Abstract: A ceramic sintered body includes tungsten carbide, zirconia, and alumina. The content of the tungsten carbide is 20 to 50 vol %, and the content of the zirconia is 5 to 25 vol %. The crystal phase of the zirconia is a tetragonal crystal or a mixture of tetragonal and monoclinic crystals. The ceramic sintered body does not substantially include Ti compounds. The average particle diameter of the tungsten carbide, the average particle diameter of the zirconia, and the average particle diameter of the alumina are all 1 ?m or less.

Abstract: A method to prepare an improved catalyst feed to a system to upgrade heavy oil. The method comprises: providing a spent catalyst that has been used in a hydroprocessing operation has with a solid content ranging from 5 to 50 wt. % in soluble hydrocarbons and having less than 80% but more than 10% of original catalytic activity; removing at least 50% of the soluble hydrocarbons removed in a deoiling step; treating the deoiled spent catalyst with a treating solution containing at least one of plain water, a mineral acid, an oxidizing agent, and combinations thereof to reduce the concentration of at least one metal contaminant in the deoiled spent catalyst by at least 40%. After treatment, the treated deoiled spent catalyst is slurried in a hydrocarbon medium, and fed to the heavy oil upgrade system as part of the catalyst feed system with a fresh slurry catalyst.

Abstract: A process for a continuous regeneration of a catalyst wherein the regeneration section includes at least two separate zones. The regeneration includes a combustion zone, and an oxygen boost zone, where the process utilizes at least two independent regeneration gas loops for control of the amount of oxygen to regenerate the catalyst.

Abstract: A reclaiming apparatus 106 includes: a sealed container 106a that is an absorbent reservoir for storing therein a part of an absorbent that has absorbed CO2 in flue gas, and a heater that heats the absorbent stored in the sealed container 106a. The reclaiming apparatus 106 distributes a part of the absorbent stored in the sealed container 106a, and brings the distributed absorbent into counter-current contact with steam. Because a part of the absorbent stored in the absorbent reservoir is brought into counter-current contact with the steam, absorbent component contained therein becomes volatilized, and is separated from depleted materials. In this manner, the absorbent component can be extracted from the depleted materials, and a loss of the absorbent can be reduced.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for their use as additives for reducing the sulfur content of FCC gasoline employ a support material montmorillonite clay material. A fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) mixture, therefore, is provided comprising an FCC catalyst and separate particles of sulfur reduction additive consisting of porous montmorillonite clay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a shell catalyst which comprises a porous shaped catalyst support body with an outer shell in which at least one catalytically active species is present.

Abstract: The present invention provides molybdenum and tungsten nanostructures, for example, nanosheets and nanoparticles, and methods of making and using same, including using such nanostructures as catlysts for hydrogen evolution reactions.

Abstract: An exhaust gas-purifying catalyst includes a support provided with one or more through-holes through which exhaust gas flows, and a catalytic layer supported by the support and containing an oxygen storage material. The exhaust gas-purifying catalyst includes a first section to which the exhaust gas is supplied, and a second section to which the exhaust gas having passed through the first section is supplied. The catalytic layer includes a layered structure of a first catalytic layer containing platinum and/or palladium and a second catalytic layer containing rhodium in the first catalytic section and further includes a third layer containing rhodium in the second section. The second section is smaller in oxygen storage material content per unit volumetric capacity than the first section.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of producing a magnesia-zirconia complex carrier for a catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane through a single-step precipitation process wherein the oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane is to produce n-butene and 1,3-butadiene from n-butane; a method of producing a magnesium orthovanadate catalyst supported by thus prepared magnesia-zirconia complex carrier; and a method of producing n-butene and 1,3-butadiene using said catalyst.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides hydrocarbon absorbent granules, comprising granulated particles each including a mixture of hydrophobic non-self associating raw cotton sorbent fibers and a binding agent. The granules have an average diameter in a range from about 1 to about 7 cm and have a density in a range from about 0.03 to 0.1 grams per cubic centimeter. The binding agent constitutes from about 0.5 to about 70 percent by weight of granule. The granules are characterized in that they exhibit a sorbency ratio in a range from about 7 to about 30.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a specific process for producing activated carbon in spherical form, starting with organic polymer spherules based on styrene and divinylbenzene, wherein said polymer spherules contain chemical groups leading to the formation of free radicals and thus to cross-linkages by their thermal decomposition, in particular sulfonic acid groups. Furthermore, various application purposes for the thus-produced activated carbon spherules are named.

