Abstract: A lead-free solder alloy is provided which has improved impact resistance to dropping even after thermal aging and which is excellent with respect to solderability, occurrence of voids, and yellowing. A solder alloy according to the present invention consists essentially of, in mass percent, (1) Ag: 0.8-2.0%, (2) Cu: 0.05-0.3%, (3) at least one element selected from In: at least 0.01% and less than 0.1%, Ni; 0.01-0.04%, Co: 0.01-0.05%, and Pt: 0.01-0.1%, optionally (4) at least one element selected from Sb, Bi, Fe, Al, Zn, and P in a total amount of up to 0.1%, and a remainder of Sn and impurities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air filtration system and a method for making a photocatalytic oxidation substrate by powder coating a photocatalyst onto a metal substrate.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for separation of particulate from water using ultrasonically generated acoustic standing waves.

Abstract: To provide an efficient sterilization method for inexpensively sterilizing a medical article having a complex shape such as a body fluid treatment device of a generally-called dry or semi-dry type by so applying an electron beam that the overall absorbed dose distribution is small and to provide its application package form. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A method for sterilizing tubular body fluid treatment devices of a dry or semi-dry type contained in an electron beam-transmitting case with an electron beam. The method is characterized in that a stack structure which includes a gap layer having an average density of 0.010 to 0.180 g/cm3 and two body fluid treatment device layers having an average density of 0.050 to 0.200 g/cm3 and sandwiching the gap layer is contained in the electron beam-transmitting case, and the case is irradiated with the electron beam.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method of processing a biological and/or chemical sample in a liquid droplet. The apparatus comprises a processing compartment, which is defined by a reservoir and an immobilization member. The processing compartment is further adapted to accommodate a medium, which is immiscible with the liquid droplet, and of a lower surface energy than the liquid of the liquid droplet. The reservoir is defined by a circumferential wall and a base. The immobilization member is arranged within the reservoir and comprises a surface that is patterned in such a way that it comprises at least one predefined immobilization area. The predefined immobilization area within the patterned surface is of a higher surface energy than the medium. The liquid droplet is disposed onto the predefined immobilization area, whereby the liquid droplet is immobilized thereon via hydrophilic-hydrophilic or hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions.

Abstract: The invention provides a small-sized automatic analyzer being compact, enabling a large number of analysis items to be carried out, and having a high processing speed. The automatic analyzer is particularly suitably applied to a medical analyzer used for qualitative/quantitative analysis of living body samples, such as urine and blood. A plurality of sample dispensing mechanism s capable of being operated independently of each other are provided to suck a sample from any one of a plurality of sample suction positions and to discharge the sucked sample to any one of a plurality of positions on a reaction disk. The automatic analyzer having a high processing capability can be thus realized without increasing the system size.

Abstract: A component of a laboratory automation system that integrates (a) separating a solid magnetic substrate from the liquid contents of a reaction vessel, (b) management of the thermal characteristics of the component of the laboratory automation system, (c) automated loading of multi-well plates and tip combs into the component of the laboratory automation system, (d) automated unloading of multi-well plates and tip combs from the component of the laboratory automation system, and (e) reading of radio frequency identification tags attached to multi-well plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for testing a sample of bodily fluid, comprising a carrier band, which carries a plurality of consumable elements, wherein one end of the carrier band is attached to a wind-up device for winding the carrier band, together with used consumable elements, onto a reel for the band transport, and comprising a display for displaying information regarding the supply of yet unused consumable elements of the carrier band. According to the invention, it is provided that information regarding the supply of yet unused consumable elements of the carrier band is obtained from an angle of rotation and from a band transport length by which the carrier band is moved with a rotation of the reel about said angle of rotation.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for particle sorting, particle patterning, and methods of using the same. The sorting or patterning is opto-fluidics based, in that particles are applied to individual chambers in the device, detection and/or analysis of the particles is carried out, such that a cell or population whose removal or conveyance is desired is defined, and the cell or population is removed or conveyed via application of an optical force and flow-mediated conveyance or removal of the part.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluorescence reader for an optical assay arrangement includes a polymeric sample substrate having a reaction site-surface and a substrate surface. A light source is arranged to illuminate the reaction site-surface through the substrate surface, and a detector device is arranged to detect fluorescent light emitted from the reaction site-surface and transmitted through the substrate surface, the substrate surface provided, for example, as a light-collecting body to allow fluorescent light rays exceeding a critical emission angle for total internal reflection to escape the substrate and enter the body.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus for the preparation of a cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a modular component, such as a cartridge. The cartridge may contain chemical precursors to allow the generation of chlorine dioxide. The apparatus has a fluid inlet, and separates the fluid into a first flow path, which fills a reservoir. It also has a second flow path, which is heated before passing through the cartridge to create the desired gas. The fluid output from the cartridge is then fed into the reservoir.

