Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a refractory material, said material comprising: (i) at least 20 wt. % of a first grain mode stabilized zirconia based upon the total weight of said material, said first grain mode having a D50 grain size in the range of from 5 to 2000 ?m, said stabilized zirconia including a matrix oxide stabilizer; (ii) at least 1 wt. % of a second grain mode having a D50 grain size in the range of from 0.01 ?m up to not greater than one-fourth the D50 grain size of said first grain mode zirconia, based upon the total weight of said material; and (iii) at least 1 wt. % of a preservative component within at least one of said first grain mode stabilized zirconia, said second grain mode stabilized zirconia, and an optional another grain mode; wherein after sintering, said material has porosity at 20° C. in the range of from 5 to 45 vol %.

Abstract: The presently disclosed debris collection system includes an elongate body having a first end, a second end, and a bore extending therethrough. The first end of the elongate body is hermetically closed while the second end has an opening. The elongated body is made of an impermeable material. A cap fixed to the elongated body and has a bore extending therethrough. A port, which is attached to the cap, is designed for introducing fluid into the elongated body. A watertight seal, such as a gasket, is attached to the cap. The seal is also made of an impermeable material. In operation, a liquid is introduced into the debris collection system. A surgical tool must then be introduced into the system. Thereafter, a vortex is created within the system to debride debris from the surgical tool.

Abstract: Provided is a device and a method for fractionating particle-containing liquids. The device comprises at least one separation apparatus and at least one collection apparatus. The collection apparatus has at least two containers and the outlet of the at least one separation apparatus opens into a distribution system that has a repositionable outlet that can be oriented selectively toward the input opening of the containers. The distribution system adds the liquid to the at least two containers of the collection device in a controlled manner as a function of event or time.

Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising a plurality of photochemical reaction stages, the microfluidic system comprising a computational processor, a plurality of electrically-controllable photochemical reaction stages, and a series of controllable interconnections for connecting the photochemical reaction stages. In an implementation, the computational processor controls the plurality of electrically-controllable photochemical reaction stages and the controllable interconnections so as to implement a multi-step photochemical synthesis function.

Abstract: The present relates to a system and method for preventing or reducing unwanted heat in a microfluidic of the device while generating heat in selected regions of the device. Current can be supplied to a heating element through electric leads that are designed so that the current density in the leads is substantially lower than the current density in the heating element. Unwanted heat in the microfluidic complex can be reduced by thermally isolating the electric leads from the microfluidic complex by, for example, running each lead directly away from the microfluidic complex. Unwanted heat can be removed from selected regions of the microfluidic complex using one or more cooling devices.

Abstract: An analytical cartridge and a rotary analytical device with which the cartridge cooperates. The cartridge may have a housing, an axis, analysis chambers spaced from and located circumferentially about the axis, and a magnetically movable element located in and movable within each analysis chamber to mix fluid in the analysis chamber. The rotary analytical device may have a housing with a cavity having an axis, an impeller extending into the cavity and rotatable about the axis to receive and rotate the cartridge, a motor to rotate the impeller, at least one magnetic element near the cavity and offset from the axis, a light source in the housing to direct a beam of light into the cavity and through the analysis chamber of the cartridge, and a light sensor to receive light from the analysis chamber.

Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.

Abstract: An article of laboratory glassware for directing the flow of chemical materials is described. The article includes a glass manifold having a plurality of input ports and at least one output port, and a plurality of stopcocks. Each stopcock has an inlet port and an outlet port connected by a passageway through the plug. Each of the stopcock output ports is connected to one of the manifold input ports, and each of the stopcock input ports is connected with one end of a hollow glass tube, and the other end of the hollow glass tube is connected to a female ground glass joint. The output ports of the manifold are terminated to a male ground glass joint. Each plug is rotated by an electrical motor or a servo, and sensed by a sensor. The rotation of each rotating plug is controlled by a computer.

