Abstract: A method of preparing a protein chip by gelation of a sol composition. In the method, a mixture of specific silicate monomers, such as SolB1, SolB2 and SolB3, SolBH, and a mixture of SolBS, distilled water and a detector protein are mixed sequentially, so that the gelation rate of the sol-composition can be delayed, thus inducing the stable gelation of the composition. Also, the biochip can be fabricated in a simple and easy manner by dispensing the sol composition by hand using an arrayer or a tool such as a pipette. In addition, a uniform biochip can be prepared by dispensing the sol composition, solution I (SolBH) and solution II (a mixture of buffer, SolBS, distilled water and a detector protein) sequentially onto a substrate without needing a conventional pretreatment process such as mixing.

Abstract: The invention described herein concerns microchannel apparatus that contains, within the same device, at least one manifold and multiple connecting microchannels that connect with the manifold. For superior heat or mass flux in the device, the volume of the connecting microchannels should exceed the volume of manifold or manifolds. Methods of conducting unit operations in microchannel devices having simultaneous disrupted and non-disrupted flow through microchannels is also described.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: A system and method for producing graphene includes a discharge assembly and a substrate assembly. The discharge assembly includes a cathode and an anode, which in one embodiment are offset from each other. The anode produces a flux stream that is deposited onto a substrate. A collection device removes the deposited material from the rotating substrate. The flux stream can be a carbon vapor, with the deposited flux being graphene.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a nanostructured palladium-based flammable gas detector synthesized using sonochemistry. The nanostructured palladium-based flammable gas detectors may use nanostructured sensing materials to allow reduction of power consumption, where the nanostructures reduce power consumption due to their large specific area and increased porosity.

Abstract: Methods for the fabrication of transparent conductive metal nanowire networks are provided, as well as metal nanowire networks fabricated by such methods. A metal nanowire network can be immersed in a solution and illuminated for a duration of time. Selective nucleation and growth of metal nanoparticles can be induced at the junctions between metal nanowires.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus for mass polymerization of a vinyl chloride resin which may suppress generation of abnormal products (fine-particle products, oversize-particle products, lumpy products due to coagulation, etc.) and a vinyl chloride resin, which causes formation of a poor sphere, and may enhance quality and processability of a vinyl chloride resin, by addressing the problem that an average distance between resin particles is decreased as polymerization proceeds, and thus, microparticles are generated due to excessive coagulation or friction between particles, and a method of mass-polymerizing the vinyl chloride resin. The method comprises additionally inputting a monomer to a reactor in which a monomer and an initiator are contained when a ratio of the monomer converted to a polymer is 30% to 70%.

Abstract: A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an iodine (I2) or bromine (Br2) adsorbent including a zeolite having a Si/Al ratio of 15 or greater; an I2 or Br2 carrier including the I2 or Br2 adsorbent; a column filled with the I2 or Br2 adsorbent; a article composed of the I2 or Br2 adsorbent or having the I2 or Br2 adsorbent attached thereto; a method for adsorbing or removing I2 or Br2 using the I2 or Br2 adsorbent; an iodine- or bromine-containing zeolite composite including a porous zeolite and iodine (I2) or bromine (Br2) confined in the pores of the zeolite; a semiconductor material including the iodine- or bromine-containing zeolite composite; and a method for preparing an iodine- or bromine-containing product using the iodine- or bromine-containing zeolite composite.

