Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a housing, a reader, and a data analyzer. The housing includes a port for receiving a test strip. The reader obtains separable light intensity measurements from localized regions of an area of the detection zone exposed for optical inspection, wherein each of the localized regions is characterized by at least one surface dimension smaller than the first dimension. The data analyzer identifies ones of the light intensity measurements obtained from the at least one test region and computes at least one parameter from the identified ones of the light intensity measurements. In another aspect, the reader obtains a respective set of light intensity measurements from each of multiple corresponding regions of the exposed surface area of the detection zone, and the data analyzer computes at least one parameter from at least one of the sets of light intensity measurements.

Abstract: Freeze indicators can include an indicator dispersion, a liquid medium, indicator particles dispersed in the liquid medium and a particulate inorganic nucleating agent to inhibit supercooling of the liquid medium. The inorganic nucleating agent can have an ionic surface coating which can help provide a sharp end point. Optionally, freeze indicators can include indicator particles comprising an organic material and a softener to soften the indicator particles and provide the freeze indication with an enhanced visual appearance. Another option is to provide a temperature-sensitive stabilizer to inhibit coagulation of the indicator dispersion at temperatures above the liquid medium frozen state melting point while permitting coagulation of the indicator dispersion at the liquid medium frozen state melting point.

Abstract: A highly sensitive fluid composition analyzer where a fluid may be placed in contact with a very small area on a material sensitized to change color in the presence of a specific type of compound, to be impinged with light. The light reflected, transmitted and/or scattered by the material may serve as input for the analyzer electronics. The fluid may be pre-concentrated prior to being brought in contact with the material. The area on the material may be a spot having an outside dimension of less than one millimeter.

Abstract: A method to measure the concentration of a constituent element in a gas sample contained in an analyzer. A sample cell of a detector has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the sample cell is sealed. A predetermined mass of a gas sample is received through the inlet into the sample cell over a predetermined pressurization period until substantially the entire mass of the gas sample contained in the analyzer is contained within the sample cell. The gas sample is pressurized to a predetermined pressure over the pressurization period. A concentration of a constituent element in the pressurized gas sample is determined.

Abstract: Systems for controlling hydrogen purity in a power plant system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hydrogen control system for a generator housing includes: a mass flow control system fluidly connected to the generator housing, the mass flow control system being configured to measure a flow rate of a gas mixture extracted from the generator housing and modify the flow rate of the gas mixture across a range of flow rates; and a vent conduit fluidly connected to the mass flow control system, the vent conduit for receiving a portion of the gas mixture from the mass flow control system and feeding the portion of the gas mixture to an outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing pollution free air to an individual includes an enclosed or semi-enclosed space or compartment for surround or partially surrounding an individual's head or upper body to separate the individual from polluted air. A filter assembly and fan forcing polluted air through the filter assembly and into the enclosure. The filter assembly includes a first filter for removing relatively large particles such as sand or dust from the polluted air while a second HAPA filter removes airborne allergens before forcing non-polluted air into the enclosed or semi-enclosed space.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for producing polyolefin, having a feed system, a reactor system including at least one polymerization reactor, a diluent/monomer recovery system, a fractionation system, and an extrusion/loadout system having an extruder. The manufacturing process is configured to consume less than 325 kilowatt-hours of electricity per metric ton of polyolefin produced.

Abstract: A method for preparing polyolefin from alpha-olefin with high productivity using an internal circulating fluidized bed polymerization reactor is disclosed. The method for gas-phase polymerization of alpha-olefin comprising the steps of: supplying circulation gas including one or more alpha-olefins and inert gas into a polymerization reactor; polymerizing the alpha-olefin to polyolefin in two separated polymerization areas in the polymerization reactor; and discharging produced polyolefin from the polymerization reactor.

Abstract: The apparatus converts FCC olefins to heavier compounds. The heavier compounds are more easily separated from the unconverted paraffins. The heavier compounds can be recycled to an FCC unit or delivered to a separate FCC unit. Suitable conversion zones are oligomerization and aromatic alkylation zones.

Abstract: An NOx reduction catalyst and an exhaust system using the same may include an NOx reduction catalyst mounted at an exhaust pipe through which exhaust gas passes, wherein the NOx reduction catalyst includes first and second catalyst layers coated on a carrier, the first catalyst layer being disposed close to the exhaust gas, and the second catalyst layer being disposed close to the carrier, wherein a portion of nitrogen oxide contained in the exhaust gas is oxidized while passing through the first catalyst layer, and the oxidized nitrogen oxide is stored in the second catalyst layer, wherein the nitrogen oxide stored in the second catalyst layer is released through a substitution reaction with an additionally injected fuel, and wherein the released nitrogen oxide is reduced by the additionally injected fuel in the first catalyst layer.

