Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a body having an upper surface, a lower surface and a transverse fastener hole. The body includes a dynamic fixation mechanism for seating a fastener in the fastener hole and translating the fastener relative to the implant to accommodate subsidence of the implant. In one embodiment, an implant includes a transverse slot with an elongated seat for translating a seated fastener relative to the implant. In another embodiment, an implant includes a displaceable sliding member for translating a fastener relative to the implant.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a first endplate, a second endplate, and a bearing surface positioned between the first endplate and the second endplate. The bearing surface may be provided by a mobile bearing disc including a convex bearing surface configured to engage the first endplate and a concave bearing surface configured to engage the second endplate. The multiple bearing surfaces of the mobile bearing disc engage articulating surfaces on the endplates to form a plurality of articulating joints. Each articulating joint is configured to facilitate a particular type of movement for the segmental unit. Furthermore, each articulating joint is defined by a distinct center of rotation. The contact pair formed by the convex bearing surface of the bearing component and the concave bearing surface of the first endplate may provide a flexion/extension center of rotation for the prosthesis.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a knee prosthesis system with at least a first tibial portion element (a tibial insert or a tibial insert trial) and a second tibial portion element (a tibial insert or a tibial insert trial), wherein each of the first tibial portion element and the second tibial portion element has a different slope. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of implanting a knee prosthesis, wherein the method utilizes at least a first tibial portion element (a tibial insert or a tibial insert trial) and a second tibial portion element (a tibial insert or a tibial insert trial), wherein each of the first tibial portion element and the second tibial portion element has a different slope.

Abstract: An implant device for humans or mammals has a body structure having an exposed surface and one or more selected portions of the exposed surface having a bone formation enhancing 3-dimensional pattern. The exposed surface can be on exterior portions of the body structure or internal portions of the body structure or both. The one or more selected portions of the exposed portions having the bone formation enhancing 3-dimensional patterns are in the external exposed surfaces or in the internal exposed surfaces or both internal and external exposed surfaces.

Abstract: An air passageway obstruction device includes a frame structure and a flexible membrane overlying the frame structure. The frame structure is collapsible upon advancement of the device into the air passageway, expandable into a rigid structure upon deploying in the air passageway and recollapsible upon removal from the air passageway. The flexible membrane obstructs inhaled air flow into a lung portion communicating with the air passageway. The device may be removed after deployment in an air passageway by recollapsing the device and pulling the device proximally through a catheter.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a stent includes an elongate member and a distal retention member. The elongate member is configured to be disposed within a ureter of a patient and has a first portion, a second portion and a plurality of beads bonded together. The plurality of beads define a plurality of spaces between the plurality of beads. The plurality of spaces are configured to allow fluid to flow from the first portion of the elongate member to the second portion of the elongate member. The distal retention member is configured to help maintain a portion of the stent within a kidney of the patient.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injection implant for filling up wrinkles, thin lines, skin cracks and scars, for reparative or plastic surgery, aesthetic dermatology, and for filling up gums in dental treatment. The invention concerns the use of biologically absorbable polymer microspheres or microparticles suspended in a gel. The suspension is produced either ready-for-use or freeze-dried. The biological absorbability of the microspheres is controlled and enables the production of implants having well defined persistence and deliberately limited to 3 years.

Abstract: An upper extremity prosthetic device is provided that comprises three main components, namely, an arm cuff, a forearm section and a distal connector. The arm cuff is adjustable to accommodate lower arms of different sizes. The forearm section may be constructed in certain limited sizes to accommodate different sized forearm residual limbs. The distal connector is designed to connect to any of the forearm section configurations, and the distal connector enables any terminal device to be attached to the connector. The components may be mixed and matched in various combinations to fit the physical dimensions of virtually any amputee. The interchangeable parts will accommodate a wide range of residual limb geometries, overall sizes and lengths. Embodiments of the present invention minimize the need for time and resource-intensive customized fitting and create an affordable, relatively low-cost prosthetic interface.