Abstract: Embodiments of a hydrocarbon conversion apparatus are provided, as are embodiments of a hydroprocessing conversion process. In one embodiment, the hydrocarbon conversion apparatus includes a reaction vessel having a reaction chamber and a feed distribution chamber. A riser fluidly couples the feed distribution chamber to the reaction chamber, and a catalyst recirculation standpipe fluidly couples the reaction chamber to the feed distribution chamber. The catalyst recirculation standpipe forms a catalyst recirculation circuit with the reaction chamber, the feed distribution chamber, and the riser. A catalyst is circulated through the catalyst recirculation circuit during operation of the hydrocarbon conversion apparatus.

Abstract: A preferential oxidation reactor for removing carbon monoxide in a hydrogen mixture gas is disclosed. The preferential oxidation reactor may include a housing having a catalytic layer provided therein, a mixture gas supply portion inserted into the interior of the housing and penetrating the catalytic layer, a condensate receiving portion contained within the housing and in fluid communication with a gas outlet port of the mixture gas supply portion and condensate control tubes arranged in the catalytic layer of the housing and in fluid communication with the condensate receiving portion. The condensate control tubes may have a capillary structure. A fuel cell system including the preferential oxidation reactor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure includes at least one honeycomb unit. The at least one honeycomb unit has a plurality of through holes defined by partition walls along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb unit. The honeycomb unit includes zeolite, an inorganic binder, and a noble metal catalyst. The noble metal catalyst is supported in a region of the honeycomb unit. The region extends from one end portion of the honeycomb unit in the longitudinal direction over approximately 1.5% or more to approximately 20% or less of an overall length of the honeycomb unit in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An ion generation apparatus includes: an air blower including a motor and two impellers attached to the output shafts projecting respectively from both sides of the motor; and two ducts through which air sent through rotation of the two impellers is individually allowed to flow in the same direction, for emitting the air outside. A part of whole of each of the ducts is provided in the laminar flow section where a flow of the air is changed into a laminar flow. Since an ion generating section is provided in each of the laminar flow sections, ions generated by the ion generating section can be efficiently involved in the air, so as to increase a concentration of the ions emitted to inside of a room together with the air.

Abstract: A modular catalyst bed support can be used to increase the number of catalyst beds available in a reactor. The modular catalyst bed support can include a lattice with a plurality of lattice openings and modules inserted into the lattice openings. The modular catalyst bed support can rest on top of an underlying catalyst bed, which can reduce or eliminate the need for attachment of the modular catalyst bed support to the walls of the reactor.

Abstract: A sample analysis disc has concave sections and convex sections formed alternately in a track area of a disc surface. Labeled beads are immobilized to the track area. Each labeled bead has a biopolymer bound thereto. Only one of the labeled beads is allowed to be filled in each concave section.

Abstract: A test strip to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a base, at least one tab and a break line. The base includes a capillary channel and a test element. The capillary channel is in fluid communication with the test element. The test element is adapted to receive the fluid sample. The at least one tab is removably attached to the base. The capillary channel extends from the base into a portion of the tab. The break line intersects the capillary channel in which an inlet to the capillary channel is exposed along the break line when the tab is separated from the base.

Abstract: A biomedical diagnostic device includes a hydrophilic layer, hydrophobic layer, and at least one test pad. The hydrophilic layer includes an exposed introductory portion adapted to introduce a test fluid, and is stacked with the hydrophobic layer with multiple access holes. At least one test pad, each of which includes a distinguishing reaction medium, is disposed in the corresponding holes that extend to contact the hydrophilic layer. The relations within the device are as follows: hydrophilicity of any of the test pads>hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic layer>hydrophilicity of the hydrophobic layer.