Abstract: A storage catalyst 3 is constituted of a supporter substrate 30, which is formed of at least one member being selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, CeO2, ZrO2, TiO2 and zeolite, and whose specific surface area is 30 m2/g or more, and a coating layer 31, which includes a supporting powder including at least one member being selected from the group consisting of Al2O3, CeO2, ZrO2, TiO2 and zeolite, a storage material for storing NOx and SOx, the storage material being supported on the supporting powder, and a noble metal being supported on the supporting powder. Since the supporter substrate 30 has a large specific surface area, a supporting amount of the storage material for storing NOx and SOx augments remarkably. Therefore, an SOx storage amount of the storage catalyst, which is put in place on an upstream side of an NOx storage-and-reduction catalyst, augments, and thereby an NOx storage amount in low-temperature regions augments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holding material for a catalytic converter including a catalyst carrier, a metal casing for receiving the catalyst carrier, and the holding material wound around the catalyst carrier and interposed in a gap between the catalyst carrier and the metal casing, the holding material including a low thermal conductivity layer, in which the low thermal conductivity layer includes: a molded material containing an inorganic powder; or a composite material of a porous substrate with an aerogel.

Abstract: A thermoelectric reformer unit-for dissociating fossil-based hydrocarbons, renewable hydrocarbons or hydrogen-containing inorganic compounds to produce hydrogen in a reactor using thermoelectric technology with thermoelectric materials to achieve very high conversion efficiencies. Thermoelectric reforming occurs in a reactor core containing a number of energy sources. These energy sources generate extremely high temperature heat that reacts with the fuels in its local surrounding areas. Since the heat is locally generated, it will not penetrate far within the reactor core that is surrounded by walls that act as a casing for the reformer. Synthetic gas produced in the reformer can be fed into internal combustion engines certain, types of fuel cells, or other energy conversion equipment without or with only limited levels of purification. Ancillary components are needed to produce high-purity hydrogen fuel for other types of fuel cells.

Abstract: A plasma reactor has high durability with performance to generate stable and uniform plasma. The reactor has a variety of advantages such as increasing the range of commercial applications since the reactor has a structure that allows simple and efficient installation and operation in a system at a position required by the system. The reactor includes a stack constructed by sequentially stacking plus and minus electrodes and spacers and a reactor body provided at one side of the stack to hold the stack. The plus and minus electrodes are arranged alternately with spacers to define passages through which gas is allowed to pass. Each of the plus and minus electrodes has deformation preventing means to disperse stress of the electrodes and to prevent a local thermal stress caused by thermal expansion and contraction, thereby increasing thermal shock-resistant performance. External terminals for connection to the plus and minus electrodes are provided on the reactor body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microreactor having a substrate (10, 20, 80) with at least one catalytically active material arranged in and/or on a cavity structure (14, 24, 84). The substrate (10, 20, 80) has a first layer (11, 21, 80) and optionally at least one additional layer (12, 22) of a ceramic material, with the first layer (11, 21, 80) being formed from a first component of a crystalline ceramic material and/or a glass material as the matrix and a second component of an additional crystalline ceramic material. The surface areas of the crystals and/or crystal agglomerates of the second component in the first layer (11, 21, 80) are etched out in at least some areas to form the cavity structure (14, 24, 84).

Abstract: A reactor which comprises a vessel (1) with a vessel bottom (2), a stirrer (3) arranged in the vessel, an emergency discharge valve (4) arranged in the vessel bottom for emptying the reactor in less than 600 seconds and at least one filtration device (5) arranged in the vessel bottom is suitable for the safe preparation of organic peroxides. The process for preparing an organic peroxide comprises the steps of preparing a solid hydroperoxide in the form of a suspension in the reactor, filtering the suspension through the filtration device (5) arranged in the vessel bottom (2) while retaining the solid hydroperoxide in the reactor and reacting the hydroperoxide with an alkylating agent, an acylating agent or a carbonyl compound.

