Abstract: A method for producing cis,trans- and trans,trans-isomers of muconate by providing cis,cis-muconate produced from a renewable carbon source through biocatalytic conversion; isomerizing cis,cis-muconate to cis,trans-muconate under reaction conditions in which substantially all of the cis,cis-muconate is isomerized to cis,trans-muconate; separating the cis,trans-muconate; and crystallizing the cis,trans-muconate. The cis,trans-isomer can be further isomerized to the trans,trans-isomer. In one example, the method includes culturing recombinant cells that express 3-dehydroshikimate dehydratase, protocatechuate decarboxylase and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase in a medium comprising the renewable carbon source and under conditions in which the renewable carbon source is converted to 3-dehydroshikimate by enzymes in the common pathway of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis of the cell, and the 3-dehydroshikimate is biocatalytically converted to cis,cis-muconate.

Abstract: A novel process for the synthesis of Lacosamide using D,L-serine as starting material is described, where the methylation reaction of hydroxyl is carried out using an inexpensive base such as NaOH and an inexpensive alkylating agent, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, such as methyl p-toluenesulfonate; the R enantiomer is isolated from the racemic mixture of Lacosamide after selective hydrolysis of the acetamide, salification of the racemic mixture with a chiral acid (HX*) in an organic solvent, resolution of the diastereoisomeric mixture, preferably by precipitation of the R enantiomer, and subsequent acetylation of the optically pure intermediate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method for the selective molecular conversion of raw material carbon nanotubes containing a mixture of metallic carbon nanotubes and semiconductive carbon nanotubes in a manner that is based on the electrical properties or diameter of the carbon nanotubes. The present invention causes a photoreaction of raw material carbon nanotubes containing a mixture of metallic carbon nanotubes and semiconductive carbon nanotubes with a disulfide or a sulfide of the following formula (I) or (II) (wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrocarbon group that may have a substituent) in an organic solvent that contains the raw material carbon nanotubes and the disulfide of the formula (I) or the sulfide of the formula (II), so as to selectively functionalize the metallic carbon nanotubes, or functionalize the carbon nanotubes diameter selectively.

Abstract: A method for microbiologically producing zeaxanthin at high concentration and low cost while suppressing production of gluconic acid is presented. Specifically, a method for producing carotenoids containing zeaxanthin by culturing a bacterium producing carotenoids containing zeaxanthin in a medium containing biotin is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. After removal of the (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol from the crude hydrogenation product, the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product can be recovered and purified by a phase separation and distillation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol from isophthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is esterified with (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the isophthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of hydrating an alkylene oxide that includes introducing an alkylene oxide into water to form a first stream; flowing the first stream through a high shear device to produce a second stream; and contacting the second stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the alkylene oxide and form an alkylene glycol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nano-sized Cu based catalyst and a method of preparing the same including dissolving, in an aqueous solution, a first component comprising a Cu precursor, a second component precursor comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of a transition metal, an alkaline earth metal and a Group IIIb metal, and a third component precursor comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica, silica-alumina, magnesia, titania, zirconia and carbon and then performing stirring; precipitating the stirred mixture solution using Na2CO3 and NaOH to form a catalyst precursor precipitate; and washing and filtering the formed catalyst precursor precipitate. Also a method of preparing alcohol is provided, including reacting hydrogen with carboxylic acid including a single acid or an acid mixture of two or more acids derived from a microorganism fermented solution, using the nano-sized Cu based catalyst.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for inhibiting the polymerization of a vinyl aromatic monomer, such as styrene monomer, during elevated temperature processing thereof or during storage or shipment of polymer containing product. The compositions comprise a combination of a quinone methide derivative A) and a phenol compound B). The methods comprise adding from about 1-10,000 ppm of the combination to the monomer containing medium, per one million parts of the monomer.

Abstract: A lubricating oil composition for an internal combustion engine contains: a base oil including a component (A) of a polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees C. of 5.5 mm2/s or less, a CCS viscosity at +35 degrees C. of 3000 mPa·s or less and a NOACK of 12 mass % or less and a component (B) of a mineral oil having a viscosity index of 120 or more; and polyisobutylene having a mass average molecular weight of 500,000 or more. A content of the composition (A) is 25 mass % or more of a total amount of a lubricating oil.