Abstract: An antibacterial composition including silver nano particles, a protective agent and water is provided. The molar ratio of the silver nano particles to the protective agent is 1:0.995-1 and the protective agent is selected from a group consisting of MCl, MBr, MI, MS2O3 and NH4OH, in which M represents an element of group IA or IIA. Furthermore, two methods of fabricating an antibacterial textile are also provided.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a novel purified polypeptide having laccase activity and the nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptide. The disclosed polypeptide works at moderately high temperatures from below 20° C. to about 70° C., both acidic and alkaline pH conditions, high salt concentrations and in the presence of organo solvents. The high stability of the enzyme enables its wide applications under even extreme conditions. The invention also provides methods of producing the laccase enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions comprising compounds, which are molecular combinations of a phthalocyanine and a mono-azo dyestuff linked via specific linking groups. Further aspects are an improved shading process for textile materials and also use of these shading compositions for shading textiles.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for a method of crystallization of salt from brine on top of any soil surface through airborne brine droplet crystallization, controlled moisture depth, capillary action and enhanced renewable energy to grow a layer of salt which can be collected. The brine is pumped from an underground source, sprayed in ambient air over a solid surface and, if water is not completely evaporated, allowed to seep through the surface to saturate the capillary zone. Water is evaporated while the sprayed brine is in the air or on the surface where capillary action brings it up to the surface for the water component to be evaporated by net heat gained from the environment resulting in salt crystallization. The evaporation of sprayed brine is enhanced by smaller droplet size, residence time due the spray height and wind machines to reduce humidity and increase natural thermal input.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microporous membrane. The membrane can have an average thickness of 23 ?m or more, an air permeability in a range of about 20 sec/100 cm3 to 100 sec/100 cm3, a pin puncture strength of 2,450 mN or more, and a heat shrinkage ratio of 12% or less at 105° C. The membrane can be produced from a polyolefin solution made by combining a membrane-forming solvent and at least one polyolefin resin containing polyethylene having a viscoelastic angular frequency ??0#191 of at least about 0.01 rad/sec.

Abstract: Algae-derived synthetic coal and filtrates. The invention described herein provides an algae-derived synthetic coal product and filtrates and process for preparing the same using an improved hydrothermal carbonization process. The synthetic coal product is similar to natural bituminous coal in terms of percent carbon content and energy equivalency while at the same time containing relatively low levels of sulfur and contaminant heavy metals. Unlike natural coal and other fossil fuels, because the carbon of the biomass is formed through photosynthesis, carbon dioxide formed during combustion is a “carbon neutral” event with little or no “new” carbon dioxide being added to the earth's atmosphere. The algae-derived filtrates contain useful constituents.

Abstract: A novel functionally effective organic molecules with various molecular weights are produced by cleaving lignite with hydrogen peroxide or alkaline hydrogen peroxide predominantly below 1000 molecular weight, the said functionally effective organic molecules, molecular weights varies depending on the reaction conditions such as concentration of hydrogen peroxide, time of reaction, temperature, ratio of lignite to hydrogen peroxide, lignite quality etc. conditions. These organic molecules are functionally effective than normal organic molecules (humic, fulvic acids etc.) present naturally in lignite or leonardite due to enhanced reactive nature obtained by treating with hydrogen peroxide or alkaline hydrogen peroxide which are resultant of cleavage of lignite. These functionally effective organic molecules have utilities in various areas such as agriculture and medicine.

Abstract: Reformer and method for producing hydrogen and steam where steam is used for steam-assisted extraction of heavy hydrocarbons. Steam is injected into a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir. Hydrocarbons are extracted from the reservoir along with produced water. Hydrogen is produced in a catalytic steam hydrocarbon reformer. Combustion product gas from the reformer is used to generate wet steam in a once-through steam generator from produced water recycled from the reservoir. The wet steam is used for the steam-assisted extraction of heavy hydrocarbons. The reformer has a heat exchanger section including a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger downstream of the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger is suitable for processing the produced water by once-through steam generation and is suitable for mechanical cleaning. The reformer also has a first exhaust downstream of the second heat exchanger and a closeable second exhaust downstream of the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system (10) and a method for converting carbonaceous fuel (102) into a gaseous product (42). According to one embodiment a fuel slurry (118) is introduced into a chamber (120) and heated under sufficient pressure to prevent the carrier component (100) from boiling so that the carbonaceous component (102) does not separate from the carrier component (100). The step of heating the carrier component (100) may include increasing pressure and temperature to place the carrier component (100) in a supercritical state while sustaining the carbonaceous component (102) and carrier component (100) in a mixed state. In this embodiment a pump (136) imposes sufficient chamber pressure to prevent boiling of the carrier component (100) as the mixture is heated to at least 345° C., and a gasifier chamber (120) is positioned to receive the gaseous mixture (118) at a lower pressure than the supercritical pressure for creation of syngas (42).