Abstract: A coating applied to at least a portion of the surfaces of reactors, reactor internals, other reactor components, and/or heater tubes is provided in order to minimize the formation of metal catalyzed coke in hydrocarbon conversion processes operating at temperatures at about 350° C. (662° F.) or greater and in reducing environments. These coatings may comprise Nickel coatings or complexes thereof, such as Ni—Al, Ni—Cr/Cr carbide, as well as aluminum painted coatings that are applied in a reduction cure process (e.g., application temperatures of about 600° C. (1112° F.)). Additionally, where H2S is necessary for the process, such as to minimize thermal cracking, the coatings also reduce corrosion of base metal due to sulfidation attack and eliminate the requirement of continuous replacement of reactor internals and other components.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a portable decontamination unit. The invention also relates to a decontamination process. The decontamination unit may be ruggedized for use in hostile environments such as those that may be anticipated for military applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for moving a mobile component such as a sample and a reagent, in an analyzing article. A method of analyzing a sample according to the present invention includes a first movement step of moving a mobile component from a fluid entrance port (61) to a first goal (511) in a passage (51), and a second movement step of moving the mobile component from the first goal (511) to a second goal (512) in the passage (51), in an analyzing article (Y1). The analyzing article (Y1) further includes a branch passage which branches from the first goal (511), and a first opening for releasing gas from within the branch passage. The first movement step is carried out by establishing communication between inside and outside of the branch passage via the first opening.

Abstract: The enumeration of cells in fluids by flow cytometry is widely used across many disciplines such as assessment of leukocyte subsets in different bodily fluids or of bacterial contamination in environmental samples, food products and bodily fluids. For many applications the cost, size and complexity of the instruments prevents wider use, for example, CD4 analysis in HIV monitoring in resource-poor countries. The novel device, methods and algorithms disclosed herein largely overcome these limitations. Briefly, all cells in a biological sample are fluorescently labeled, but only the target cells are also magnetically labeled. The labeled sample, in a chamber or cuvet, is placed between two wedge-shaped magnets to selectively move the magnetically labeled cells to the observation surface of the cuvet. An LED illuminates the cells and a CCD camera captures the images of the fluorescent light emitted by the target cells.

Abstract: An automated analyzer includes pipetting means for discharging a sample and reagent into an empty reaction vessel without causing contact to occur between the leading end of a sample probe and the bottom of the reaction vessel. The sample probe is inserted into the reaction vessel and then stopped when a bottom end of an outer pipe of the sample probe comes in contact with the top edge of the reaction vessel to maintain a fixed gap between the leading end of an inner pipe of the sample probe and the bottom of the reaction vessel. Further, an insulating material is disposed between the inner and outer pipes of the sample probe.

Abstract: A hand-held, multi-channel pipettor has an electronically controlled motor to reposition pipette tips for different center to center spacing. Each repositionable tip fitting assembly has a cam following pin that is driven by cam tracks in a motor driven roller drum. Stationary ports for the multiple aspiration cylinders are strategically placed to simplify management of flexible tubes leading to the repositionable pipette tip fitting assemblies. The pipettor has a user interface that can be operated conveniently by one hand to reposition pipette tips. It has a pipette tip ejection mechanism with a sinusoidal stripper bar.

Abstract: Processing devices that include one or more process arrays with thermal transfer structures that can be used alone or in conjunction with gravity/rotation to transport fluids within a microfluidic system. The thermal transport function can be accomplished by changing the temperature of one or more chambers to create a vacuum to draw fluids in selected directions within the process array. The methods and apparatus of the present invention may provide the ability to move fluids in a direction that is against the direction of gravity or any centrifugal forces generated by rotating a processing device using the thermal transfer structures. In other words, fluids may be moved against the direction of gravity or towards the axis of rotation using the thermally-activated vacuum.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gas reaction device. Reactions are happened on a fixed bed and/or a slurry bed in four reaction states. Thus, by using the four reaction states, reactions are thoroughly completed with the same catalyst. Or, different reactions are completed with different catalysts for different purposes.

Abstract: Processing schemes and arrangements are provided for obtaining propylene and propane via the catalytic cracking of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and converting the propylene into cumene without separating the propane from the propane/propylene feed stream. The disclosed processing schemes and arrangements advantageously eliminate any separation of propylene from propane produced by a FCC process prior to using the combined propane/propane stream as a feed for a cumene alkylation process. A bottoms stream from the cumene column of the cumene alkylation process can be used and an absorption solvent in the FCC process thereby eliminating the need for a transalkylation reactor and a DIPB/TIPB column.

Abstract: There is disclosed a permselective membrane reactor which efficiently forms hydrogen by use of a water-gas shift reaction and which is excellent in an aspect of manufacturing cost. In a permselective membrane reactor, a permselective membrane is a Pd membrane or a Pd alloy membrane, and a catalyst layer includes a first catalyst layer on the side of the permselective membrane and a second catalyst layer disposed apart from the permselective membrane. The first catalyst layer has a noble metal-based catalyst, and the second catalyst layer has an iron-based catalyst.