Abstract: A method for producing isoprene comprising an aqueous medium including genetically modified host cells capable of producing isoprene, where the resulting isoprene composition is processed through at least one separation and/or purification process to provide an isoprene enriched composition and a system for doing the same.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for producing an aromatic hydrocarbon-containing effluent are provided herein. The method comprises the step of rapidly heating a biomass-based feedstock to a first predetermined temperature of from about 300 to about 650° C. in the presence of a catalyst, hydrogen, and an organic solvent within a time period of about 20 minutes or less to form the aromatic hydrocarbon-containing effluent. The biomass-based feedstock comprises lignocellulosic material, lignin, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of diesel range hydrocarbons wherein a feed is hydrotreated in a hydrotreating step and isomerised in an isomerisation step, and a feed comprising fresh feed containing more than 5 wt % of free fatty acids and at least one diluting agent is hydrotreated at a reaction temperature of 200-400° C., in a hydrotreating reactor in the presence of catalyst, and the ratio of the diluting agent/fresh feed is 5-30:1.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for producing and aromatic hydrocarbon-rich effluent from a lignocellulosic material are provided herein. The method comprises the step of combining the lignocellulosic material and an aromatic hydrocarbon-rich diluent to form a slurry. Hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst is contacted with the slurry at reaction conditions to form the aromatic hydrocarbon-rich effluent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bifunctional catalyst for a hydrodewaxing process with improved isomerization selectivity, and to a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly to a bifunctional catalyst and to a method for manufacturing same, which is characterized in that EU-2 zeolite with a controlled degree of phase transformation is used as a catalyst support having an acid site. The EU-2 zeolite, the degree of phase transformation of which is controlled, includes, by controlling synthesis parameters of EU-2, predetermined amounts of materials that are phase-transformed from EU-2 crystals such as cristobalite and quartz. The metal loaded bifunctional catalyst according to the present invention improves selectivity of the isomerization process, rather than a cracking reaction, during a hydroisomerization reaction of n-hexadecane. Therefore, the bifunctional catalyst can be widely used as a catalyst for a dewaxing process such as lubricant base oil and diesel oil.

Abstract: A catalyst is provided for production of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons having a carbon number of 6 to 8 from feedstock in which a 10 vol % distillation temperature is 140° C. or higher and a 90 vol % distillation temperature is 380° C. or lower. The catalyst contains crystalline aluminosilicate including large-pore zeolite having a 12-membered ring structure, and intermediate-pore zeolite having a 10-membered ring structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst system composed of: a) a support material selected from at least one of the following materials: silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide and mixed oxides thereof, carbon nanotubes; b) an ionic liquid; c) a catalytically active composition comprising nickel; d) an activator selected from the group of Lewis acids with alkylating properties. Additionally provided is the use of the catalyst systems of the invention in the oligomerization of unsaturated hydrocarbon mixtures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method to synthesize hydrocarbons directly from water and atmospheric air in the presence of small amount of hydrocarbons. A module apparatus for gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons production and a technological process of hydrocarbons synthesis is provided. The peculiarity of the developed technological process is that atmospheric air and water are consumed in the process of synthesis, while a hydrocarbon matrix is maintained unconsumed. The apparatus consists of a hydrocarbon synthesis chamber, a sump tank to collect hydro carbonic condensation derived in the process of synthesis, and a bubbling chamber. All of the chambers as well as sump tank are interconnected by means of pipes. The synthesis chamber is equipped with devices to supply water. Furthermore, the bumbling chamber is equipped with device to supply atmospheric air inside the chamber.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for desulphurisation of a feed stream containing olefins and hydrogen which is split into at least two feed streams. The first feed stream is introduced into the reactor and reaches a first catalyst bed and is heated by the hydrogenation reaction. Downstream the second feed stream is supplied which will cool down the reaction gas which can then be passed through a second catalyst bed. The content the feed streams can be controlled by adding olefins or dilution gas. The reaction will generate a product gas which will basically contain hydrogen sulphide as a sulphur compound. The temperature of the catalysts and of the gas flow is controlled via the olefin content in the feed streams. The higher the olefin content in the feed stream, the more intense the heating of the gas flow by the hydrogenation heat in the subsequent catalyst bed.