Abstract: A process for the production of high-quality activated carbons from carbonized, self-regenerating, carbon-containing biomasses selects the carbonized biomasses from HTC carbon from fruit stones and HTC carbon from nut shells. The carbonized biomasses together with potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide or a mixture of both hydroxides as activator are subjected to a heat treatment at temperatures at which the activator exists in the form of a melt. The activator and the carbonized biomasses are present in a weight ratio of 0.5:1 to 6:1 at the beginning of the heat treatment.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a porous composite particulate material includes a plurality of composite particles. Each composite particle includes an acid-base-resistant core particle at least partially surrounded by one or more layers of acid-base-resistant shell particles. The shell particles are adhered to the core particle by a polymeric layer. The shell particles and/or core particles may be made from an acid-base-resistant material that is stable in harsh chemical conditions. For example, the shell particles and/or core particles may be made from diamond, graphitic carbon, silicon carbide, boron nitride, tungsten carbide, niobium carbide, zirconia, noble metals, acid-base stable highly cross-linked polymers, acid-base stable at least partially cross-linked polymers, titania, alumina, thoria combinations of the foregoing, or other acid-base-resistant materials.

Abstract: A method of making a filter article having a honeycomb substrate having adsorbent filled channels, including: sealing the first end of a porous, cellular honeycomb substrate; filling the channels of the cellular honeycomb substrate with a dry adsorbent source material; sealing the second end of the filled honeycomb to form a sealed honeycomb; contacting the sealed honeycomb and water for a time sufficient to convert the dry precursor material in-situ to a paste; removing the seals from the first and second ends; and heating the contacted honeycomb to convert the paste to an adsorbent. Also disclosed is a filter article having a honeycomb substrate having adsorbent filled channels and methods of using the article.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photocatalyst, based on titanium dioxide containing carbon or metal, in a pulsation reactor, where a raw material mixture, consisting of nanoparticulate titanium oxyhydrate and an aqueous solution or suspension, containing at least one organic, carbon-containing compound or metal ions, is fed into the pulsating hot-gas stream of the pulsation reactor and the titanium dioxide particles containing carbon or metal are formed. The hot-gas stream has a temperature of ?450° C. following addition of the material and contains an excess of oxygen. In contrast to the known manufacturing methods, the method according to the invention allows reproducibly good product qualities to be achieved.

Abstract: Catalysts for hydrogenation comprise a catalytic material and an inorganic matrix component, wherein the catalytic material comprises: at least one metal component comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of copper, manganese, zinc, nickel, cobalt, and iron; and an alkali metal component or an alkaline earth metal component; wherein the inorganic matrix component based on at least a silica sol component and a clay material; wherein the catalytic material and the inorganic matrix component are processed together to form the catalyst; and wherein the catalyst has a mesopore volume in the range of 50-90 by weight % of an overall pore volume. Catalysts are effective for converting acetophenone to methylphenyl carbinol and/or for converting nitrobenzene to aniline.

Abstract: An NOx storage reduction catalyst includes a catalyst support, and a catalyst metal and an NOx storage material supported thereon, wherein the catalyst metal is composed of a platinum-gold solid solution, and has a gold content of greater than 1 mol % but 20 mol % or less relative to the total molar number of platinum and gold contained in the catalyst metal. A method for producing an NOx storage reduction catalyst includes adding sodium borohydride to a mixed solution containing platinum ions and gold ions, thereby reducing the platinum ions and the gold ions to produce a catalyst metal composed of a platinum-gold solid solution; purifying the catalyst metal; and supporting the catalyst metal and an NOx storage material on a catalyst support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst suitable for use in the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide-containing gas, said catalyst comprising spinel phase of the formula [Fe2+(Fe3+yAl3+1-y)2O4]. Processes for preparing the catalyst and processes for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide-containing gas in the presence of the catalyst are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of catalysts for use in connection with one or more types of emissions control (e.g., emissions control associated with the combustion of one or more types of fossil fuel) and, in particular to catalyst compositions that possess an improved resistance to at least one type of poisoning. In another embodiment, the catalysts of the present invention are designed to be utilized in conjunction with an SCR and possess an improved resistance to phosphorus poisoning.