Abstract: A continuous process for purification of brine contaminated with alkaline earth metals. The process comprises combining the brine with an aqueous solution containing at least one of an alkali metal hydroxide and an alkali metal carbonate with efficient mixing by a micro-mixing device.

Abstract: A process (10) for at least partially removing hydrogen cyanide from synthesis gas includes feeding a synthesis gas (30) containing hydrogen cyanide to a gas-liquid contacting stage (18) and, in the gas-liquid contacting stage (18), contacting the synthesis gas with an aqueous washing solution (36) comprising at least one dissolved metal salt, with metal cations of the metal salt being capable of forming metal cyanide complexes and/or metal cyanide precipitates, and weak acid anions of the metal salt serving to buffer the pH of the washing solution in a range between 6 and 10. Hydrogen cyanide is washed from the synthesis gas by the washing solution to form a treated synthesis gas (38) and a spent washing solution (40). From time to time or continuously, at least a portion of the spent washing solution is withdrawn from the gas-liquid contacting stage. The treated synthesis gas (38) is also withdrawn from the gas-liquid contacting stage.

Abstract: A process is described for converting and utilizing oxygen-containing polymers to form hydrogen and alkali metal carbonates, in which the polymers are brought into intimate contact with a melt mixture of alkali metal hydroxide and alkali metal carbonate to form hydrogen and alkali metal carbonate, and the alkali metal carbonate formed is removed from the reaction mixture during the reaction and alkali metal hydroxide is optionally metered in. The reaction is preferably carried out under conditions which lie on a point on the Liquidus line of the system. It is possible in accordance with the invention to process natural or synthetic polymers, for example polyester, polyether, wood, etc. It is particularly suitable for processing fiber-reinforced composite materials. Also described is an apparatus for performing the process according to the invention.

Abstract: An atmosphere of a carbon source comprising an oxygenic compound is brought into contact with a catalyst with heating to yield single-walled carbon nanotubes. The carbon source comprising an oxygenic compound preferably is an alcohol and/or ether. The catalyst preferably is a metal. The heating temperature is preferably 500 to 1,500° C. The single-walled carbon nanotubes thus yield contain no foreign substances and have satisfactory quality with few defects.

Abstract: A method of removing metal impurities from carbon nanotubes includes treating carbon nanotubes with distilled bromine in a substantially oxygen- and water-free atmosphere and then removing the distilled bromine from the carbon nanotubes. Purified carbon nanotubes having an iron content from about 2.5 to about 3.5 by weight that are substantially free of derivatization at the ends and defect sites are made available via this method.

Abstract: A method for the synthesis of anhydrous hydrogen halide fluids from organic halide fluids, such as perfluorocarbon fluids and refrigerant fluids, and anhydrous carbon dioxide for the environmentally safe disposition thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the solubility of granular material by treating a precipitate comprising iron(II)sulphate monohydrate originating from titanium dioxide production, in which method the reaction temperature is allowed to increase at the most to a temperature of 120° C., to a plant for treating a precipitate comprising iron(II)sulphate monohydrate, to a product and its uses. A typical method according to the invention comprises the steps of mixing water to the reaction mixture in the said mixing apparatus, and keeping the amount of neutralizing agent sufficient to give a pH value from 1.5 to 4, preferably from 1.5 to 3, to the end product in order to obtain a granular material having a high soluble iron(II) content or keeping the amount of neutralizing agent sufficient to give a pH value ?9 to the end product in order to obtain a granular material having a low solubility.

Abstract: A process for preparing a multielement oxide composition comprising the element iron in oxidic form, in which the source of the elemental constituent of iron used is an aqueous iron nitrate solution whose preparation comprises the melting of a solid hydrate of iron nitrate.

Abstract: Uncoated particles of reversed cubic phase or reversed hexagonal phase material containing an active disposed within are provided. The uncoated particles have an ionic charge that is sufficient to stabilize them in dispersion in a liquid, e.g. a polar solvent. The active that is disposed within the particles may be, for example, a pharmaceutical or nutriceutical compound.

