Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the removal of organic acids, particularly naphthenic acids, from crude oils and crude oil distillates by use of a supported basic ionic liquid in a mass ratio of crude oil and/or crude oil distillate and ionic liquid of from greater than 40:1, the basic ionic liquid comprises a basic anion selected from serinate, prolinate, histidinate, threoninate, valinate, asparaginate, taurinate and lysinate.

Abstract: Methods and systems of processing a hydrocarbonaceous feed stock flows are provided. In one aspect, the method includes providing two or more hydroprocessing stages disposed in sequence, each hydroprocessing stage having a hydroprocessing reaction zone with a hydrogen requirement and each stage in fluid communication with the preceding stage. A hydrogen source is provided substantially free of hydrogen from a hydrogen recycle compressor. The hydrocarbonaceous feed stock flow is separated into an portions of fresh feed for each hydroprocessing stage, and then supplying the first portion of fresh feed with hydrogen from the hydrogen source in an amount satisfying substantially all of the hydrogen requirements of the hydroprocessing stages to a first hydroprocessing zone.

Abstract: Steam pyrolysis and hydroprocessing are integrated including hydrogen redistribution to permit direct processing of crude oil feedstocks to produce petrochemicals including olefins and aromatics. A feed is initially split into a light portion and a heavy portion, and the heavy portion is hydroprocessed. A hydroprocessed effluent is charged, along with steam, to a convection section of a steam pyrolysis zone. The mixture is heated and passed to a vapor-liquid separation section. A residual portion is removed and light components are charged to a pyrolysis section of the steam pyrolysis zone. A mixed product stream is recovered from the steam pyrolysis zone and it is separated into product including olefins and aromatics.

Abstract: A device for converting a fuel including solid components, known as a solid fuel, into a gaseous fuel, includes a pyrolysis zone (2) for pyrolyzing solid fuel, having pyrolysis elements that are capable of decomposing the solid fuel into a pyrolysis gas and into a solid pyrolysis residue, known as coke, and a combustion zone (3), which is distinct from the pyrolysis zone (2), for burning the pyrolysis gas and having combustion elements (31, 32, 33). The device also includes elements for circulating pyrolysis gas from the pyrolysis zone (2) to the combustion zone (3), which is surrounded by the pyrolysis zone (2).

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning producer gas includes a filter bed chamber, a microwave chamber, a first catalytic chamber and a second catalytic chamber. The filter bed chamber comprises an inlet for carbon-based material and a spent carbon outlet. The microwave chamber comprises a permeable top and wave guides around the perimeter through which microwaves can be introduced into the device using magnetrons. The first catalytic chamber is connected to the microwave chamber, and the second catalytic chamber is connected to the first catalytic chamber. The method comprises using the device by filling the filter bed chamber with carbon-based material, introducing microwaves into the microwave chamber using the magnetrons and wave guides, dissociating heavy carbons entrained within the gas by passing the gas through carbon-based material in the filter bed chamber, the microwave chamber, the first catalytic chamber and the second catalytic chamber.

Abstract: A charcoal heating material, such as charcoal briquettes, includes a porous structure that facilitates the flow of oxygen about the charcoal, and thereby, enables the briquettes to ignite easily and quickly. In particular the lightweighted charcoal briquettes have a density from about 0.50 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.80 grams per cubic centimeter. Methods of forming charcoal heating materials include mixing a rheology modifying agent and a moisture phase with a charcoal mixture to facilitate absorption of additional water into the solid matrix, providing increased porosity and lightweighting of the finished briquette after drying.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions containing at least one estolide compound and at least one ene and/or Diels Alder compound. In certain embodiments, the addition of at least one ene and/or Diels Alder compound to an estolide-containing composition may improve the cold temperature, viscometric, and/or anti-wear properties of the composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a lubricating composition containing an aromatic compound and an oil of lubricating viscosity. The invention further relates to the use of the lubricating composition in an internal combustion engine. The invention further relates to the use of the aromatic compound as an antiwear agent.