Abstract: A process for making ethylbenzene and/or styrene by reacting toluene with methane is disclosed. In one embodiment the process can include reacting toluene with methane to form a product stream comprising ethylbenzene and further processing the ethylbenzene to form styrene in an existing styrene production facility.

Abstract: Used uranium oxide fuel is detoxified by extracting transuranic and reactive fission products into molten salt. By contacting declad and crushed used uranium oxide fuel with a molten halide salt containing a minor fraction of the respective uranium trihalide, transuranic and reactive fission products partition from the fuel to the molten salt phase, while uranium oxide and non-reactive, or noble metal, fission products remain in an insoluble solid phase. The salt is then separated from the fuel via draining and distillation. By this method, the bulk of the decay heat, fission poisoning capacity, and radiotoxicity are removed from the used fuel. The remaining radioactivity from the noble metal fission products in the detoxified fuel is primarily limited to soft beta emitters. The extracted transuranic and reactive fission products are amenable to existing technologies for group uranium/transuranic product recovery and fission product immobilization in engineered waste forms.

Abstract: A process for treating spent pickle liquor has the steps of mixing the spent pickle liquor with sulfuric acid, introducing oxygen into the mixture of spent pickle liquor and the sulfuric acid for a period of time, and producing diiron(II) tetrachlorosulfate from the oxygen-introduced mixture of sulfuric acid and spent pickle liquor. The spent pickle liquor and the sulfuric acid are introduced into a column. The oxygen is passed under pressure into the column. The intimate mixture of spent pickle liquor, sulfuric acid and oxygen are maintained under pressure for a period of time.

Abstract: A process for removing one or more of arsenic and other contaminants from a synthetic gas feedstock comprising a sulfur compound. The synthetic gas feedstock is contacted with a composition having an active material. The active material includes one or more elements having an electronegativity from 1.6 to 2.0 on the Pauling scale. At least a portion of the active material is a sulfide phase.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from a gas stream by feeding the gas stream into a scrubber that can use seawater as the scrubbing medium. The gas stream is first scrubbed with the seawater and then mixed with ozone to remove the contaminants. Nitrogen oxides that are present in the gas stream are converted to nitric acid/nitrates and these are recovered via condensate or coalesced mist for neutralization. The treated gas stream is then exhausted to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method is described for treating a gas including nitrogen oxides (NOx). The method can include conducting a reduction reaction of the nitrogen oxides with a nitrogen reducing agent. Further described, is a catalyst used for the reduction reaction which is a catalytic system including a composition based on cerium oxide and including niobium oxide in a proportion by a mass of from 2% to 20%.

Abstract: Described is a nitrogen oxide storage catalyst comprising: a substrate; a first washcoat layer provided on the substrate, the first washcoat layer comprising a nitrogen oxide storage material, a second washcoat layer provided on the first washcoat layer, the second washcoat layer comprising a hydrocarbon trap material, wherein the hydrocarbon trap material comprises substantially no element or compound in a state in which it is capable of catalyzing selective catalytic reduction, preferably wherein the hydrocarbon trap material comprises substantially no element or compound in a state in which it is capable of catalyzing a reaction wherein nitrogen oxide is reduced to N2, said catalyst further comprising a nitrogen oxide conversion material which is either comprised in the second washcoat layer and/or in a washcoat layer provided between the first washcoat layer and the second washcoat layer.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to the separation of gases and to a process for the removal of carbon dioxide gas using liquid absorbents. A process is disclosed for removing carbon dioxide from a gaseous stream comprising contacting the gaseous stream with a carbon dioxide absorbent comprising a mixture of an ionic liquid and water in a molar ratio of from 10:1 to 1:10, wherein the ionic liquid has the formula: [Cat+][X?].