Abstract: Uncoated particles of reversed cubic phase or reversed hexagonal phase material containing an active disposed within are provided. The uncoated particles have an ionic charge that is sufficient to stabilize them in dispersion in a liquid, e.g. a polar solvent. The active that is disposed within the particles may be, for example, a pharmaceutical or nutriceutical compound.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a correcting factor for the dilution of measurements of at least one biomarker in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The method comprises providing semi-automated measurements of the ventricular system by MRI scans using quantitative anatomical protocols, determining a measurement of biomarker levels in CSF that has been extracted, correcting the measurement of the level of said at least one biomarker'according to the ventricular size, and providing a corrected result of the measurement determined in step (b), said corrected result accounting for concentration dilution due to the change in ventricular size. The method is particularly suited for the measurement of all biomarkers found in the CSF, such as those associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorescent, radio-opaque and magnetic quantum nanoparticles, useful as multifunctional contrast agents or probes for in vivo bioimaging, and methods of their use. The invention provides for multifaceted bioimaging (e.g., intra-arterial pre-operative brain mapping and broad based in vivo diagnostic imaging), including imaging of various cell types, such as stem cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of sterile aqueous suspensions based on active ingredients in the form of micronised crystalline particles designed for administration by inhalation. In particular, a process for the preparation of sterile aqueous suspensions based on pharmaceutical active ingredients in the form of crystalline hydrates is disclosed.

Abstract: A pesticidal aerosol composition, containing 3-phenoxybenzyl ester compound represented by Formula (I): wherein, X represents a hydrogen atom or a cyano group; Z represents a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom; and R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C3 alkyl group that may be substituted with halogen atoms, or a halogen atom; 4-methoxymethyl-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzyl 3-(2-cyano-1-propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate, an organic solvent, and a propellant has an excellent pesticidal activity.

Abstract: An abrasive dentifrice composition which effects enhanced antiplaque and breath freshening properties which comprises an orally acceptable vehicle containing a combination of a safe and effective amount of an antibacterial agent and at least two enzyme ingredients.

Abstract: Dermatological methods of cosmetic, therapeutic, prophylactic, and/or diagnostic treatment by topically applying compositions comprising a multiplicity of particles, at least one of the particles comprising porous and/or polycrystalline silicon. Included are methods and compositions for sun protection applications. The use of porous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and porous silicon oxide mirrors is disclosed.

Abstract: A sunscreen composition is provided according to the present invention. The sunscreen composition includes a skin bonding polymer composition comprising a hydrophobic polymer/hydrophilic polymer adduct, at least one sunscreen active agent comprising a UV-A absorber, and water in an amount of affected to provide a the composition with the texture suitable for application to skin. The hydrophobic polymer/hydrophilic polymer adduct comprises: (i) hydrophobic polymer composition comprising a mixture of a lower poly(vinylpyrrolidone/alkylene) polymer wherein the alkylene group contains about 10 to about 24 carbon atoms and a higher poly(vinylpyrrolidone/alkylene) polymer wherein the alkylene group contains greater than about 24 carbon atoms; and (ii) hydrophilic polymer composition comprising carboxylic acid groups, hydroxyl groups, or both carboxylic acid groups and hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions comprising cis-6-nonenol and methods of using such compositions to impart anti-aging benefits to the skin are disclosed. Cis-6-nonenol is believed to have modulatory activity against at least one biochemical pathway implicated in skin aging.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a carrier composition containing: (a) at least one fatty monoamine compound; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one anionic silicone; and (d) at least one water-insoluble material, and wherein the composition, when combined with an aqueous phase, forms an aqueous delivery system which is both stable, and clear to slightly hazy/limpid in appearance.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a carrier composition containing: (a) at least one fatty quaternary amine compound; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one anionic silicone; and (d) at least one water-insoluble material, and wherein the composition, when combined with an aqueous phase, forms an aqueous delivery system which is both stable, and clear to slightly hazy/limpid in appearance.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a carrier composition containing: (a) at least one polyamine compound comprising at least two amino groups; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one anionic silicone; and (d) at least one water-insoluble material, and wherein the composition, when combined with an aqueous phase, forms an aqueous delivery system which is both stable, and clear to slightly hazy/limpid in appearance.

Abstract: Mascara compositions containing a keratin conditioning agent, alone or in combination with an emollient/moisturizing agent, provide increased resistance of eyelash hair fibers to breaking. Low viscosity mascara composition of the invention containing low concentrations of surfactant and wax are easily removable from the eyelashes. Mascara compositions of the invention reduce eyelash damage and though having low viscosity (as compared to typical prior art compositions) surprisingly provide excellent buildup, lengthening and wear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition particularly useful for the application of color such as in a foundation, lip gloss, lip stick, mascara, eye shadow, blush, and nail polish, for example. A cosmetic composition according to the present invention includes a film-forming silicone-containing polyurethane having a viscosity from about 130,000 to about 2,500,000 cps, preferable from about 400,000 to about 2,500,000 cps and most preferably from about 750,000 to about 2,500,000.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an IL18-BP isoform that does not bind to IL18, or of an agonist thereof, for treatment or prevention of a neurological and/or inflammatory disease. Preferred isoforms for use in the frame of the invention include IL-18BPb and IL-18BPd.