Abstract: The process provided herein is concerned with disposal of oxidized sulfur compounds formed by oxidative desulfurization. The process uses solid base catalyst in the presence of a caustic solution or solid base catalyst pretreated with a base and eliminates the need to separate the sulfones from the hydrocarbon streams and recover the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating cancer wherein the cytotoxic activity of an anticancer agent is potentiated by the combination of base excision repair (BER) pathway inhibitors.

Abstract: The radial dose function of an electronic x-ray brachytherapy source is flattened by filtering with transition metals in the fourth row of the periodic table, i.e. titanium through nickel. Titanium-walled applicator devices of small diameter, under 10 mm, and with wall thicknesses of about 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, are disclosed. The walls can be of titanium or alloys thereof, providing adequate strength and flattening the radial dose function curve particularly for x-rays in an energy range of about 45 kV to 55 kV.

Abstract: Device and method for generating brief strong current pulses in a coil for generating magnetic field pulses which according to the electromagnetic induction principle induce stimulation currents in the body tissue triggering an action potential of the nerve and/or muscle cells, where the coil is positionable close to the body tissue to be stimulated so that its magnetic field passes through the body tissue, and where the device comprises a power generating unit that can generate a freely selectable temporal course of the current through the coil during the current pulse.

Abstract: The flow rate of blood out of a blood pump is determined at least in part based on an acceleration of the pump's rotor and on the blood's viscosity. Considering the rotor acceleration when determining blood flow rate, increases the accuracy of the blood flow measurement thereby permitting the determination of a parameter related to the contractility of a patient's heart. The parameter may include a rate of pressure change of blood across the pump, a ratio of the rate of pressure change and a peak-to-peak value of the blood flow rate, or any other contractility index.

Abstract: A technique for influencing the human brain can be applied to treat PTSD through stimulating the brain with a beat in, for example, the theta (?) frequency to influence the brain to relax. Alternatively, the human brain can be stimulated with a beat in the alpha (?) frequency to stimulate active thinking. Over a series of treatments the brain of an individual suffering from PTSD can be influenced to operate at a normal frequency. Advantageously, as the frequency is adjusted, the symptoms of PTSD recur less often until the individual ceases to experience the symptoms or has at least experienced a decreased recurrence of the symptoms.

Abstract: A waterproof audio device and system that transmits sound via transcutaneous bone conduction provides therapeutic auditory stimulation music to a dog. The device is integrated into an adjustable dog collar component and a removable adjustable muzzle component. Both the dog collar and the muzzle components will be adjustable or available in various sizes to fit any sized dog. The present invention uses commercially available transducers to produce sounds in the low, mid and high frequency ranges. A commercially available sound source for the therapeutic auditory stimulation music signal can also be provided as part of the waterproof audio device. Commercially available fasteners enable the dog's owner to position the device on the neck and head of the dog for providing acceptable sound conduction and individualized fit for the dog.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, surgical meshes are provided which release one or more antimicrobial agents in an amount sufficient to reduce the risk of microbial infection upon implantation of the mesh. Other aspects of the invention pertain to methods of making and using such surgical meshes.

Abstract: Disclosed is penile rigidity device comprising: a chamber section having a first chamber end and a second chamber end, the chamber section configured as a substantially cylindrical unit having one of a circular or oval cross section; a floating valve section connected to the first chamber end, the valve section configured to allow fluid to selectively flow into and out of the chamber section; and a gaiter section connected to the second chamber end, the gaiter section having a bellows configured to compress in length in response to a pressing force.

Abstract: Presented is a device comprising a vibratory means which applies vibrations of a controllable and adjustable amplitude and frequency to the frenulum of the male genitalia, the vibratory means not requiring the user to hold it in place during use, and wherein the vibratory means are further adapted to apply vibrations to the female genitalia during use.

Abstract: A scanning laser laparoscope for laparoscopically locating and identifying anatomical structures embedded within fat during microinvasive surgery. In one example, such a scanning laser laparoscope is achieved using a combination of a light source and a scanner located outside the body and configured to generate a pattern of light, an optics relay configured to relay the pattern of light toward and through a tissue section located inside the body, and a photodetector configured to receive the light pattern transmitted through the tissue section and to generate an image of the tissue section.