Abstract: In a coal gasification furnace adapted to feed pulverized coal thereinto by the use of inert carrier gas and gasify the same, any startup burner can be unnecessitated thereby eliminating any startup combustion chamber. Further, even in the use of a startup burner, it is smaller and lighter in weight than conventional startup burners, allowing the startup combustion chamber to be compact and limiting the height of the entirety of the gasification furnace. As a characteristic feature, a pulverized coal fuel supply passageway (23) to a combustor burner (9) is provided at its midstream portion with a startup gas supply passageway (29) for supply of a startup combustible gas (NG1).

Abstract: The present invention mainly relates to a polishing pad comprising a base material comprising fibers; a first membrane with low permeability; a two-component paste formed on the upper surface of the first membrane with low permeability for adhering the base material to the first membrane with low permeability; and a polyurethane paste formed on the lower surface of the first membrane with low permeability. A method of polishing a substrate comprising using the polishing pad and a method for manufacturing the polishing pad as described above are also provided. The polishing pad as mentioned above prevents the polishing pad from detaching from the polishing platen or head. The polishing pad is easy to be replaced without leaving residues on the polishing platen or head.

Abstract: A dust-sucking and air-cleaning composite structure is provided with a dust-sucking body and an air-cleaning body. The top surface of the air-cleaning body is provided with a vertically opening cavity. The cavity is recessed downward toward the interior of the air-cleaning body and has an opening facing upwardly. The inner profile of the cavity corresponds to the outer profile of the dust-sucking body, thereby allowing the dust-sucking body to be movably inserted into the cavity to be electrically coupled to the air-cleaning body.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for creating a zone of filtered air proximate a head of a user including an air filtration device including a blower being configured to be disposed within, below, or affixed to a bedding structure, an air plenum in flow communication with the blower and in support of the head of the user and having an air delivery surface configured to distribute the air flow to the zone of filtered air, and a filter disposed within the device for filtering the air flow before it is distributed to the zone of filtered air.

Abstract: A ventilation member (100) of the invention includes a tubular part (11), a gas permeable filter (19), and a cover part (31). In an attached state where the tubular part (11) is fit into the cover part (31), gaps functioning as gas passages (AR2 and AR3) are formed between a bottom portion (35) of the cover part (31) and the gas permeable filter (19) and between a side wall portion (39) of the cover part (31) and a body portion (17) of the tubular part (11). The opening area (S2) of a filter-end opening (15) with respect to an in-plane direction (WL) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the gas permeable filter (19) is larger than the opening area (S1) of a connection-end opening (13) with respect to the in-plane direction (WL).

Abstract: A system and apparatus for enhancement of inlet air mass for processes by progressive filtration and intermediate cooling.

Abstract: A collapsible air cleaner filter is provided. The filter includes a pleated media filter having a first end, a second end, and a filter media extending between the first and second ends, wherein the filter media includes a first plurality of flexible end portions and a second plurality of flexible end portions, the first and second plurality of flexible end portions are separated by a plurality of pleats, and the filter media extends a first length between the first and second plurality of flexible end portions, and an end member coupled to the first end of the pleated media filter, the end member extending a second length parallel to the first length, the first length being greater than the second length.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure an air cleaner and air filter cartridge arrangement is provided. The air filter cartridge is a removable and replaceable cartridge for use in the air cleaner. The cartridge includes, among other things, an end cap having a preferred outwardly directed radial seal and a groove. The air cleaner includes a housing with a ring projecting into an interior, positioned to project against an end of the filter cartridge, when the filter cartridge is mounted for use. Methods of assembly and installation are described.