Abstract: A method for producing an exhaust gas purifying catalyst including a composite oxide represented by the following general formula (3), the method including a primary baking step of baking a coprecipitate obtained from an aqueous mixed salt solution of respective elements, a citrate complex obtained from an aqueous citric acid mixed salt solution of salts of the respective elements and citric acid, or a precipitate obtained from an alkoxide mixed solution of the respective elements at 500 to 1200° C., the respective elements constituting the exhaust gas purifying catalyst represented by the following general formula (3), including A, B and Fe but excluding Pd; a step of adding an aqueous solution of Pd salt to a primary composite oxide obtained through the primary baking step to give a precursor composition; and a secondary baking step of baking the precursor composition at 800 to 1400° C., AO.x(B2-y-ZFeyPdZO3-?) (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating a catalyst for alkane oxidative dehydrogenation and/or alkene oxidation, which catalyst is a mixed metal oxide catalyst containing molybdenum, vanadium and niobium, wherein the process comprises: contacting, during a period of time from 30 minutes to shorter than 5 hours, the catalyst with a gas mixture comprising an inert gas and oxygen (O2), wherein the amount of oxygen is of from to less than 10,000 parts per million by volume (ppmv), based on the total volume of the gas mixture, at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes methods for producing liquid hydrocarbons from syngas. In some embodiments the syngas is obtained from biomass and/or comprises a relatively high amount of nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide. In some embodiments the present methods can convert syngas into liquid hydrocarbons through a one-stage process. Also provided are catalysts for producing liquid hydrocarbons from syngas, wherein the catalysts include a base material, a transition metal, and a promoter. In some embodiments the base material includes a zeolite-iron material or a cobalt-molybdenum carbide material. In still further embodiments the promoter can include an alkali metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing activated carbon provided and/or impregnated with a metal-organic framework substance (MOF material), the activated carbon being in particular in the form of discrete activated carbon particles, and preferably for producing an activated carbon with a reactive and/or catalytic action. The metal-organic framework substance is produced in situ in the pores and/or in the pore system of the activated carbon, starting from at least one metal precursor compound(MP) containing a metal and at least one ligand precursor (LP).

Abstract: Catalysts include five-membered nitrogen containing heterocyclic compounds as ligands for metal ions which have catalytic activity. The catalysts are used to electrolessly plate metal on metal clad and un-clad substrates.

Abstract: A catalytic system which is a suspension in glycerol of metal nanoparticles in at least one transition metal. The suspension also includes at least one compound stabilizing the metal nanoparticles, soluble in glycerol. The suspensions are obtained directly in glycerol. These are stable systems that can catalyse a reaction from an organic substrate, with high yields and activity, and excellent selectivity. Additionally, the use of the catalytic system for performing organic transformations such as hydrogenation or coupling reactions (formation of C—C, C—N, C—O, C—S . . . bonds), and for synthesizing polyfunctionnal molecules, in a single reactor, by multi-step, sequential or cascade reactions.

Abstract: A porous honeycomb structure including multiple co-catalyst particles and multiple inorganic binder particles of smaller particle diameter than the co-catalyst particles. Each co-catalyst particle is comprised of a ceria-zirconia solid solution. The inorganic binder particles reside between the co-catalyst particles. In the honeycomb structure, an exposure fraction of the co-catalyst particles from the inorganic binder particles on a cross-section of the honeycomb structure is within a range of 3 to 10%.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for treating a catalyst that is useful for producing mono-alkylaromatic compounds, the method comprises the steps of (a) contacting the untreated catalyst with water to produce water-contacted catalyst, and (b) drying the water-contacted catalyst with a drying gas without steam being formed at a temperature of less than 300° C. to produce a treated catalyst. The treatment is effective to improve the activity and catalyst selectivity. A process for producing a mono-alkylaromatic compound comprising such a catalyst treatment is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of regenerating an at least partially deactivated catalyst, preferably an aromatic alkylation or transalkylation catalyst, comprising a molecular sieve. The method comprises the step of contacting the deactivated catalyst with an ozone-containing gas, preferably at a temperature of about 50° C. to about 250° C.