Abstract: A lubricating oil comprising a major amount of base oil and a minor amount of an additive package comprising a friction modifier component selected from: (A) one or more friction modifiers of the formulae I and II: (B) two or more friction modifiers independently selected from the formulae III and IV: and (C) at least one friction modifier of the formulae III and IV in combination with at least one friction modifier of the formulae I and II, and R, R1, R2, R3, X and n are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: A poly(nitrogen/amine) derivative of a natural wax of formula I, and ophthalmic compositions and contact lens care solutions that contain the poly(nitrogen/amine) derivative of a natural wax of formula I. The invention is also directed to a method of treating a patient with dry eyes, the method comprising instructing a patient to administer one or more eye drops of the ophthalmic composition that includes a poly(nitrogen/amine) derivative of a natural wax of formula I.

Abstract: Described are biorenewable, non-VOC solvents and methods of using the same in cleaning applications.

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: The present invention provides lenticular or disc detergent particles comprising (i) surfactant, (ii) inorganic salts, (iii) pigment, wherein the inorganic salts and the pigment are present on the detergent particle as a coating and the surfactant is present as a core. The particles show reduced staining.

Abstract: A processing system for cell cultures for carrying out cell/tissue culturing processes in the field of regenerative medicine, etc. which is a processing system for cell cultures which prevents viruses and human-derived cells, etc. other than a culturing processing target from entering the interior of a closed space from outside of the system to maintain sterility, maintains sealability of the closed spaces of modules, and couples or detaches the plurality of modules in accordance with a wide variety of cell culturing processing steps so that cell culturing processes can be carried out by combining the plurality of culturing processing modules is provided.

Abstract: The device for the transfer of a medium comprises a magazine having two main faces (17) of which one is adapted to cooperate with a container and a lateral face (18) extending between said main faces (17) as well as at least one sliding valve (3) housed in a cavity of said magazine (2) and in which there is formed a transfer duct (59) for said medium which issues on said face (17) adapted to cooperate with said container, said valve (3) having a closed position in which it sealingly isolates said duct (59) from said container and an open position in which said duct (59) is placed in communication with said container; said valve (3) comprising a valve member (40), an isolation sleeve (41) surrounding at least partially said valve member (40) as well as spring means (58) adapted to be compressed by said valve member (40) when said valve (3) is in its open position.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for processing cellulosic material to produce fermentable sugars are provided. Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.

Abstract: To form a temperature-responsive surface for cell culture by simple processes, said temperature-responsive surface for cell culture being capable of efficiently culturing cells. Cultured cells or a cell sheet can be efficiently removed from the temperature-responsive surface for cell culture by merely changing the temperature of the substrate surface. To coat the substrate surface with a block copolymer, in which a water insoluble polymer segment is coupled with a temperature-responsive polymer segment, in an amount of 0.8 to 3.0 ?g/cm2 of the temperature-responsive polymer.

Abstract: Fully defined media that support pluripotent cell viability, proliferation, cloning, and derivation, as well as methods and compositions including these media are described. Methods for deriving iPS cells from adult individuals under defined, xeno-free conditions are also described.

Abstract: A blood processing system and method are disclosed that comprise a leukoreduction filter for removing leukocytes from red blood cells as the red blood cells pass through the filter; and a pump for pumping an additive solution through the leukoreduction filter to flush the leukoreduction filter of red blood cells that remain in the leukoreduction filter after filtration of the red blood cells. Additive solution is flowed through the leukoreduction filter at an initial flush rate to flush remaining red blood cells from the leukoreduction filter and the pump increases the flush rate of the additive solution during flushing of the leukoreduction filter.

Abstract: Subjecting a heterogeneous cell population (one with both stem cells and non-stem cells) to extreme stress selectively eliminated the non-stem cells and resulted in the enrichment of stem cells in the population. The stress can take many forms, including without limitation, cell toxins, high temperature, high salt, and low oxygen (hypoxic) conditions. The number of stem cells remaining after stress were increased, and showed increased expression of traditional stem cell markers. The stem cells were shown to be capable of proliferation and differentiation into multiple types of cells. This method allows purification of stem cells from adult heterogeneous cell populations on a large scale basis without requirement of expensive equipment, and without requiring the presence of cell surface markers. Stem cells produced by the above method can be used for clinical applications, including tissue engineering.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods of culturing non-keratinocyte epithelial cells, with the methods comprising culturing non-keratinocyte epithelial cells in the presence of feeder cells and a calcium-containing medium while inhibiting the activity of Rho kinase (ROCK) in the feeder cell, the non-keratinocyte epithelial cells or both during culturing.