Abstract: An in-vivo image acquiring apparatus includes an operation control unit which controls a black image acquiring operation, in which the operation control unit controls an imaging unit and an illuminating unit in such a manner the imaging unit conducts an image acquiring operation in a state the illuminating unit does not conduct an illuminating operation. The in-vivo image acquiring apparatus also includes an average calculating unit which calculates the average value of pixel value in a predetermined determining area, and a black image determining unit, which determines whether the image information acquired by the image acquiring operation is the black image by comparing the average value with a predetermined threshold value. The image information determined as the black image by the black image determining unit is transmitted, as the black image information, to an external apparatus by radio.

Abstract: Electric power of a required voltage is supplied to an endoscope distal end portion, and a distal end temperature is prevented from being higher. An imaging device having an imaging element, and its peripheral circuit and a first circuit part including a first regulator as a power circuit are built in the endoscope distal end portion. The first circuit part is connected to a second circuit part via a cable. The second circuit part includes a second regulator supplying electric power to the first regulator. By the overcurrent detection function of a temperature detecting unit or a regulator arranged, when at least one abnormality of a temperature abnormality and an overcurrent in the distal end portion is detected, the output of at least one of the first regulator and the second regulator is stopped, and supply of power to the distal end portion is stopped.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for facilitating insertion of an endotracheal tube and/or for verifying the position of the endotracheal tube within an airway of a patient with respect to an anatomical landmark of a patient are disclosed. Systems, methods, and devices for facilitating removal of debris from the distal airways of a patient under direct visualization are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscope having two entry lenses, which are arranged spaced from each other and the fields of view of which overlap, and having guiding devices. The entry lenses are spaced so far apart from each other that the outer edges thereof protrude beyond the cross-sectional area of the guiding devices, and a lens displacing the axis beam is inserted between one entry lens and the guiding devices. A method for the use of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a light outlet surface at the distal end of the endoscope and a controllable light-diffracting device for controllable diffraction of illuminating light by a shapeable phase interface between two fluids, such that the controllable light-diffracting device is disposed at the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A method for grasping and holding tissue employs an apparatus including flexible sheet having walls that define adjoining top and bottom chambers which move together as a unitary part during use. The top and bottom walls of the flexible sheet conform to tissue and have corresponding first and second sets of holes. The method supplies suction to the top chamber and the first set of holes via the first fluid path to engage and hold tissue adjacent the top wall by suction forces applied through the first set of holes, and also supplies suction to the bottom chamber and the second set of holes via the second fluid path to engage and hold tissue adjacent the bottom wall by suction forces applied through the second set of holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for creating a working space within a human or animal body. The device comprises an outer wall which is configurable to adopt a non-expanded condition and an expanded condition. When the outer wall is in said expanded condition it defines a hollow body having an inner cavity in communication with an orifice for location adjacent a working site within the body such that, in use, said working site can be visualised and/or accessed via said inner cavity and said orifice.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a frame and first and second retractor blades. The frame includes first and second securement features. At least one of the first and second securement features is movable with respect to the frame when the first and second securement features is mounted to the frame. Proximal portions of the first and second refractor blades are secured proximate the first and second securement features respectively. In a first position the first and second refractor blades are laterally opposed. Movement of the securement feature adjusts the angle of at least one of the retractor blades so that at least one of the retractor blades may be adjusted between an acute angle and an obtuse angle to horizontal.

Abstract: A biocompatible implant device (BCI) including a battery, a processor and at least one customizable operations module. The BCI is preferably rechargeable wirelessly via induction, and thus also contains an induction module including an induction coil connected to the battery. The BCI further includes a transceiver for communicating with external electronic devices. These features allow the BCI to be fully implanted with minimal biological issues, and without the need to remove the BCI to replace batteries, control the device or to obtain information therefrom.

Abstract: A technology to grasp a state of a human being more accurately is provided. The technology is provided with means for acquiring a time-series waveform of a frequency from a time-series waveform of a biological signal sampled from the upper body of a human being and for further acquiring a time-series waveform of frequency slope and a time-series waveform of frequency fluctuation and for applying frequency analysis to them. In the frequency analysis, a power spectrum of each frequency corresponding to a functional adjustment signal, a fatigue reception signal, and an activity adjustment signal, respectively, determined in advance is acquired. Then, a state of a human being is determined from a time-series change of each power spectrum.

