opioid peptides; a peptide comprising the tripeptide GGF; and morphinans, such as naloxone, naltrexone, 3-hydroxy-morphinan and dextromethorphan.

Abstract: The present invention provides brain cells, such as normal brain cells, apolipoprotein E deficient brain cells, or apoE4 containing brain cells, that are treated with a compound which can modulate integrins and/or integrin receptors to produce increased sequestration of and/or accumulation of and/or uptake of A?, and/or changes in cathepsin D content and/or lysosomal dysfunction, and/or microglia activation in the brain cells. The present invention also provides methods for producing such cells and methods for using the cells for screening an agent or substance that modulates the sequestration of and/or accumulation of and/or uptake of A?, and/or lysosomal dysfunction, and/or changes in cathepsin D content and/or microglia activation in the brain cells. The method further provides a new therapeutic target, antagonism of glutamate receptors, for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases which are characterized by inter alia, abnormal amyloid uptake and/or accumulation.

Abstract: A method of screening a compound for anti-fungal properties comprising the steps of exposing a test compound to a fungal histidine kinase, and determining whether kinase activity is inhibited, wherein inhibition of kinase activity indicates that the compound has anti-fungal properties is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of screening for agents that inhibit the activity or expression of one or more polypeptides that contribute to the suppression of osteogenesis. The invention also provides methods of inducing osteogenesis in a cell by administering to the cell an agent that inhibits one or more polypeptides that contribute to the suppression of osteogenesis.

Abstract: Compositions and therapeutic methods are provided that are useful agent for the delivery, including transdermal delivery, of biologically active agents, such as non-protein non-nucleotide therapeutics and protein-based therapeutics excluding insulin, botulinum toxins, antibody fragments, and VEGE The compositions and methods are particularly useful for topical delivery of antifungal agents and antigenic agents suitable for immunization. Alternately, the compositions can be prepared with components useful for targeting the delivery of the compositions as well as imaging components.

Abstract: Methods to image a fluorescent protein in intact subjects using simple portable instruments are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high molecular weight Dermatophagoides proteins, nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins, and therapeutic and diagnostic reagents derived from such proteins.

Abstract: A product release system for atomizing compositions is described, which has (a) a pressure-resistant packaging, (b) a capillary-containing spray head, and (c) a propellant-containing composition. The atomization occurs using the capillary and the composition contains at least one reactive agent, which is selected from hair-keratin-reducing compounds or is selected from oxidizing agents. The capillary preferably has a diameter of 0.1 to 1 mm and a length of 5 to 100 mm. The spray rate is preferably 0.01 to 5 g/s. The propellant-free composition can, in particular, be gel-like, waxy, non-fluid, or solid and can be used in a method for permanent hair shaping.

Abstract: Methods and devices to determine rate of particle production and the size range for the particles produced for an individual are described herein. The device (10) contains a mouthpiece (12), a filter (14), a low resistance one-way valve (16), a particle counter (20) and a computer (30). Optionally, the device also contains a gas flow meter (22). The data obtained using the device can be used to determine if a formulation for reducing particle exhalation should be administered to an individual. This device is particularly useful prior to and/or following entry in a cleanroom to ensure that the cleanroom standards are maintained. The device can also be used to identify animals and humans who have an enhanced propensity to exhale aerosols (referred to herein as “over producers”, “super-producers”, or “superspreaders”). Formulations to reduce particle production are also described herein. The formulation is administered in an amount sufficient to alter biophysical properties in the mucosal linings of the body.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical/cosmetic compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one peptide containing the lysine-proline-valine tripeptide sequence, the proline moiety of which existing in its dextrorotatory optical isomer form (DPro), or functional biological equivalent thereof, are well suited for the treatment of inflammation disease states afflicting a mammalian subject.