Abstract: Fully defined media that support pluripotent cell viability, proliferation, cloning, and derivation, as well as methods and compositions including these media are described. Methods for deriving iPS cells from adult individuals under defined, xeno-free conditions are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for production of recombinant human iduronate 2-sulfatase (rhI2S) (the 26th to 550th amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 10) in a large scale, with a high purity, and mannose 6-phosphate residues. The method comprises the steps of (a) culturing rhI2S (the 26th to 550th amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 10)-producing mammalian cells in a serum-free medium, (b) collecting culture supernatant, (c) subjecting the culture supernatant to cation-exchange column chromatography, (d) to dye affinity column chromatography, (e) to anion-exchange column chromatography, and (f) to a column chromatography employing as solid phase a material having affinity for phosphate group, and (g) to gel filtration column chromatography, in the order.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having phospholipase C activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel leech HAase and a method of producing low-molecular-weight HA oligosaccharides using the leech HAase. This invention successfully cloned the first leech HAase gene and provides a method for high-level expression of the leech HAase gene. By controlling the incubation condition, different HA oligosaccharides, particularly HA4, HA6, HA8 and HA10, can be selectively generated using the leech HAase. The large-scale expression of the leech HAase and the enzymatic production of specific HA oligosaccharides are not only useful for the cosmetic, healthcare and the medical industries but also can be a great help to polysaccharides chemical synthesis and cancer research.

Abstract: Provided are modified cellulase enzymes exhibiting increase cellulose-hydrolyzing activity in the presence of lignin and/or reduced binding to lignin comprising modified linker peptides comprising one or more amino acid substitutions, insertions, or deletions that result in (a) a decrease in the calculated isoelectric point of the linker peptide and/or (b) an increase in the ratio of threonine:serine in the linker peptide relative to a parental linker peptide from which said modified linker peptide is derived. Also provided are genetic constructs comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding for modified cellulase enzymes, methods for the production of the modified cellulase enzymes from host strains and a process for hydrolyzing cellulose with the modified cellulases in the presence of lignin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel enzymes and the uses thereof. The invention also relates to methods of producing such enzymes, coding nucleic acid molecules, recombinant cells and methods of transforming biomass from such materials. The invention is particularly suited to degrade biomass and/or to improve biomass degradation, and to produce bioenergy products or recombinant proteins. This invention also relates to various applications of the enzymes in the field of paper industry, textile industry as well as in the chemical and medical fields.

Abstract: Proteases derived from Nocardiopsis dassonvillei subsp. dassonvillei DSM 43235, Nocardiopsis prasina DSM 15649, Nocardiopsis prasina (previously alba) DSM 14010 Nocardiopsis sp. DSM 16424, Nocardiopsis alkaliphila DSM 44657 and Nocardiopsis lucentensis DSM 44048, as well as homologous proteases; their recombinant production in various hosts, including transgenic plants and non-human animals, and their use in animal feed and detergents. The proteases are acid-stable, alkali-stable, and/or thermostable.

Abstract: Proteases derived from Nocardiopsis dassonvillei subsp. dassonvillei DSM 43235, Nocardiopsis prasina DSM 15649, Nocardiopsis prasina (previously alba) DSM 14010 Nocardiopsis sp. DSM 16424, Nocardiopsis alkaliphila DSM 44657 and Nocardiopsis lucentensis DSM 44048, as well as homologous proteases; their recombinant production in various hosts, including transgenic plants and non-human animals, and their use in animal feed and detergents. The proteases are acid-stable, alkali-stable, and/or thermostable.

Abstract: The specification discloses Clostridial toxins or Clostridial toxin chimeras comprising an inactivation cleavage site, polynucleotide molecules encoding such toxins or chimeras, compositions comprising such toxins or chimeras, and method of producing such toxins or chimeras.