Abstract: Solutions for improving efficiency of a filter device for use with a machine requiring clean airflow are disclosed. In one embodiment, the filter device includes: a filter housing about an airflow inlet of the machine, wherein the filter housing comprises an air-permeable filter media configured to filter particles from multi-directional airflow moving through a substantial portion of the filter housing into the airflow inlet.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming a dense, shaped article, such as a crucible, formed of a refractory material, the method comprising the steps of placing a refractory material having a melting point of at least about 2900° C. in a mold configured to form the powder into an approximation of the desired shape. The mold containing the powder is treated at a temperature and pressure sufficient to form a shape-sustaining molded powder that conforms to the shape of the mold, wherein the treating step involves sintering or isostatic pressing. The shape-sustaining molded powder can be machined into the final desired shape and then sintered at a temperature and for a time sufficient to produce a dense, shaped article having a density of greater than about 90% and very low open porosity. Preferred refractory materials include tantalum carbide and niobium carbide.

Abstract: A method for generating metallic nanomaterials using acetylenic-bridged metal-carbonyl complexes as a precursor allows control of nanoparticle properties. The novel method produced metallic nanomaterials resistant to oxidation.

Abstract: One aspect is a method for producing an alloy, whereby the alloy includes at least a first metal and a second metal, whereby firstly a powder metallurgical route and subsequently a melt metallurgical route is used sequentially in order to generate the alloy from the, at least, first metal and the second metal. The method includes grinding the first metal into a first metal powder, grinding the second metal into a second metal powder, mixing the first metal powder and the second metal powder to produce a blended powder, generating a blended body from the blended powder by the powder metallurgical route, and generating the alloy by melting the blended body by the melt metallurgical route.

Abstract: A method or device for controlling the operation of an electrostatic precipitator, ESP, is provided. The ESP is used to remove dust particles from a process gas generated by a combustion process. An indicator signal is generated, typically by a temperature sensor, which signal is indicative of the temperature of combustion air fed to the combustion process. The ESP is operated in a manner depending on the indicator signal. Thereby, back-corona effects may be avoided to a great extent.

Abstract: A system includes an air separation unit configured to separate air into an oxygen rich stream and a nitrogen rich stream and a purity control system configured to receive input indicative of a target diluent level. The purity control system is configured to control the air separation unit to adjust an oxygen percentage and a nitrogen percentage of the oxygen rich stream based on the target diluent level.

Abstract: An inline water trap including a filter component and a panel connector configured to interface with a patient gas monitor. In one embodiment the inline water trap indicates to the patient gas monitor that it is in place and that the patient gas monitor may begin intaking and analyzing the filtered patient sample. The inline water trap receives a patient sample and filters water and contaminants from the sample before allowing the remaining gas portion of the sample to pass through to the patient gas monitor, thereby protecting the patient gas monitor from damage. One embodiment of the inline water trap additionally contains an RFID tag to indicate to the patient gas monitor that the correct type of inline water trap is engaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane/amine column system and process for removing acid gases from natural gas on a floating liquefied natural gas vessel. Several process configurations are provided to deal with a reduction in the effectiveness of the amine column by increasing the amount of acid gases being removed by the membrane system prior to the natural gas being sent to the amine column.

Abstract: A degas assembly including a low pressure fluid channel for carrying a wash fluid at a first pressure, a pressurized channel for carrying eluent including a gas at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, and a degas separator defining a fluid barrier between the low pressure fluid channel and pressurized fluid channel, the separator configured to retain liquid in the pressurized fluid channel and allow gas to flow through the separator to the low pressure fluid channel. The pressurized fluid channel may extend along an outer periphery of the low pressure fluid channel. The eluent may be received from an eluent generator at a pressure of at least about 3300 psi, and in various embodiments up to about 5000 psi. A liquid chromatography system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for removing dissolved gas from makeup water in a water-cooled nuclear reactor. The present invention includes a storage tank for containing the makeup water that includes the dissolved gas, a membrane system positioned downstream of the storage tank to at least partially remove the dissolved gas from the makeup water; and a transport mechanism to transfer the makeup water from an outlet of the membrane system for use in the water-cooled nuclear reactor. The dissolved gas can include at least one of dissolved oxygen, dissolved nitrogen, dissolved argon and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to degassing devices for dialysate circuits. One embodiment has a first housing and a second housing positioned within the first housing in an annular relationship. A second embodiment comprises a dialysate regeneration system with urease, a dialyzer, and a housing with an external wall, where the external wall is exposed to atmosphere and comprises a material that passes gas but does not pass liquid and where the housing is positioned between the urease and dialyzer.