Abstract: An oil degradation suppressor according to one aspect of the present invention contains a reactant having an ability to adsorb a given component in an oil such as an acidic anion, and a gel-like material to hold the reactant. The reactant is preferably a hydrotalcite-like compound. The gel-like material contains a highly heat resistive gel and an amphiphilic solvent. A gel-like member containing the reactant and the gel-like material is disposed in a casing, and thereby an oil filter is provided. The gel-like material can work for supporting the reactant suitably.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ozone reactive polymers comprising a structural repeat unit represented by the following formula XLI: wherein A is absent or a linking group selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkylene, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkylene, substituted or unsubstituted arylene, substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylene, substituted or unsubstituted arylalkylene, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkylene; each of R1 and R2 is, independently, selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl; and wherein the structural repeat unit comprise

Abstract: A treatment vessel may allow a user, or automated system, to manipulate sample material within a treatment area during processing (e.g., focused acoustic treatment), as well as subject the sample material to a staged processing protocol. The vessel may include openings for receiving/discharging the sample material. Walls within the vessel may be movable between various positions, to permit or obstruct flow of sample material into or out from a treatment area. The wall(s) may push the sample material within the vessel, as well as adjust pressure levels within the treatment area. In some embodiments, an acoustic treatment system may include a flexible coupling medium that may be deformed toward the vessel upon an application of suitable pressure thereto. When the medium presses up against the vessel, defects (e.g., particles, bubbles, interfaces, etc.) that may otherwise be present along the acoustic wave path may be reduced.

Abstract: A specimen delivery apparatus includes a housing having a backplane. The backplane includes at least one fluid communication port. The housing has an open state and a closed state. A midplane has a cavity for holding a sample. The midplane is sealed within the housing when the housing is in the closed state. A first actuator is disposed to move fluid within the housing when the housing is in a closed state and the first bulb is actuated. Various embodiments provide for caching of the fluid as well as staging to permit further preparation of the specimen prior to delivery. Various features roil the fluid to assist in extraction, mixing, and transport of the sample with the fluid. A destructible seal prevents fluid communication through the fluid communication port while the seal is intact. Communication of fluid through the fluid communication port is enabled only when the destructible seal is not intact.

Abstract: A fluid analysis apparatus including: a fluid analysis cartridge comprising a fluid supplying part configured to supply a fluid sample; and a pressing member configured to press and seal the fluid supplying part, wherein the pressing member is configured to couple with the fluid analysis cartridge so that the fluid supplying part is inserted into the pressing member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral flow capillary device and uses thereof comprising a unipath bibulous capillary flow matrix and at least two reservoirs each in fluid communication with the capillary flow matrix wherein a reservoir contacts the capillary flow matrix through a passage having a rim pressing the matrix. The pressure that the rim applies on the matrix prevents leakage of liquids out of the capillary flow matrix at the reservoir/matrix interface, allowing accurate sequential draining of liquid from the reservoirs.

Abstract: A lateral-flow assay device includes a substrate having a sample addition zone and a wash addition zone downstream thereof along a fluid flow path through which a sample flows. The fluid flow path is configured to receive a wash fluid in the wash addition zone. A hydrophilic surface is arranged in the wash addition zone. Flow constriction(s) are spaced apart from the fluid flow path and arranged to define, with the hydrophilic surface, a reservoir configured to retain the wash fluid by formation of a meniscus between the hydrophilic surface and the flow constriction(s). The fluid flow path draws the wash fluid from the reservoir by capillary pressure. Apparatus for analyzing a fluidic sample and methods of displacing a fluidic sample in a fluid flow path of an assay device are also described.

