Abstract: The technology disclosed herein provides compositions and methods for asphaltene control in a hydrocarbon fluid, such as crude oil, by employing a quaternary ammonium salt.

Abstract: A method for preparing an ultra-light-weight (ULW) proppant usable in the oil and gas industry. The method uses silane coupling agent and organic acid to modify silica fume (SF) to obtain modified SF that is lipophilic and hydrophobic. The modified SF is used as inorganic phase, and the polymerizable monomer is used as organic phase, and the organic-inorganic composite microspheres are obtained through suspension polymerization. The ULW proppant is obtained by drying, screening, and pre-oxidization of the composite microsphere. The ULW proppant has a density of about 1.109 g/cm3-1.278 g/cm3, which is close to that of water, a crushing rate of <5% at 52 Mpa, and a crushing rate of <7% at 69 Mpa. In the oil and gas industry application, water or salt water can be used to replace the high viscose guanidine gum as carrier, thus reduced cost of fracturing, and reduced environment pollution.

Abstract: A buoyant fluid comprising a base fluid, microspheres and a viscosifying agent. The viscosifying agent comprises a block copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polythiophene electrochromic material, which is a copolymer of [3,4-bis(2-ethylhexyloxy)thiophene]-thiophene-[3,4-dimethoxy thiophene] represented by Formula I: wherein, 0<n?0.5m, 0<q<m. The copolymer film has changeable colors reversibly varying between red and transparent, cycle life of more than 10,000. It has many advantages, such as low driving voltage, being transparent in the oxidation state with high transmittance, short response time, and being suitable for spray coating operation and the like, thus it has broad application prospect in the devices of electrochromic windows, electrochromic displays and the like.

Abstract: Surface-modified nanoparticles are produced by associating ligand interactive agents with the surface of a nanoparticle. The ligand interactive agents are bound to surface modifying ligands that are tailored to impart particular solubility and/or compatibility properties. The ligand interactive agents are crosslinked via a linking/crosslinking agent, such as hexamethoxymethylmelamine or a derivative thereof. The linking/crosslinking agent may provide a binding site for binding the surface modifying ligands to the ligand interactive agents.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a low cost sintering process for the preparation of gadolinium oxysulfide having a general formula of Gd2O2S, referred to as GOS, scintillation ceramics, comprising uniaxial hot pressing primary sintering and hot isostatic pressing secondary sintering.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a rapid process for the preparation of gadolinium oxysulfide having a general formula of Gd2O2S, referred to as GOS, scintillation ceramics by using the combination of spark plasma primary sintering (SPS) and hot isostatic pressing secondary sintering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds having negative dielectric anisotropy (??), which is distinguished by the fact that it has a value for the ratio ?1/?n2 in the range 6-45 with a clearing point of >60° C. and a ?? of ??2.3. Media of this type are particularly suitable for electro-optical displays having active-matrix addressing based on the ECB, PA LCD, FFS or IPS effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds which contains at least one compound of the formula I, and at least one additional compound, and to the use of the LC mixtures for an active- or passive matrix addressed displays, in particular based on the VA, PSA, PS-VA, IPS, FFS, PS-IPS, PS-FFS technology, preferably in optical displays for the self-aligning VA mode.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystal compound satisfying at least one physical property such as high stability to light, a high clearing point, low minimum temperature of a liquid crystal phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large dielectric anisotropy, large dielectric constant in a minor-axis direction, suitable elastic constant, excellent compatibility, a liquid crystal composition containing the compound and a liquid crystal display device including the composition. The compound is represented by formula (1): wherein, for example, R1 is alkyl having 1 to 15 carbons, rings A1 to A4 are 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene, at least one of Z1 to Z5 is —CF2O—, and X1 is fluorine or —OCF3; W1 is a group represented by formula (1a) or (1b); ?wherein, Y1 to Y5 are fluorine; W2 is a group represented by formula (1c) or (1d); ?wherein, L1 to L5 are fluorine; and a, b, c and d are independently 0 or 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal blend having a higher perpendicular dielectric constant, as well as a liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display device comprising the liquid crystal blend. Since the liquid crystal blend of the present invention contains negative liquid crystal material and has a perpendicular dielectric constant between 3.5 to 4.5, it can improve the transmittance of the liquid crystal layer obtained thereby, compared with the liquid crystal blend without negative liquid crystal material, while other relative properties thereof such as clearing point, response time of the display obtained therefrom, and image sticking at high temperature can also meet the requirements of liquid crystal devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for high-frequency technology, or for the microwave region and millimetre wave region of the electromagnetic spectrum, characterised in that it contains a liquid-crystal medium which consists of one or more compounds, which one or more compounds, which contain 6 to 15 five-, six- or seven-membered rings, preferably 1,4-linked phenylene rings, or in that it contains a liquid-crystal medium which itself comprises a component A, which itself consists of one or more of the said compounds, which one or more compounds, which contain 6 to 15 five-, six- or seven-membered rings, preferably 1,4-linked phenylene rings. The present invention additionally relates to compounds of the formula (I), in which the parameters have the meanings given in the text, and to the corresponding, novel liquid-crystal media, to the use and preparation thereof, and to the production and use of the devices.