Abstract: Triazolylpyridine ketones expressed by the following formula (1) and use thereof as herbicides.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting plant growth by inducing hypothermia by applying a treating substance to summer annual weeds and grasses. Susceptible undesirable plants will be killed by this treatment, while non-susceptible desirable plants will not be adversely affected by this treatment. Compressed carbon dioxide may be applied to other summer grasses to cause the grasses to become dormant. An apparatus is provided for inducing hypothermia in undesirable plants by applying a treating substance. A canister capable of housing gas may be provided. A valve may be provided to control the amount and pressure of gas dispensed from the canister.

Abstract: Described are agrochemical compositions, comprising (a) esters and/or amides of pyroglutamic acid, and (b) biocides. The compositions are clear and exhibit an improved stability even when stored at temperatures between 5° and 40° C. over a longer period.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate for superconductive film formation, which includes a metal substrate, and an oxide layer formed directly on the metal substrate, containing chromium oxide as a major component and having a thickness of 10-300 nm and an arithmetic average roughness Ra of not more than 50 nm. A method of manufacturing a substrate for superconductive film formation, which includes forming an oxide layer directly on a metal substrate, the oxide layer containing chromium oxide as a major component and having a thickness of 10-300 nm and an arithmetic average roughness Ra of not more than 50 nm.

Abstract: A method for identifying from an HLA library an HLA complex that specifically binds to a compound. This method can be relied on to assess whether a compound is likely to induce an adverse drug reaction and, if so, in which human population.

Abstract: A high throughput method and apparatus for rapidly screening a plurality of genotoxicants to determine the degree and type of genotoxicity are provided.

Abstract: Fluidics-induced localized deposition and assembly of materials using a superhydrophobic surface structure is described. A method of localized deposition of a material includes contacting a superhydrophobic substrate comprising raised surface structures with a non-wetting fluid comprising a material to be locally deposited or a precursor thereto, said surface and said fluid selected such that the fluid wets only an upper portion of the raised surface structure; and allowing the material to deposit at the tips of the surface structure.

Abstract: A process for making a micro-array. The process comprises the step of depositing a population of microbeads on a substrate having at least one fiducial. The population being comprised of at least two sub-populations, preferably multiple sub-populations, each comprising a known active agent capable of specific binding with at least one target analyte. The said subpopulations are deposited sequentially and at discrete periods of each other. The process also comprises the step of making images of the substrate after deposition of each subpopulation. The images are then compared using the fiducial as a reference to thereby determine the location of each microbead and to identify the subpopulation, and its known active agent, based on differences between each image. Also disclosed in a system for using the microarray.

Abstract: A pill for wellbore operations, that includes a base fluid; and at least two polymers that interact to form a gelatinous structure characterized as isolating and controllably transmitting hydrostatic pressure between a first wellbore fluid above the pill in a wellbore and a second wellbore fluid below the pill in the wellbore is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of preventing precipitation of calcium citrate and iron-based scale during acidizing treatments and related compositions are provided as embodiments of the present invention. The acidizing treatment fluid includes citric acid and tetra-salts of EDTA.

Abstract: Spray dried emulsifier compositions are described, which have desirable emulsifying and wetting characteristics. Among other advantages, the solid particulate emulsifier compositions greatly reduce transportation costs and simplify the logistics and environmental concerns associated with shipping large volumes of solvent-containing liquids. The emulsifier comprises (1) a carboxylic acid terminated fatty amine condensate or (2) a modified tall oil or (3) a blend of (1) and (2) that is converted to its alkali or alkaline earth metal salt and spray dried.

Abstract: An engine lubricant composition, a method for maintaining the soot or sludge handling capability of an engine lubricant while not adversely affecting elastomeric seal material in the engine and a method of operating an engine. The engine lubricant includes a base oil and a dispersant. The dispersant is a reaction product of A) a hydrocarbyl-dicarboxylic acid or anhydride, B) a polyamine, C) a dicarboxyl-containing fused aromatic compound, and D) a non-aromatic dicarboxylic acid or anhydride.