Abstract: A sample solution introduction kit and a sample solution injector capable of introducing sample solution while reducing the rate of occurrence of an air bubble and having a simplified structure are proposed. A sample solution introduction kit includes a plate-like member and a sample solution injector. The plate-like member has a plurality of spaces formed therein and serving as reaction field and a communication space that communicates with the plurality of spaces therein and that has a portion defining an opening formed in a surface of the plate-like member, and the sample solution injector includes a container containing the sample solution, a tube that communicates with the bottom of the container and that is insertable into the opening, a stopper removably fitted into an opening formed at a top end of the tube, and liquid held in the container, and the liquid is insoluble in the sample solution and is lighter than the sample solution.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods are provided for a microfabricated fluorescence activated cell sorter based on a switch for rapid, active control of cell routing through a microfluidic channel network. This sorter enables low-stress, highly efficient sorting of populations of small numbers of cells (i.e., 1000-100,000 cells). The invention includes packaging of the microfluidic channel network in a self-contained plastic cartridge that enables microfluidic channel network to macro-scale instrument interconnect, in a sterile, disposable format. Optical and/or fluidic switching forces are used alone or in combination to effect switching.

Abstract: A process for the production of paraffin sections of biological tissue, especially for molecular pathology studies is disclosed. In the process, the tissue sample is simultaneously fixed, dehydrated and cleared in a first step, subsequently dehydrated and cleared in a second step and infiltrated with an inert specimen matrix in a third step. The specimen can then be further embedded in a casting supporting matrix according to the standard procedures followed by any local pathology or research laboratory. A kit and a processing station for automating paraffin embedding of a tissue sample suitable for histopathological and molecular analysis is also described. A bio-indicator system is described for measuring the degree of crosslinking. A tissue sample holding means or a vial which includes a tissue sample holding means provided with a data logging device capable of registering and transmitting data regarding the sample and conditions where the sample was processed is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for activating carbonaceous material including a carbonaceous material feedstock unit for producing a carbonaceous material of less than 5% mineral content; a digestion unit in communication with the carbonaceous material feedstock unit; an acid feedstock unit in communication with the digestion unit for providing an acid mixture solution; a separation unit in communication with the digestion unit for separating the digested carbonaceous material from the acid mixture solution; a dryer unit in communication with the separation unit for drying the digested carbonaceous material and separating the carbonaceous material; and a thermal unit for activating the carbonaceous material to produce activated carbonaceous material, the thermal unit having an inlet for receiving the carbonaceous material from the dryer unit and an outlet for exiting the activated carbonaceous material from thermal unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for handling carbonyl sulfide waste and waste metal halides produced in industrial processes and, more particularly chlorination processes. The process includes the steps of hydrolyzing the carbonyl sulfide to produce a waste stream containing hydrogen sulfide and sulfidizing the resulting hydrogen sulfide containing stream with a solution of the waste metal halides. The resulting metal sulfide and metal halide-containing stream can be neutralized before disposal of the produced waste solids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a solution of electrically uncharged [(OH)x(NH3)yZn]z where x, y and z are each independently 0.01 to 10, comprising at least the steps of (A) contacting ZnO and/or Zn(OH)2 with ammonia in at least one solvent in order to obtain a solution of electrically uncharged [(OH)x(NH3)yZn]z where x, y and z each independently 0.01 to 10 with a concentration c1, (B) removing some solvent from the solution from step (A) in order to obtain a suspension comprising Zn(OH)2, (C) removing solid Zn(OH)2 from the suspension from step (B), and (D) contacting the Zn(OH)2 from step (C) with ammonia in at least one solvent in order to obtain a solution of electrically uncharged [(OH)x(NH3)yZn]z where x, y and z are each independently 0.01 to 10 with the concentration c2, and to highly concentrated solutions of electrically uncharged [(OH)x(NH3)yZn]z where x, y and z are each independently 0.

Abstract: It is possible to produce battery grade metallic lithium from naturally occurring or industrial brine by a process comprising the following steps: (i) precipitating magnesium with calcium hydroxide; (ii) removal of boron via extraction of solvents; (iii) precipitation of lithium with sodium carbonate; (iv) transformation of lithium carbonate to bicarbonate of lithium with carbonic acid; (v) decomposition of bicarbonate of lithium into high purity lithium carbonate as a result of heating of the solution. Re-precipitation of lithium carbonate by the formation of bicarbonate of lithium allows for the removal of the majority of contaminants which co-purify with lithium carbonate and yield battery grade highly purified lithium carbonate.