Abstract: Aerogel materials, aerogel composites and the like may be improved by enhancing their smoke suppression, combustion reduction properties. It is additionally useful to provide aerogel based composites compatible with environments conducive to combustion. Such aerogel materials and methods of manufacturing the same are described.

Abstract: Inventions can be used in the field of industrial, processing of combustible carbon-and/or hydrocarbon-containing products. Method for processing of carbon-and/or hydrocarbon-containing products includes layer-by-layer of raw materials in reactor in presence of catalyst. Raw materials pass through derivative product heating area (9), pyrolysis area (8), carbonization area (7), combustion area, (6) with conversion of solid, residual that is discharged from area for discharging of solid residuals (2) with discharging gate (3) from process area of reactor cyclically from top downward in reactor with maintaining of its leaktightness. Leak-proof process chamber (1) of reactor contains area for feeding of wet small particles of solid fuel waste, their pyrolysis and carbonization (14), connected to areas for feeding (4) and heating (5) of oxygen-containing agent.

Abstract: In the hydrocarbon-producing apparatus, a vapor-liquid separation tank of a second vapor-liquid separation unit is provided with a filling material layer. A vapor-liquid separation tank of the first vapor-liquid separation unit has a first return line. The vapor-liquid separation tank of the second vapor-liquid separation unit has a second return line. A light component of light oil discharged from a bottom of the vapor-liquid separation tank is returned to a portion between a top side above a return-location from the second return line within the vapor-liquid separation tank of the second vapor-liquid separation unit, and a line directly connected with a cooler installed on the first vapor-liquid separation unit through the first return line. A heavy component of light oil discharged from a bottom of the vapor-liquid separation tank of the second vapor-liquid separation unit is returned to the filling material layer through the second return line.