Abstract: A heat recovery steam generator includes a casing for receiving exhaust gas from a turbine, a heat exchanger positioned within the casing for thermal communication with the exhaust gas, and an ammonia vapor distributor positioned within the casing. An ammonia vaporization unit is configured for conversion of aqueous ammonia to ammonia vapor and communication of the ammonia vapor to the distributor. A first extraction line operatively connects between the casing and the ammonia vaporization unit for communication of exhaust gas to the ammonia vaporization unit. A second extraction operatively connects between the casing and the ammonia vaporization unit for communication of exhaust gas to the ammonia vaporization unit. A catalytic reduction system is located within the casing and positioned downstream from the distributor for effecting a reaction between the ammonia vapor and NOx in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A method for the catalytic decomposition of N2O in an N2O- and NOx-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst contains a zeolite that has been loaded with a first metal chosen from a group of noble metals consisting of ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, rhenium, osmium, iridium, platinum and gold, and with a second metal chosen from a group of transition metals consisting of chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel and copper, and in that the loading of the zeolite with these metals is effected by loading the zeolite with the noble metal and the transition metal simultaneously, also relating to a catalyst for this method and to a method for the preparation of the catalyst.

Abstract: A method for treating exhaust gas is provided, which includes measuring SO3 concentration in the exhaust gas which contains at least SO2 and SO3 by using an SO3 gas analyzer; injecting fine particles into the exhaust gas after the step of measuring; cooling the exhaust gas after the step of injection, by recovering heat from the exhaust gas; collecting fly ash from the cooled exhaust gas; and removing at least SO2 from the exhaust gas after the step of collecting by absorbing the SO2 with an absorbing solution. In addition, an apparatus for treating exhaust gas is provided, which includes an SO3 gas analyzer; a fine particles injector; a heat exchanger; an electrostatic precipitator; an absorption tower; and a fine particle feed controller.

Abstract: A method of purifying a nanomaterial and the resultant purified nanomaterial in which a salt, such as ferric chloride, at or near its liquid phase temperature, is used to penetrate and wet the internal surfaces of a nanomaterial to dissolve impurities that may be present, for example, from processes used in the manufacture of the nanomaterial.

Abstract: A phosphorous pentoxide producing method includes forming a reducing kiln bed using feed agglomerates containing a lignin sulfonate both inside the agglomerates and coating a surface of individual agglomerates. Freeboard particulates are generated from the agglomerates, an amount of particulates generated being less than would occur in the method with no lignin sulfonate. Kiln off gas is generated and phosphorous pentoxide is collected from the kiln off gas. The kiln discharges a residue containing processed agglomerates, less than 20% of the agglomerates' phosphate input to the kiln remaining in the residue. The percentage of input phosphate that remains in the residue is less than would occur in the method with no lignin sulfonate. The method may include forming green agglomerates. Controlling a drying rate of the green agglomerates may wick some of the lignin sulfonate onto the surface of individual drying agglomerates without adhering the agglomerates together.

Abstract: Sodium silicate solutions of modulus 3.0 to 3.8 are provided. In some embodiments, the solution is made by a process that uses two specific principal reaction stages. A sodium silicate solution having a low SiO2:Na2O molar ratio, in the range from 2.0 to 2.8, is first produced by reaction of the SSS, as a cost-effective SiO2 source, with aqueous caustic soda. The conversion of this intermediate sodium silicate solution of low modulus to a high SiO2:Na2O molar ratio is made possible by using a SiO2 source that is prepared as precipitated amorphous silica from the intermediate sodium silicate solution produced above.

Abstract: A method is provided for recycling and treating the wastes of silicon wafer cutting and polishing processes. To begin with, a dewatered filter cake is mixed with water so that the filter cake is diluted to form a working fluid. The water reacts with silicon in the filter cake to produce silicon dioxide and hydrogen. After the hydrogen is extracted for storage, specific gravity separation takes place via water so that silicon carbide and silicon particles are separated for sorting. Then, solid-liquid separation is performed on the remaining working fluid to separate silicon dioxide (solid) from water and PEG (liquid), before PEG is separated from water. Thus, the useful silicon particles, silicon carbide, silicon dioxide, and PEG are recycled from the filter cake to reduce the total amount of wastes. Moreover, as the side product, hydrogen, is of high commercial value, the method also adds value to recycling.