Abstract: A multi-stage selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit (32) provides efficient reduction of NOx and other pollutants from about 50-550° C. in a power plant (19). Hydrogen (24) and ammonia (29) are variably supplied to the SCR unit depending on temperature. An upstream portion (34) of the SCR unit catalyzes NOx+NH3 reactions above about 200° C. A downstream portion (36) catalyzes NOx+H2 reactions below about 260° C., and catalyzes oxidation of NH3, CO, and VOCs with oxygen in the exhaust above about 200° C., efficiently removing NOx and other pollutants over a range of conditions with low slippage of NH3. An ammonia synthesis unit (28) may be connected to the SCR unit to provide NH3 as needed, avoiding transport and storage of ammonia or urea at the site. A carbonaceous gasification plant (18) on site may supply hydrogen and nitrogen to the ammonia synthesis unit, and hydrogen to the SCR unit.

Abstract: A process for removing sulphur oxides from a fluid stream, such as flue gas, comprising: providing a non-aqueous absorption liquid containing at least one hydrophobic amine, the liquid being incompletely miscible with water; treating the fluid stream in an absorption zone with the non-aqueous absorption liquid to transfer at least part of the sulphur oxides into the non-aqueous absorption liquid and to form a sulphur oxide-hydrophobic amine-complex; causing the non-aqueous absorption liquid to be in liquid-liquid contact with an aqueous liquid whereby at least part of the sulphur oxide-hydrophobic amine-complex is hydrolyzed to release the hydrophobic amine and sulphurous hydrolysis products, and at least part of the sulphurous hydrolysis products is transferred into the aqueous liquid; separating the aqueous liquid from the non-aqueous absorption liquid. The process mitigates absorbent degradation problems caused by sulphur dioxide and oxygen in flue gas.

Abstract: High temperature fusion of olivine to produce forsterite in the presence of a reducing agent such as carbon can produce improved refractories when in addition to MgO additional, particular oxidation and/or oxidative reaction environments beyond the use of Carbon are employed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for treatment of water comprising rice husk ash and at least one bactericidal agent bonded to the rice husk ash. The bactericidal agent bonded to the rice husk ash is preferably silver and more particularly the bactericidal agent is nano silver. The invention also relates to a method of water purification using a composition comprising rice husk ash and at least one bactericidal agent bonded to the rice husk ash.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nitrate salt-based process for preparing a graphite oxide. The invention nitrate salt-based process employs starting materials comprising a sulfuric acid, an inorganic nitrate salt, an amount of water, a first amount of chlorate salt, and a graphite.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and compositions are provided related to utilizing gypsum for CO2 sequestration to form solid products containing calcium carbonate.

Abstract: In a method of producing carbonate mineral, a first aqueous solution containing an alkaline earth metal ion extracted from a cation exchange medium by a cation exchange reaction and carbon dioxide are added to a second aqueous solution to form a carbonate mineral.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high surface area porous carbon material and a process for making this material. In particular, the carbon material is derived from biomass and has large mesopore and micropore surfaces that promote improved adsorption of materials and gas storage capabilities.

Abstract: A method of processing bundles of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Bundles of CNTs are put into a solution and unbundled using sonication and one or more surfactants that break apart and disperse at least some of the bundles into the solution such that it contains individual semiconducting CNTs, individual metallic CNTs, and remaining CNT bundles. The individual CNTs are separated from each other using agarose bead column separation using sodium dodecyl sulfate as a surfactant. Remaining CNT bundles are then separated out by performing density-gradient ultracentrifugation.

Abstract: A method for fabricating graphene sheets or graphene particles includes (a) dispersing graphene oxide in an alcohol solution to prepare a graphene oxide dispersion solution, (b) reducing the graphene oxide dispersion solution under a supercritical condition to prepare graphene sheets or graphene particles, each of which is as a cluster of the graphene sheets, and (c) separating the graphene sheets or graphene particles, followed by washing and drying, and a method for fabricating a graphene film is configured to fabricate a graphene film in form of a thin film using the graphene sheets or graphene particles fabricated according to the method.

Abstract: A method for controlled deposition and orientation of molecular sized nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) on substrates is disclosed. The method comprised: forming a thin layer of polymer coating on a substrate; exposing a selected portion of the thin layer of polymer to alter a selected portion of the thin layer of polymer; forming a suspension of nanostructures in a solvent, wherein the solvent suspends the nanostructures and activates the nanostructures in the solvent for deposition; and flowing a suspension of nanostructures across the layer of polymer in a flow direction; thereby: depositing a nanostructure in the suspension of nanostructures only to the selected portion of the thin layer of polymer coating on the substrate to form a deposited nanostructure oriented in the flow direction. By selectively employing portions of the method above, complex NEMS may be built of simpler NEMSs components.