Abstract: The hydrocarbon synthesis reaction apparatus according to the present invention includes a reaction vessel that brings a synthesis gas having carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen gas as main components into contact with a slurry having a solid catalyst suspended in a liquid hydrocarbon compound to synthesize a liquid hydrocarbon compound using a Fischer-Tropsch reaction; a filter that is provided within the reaction vessel and is configured to separate the liquid hydrocarbon compound from the catalyst; and a powdered catalyst particles-discharging device configured to discharge powdered catalyst particles in the solid catalyst in the slurry to the outside of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for fluid hydrocarbon product, and more specifically, to compositions and methods for fluid hydrocarbon product via catalytic pyrolysis. Some embodiments relate to methods for the production of specific aromatic products (e.g., benzene, toluene, naphthalene, xylene, etc.) via catalytic pyrolysis. Some such methods may involve the use of a composition comprising a mixture of a solid hydrocarbonaceous material and a heterogeneous pyrolytic catalyst component. In some embodiments, an olefin compound may be co-fed to the reactor and/or separated from a product stream and recycled to the reactor to improve yield and/or selectivity of certain products. The methods described herein may also involve the use of specialized catalysts. For example, in some cases, zeolite catalysts may be used. In some instances, the catalysts are characterized by particle sizes in certain identified ranges that can lead to improve yield and/or selectivity of certain products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising 10-40 mass! of C8-30 linear alkanes, up to 20 mass % of C7-20 aromatic hydrocarbons, at least 90 mass % of which are monoaromatic, and no more than 1 massl in total of oxygen containing compounds; wherein the total amount of C8-30 alkanes in the composition is 50-95 mass % (and the total amount of C8-30 alkanes, C7-20 aromatic hydrocarbons and C8-30 cycloalkanes is at least 95 massl; and wherein the amounts are based on the mass of the composition. Also provided is a method for producing the composition comprising the step of hydroprocessing a biological feedstock using a catalyst and the step of fractionating the product of the hydroprocessing step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of deoxygenating tall oil pitch, yielding aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. The invention even comprises turning the aliphates into polymerizable olefins by steam cracking, and turning the aromates into polymerizable terephthalic acid by oxygenation and, as necessary, rearrangement. The monomers can be used for the production of polymers of partially or completely biologic origin. According to the invention, tall oil pitch is first heated to turn it into liquid, which is then fed into a catalyst bed and catalytically deoxygenated with hydrogen. The deoxygenation catalyst is preferably a Ni—Mo catalyst and, in addition, a cracking catalyst can be used, such as an acidic zeolite catalyst. The deoxygenated product stream is cooled down so as to obtain a liquid, which is distilled for separation of the aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons for use in the production of the respective monomers and finally polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to hydrocarbon streams containing impurities such as carbon oxysulfides, to processes for upgrading the hydrocarbons by removing at least a portion of the impurities therefrom, to equipment useful in such processes, and to the use of upgraded hydrocarbons for, e.g., chemical manufacturing.

Abstract: A method for magnetic/electrostatic/electromagnetic treatment of fluids consisting of three separate phases that are spatially and temporally decoupled. In the first phase, a magnetic/electrostatic/electromagnetic field is applied to a working fluid under circulation to obtain the directly ionized fluid. In the second phase, the directly ionized fluid is used as an ionizer or an ionizing agent for ionizing indirectly the normal non-ionized fluid by mixing the directly ionized fluid and normal non-ionized fluid in accordance with a predetermined mixing ratio and mixing method between the directly ionized fluid and normal non-ionized fluid. In the third phase, the resultant mixed or indirectly-ionized fluid is used in the proper application directly or stored in a storage tank for later use.

Abstract: A process and system for desalting crude oil includes delivering a stream of salty crude oil and wash water into a mixing valve, mixing the stream of salty crude oil and wash water through the mixing valve to create a mixed stream of desalted crude oil and salty wash water, delivering the mixed stream of desalted crude oil and salty wash water to a static mixer, and mixing the mixed stream of crude oil and wash water in the static mixer. Within the static mixer, the mixed stream is mixed in a coalescing regime to coalesce smaller droplets of water into larger droplets of water. The mixed stream is subjected to an electric field to cause additional coalescence before being directed to a desalter where the salty wash water is separated from the desalted crude oil.

Abstract: A system for desalting crude oil includes delivering a stream of salty crude oil and wash water into a mixing valve, mixing the stream of salty crude oil and wash water through the mixing valve to create a mixed stream of desalted crude oil and salty wash water, delivering the mixed stream of desalted crude oil and salty wash water to a static mixer, and mixing the mixed stream of crude oil and wash water in the static mixer. Within the static mixer, the mixed stream is mixed in a coalescing regime to coalesce smaller droplets of water into larger droplets of water. The mixed stream is subjected to an electric field to cause additional coalescence before being directed to a desalter where the salty wash water is separated from the desalted crude oil.

Abstract: Systems and methods for upgrading or improving the quality of a heavy oil feedstock. The systems and methods described herein utilize cavitation energy, such as ultrasonic cavitation energy, to transmit ultrasonic or other cavitation energy (e.g., cavitation forces, shear, microjets, shockwaves, micro-convection, local hotspots, and the like) into heavy oil to drive hydroconversion under low pressure hydrogen condition (e.g., less than 500 psig) that are not conventionally believed to be suitable for treating heavy oil.