Abstract: A method of synthesis of a fulleride of metal nano-cluster is provided. The method is characterized in mechanically alloying metal nano-clusters with fullerene-type clusters. Fullerene molecules in the fulleride of metal nano-cluster are preserved. The alloying is done by milling in a planetary mill. A material including a fulleride of a metal nano-cluster is also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided of etching a diamond particle including the step of heating the particle at a temperature of about 700° C. or greater in the presence of water vapor to form an etched particle. Also provided is an etched particle having a core and a surface. The core is formed of sp3 hybridized carbon atoms covalently bonded together, and the surface has substantially no chlorine atoms, oxygen atoms or oxygen species.

Abstract: The invention is directed to carbon fibers having high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for making the carbon fibers. The method comprises advancing a precursor fiber through an oxidation oven wherein the fiber is subjected to controlled stretching in an oxidizing atmosphere in which tension loads are distributed amongst a plurality of passes through the oxidation oven, which permits higher cumulative stretches to be achieved. The method also includes subjecting the fiber to controlled stretching in two or more of the passes that is sufficient to cause the fiber to undergo one or more transitions in each of the two or more passes. The invention is also directed to an oxidation oven having a plurality of cooperating drive rolls in series that can be driven independently of each other so that the amount of stretch applied to the oven in each of the plurality of passes can be independently controlled.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a process for producing titanium dioxide, comprising: reacting aluminum and an alloy comprising silicon and titanium having a silicon content of at least 5%, based on the weight of the ahoy, with chlorine gas at temperatures above 190° C. to form chlorides of silicon, aluminum and titanium; adding titanium tetrachloride to the chlorides of silicon, aluminum and titanium; oxidizing the chlorides of silicon, aluminum and titanium and titanium tetrachloride; and forming titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A process for producing titanium dioxide, comprising: a) reacting an alloy comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, titanium and mixtures thereof, wherein one metal is a major component of the alloy, and an element, with chlorine gas to form chlorides of aluminum, titanium or mixtures thereof and chlorides of the element, at or above the boiling point of the chloride of the major component of the alloy; with the proviso that the element does not comprise Ti when the metal is Ti and does not comprise Al when the metal is Al; (b) adding titanium tetrachloride to the chlorides formed in step (a); (c) oxidizing the chlorides formed in step (a), and titanium tetrachloride of step (b); and (d) forming titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A process for producing a mineral concentrate product that at is at least a substantially odor-free product comprises any one or more than one of (a) organics removal by (i) treatment of a froth product slurry containing floated mineral particles to remove organic compounds from the mineral particles and/or (ii) thermal treatment, and (b) addition of chemicals to prevent residual organic compounds on mineral concentrates being converted to odorous compounds, particularly while the concentrates are being stock-piled or transported.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a molecular sieve comprising providing a reaction mixture sufficient to synthesize the molecular sieve, maintaining the reaction mixture under crystallization conditions, monitoring at least one viscometric parameter of the reaction mixture, and determining an endpoint based on the monitoring of the at least one viscometric parameter.

Abstract: Use of an agent which upregulates an activity or amount of miRNA-9 or miRNA-9* is disclosed for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a motor neuron disease (MND).

Abstract: The invention provides multivalent ligand binding agents (traps) for members of the TGF-? superfamily and polypeptide linkers and methods for making and using such constructs. The traps may be used as therapeutic or diagnostic (imaging or non-imaging) agents for diseases/disorders caused by over-production/activity of the target ligand. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a multivalent binding agent with affinity for a member of the TGF-? superfamily, the agent having the general structure I: (<bd1>-linker1)k-[{<bd1>-linker2-<bd2>-linker3f-}n-(<bd3>)m-(linker4-<bd4>)d]h, where: n and h are independently greater than or equal to 1; d, f, m and k are independently equal to or greater than zero; bd's are polypeptide binding domains having an affinity for the same member of the TGF-? superfamily; and, linkers are unstructured polypeptide sequences.