Abstract: A lateral-flow assay device includes a substrate with a sample addition zone and a fluid flow path. A cover supports a filter having a portion contacting the substrate to create a contact area that at least partly overlaps the sample addition zone. Another portion extends from the contact portion to the supported periphery of the filter to define with the substrate a reservoir configured to retain the filtrate by capillary pressure between the substrate and the extending portion. The reservoir volume is based on an acute angle formed between the substrate and the extending portion of the filter and on a fluid meniscus of the filtrate. The filter and sample addition zone are configured to provide capillary pressure drawing the filtrate from the reservoir to the sample addition zone. Methods for controlling flow characteristics in a lateral-flow assay device are also described.

Abstract: A microfluidic product pouch assembly may be used in a microfluidic chip. The microfluidic product pouch may include a pouch surrounding an inner chamber and having a rupturing portion and an inner membrane positioned within the inner chamber. The inner membrane may separate the inner chamber into a first cavity and a second cavity. A reagent may be positioned within the first cavity and/or the second cavity. The microfluidic product pouch assembly may also include a rupturing structure. The rupturing structure may be configured to selectively break the rupturing portion of the microfluidic product pouch.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device having a structure in which scattering of a sample can be prevented. The microfluidic device includes: a platform including: a sample injection hole, at least one chamber configured to accommodate a sample introduced through the sample injection hole, at least one channel connected to the at least one chamber; and a cover disposed over the sample injection hole, wherein a gap is disposed between the sample injection hole and the cover.

Abstract: A microfluidic product utilizing gradient surface energy coatings for fluid control comprising a plurality of fluid passages wherein at least one fluid passage comprises a coating configured to control liquid flow wherein the coating configured to control liquid flow comprises a gradient surface energy coating from a proximal location to a distal location on a surface of the fluid passage. The product can include uniform regions and surface gradient regions in the same passage. Coating compositions and product dimensions can be selected to provide control over different flow properties including fluid velocity, reduction and acceleration of fluid flow, and starting and stopping fluid flow.

Abstract: A microfluidic circuit element comprising a microfluidic main channel and nano interstices is disclosed. The nano interstices are formed at both sides of the main channel and are in fluid communication with the main channel. The nano interstices have a height less than that of the main channel, gives more driving force of the microfluidic channel and provides stable flow of a fluid. The microfluidic circuit element may be made from a plastic material having a contact angle of 90 degrees or less. The microfluidic circuit element is particularly useful when filling a liquid sample to the channel which is empty or filled with air and shows greatly improved a storage stability.

Abstract: A modular system for constructing a variety of self-contained analytical cartridges enabled to perform a number of symmetrical or asymmetrical tests on a single sample source within a single device. Said cartridges are embodied as a readily reversible assemblage of two or more modules that are, in turn, operable to perform one or more tasks of an analytical test as discrete articles-of-manufacture. A programmable reagent delivery system comprising one or more serialized reagent clusters having one or more wet cells (individually packaged reagents) and zero or more dry cells (calibrated spacers); wherein, said wet cells are arranged in a linear series corresponding to prescribed temporal release sequence and dry cells are interpositioned between wet cells in a manner that enables two or more test protocols having asymmetrical release sequences to be synchronized such that a single mechanism can actuate more than one test protocol simultaneously.

Abstract: This receptacle containing a test reagent is provided with: an information display part, situated on the upper surface, for display of information relating to a test reagent contained in the receptacle body; and a lid part connected to the upper surface and rotatable with respect to the receptacle body, for opening and closing a passage hole. The lid part closes off the passage hole such that the information display part is visible.

Abstract: A storage assembly for two substances to be mixed prior to use, includes a closable dropper tip (3). A first storage chamber (7) is formed by the closable dropper tip (3) and a first container part (2, 4), the first container part (2, 4) being provided with at least one aperture (43). A second storage chamber (8) is formed by a second container part (5) which includes an open end part (52, 53) that closes off the at least one aperture (43) in a first operational position. The first and second container parts (2, 4; 5, 6) are moveable with respect to each other, and are in fluid communication through the at least one aperture (43) in a second operational position wherein the total flow surface area of the at least one aperture (43) is at least equal to a cross sectional area of the first container part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for air cooling a microfluidic device using confinement channels to isolate cooling air from exposed liquids are disclosed. The systems and methods may also thermally condition the cooling airflow for improved robustness of the microfluidic device. In one embodiment, the air cooling system includes a split-level cooling manifold including an inlet duct that directs cooling air to a microfluidic device and an outlet duct that directs air heated by the microfluidic device away from the microfluidic device. The temperature of cooling air may be measured. The cooling air may be preheated to a temperature that is higher than an expected ambient temperature. The temperature of the cooling air after being heated by a microfluidic device may be measured.