Abstract: A process for producing pipeline-ready or refinery-ready feedstock from heavy hydrocarbons using a high-performance solvent extraction process with high local solvent-to-process fluid ratios yet maintaining low overall solvent-to-process fluid ratios, by first performing mild thermal cracking on the heavy hydrocarbons and then separating asphaltene-rich fractions from a resulting thermally affected fluid so that the high solvent-to-oil ratio portion of the process acts only on those asphaltene-rich fractions, and producing a dry, solid asphaltene as an end-product.

Abstract: A waste to fuel system is disclosed that provides for simplified pyrolysis and cracking of useful hydrocarbons from waste by using molten salt as a heat transfer medium in the pyrolysis stage and using molten salt mixed with catalyst in the cracking stage.

Abstract: A process for desulfurizing a delayed coker naphtha in a catalytic naphtha desulfurization process in which the feed comprising the delayed coker naphtha is passed over a silicon trap comprising a high surface area inert alumina of low metals content prior to being hydrodesulfurized in an olefin-retentive, catalytic naphtha hydrodesulfurization process. Unpromoted (no intentional metals content), inert alumina is preferred for the silicon trap since it will not affect the olefin-retentive qualities of the hydrodesulfurization catalyst and for maximal silicon capture, a high surface area alumina is employed.

Abstract: A processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture including acetylene and butenyne is disclosed. The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can include acetylene, butenyne, and (a) at least 5% of an inert gas other than nitrogen, (b) greater than 30% nitrogen, or (c) both. A method of mixing the inert gas, nitrogen, or both and a unprocessed hydrocarbon-containing mixture is also disclosed. The method can include the use of flow controllers to adjust mixing ratio of the gasses. The compositions can exhibit tailored thermal output above 500 BTU/ft3. The compositions can exhibit tailored thermal output below 1,100 BTU/ft3. The processed hydrocarbon-containing mixture can exhibit a similar thermal output as natural gas with less CO2 emissions per normalized thermal output unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is disclosed for mitigating coking in an FCC reactor plenum. The apparatus and process utilize a baffle to create a inner volume for the product vapors to prevent contact with a relatively cool plenum. The baffle also limits the amount of the time the product vapors spend in the plenum minimizing time for coke formation and limit product vapors from entering low fluidization zones.

Abstract: Modified alkylphenol-aldehyde resins include one or more alkylamines, having preferably at least one primary amine type group as well as their use for improving the flow properties of motor fuels and hydrocarbon fuels, such as in particular jet fuel, gas oil, fuel oil domestic, heavy fuel oil.

Abstract: Embodiments of branched polymer lubricant additives comprise a branched polymer and, when combined with a lubricant base at a concentration from 1 wt % to 50 wt %, provide (i) a viscosity index ?150, (ii) that is at least 10% less than a coefficient of friction of the lubricant base alone in contact with a component of a device during operation of the device at a temperature within a range of 20 to 100° C., or (iii) both (i) and (ii).

Abstract: Additive packages including multifunctional additive molecules are disclosed, including, for example, organic medium intercalated with lubricant nanoparticles. The additive package may be greaseless or may he added to materials such as base oils or greases, greaseless materials, or anti-corrosives, for example. The additive package added to materials may form a coating or lubricant that may be added to a surface of an object.

Abstract: The present invention related to a process for the manufacture of hydrogen-based lubricants modified with per(halo)fluorinated aromatic compounds, to the modified lubricants thereby obtained and to the use of the modified lubricants for the preparation of lubricant compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is a fragrance composition comprising methyl dihydrojasmonate and a compound (I), the fragrance composition containing 94.5 to 99% by mass of the methyl dihydrojasmonate and 1 to 5% by mass of the compound (I), the methyl dihydrojasmonate. In addition, the present invention is a method for producing the fragrance composition, the method comprising subjecting a composition that contains methyl dihydrojasmonate and the compound (I) sequentially to a concentration distillation step and a thin film distillation step, the composition containing 90 to 99.5% by mass of the methyl dihydrojasmonate and 0.1 to 1.5% by mass of the compound (I), the methyl dihydrojasmonate having a cis isomer content of less than 20 mol %.