Abstract: The invention provides MRI contrast agents which provide a high sensitivity and which have an optimised body retention time. These agents enable the mapping of the local pH, temperature, oxygen concentration or other metabolites in a patient's body by the use of Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST). Particularly pH and temperature mapping are useful for the detection of small cancer lesions and localized inflammation respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion containing quantum dot nanoparticles and a method for preparing the same, more specifically, relates to a method for preparing a multifunctional perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion which simultaneously shows the fluorine-based magnetic resonance properties of perfluorocarbon and the optical properties of quantum dot nanoparticles, the method comprising dispersing quantum dot nanoparticles, modified with a fluorine end group, in perfluorocarbon, and then adding an aqueous emulsifier solution containing lipid to the dispersion. The disclosed perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion containing quantum dot nanoparticles has excellent biocompatibility and simultaneously shows optical properties and magnetic resonance properties, and thus can be used as a contrast agent for multi-mode molecular imaging. Accordingly, the nanoemulsion can be used to study cell and small-animal molecular imaging in various fields, including biological and medical fields.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chewing gum tablet (20) comprising at least two cohered chewing gum modules (21, 22, 23), said tableted chewing gum being formed by compression of chewing gum granules, at least one of said chewing gum modules comprising gum base granules, said gum base granules comprising an elastomer system, said chewing gum tablet comprising an elastomer system in an amount of at least 10% by weight of the tablet. According to the invention, a compressed chewing gum tablet has been obtained featuring extremely impressing abilities of incorporating well-defined amounts of chewing gum ingredients combined with acceptable rheological properties of the compete tablet.

Abstract: An oral composition includes high stain removal efficiency relative to its abrasive ability. The oral composition contains fused silica and a dental abrasive. The oral composition has a high stain removal ability relative to the abrasive ability thereof. In other words, the ratio (stain removal ability/abrasive ability) of the oral composition is high. Accordingly, the use of the oral composition makes it possible to efficiently remove stains without damaging the teeth more than necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic make-up or care composition comprising an oily phase comprising at least one liquid polyester obtained by condensation of unsaturated fatty acid dimer and/or trimer and diol, said composition being free from lipophilic gelling agent or comprising at the most 10 wt. % thereof, relative to the weight of the composition. The present invention also relates to a method of make-up of the face and body comprising the use of said composition.

Abstract: A method of producing a lip cosmetic, comprising the steps of: (i) mixing an oligomer (ingredient (a)) produced from behenic acid, eicosane diacid, and a glycerin condensate, a polyol (ingredient (b)), and water (ingredient (c)) to prepare a solution containing ingredients (a), (b), and (c); (ii) mixing an ester oil (ingredient (d)) composed of a carboxylic acid having 2 to 36 carbon atoms and an alcohol having 1 to 36 carbon atoms, being in a liquid or paste form at ordinary temperature, and having a viscosity of 300 mPa·s or more at 25° C. and an oligomer (ingredient (e)) produced from behenic acid, eicosane diacid, and glycerin to prepare a solution containing ingredients (d) and (e); and (iii) mixing the solution containing the ingredients (a), (b), and (c) and the solution containing the ingredients (d) and (e).

Abstract: Personal care compositions containing aminofunctional endblocked silicone polyether copolymers are disclosed. The aminofunctional endblocked silicone polyether copolymers are particularly useful in hair care formulations to provide conditioning, which includes ease of detangling, combing, pliability, smoothness, slipperiness and styling benefits.