Abstract: A clip of the present application generally comprises a first clip member, a second clip member, and a retention feature. The first clip member and the second clip member are coupled together and capable of being placed in at least two positions. In the first position, the clip is capable of receiving a bag containing a fluid, and, in the second position, the bag is capable of being held between the first and second clip members. While the clip is holding the bag, two or more pockets are formed in the bag, and the fluid is generally restricted or prohibited from transferring from one pocket to another pocket while the clip is in this position. A retention feature retains the clip, which is holding a bag, to a centrifuge receptacle and allows the clip to be placed in a predetermined position on the centrifuge receptacle.

Abstract: Food processing apparatus and methods for processing food are disclosed. The apparatus may include stored sequences for operating a processing tool. The stored sequences may address various challenging aspects of blending solid foods and/or ice. In some embodiments, particular sequences are implemented with specific processing tools.

Abstract: A magnesium suppressant/flocculant for use in separating dolomite from calcium phosphate. The magnesium suppressant/flocculant may be applied at a mine site prior to subjecting ore fractions to phosphate flotation or at a chemical plant after grinding.

Abstract: A planar magnet for magnetic density separation, comprising an array of pole pieces succeeding in longitudinal direction of a mounting plane, each pole piece having a body extending transversely along the mounting plane with a substantially constant cross section that includes a top segment that is curved to distribute the magnetic field associated with the top surface of the pole piece such that its strength transverse to the mounting plane is substantially uniformly distributed in planes parallel to the mounting plane, the curved top segments having a width (w) in longitudinal direction of the mounting plane and a maximum height (h) transverse to the mounting plane, wherein the top segments of successive pole pieces are unequal in height and/or width.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating the main component constituting a raw material from impurities includes: a raw material supply unit for supplying a raw material; a charging unit for charging the raw material supplied from the raw material supply unit; an electrostatic sorting unit for sorting the raw material, which has been charged by the charging unit, according to polarity; and a storage unit for collecting the raw material sorted by and falling from the electrostatic sorting unit, wherein the charging unit includes a charging chamber having a space therein for charging the raw material supplied from the raw material supply unit, and a charging rotor rotatably provided in the charging chamber, for impacting the raw material supplied from the raw material supply unit by the rotating force, thus effectively separating the impurities such as ash and sulfur contained in a raw material, e.g. coal.

Abstract: A spring operated swing out rotor system for a centrifuge includes a rotor with a rotor top and a rotor bay extending down from the rotor top, the rotor bay having a bay wall and a bay bottom; a carrier tray rotatably attached to a retaining element on the bay wall; and a compression-resistant element between the tray and the bay wall urging the tray to rotate away from the bay wall, so that when the rotor is at rest, the tray is maintained at a positive angle from vertical, and when the centrifuge spins the rotor, centrifugal force positions the tray at a vertical angle. The compression-resistant element may be a spring or soft foam.

Abstract: A grit removal unit for a wastewater system including a grit removal chamber with a substantially annular vertical wall. A horizontal annular ring above the chamber bottom extends inwardly from the annular vertical wall, with an influent channel extending into the chamber beneath the ring and an effluent channel above the rim and extending out of the chamber. The influent and effluent channels both have inner side walls with a curved portion, with both curved portions extending through an arc of at least 90 degrees within the chamber annular vertical wall.