Abstract: A method for removing particulate matter from a particulate-bearing gas stream includes flowing a particulate-bearing gas stream at a first volumetric flow rate to a plurality of ESP units; producing electrically charged particulate matter; collecting electrically charged particulate matter on collection electrode plates; reducing the flow through at least one of the ESP units; sequentially increasing the flow through one or more remaining ESP units in an amount so as to maintain the sum of flow through all of the ESP units at the first volumetric flow rate; subjecting the collection electrode plates in the at least one ESP unit with reduced flow to forces which dislodge the particulate matter from the collection electrode plates; collecting the dislodged particulate matter in a particulate collection receptacle; and withdrawing a gas stream of reduced particulate matter contamination.

Abstract: A purging apparatus for a storage chamber is disclosed. The purging apparatus is configured for establishing a purge gas flow through the storage chamber. The purging apparatus may include a gas purifier and a particle filter. The gas purifier may provide a purge gas to the storage chamber. The purge gas may flow through the storage chamber, and a mixture of the purge gas and potential contaminants may subsequently exit the storage chamber as exhaust gas. The particle filter may receive and filter the exhaust gas. The filtered gas may be provided to the gas purifier for purification and recirculation. The gas purifier may purify the filtered gas by substantially removing at least one of: an acid, a base, an organic compound, water or oxygen from the filtered gas. The purified filtered gas may then be recirculated and provided to the storage chamber as the purge gas.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of carbon dioxide (or CO2) from various types of gas emitting sources containing carbon dioxide, including the reduction of carbon dioxide from industrial gas emitting sources via the use of an ion exchange material.

Abstract: Heat-exchangers and biogas conditioners including a heat exchange member disposed between upper and lower flanges of the apparatus in which at least the heat exchange member is formed of a highly thermally conductive material (e.g., at least 50 W/m?K) such as aluminum or aluminum alloy. A bed of zeolite is loaded within the apparatus so as to be in contact with the heat exchange member. The heat exchange member is shaped and configured so that any given location of the zeolite bed is no more than about 3 inches from the heat exchange member comprising the highly thermally conductive material.

Abstract: The system and method for recycling and using the heat from compressed gas produced by a biogas treatment plant. The system includes a biogas cleaning stage and a plurality of compression and heat exchanger stages that allows the heat generated by compressed gases to be harvested. After the heat is harvested, it is delivered to a jacketed vessel containing media used to remove contaminants from the biogas. The media inside the jacketed vessel requires regeneration or stripping of harmful VOCs and other contaminants picked up from the biogas. The system also includes an inert gas generator that creates hot inert gas that is delivered to the jacketed vessel that heats the media located therein to remove contaminants. Because the jacket vessel and the media are simultaneously heated, the system's heat-up time is reduced The system also includes a heat exchanger that partially recovers the heat from the inert gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating a fluid. The apparatus includes an inlet duct having an inlet flow entrance and an inlet flow exit, the inlet duct defining an inlet width that decreases between the inlet flow entrance and the inlet flow exit, and an inlet radius that increases between the inlet flow entrance and the inlet flow exit. The apparatus also includes a separating turn fluidly connected to the inlet flow exit of the inlet duct and including an outer surface defining an opening. The apparatus further includes a liquid outlet fluidly connected to the opening of the separating turn to allow a higher-density component of the flow to exit the separating turn, and an outlet duct having an outlet flow entrance connected to the separating turn, to allow a lower-density component of the flow to exit the separating turn.