Abstract: Disclosed are animal litters, processes for preparing animal litters, and methods for removal of animal waste. The disclosed animal litters are made from ingredients including virgin germ and have a total fat content of about 0.5 to about 15 based on the weight of the litter. The litters are provided in the form of discrete plural particles which tend to agglomerate when wetted.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. More specifically, the invention relates to isolated molecules that can be used to diagnose and/or treat cardiovascular conditions including cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and heart failure.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that contain a TRPV1 agonist, such as capsaicin, and a solvent system. Topical application of the composition results in rapid delivery of agonist to the dermis and epidermis. Method of using the compositions for reducing nociceptive nerve fiber function in subjects, and for treatment of capsaicin-responsive conditions are also provided.

Abstract: Powder treated with a powder treating agent comprising organohydrogenpolysiloxane, characterized in that the organohydrogenpolysiloxane has a weight average molecular weight of from 300 to 100,000, at least one SiH bond per molecule, and at least one selected from (R23SiO1/2) unit and (SiO2) unit, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, and alkyl, fluorinated alkyl, aryl and aralkyl groups each having 1 to 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cosmetic compositions comprising (a) at least one styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer bearing at least one group chosen from styrylpyridine and styrylpyridinium groups and (b) at least one co-film forming agent and/or at least one plasticizer. The cosmetic composition optionally further comprises at least one pigment and at least one solvent. Also disclosed herein are methods for making up and/or enhancing the appearance of a keratinous substrate comprising (1) forming a film on the keratinous substrate by applying to said keratinous substrate a cosmetic composition comprising (a) at least one styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer bearing at least one group chosen from styrylpyridine and styrylpyridinium groups and (b) at least one co-film forming agent and/or at least one plasticizer and (2) exposing the film to radiation chosen from UV and visible light radiation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions suitable for influencing insect behavior are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise a blend of between two and eight insect attractant compounds selected from the group consisting of: a) compounds of formula (I); b) compounds of formula (II); c) compounds of formula (III). Wherein: n is zero or an integer; x is zero or an integer selected from 1-8, or greater than 9; and R is a C1-C12 alkyl. The compositions are useful as bait, with or without other mammalian body odor constituents or synthetic attractants, to attract disease carrying insects to traps or targets.

Abstract: Provided herein are chimeric nucleic acid sequences encoding chimeric polypeptides. Also provided herein are chimeric polypeptides. Further provided herein are methods of treating a subject with or at risk of developing a cancer. The methods comprise selecting a subject with or at risk of developing a cancer, and administering to the subject an effective amount of the chimeric polypeptides provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides having activity against receptor CXCR3 are disclosed that exhibit activity in preventing the formation of new vessels and activity in mediating the dissociation of newly-formed vessels and resolving of wounds in the later stages of wound healing. Preferred peptides are derived from the ?-helix portion IP-10 (CXCL10) or from IP-9 (CXCL11), are nontoxic, and smaller than naturally occurring peptides, making them useful in therapies against diseases or disease states marked by unwanted angiogenesis, including tumorogenic diseases such as cancers, and in healing of chronic wounds.

Abstract: Homogeneous preparations of IL-28A, IL-28B, and IL-29 have been produced by mutating one or more of the cysteine residues in the polynucleotide sequences encoding the mature proteins. The cysteine mutant proteins can be shown to either bind to their cognate receptor or exhibit biological activity. One type of biological activity that is shown is an antiviral activity.

Abstract: Compounds having the formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3 and X are as defined herein are Hepatitis C virus NS5b polymerase inhibitors. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for treating an HCV infection and inhibiting HCV replication.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing a variety of diseases and conditions that are amenable to immunotherapy and, in one particular embodiment, compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing cancer in an animal are described. Specifically improvements related to the use of a yeast-based vaccine comprising a yeast vehicle and an antigen that is selected to elicit an antigen-specific cellular and humoral immune response in an animal, for use in prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccination and the prevention and/or treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions are disclosed.