Abstract: Aspects of the of the disclosure relate to a non-contact physiological motion sensor and a monitor device that can incorporate use of the Doppler effect. A continuous wave of electromagnetic radiation can be transmitted toward one or more subjects and the Doppler-shifted received signals can be digitized and/or processed subsequently to extract information related to the cardiopulmonary motion in the one or more subjects. The extracted information can be used, for example, to determine apneic events and/or snoring events and/or to provide apnea or snoring therapy to subjects when used in conjunction with an apnea or snoring therapy device. In addition, methods of use are disclosed for sway cancellation, realization of cessation of breath, integration with multi-parameter patient monitoring systems, providing positive providing patient identification, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for predicting an onset of an exacerbation in a COPD patient is provided. The method includes measuring physical activity of the patient over a period of time to gather physical activity data; measuring a respiration characteristic of the patient over the period of time to gather respiration data; and executing, on one or more computer processors, one or more computer program modules to detect the onset of the exacerbation based on predetermined criteria, wherein the predetermined criteria comprises a comparison of a change in the respiration data with a change in the physical activity data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel monitoring system suitable for attachment to a surface of a subject and for monitoring physiological signals of a subject wearing the system.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and displaying a health risk assessment report to a patient in real time is provided. The system receives a plurality of biometric data values for a patient and automatically processes subsets of the data to determine at least one category grade point average or letter grade. An overall health risk grade point average or letter grade is determined and presented to the patient along with the individual category grades. A simulated category letter grade and overall letter grade may also be presented which reflect selected adjustments to at least one of the biometric data values. The biometric data values may be based on real time measurement of a biosample taken from the patient in addition to manually entered data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetically levitating and further steering of an intraluminal device, such as a swallowable microelectronic capsule, for monitoring bodily functions is provided. The method comprises diamagnetically-stabilized levitation, followed by dynamic modification of the external magnetic field producing the said levitation, so that the levitating intraluminal device can be steered in desired direction. The said intraluminal device contains appropriate sensors and reports in real time the forces and pressures exerted on it, as well as its position, so that the levitation and the steering can be dynamically adjusted using appropriate dynamic control of external magnetic devices such as solenoids.

Abstract: Foley type catheter embodiments for sensing physiologic data from a urinary tract of a patient are disclosed. The system includes the catheter and a data processing apparatus and methods for sensing physiologic data from the urinary tract. Embodiments may also include a pressure sensor having a pressure interface at a distal end of the catheter, a pressure transducer at a proximal end, and a fluid column disposed between the pressure interface and transducer. When the distal end is residing in the bladder, the pressure transducer can transduce pressure impinging on it into a chronological pressure profile, which can be processed by the data processing apparatus into one or more distinct physiologic pressure profiles, for example, peritoneal pressure, respiratory rate, and cardiac rate. At a sufficiently high data-sampling rate, these physiologic data may further include relative pulmonary tidal volume, cardiac output, relative cardiac output, and absolute cardiac stroke volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (200) for taking a sample of a body fluid, such as blood, to be incorporated into a fluid circuit of a perfusion (100) of a patient who has a perfusion catheter (104), said device having a tubular structure (202) for connecting to the fluid circuit of the perfusion, provided with a zone for intubation, during use, of a sampling channel (300) comprising a distal end (301); and a means (203) for holding, during use, in the tubular structure, the part of the sampling channel (300) comprising a distal end (301) in such a way that the distal end (301) is oriented towards the perfusion catheter (104), in the direction of flow (F1) of the perfusion product (102), from a perfusion product reservoir (101) towards the perfusion catheter (104).

Abstract: A method of computing peak spectral irradiance, the method comprising characterizing at least one light source to determine an irradiance distribution pattern, generating multiple density cones in a three dimensional model based on the irradiance distribution pattern, positioning the multiple density cones in a desired layout, measuring density of irradiance at one or more locations, and optimizing the positioning of the at least one light source to obtain a desired irradiance distribution.