Abstract: A process for preparing and converting synthesis gas, which has a plurality of different operating states which consist essentially of mutually alternating (i) daytime operation and (ii) nighttime operation, daytime operation (i) comprising principally dry reforming and steam reforming with supply of renewable energy, and nighttime operation (ii) comprising principally the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, and the synthesis gas produced being used to produce products of value.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems reside in the decomposition of ammonia into a hydrogen gas mixture. An ammonia-rich gaseous mixture containing ammonia and oxygen enters into a conduit within which combustion and decomposition of the mixture is initiated, thereby liberating hydrogen. A mixture of gaseous products resulting from the reaction is expelled from the outlet of the conduit, the mixture including non-combusted hydrogen gas, which may then be used for other purposes. In the preferred embodiment, the incoming reactants including ammonia and oxygen are heat exchanged with the outgoing product mixture containing non-combusted hydrogen gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the detection and the treatment of prostate cells and to methods for the diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of a human being using the composition according to the invention.

Abstract: Inhibitors of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL and compositions containing the same are disclosed. Methods of using the Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibitors in the treatment of diseases and conditions wherein inhibition of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL provides a benefit, like cancers, also are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides benzothiazole derivative compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, methods of preparing such compounds, and methods of using such compounds for detecting amyloid deposit(s) and for diagnosing a disease, disorder or condition characterized by amyloid deposit(s).

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method for diagnosing an infection in a subject by administering to the subject a compound suitable for imaging which binds to a thymidine kinase present in the infecting organism, and obtaining an image of the subject to determine the presence and location of the compound, wherein a localization of the compound is indicative that the subject has an infection.

Abstract: Imaging agents of formulas (I)-(V) and methods for detecting neurological disorders comprising administering to a patient in need compounds of formulas (I)-(V) capable of binding to tau proteins and ?-amyloid peptides are presented herein. The invention also relates to methods of imaging A? and tau aggregates comprising introducing a detectable quantity of pharmaceutical formulation comprising a radiolabeled compound of formulas (I)-(V) and detecting the labeled compound associated with amyloid deposits and/or tau proteins in a patient. These methods and compositions enable preclinical diagnosis and monitoring progression of AD and other neurological disorders.

Abstract: Methods of utilizing the arrestin-2/sTAM-1 complex as a therapeutic target. The methods include treating cells of a living organism to mediate an interaction between arrestin-2 and STAM-1 adapter protein molecules, wherein the interaction is characterized by the arrestin-2 adapter protein molecule directly binding to the STAM-2 adapter protein molecule. Pharmacological agents can be identified for therapeutic uses by determining whether the pharmacological agent disrupts the interaction between the arrestin-2 and STAM-1 adapter protein molecules.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques used for colorectal cancer detection. Position and distribution of colorectal cancer tumor are detected through nuclear imaging. Alternatively, stage of colorectal cancer is identified by shading value in tumor. Thus, the present disclosure provides a safe and noninvasive clinical method for diagnosing and tracing level and distribution of colorectal cancer before and after treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved sweetener compositions and oral care compositions, especially those in the form of a toothpaste or oral/dental rinse, comprising the same. The sweetener composition comprises a combination of saccharin, sucralose and a rebaudioside, or sweeteners of similar sucrose equivalence and type, preferably in a ratio of about 1:about 1: about 2. The sweetener composition of the invention was found to significantly improve the taste profile, long lasting freshness and clean feel of oral care compositions and to deliver an in-use sweetness that was more natural and pleasant than artificial sweeteners alone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an O/W emulsified composition which contains an organic UV absorber in an oil state such as octocrylene and a solid organic UV absorber, and is excellent in UV protection ability, formulation stability, and feeling in use. The composition according to the present invention is an O/W emulsified composition, comprising: (a) an organic UV absorber in an oil state at 20° C., comprising (a1) octocrylene; (b) an organic UV absorber in a solid state at 20° C.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to sunscreen compositions having a synergistic combination of ultraviolet light (UV) filtering agents that provide a high sun protection factor (SPF). Compositions according to the disclosure have high SPF values without requiring high overall amounts of UV filtering agents. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to methods of using the described compositions for protecting keratinous substances such as skin and hair from UV radiation.