Abstract: To provide a humidifying membrane module that is reduced in weight, size and cost by making a case in a single layer structure, the humidifying membrane module has a hollow fiber membrane bundle constructed from plural hollow fiber membranes, a case accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bundle, a first flow passage extending through hollows of the hollow fiber membranes, and a second flow passage extending through the outer surface sides of the hollow fiber membranes, the membrane bundle and the case are simultaneously integrated at both ends of the membrane bundle by using potting members sealing gaps between the membrane bundle and the case, an inlet and an outlet constructing the first flow passage are formed at the both ends of the case respectively, and an entrance and an exit constructing the second flow passage are formed in side surfaces near the both ends of the case respectively.

Abstract: Provided are a CO2 absorber that reduces CO2 contained in flue gas; a regenerator that reduces CO2 contained in rich solvent absorbing CO2 to regenerate the rich solvent, so that lean solvent having the CO2 reduced in the regenerator is reused in the CO2 absorber; a heat exchanger that allows the rich solvent to exchange heat with the lean solvent; and a controller that controls to extract rich solvent portion that is part of the rich solvent, to allow the rich solvent portion to by pass the heat exchanger, and to be supplied into the top of the regenerator without exchanging heat so as to minimize a sum of an enthalpy that is taken out of the regenerator as CO2 gas accompanying steam and an enthalpy of the lean solvent after heat exchange with the rich solvent in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A thermal ink jet ink composition includes one or more volatile organic solvents, one or more humectants, one or more binder resins, one or more dyes, and one or both of a surfactant and a plasticizer. The one or more volatile organic solvents are selected from C1-C4 alcohols, C3-C6 ketones, C4-C8 ethers, C3-C6 esters, and mixtures thereof. The one or more humectants are present in an amount not more than 30% by weight of the ink jet ink composition. The ink jet ink composition optionally includes water up to 10% by weight of the ink jet ink composition.

Abstract: A non-aqueous pigment ink which enables the ink repellency of the nozzle plate surface of the print head to be favorably maintained, while also enabling a superior image density to be obtained. The non-aqueous pigment ink includes a pigment, a pigment dispersant and a non-aqueous solvent, wherein the ink comprises a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and an alkene of 10 to 40 carbon atoms as the pigment dispersant, and also comprises a pigment derivative.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of printing high resolution images on edible substrates with dispersed pigmented inks using a drop-on-demand ink-jet printer. Dispersed pigmented white inks useful with the inventive methods are also disclosed. White images having a resolution greater than 200 dpi can be printed on chocolate using the methods and inks disclosed herein. The inventive methods and inks may also be integrated with a consumer-driven site vending or e-commerce application in which the consumer provides the image to be printed and edibles bearing the printed image are prepared for rapid turnaround.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pigment/auxiliary combination having an improved chroma and/or relative color strength, to its production and to its use.

Abstract: Low density additives and methods of making said additives for composite materials are provided. The low density additives have at least a partial or complete water repellant property that reduces moisture migration, absorption, and retention within a composite material in which it is incorporated into. Active sites are engineered onto the surface of the low density additives to enhance bonding of the additives within a composite matrix. Reduced water movement and enhanced bonding lead to an increased strength and durability performance for a composite material comprising such additives. Composite materials incorporating one or more engineered low density additives as also provided, such composite materials having enhanced strength and durability. Such composite materials may be made from a Hatschek process. The composite materials may be further used as interior and exterior building products.

Abstract: Hydraulic cements, such as Portland cements and other cements that include substantial quantities of tricalcium silicate (C3S), dicalcium silicate (C2S), tricalcium aluminate (C3A), and/or tetracalcalcium alumino-ferrite (C4AF), are particle size optimized to have increased reactivity compared to cements of similar chemistry and/or decreased water demand compared to cements of similar fineness. Increasing hydraulic cement reactivity increases early strength development and release of reactive calcium hydroxide, both of which enhance SCM replacement and 1-28 day strengths compared to blends of conventional Portland cement and one or more SCMs, such as coal ash, slag or natural pozzolan. Decreasing the water demand can improve strength by decreasing the water-to-cement ratio for a given workability. The narrow PSD cements are well suited for making blended cements, including binary, ternary and quaternary blends.