Abstract: The invention provides for a process and apparatus for preparing a soap concentrate, including: (a) introducing feed components to a first feeding zone; (b) first reacting in a first reacting zone; (c) first venting in a first venting zone; and (d) cooling in a cooling zone. The process may further include, after (c) and before (d): (i) continued reacting in a continued reacting zone; and (ii) second venting in a second venting zone. The invention also provides for a process and apparatus for preparing a lubricating composition comprising: (aa) introducing a soap concentrate and a base oil to a lubricating composition feeding zone; (bb) dispersing the soap concentrate in a lubricating composition dispersing zone; (cc) mixing the soap concentrate and the base oil in a lubricating composition mixing zone; and (dd) cooling in a lubricating composition cooling zone.

Abstract: An engine oil comprising a major amount of a base oil and a minor amount of an additive package, wherein the additive package comprises at least one friction modifier represented by the formula: wherein R is selected from a hydrocarbyl group having 12 to 28 carbon atoms, a heteroatom containing hydrocarbyl having 12 to 32 carbon atoms, or a group represented by the formula: wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrocarbyl carbonyl moieties having 12 to 28 carbon atoms, or R1 and R2 form a hydrocarbon dicarbonyl containing ring with 12 to 32 carbon atoms, and R3 and R4 are independently selected from alkyl groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms. Methods of using the engine oil to improve thin film and/or boundary layer friction in an engine are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions comprise first antioxidants and first additives, such as, a surface additives, performance enhancing additives and lubricant protective additives and optionally second additives and/or second antioxidants. The compositions are useful to improve lubricants, lubricant oils and other lubricant materials. The compositions and methods generally provide longer shelf lives, increased oxidative resistance, improved quality and/or enhanced performance to lubricants or lubricant oils.

Abstract: A two-part liquid product, the first of which comprises a first solvent and a first dissolved dye; and the second of which comprises a second solvent and a second dissolved dye. The two solvents are immiscible. The first dye is insoluble in the second solvent, and the second dye is insoluble in the first solvent. Each dye is a different color than the other. Initially, when placed in a single container, the two parts form two separate different colored layers that do not mix. Shaking the container produces a temporary micro-emulsion. The emulsion has a new color representing the combination of the colors of the two component layers. This combination color indicates to the user that an emulsion exists and that the product is effective. The component materials are selected so as to produce a stable emulsion for between five to twenty minutes before separation.

Abstract: An aqueous compressed gas aerosol formulation in combination with a lined steel can, which may also optionally be tin plated, to provide corrosion stability, fragrance stability and color stability. An aerosol formulation of particular advantage for use is an air and/or fabric treatment formulation. The combination provides a compatibility which allows for the ability to use a broader fragrance pallet for the air and/or fabric treatment formulation which is aqueous based in major proportion. The formulation includes, in addition to an aqueous carrier, a fragrance, nonionic surfactant(s) or a blend of nonionic surfactant(s) and cationic surfactant(s), a compressed gas propellant(s), pH adjuster(s), and corrosion inhibitor(s). The formulation has a pH of about 8 to less than 10. The corrosion inhibitor(s) is(are) mild in strength and used in a minor amount.

Abstract: The present invention discloses bio-based consumer products formulated with at least one algae-derived ingredient that is either directly obtained from algae colonies or derived through standard synthetic organic transformations starting from bioorganic substances of algae origin.

Abstract: Aqueous alkaline composition free from organic solvents and metal ion-free silicates, the said compositions comprising (A) a thioamino acid having at least one primary amino group and at least one mercapto group, (B) a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, (C) a chelating and/or corrosion inhibiting agent selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and cycloaliphatic amines having at least two primary amino groups, and aliphatic and cycloaliphatic amines having at least one hydroxy group, (D) a nonionic surfactant selected from the group of acetylenic alcohols, alkyloxylated acetylenic alcohols and alkyloxylated sorbitan monocarboxylic acid mono esters; the use of the alkaline composition for the processing of substrates useful for fabricating electrical and optical devices; and a method for processing substrates useful for fabricating electrical and optical devices making use of the said aqueous alkaline composition.