Abstract: An oil candle with integrated aroma deck includes a candle main body, further including a fuel reservoir, an aroma deck with an aroma deck aperture, a flame shield, and aroma deck shoulder, a wick and a wick collar, such that the wick collar is inserted in place in the aroma deck aperture, with the wick extending into the fuel reservoir. The oil candle is refillable with lighting oil, and provides flame protection via the flame shield. The aroma deck is designed to hold a small amount of aromatic oil, which is warmed by a flame from the burning wick, and thereby emits a pleasant fragrance. The flame shield, aroma deck, and fuel reservoir can be made from borosilicate glass or other heat resistant materials. The oil candle can further include an inward protruding rim, and a snap-on cover with an attached wick collar cover.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a cleaning agent composition which can be used in the open air without any problems since the cleaning agent is environmentally friendly and which is effective for removing a low-molecular-weight and poorly-water-soluble cyclic silicone compound that causes a stain of a silicone sealing. The cleaning agent for washing out a silicone stain according to the present invention is characterized in comprising a cyclic lipopeptide biosurfactant, wherein the specific silicone stain compound such as D4 compound is the objective compound to be removed.

Abstract: A method for treating a fabric for protection from ultraviolet radiation is disclosed which comprises the steps of dispensing a suspension of zinc oxide particles treated with an acid polymer into a washing machine during a time in which a fabric is being washed in the washing machine and mixing the treated zinc oxide particles and the fabric for the treated zinc oxide particles to bind to the fabric. Other methods for treating a fabric for protection from ultraviolet radiation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses detergent compositions containing acrylic acid polymers, including methacrylic acid/ethyl acrylate polymers. In certain embodiments compositions employ an acrylic acid polymer comprising at least 40 wt-% polymerized residues of acrylic monomers, at least 50 wt-% of at least one surfactant, a solvent, at least one water conditioning polymer, and water. The detergent compositions provide increased soil removal and soil suspension when treating textiles, namely through use of industrial laundering machinery. The detergent compositions and methods of employing the same beneficially clean and prevent redeposition of soils containing high concentrations of oil and metal particulates, as are customary in industrial laundering soils.

Abstract: A natural biotech washing agent for the environment, which is truly natural and environment friendly, for removing oil stains and dirt on a clothing object and degrading the oil and dirt at the same time without using any powered tools, comprising a composition by percentage weight containing 0.5% marine alkaloids, 6.5-9.5% surfactant and 2.5-3.5% enzymes as active ingredients. The biotech washing agent is truly meant for the environment in that the composition is natural, the cleaning process is natural and energy-saving, the cleaning effect is great, the end products after cleaning is natural and cause no harm to the environment, and no powered tools is required to achieve the cleaning effect. In addition, the wastewater after the washing process of the present invention can continue to provide a cleaning effect to the sewage and the wastewater.

Abstract: A beer filter and a method of brewing beer is disclosed, the beer filter including an outer sheath, an outer permeable sheath disposed in the outer sheath, and an inner permeable sheath disposed in the inner sheath. The method includes steps of disposing an outer permeable sheath within an outer sheath, filling an outer permeable sheath with hops, disposing an inner permeable sheet within the outer permeable sheath, and causing beer to flow from a vessel through and out of the inner permeable sheath, through the hops in the outer permeable sheath, out of the outer permeable sheath and into the outer sheath, and from the outer sheath and back into the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for beer-brewing comprising adding an enzyme composition comprising catalase without, or essentially without, glucose oxidase so as to improve the flavor and/or flavor stability of the finished beer.

Abstract: System and method includes a body having a central microchannel separated by one or more porous membranes. The membranes are configured to divide the central microchannel into a two or more parallel central microchannels, wherein one or more first fluids are applied through the first central microchannel and one or more second fluids are applied through the second or more central microchannels. The surfaces of each porous membrane can be coated with cell adhesive molecules to support the attachment of cells and promote their organization into tissues on the upper and lower surface of the membrane. The pores may be large enough to only permit exchange of gases and small chemicals, or to permit migration and transchannel passage of large proteins and whole living cells. Fluid pressure, flow and channel geometry also may be varied to apply a desired mechanical force to one or both tissue layers.