Abstract: A sanitary agent for treatment of a sanitary appliance includes a solid or semi-solid active body, designed to adhere to a wall of the sanitary appliance and including a treatment compound having at least an active element for treatment of the sanitary appliance. The body has an external surface thereof covered by a water-soluble film. In this way, the sanitary agent can be manipulated by hand for application thereof to a moist ceramic wall of a sanitary appliance to be treated, without the user's hands entering into contact with the components of the sanitary agent itself. Furthermore, any undesired loss of the components of the sanitary agent is avoided; these can be due to deformation of the sanitary agents before use thereof, displacements thereof and/or any dripping. A method for applying the sanitary agent for deterging, disinfecting and/or perfuming the sanitary appliance is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of manganese oxalates in detergents and cleaning agents, in particular in cleaning agents containing peroxy compounds for hard surfaces.

Abstract: An aqueous aerosol bathroom cleaner includes a surfactant, a water-soluble or dispersible organic solvent, a chelating agent and a propellant that comprises n-butane. Comparative data demonstrate that the presence of n-butane in the composition enhances the rate of bathroom soap scum removal relative to aerosol compositions that do not contain n-butane in the propellant. The amount of surfactant present is sufficient so that the composition develops a stable foam upon being dispensed onto a soiled bathroom hard surface. The foam collapses after 10 to 60 seconds to deliver the cleaning components onto the surface.

Abstract: A cleaning cloth for use with a steam mop having a housing mounting the cleaning cloth for cleaning the surface to be cleaned and a steam delivery system for delivering steam to the cleaning cloth. The cleaning cloth has at least one fabric layer that is configured to be attached to a steam mop and an encapsulated cleaning composition associated with the fabric layer and configured to be released by exposure to steam delivered to the cleaning cloth. A steam mop for use of the cleaning cloth and a method of cleaning with the cleaning pad is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a washing or cleaning agent that contains a solid enzyme formulation, the intention is to improve shelf stability in terms of enzymatic activity. This is achieved by a washing or cleaning agent comprising an enzyme granulate, the granulate comprising, besides the enzyme, the following components: (a) 68 to 90 wt % (w/w) sulfate, in particular alkali metal sulfate, particularly preferably sodium sulfate, (b) 0.1 to 10.5 wt % (w/w) polyethylene glycol, (c) 0.5 to 14.5 wt % (w/w) granulation adjuvant.

Abstract: The invention is an environmentally safe surface cleaner with 3 main ingredients and an odor enhancing compound. The ingredients are sodium bicarbonate, triacylglycerol saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and water. The odor enhancer can be mint or peppermint oil, or almond extract; or it can be excluded from the composition. The invention is effective on multiple surfaces including hard surfaces and fabrics. The 3 main ingredients all have more than one role, rendering the composition as an effective polar solvent and an effective non-polar solvent. The composition is used in conjunction with a hard plastic scraper or soft cloth or other physical scouring device with a harness of no more than 2.5 on Moh's hardness scale. The composition is an effective scouring agent that aids in breaking the bonds between atoms of the surface debris and atoms of the surface.

Abstract: Neuregulin, a known neuroprotein, has been found to ameliorate or prevent damage caused by mechanical or chemical assault to blood vessels and, when administered into the cerebral spinal fluid, can ameliorate damage to neuronal tissue caused by stroke or inflammation. Additionally, neuregulin has been found to be useful for enhancement of stem cell migration from the ventricle to the site of injury to the brain.

Abstract: The present application includes novel inhibitors of HCV, compositions containing such compounds, therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods for the site-specific modification of peptides, polypeptides, and proteins, e.g., granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, human superoxide dismutase, annexin, leptin, antibodies and the like, cytokines and chemokines, at their N-termini and at sites at which unnatural aminoacids have been introduced along the protein framework. The modifications described herein can be used for the synthesis and application of the adducts in radio-labeling, molecular imaging and protein therapeutic applications, and the treatment of disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, type-1 diabetes, Crohn's disease, and systemic sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, cancer, liver disease (e.g., alcoholic liver disease), and cachexia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prodrugs of vascular disrupting agents comprising a vascular disrupting agent (VDA) associated with a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) proteolytic cleavage site and to the use of such prodrugs in the targeted treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making and using therapeutic formulations of antimicrobial cationic peptides are provided. The antimicrobial cationic peptide formulations may be used, for example, in the treatment of microorganism-caused infections, which infections may be systemic, such as a septicemia, or may be localized, such as in acne or an implanted or indwelling medical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified forms of C-peptide, and methods for their use. In one aspect, the modified forms of C-peptide comprise PEGylated C-peptide derivatives comprising at least one PEG group attached to the N-terminus, which exhibit superior pharmacokinetic and biological activity in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the sustained release of C-peptide. The composition is in the form of a gel containing C-peptide. The gel formation is achieved by the adjustment of pH of the composition and/or by addition of divalent metal ions. The composition does not include any other gel-forming agents. Methods for producing the composition, medical uses of the composition and products containing two or more gel compositions as a combined preparation are also encompassed.

Abstract: Systems, techniques and methods for estimating the metabolic state or flux, e.g., the body energy state (“BES”) of a patient, are disclosed. The BES provides deep insight into the nutritional needs of the patient, thus allowing for a sort of exquisite glycemic control with regard to the patient. The invention discloses systems and methods for estimating fractional gluconeogenesis, which is the % of glucose production that comes from gluconeogenesis (“GNG”), as opposed to glycogenolysis (“GLY”), the other form of glucose production. Nutritional formulations, materials, cocktails and methods for feeding patients by parenteral and other means are disclosed. The amount, type and rate of such nutritional feeding are typically based upon the above estimating. The invention discloses formulations that contain labels, such as deuterium, for medical diagnostics, such as for estimating BES and fractional gluconeogenesis.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for an intra-articular injection for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The methods and compositions comprising combinations of hyaluronic acid and a bone morphogenetic protein, like rhGDF-5, can be useful for any synovial joint, including the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, hands, spinal facet, or temporomandibular joint, both for the relief of pain and for slowing disease progression.

Abstract: This present invention relates to pharmacologically potent and stable human fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising FGF21 proteins, and methods for treating type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and/or metabolic syndrome using such proteins.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a drug for promoting the regeneration of tendon-bone junction tissue or ligament-bone junction tissue.

Abstract: Adrenocortical disease (ACD) in ferrets develops as a result of the effect of increased concentration of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) on adrenal LH receptors. This increase in LH often results from the neutering of male or female ferrets. Neutered ferrets have no negative feedback of the ovarian or testicular hormone and as a result LH is elevated 3 to 10 times normal. Elevated LH may be prevented and/or treated by injection of GnRH vaccine. Administration of GnRH produces antibodies to endogenous GnRH. The GnRH-anti-GnRH immune-complex is ineffective in stimulating the release of LH and FSH in the anterior pituitary resulting drop in concentration of LH in the systemic circulation. This reduction in LH significantly reduces the occurrence or clinical symptoms of ACD therein. Moreover, treatment of ferrets with the GnRH provides long term relief from ACD for a period of a year or more.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing ovulation in sows and gilts by a single injection of hormones is disclosed. A hormone, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), analogs, derivatives, agonists or combinations thereof is administered to an open sow post weaning at a specific time to stimulate ovulation of mature responsive follicles. The sow is then bred, without heat detection, at a specific subsequent timed interval after injection with hormone, with one or two artificial or natural breedings. In gilts, the hormone is injected at a timed interval from onset of estrus or at a specific timed interval following Prostaglandin F2a for those gilts which have been held in a state of pseudopregnancy.

Abstract: A composition including a surfactant and at least one alkyl glycoside and/or saccharide alkyl ester and a drug. The surfactant composition(s) when admixed with a drug is non-toxic and non-irritating, while stabilizing and increasing the bioavailability of the drug. The invention also provides compositions that enhance absorption of drugs via the oral, ocular, nasal, nasolacrimal, inhalation or pulmonary, oral cavity (sublingual or Buccal cell) or CSF delivery route of a patient, including but not limited to insulin, glucagon and exendin-4.