Abstract: System and method includes a body having a central microchannel separated by one or more porous membranes. The membranes are configured to divide the central microchannel into a two or more parallel central microchannels, wherein one or more first fluids are applied through the first central microchannel and one or more second fluids are applied through the second or more central microchannels. The surfaces of each porous membrane can be coated with cell adhesive molecules to support the attachment of cells and promote their organization into tissues on the upper and lower surface of the membrane. The pores may be large enough to only permit exchange of gases and small chemicals, or to permit migration and transchannel passage of large proteins and whole living cells. Fluid pressure, flow and channel geometry also may be varied to apply a desired mechanical force to one or both tissue layers.

Abstract: Macrocarriers for growing cells in bioreactors having generally ball-shaped outer profiles, with approximately the same dimension from side-to-side in all planes through the center of the macrocarrier. A series of generally horizontal plates and vertical ribs defined by the macrocarriers form flat surfaces for desirable cell growth.

Abstract: A reactor includes a tank intended to contain a mass to be treated, for example formed from microorganisms, an assembly that rotates about an axis to ensure stirring of this mass, and a plurality of illumination sources to assist the treatment of this mass. The tank has an inner wall with plates fixed thereto, whose planes are oriented towards the axis of the rotating assembly and parallel to same, so as to prevent the formation of a vortex within the mass under the action of the rotating assembly; the illumination sources are carried by the plates, being encapsulated, with at least the part of the plates that carries them, in a material compatible with the mass treated and in a thickness that allows light to be diffused into the tank. This configuration may be scaled, while keeping the ratio of the illumination surface relative to the tank volume approximately constant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for protein enrichment of a microalga grown under heterotrophic conditions, said microalga being of the Chlorella genus, characterized in that the heterotrophic culture comprises a step aimed at limiting the growth of said microalga by means of a deficiency of the fermentation medium in terms of a non-nitrogenous nutritional source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying and/or characterising an endophyte strain, said method including providing a plurality of samples of endophytes, subjecting said endophytes to genetic analysis, subjecting said endophytes to metabolic analysis and selecting endophytes having a desired genetic and metabolic profile. The present invention also relates to novel endophytes having a desired toxin profile wherein the endophyte produces significantly less toxic alkaloids compared with a control endophyte such as standard toxic (ST) endophyte; and/or significantly more alkaloids conferring beneficial properties compared with a control endophyte such as ST endophyte. The present invention also relates to endophyte variants having a desired genetic and metabolic profile, wherein said endophyte variants possess genetic and/or metabolic characteristics that result in a beneficial phenotype in a plant harbouring or otherwise associated with the endophyte variant.

Abstract: This disclosure describes modified photosynthetic microorganisms, including Cyanobacteria, that have a reduced amount of a light harvesting protein (LHP) and contain one or more introduced or overexpressed polynucleotides encoding one or more enzymes associated with lipid biosynthesis, and which are capable of producing increased amounts of fatty acids and/or synthesizing triglycerides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing chondrocytes which enable construction of a cartilage tissue, the method being capable of solving the problems with conventional methods. A method for preparing chondrocytes, comprising co-culturing chondrogenic cells with vascular cells. A composition for cartilage regenerative therapy, comprising chondrocytes prepared by the above-described method. A method of screening for drugs effective as pharmaceuticals, comprising using chondrocytes prepared by the above-described method, a cartilage tissue formed from the chondrocytes and/or cells derived from the cartilage tissue. A method for preparing a matrix produced by chondrocytes, comprising using chondrocytes prepared by the above-described method, a cartilage tissue formed from the chondrocytes and/or cells derived from the cartilage tissue. A method for cartilage regeneration, comprising transplanting chondrocytes prepared by the above-described method into an organism to form a cartilage tissue.

Abstract: Provided is a method of stably maintaining and culturing “hepatoblast-like cells” generated during a differentiation-inducing process from pluripotent stem cells to hepatocytes. The present invention also provides a culture product obtained by the culture method. The hepatoblast-like cells can be maintained and cultured stably by bringing a laminin into contact with the hepatoblast-like cells. The method of the present invention which uses a laminin makes it possible for the first time to culture, maintain, and proliferate the hepatoblast-like cells. Desired mature cells such as mature hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells can be generated in a short time period and can be acquired at a desired timing by maintaining the hepatoblast-like cells. Further, the resulting cultured hepatoblast-like cells were demonstrated to be capable of being induced to differentiate into mature hepatocytes, mature cholangiocytes, bile duct epithelial cells, and the like.