Abstract: A myeloid-specific c-fms-rtTA/(TetO)7-CMV-MMP12 bitransgenic mouse model was created. Induction of MMP12 abnormally elevated frequencies and numbers of common myeloid progenitor (CMP) and granulocyte/macrophage progenitor (GMP) populations, and decreased the frequency and number of the megakaryocyte/erythrocyte progenitor (MEP) population in bone marrow. CD11b+/Gr-1+ immature cell population increased in multiple organs. An immunosuppressive function on T cell proliferation and function by CD11b+/Gr-1+ immature cells was seen in vitro and in vivo from MMP12 over-expression. MMP12 stimulated (Lin?) progenitor cells to differentiate into CD11b+/Gr-1+ immature cells showing immunosuppression on T cell proliferation and function in vitro. Regulatory T cells were increased. In the lung, concentration of interleukin (IL)-6 was increased, which activated oncogenic signal transducer and increased expression of Stat3 downstream genes in epithelial tumor progenitor cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated dimeric Streptococcus-specific phage lysins having two Streptococcus-specific phage lysin monomers covalently linked to each other, and having killing activity against one or more Streptococcus bacteria. Also provided for are pharmaceutical compositions of dimeric lysins and their use in therapeutic treatment or alleviation of infections or bacterial colonizations. The dimeric lysins may also be used to decontaminate porous and non-porous surfaces or devices.

Abstract: Methods and composition related to the engineering of a novel protein with methionine-?-lyase enzyme activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified cystathionine-?-lyase (CGL) comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading methionine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with methionine depletion using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids.

Abstract: Substrates coated with films of a ceramic material such as aluminum oxides and titanium oxides are biocompatible, and can be used in a variety of applications in which they are implanted in a living body. The substrate is preferably a porous polymer, and may be biodegradable. An important application for the ceramic-coated substrates is as a tissue engineering scaffold for forming artificial tissue.

Abstract: Biological samples containing nucleic acids, RNA and DNA, are freed from bound proteins by incubation with a chaotropic agent such as a guanidium salt, and the mixture is readied for further processing by dilution of such agent to a concentration below 0.05 M without physical isolation of RNA and DNA from one another or from other components of the reaction mixture. Methods include such preparation and further processing, such as amplification and detection, which may be performed in a single container. Chaotropic agent may be supplied as a dried reagent adhered to a container. Kits may include such reagents, alone or with amplification reagents.

Abstract: A proteinaceous particle, for example a bacteriophage, ribosome or cell, displaying on its surface a T-cell receptor (TCR). The displayed TCR is preferably a heterodimer having a non-native disulfide bond between constant domain residues. Such display particles may be used for the creation of diverse TCR libraries for the identification of high affinity TCRs. Several high affinities are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for influencing the miR-92 expression in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a cell; and (b1) reducing the miR-92 expression in the cell in order to promote the vascularization or vessel repair by introducing an antisense molecule against miR-92 into the cell, or (b2) increasing the miR-92 expression in the cell for an inhibition of the tumor angiogenesis by introducing a construct into the cell, wherein said construct includes an expressible miR-92 sequence. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising an agent for reducing the miR-92 activity or expression in a cell in the form of an antisense molecule against miR-92, or an agent for increasing the miR-92 expression in a cell in the form of a construct for expressing miR-92.

Abstract: Methods of treating a wound in a subject are provided comprising administering to the subject an amount of an inhibitor of Fidgetin-like 2. Compositions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising an amount of an inhibitor of Fidgetin-like 2 are also provided. Methods are also provided for identifying an inhibitor of Fidgetin-like 2.

Abstract: Disclosed are an anti-influenza nucleic acid, peptide nucleic acid and preparations thereof. The nucleic acid of the invention consists of any one or several of SEQ ID NOs: 1-12, and any one or several of SEQ ID NOs: 13-24. The peptide nucleic acid of the invention consists of any one or several of SEQ ID NOs: 25-36, and any one or several of SEQ ID NOs: 37-48. The peptide nucleic acid preparation of the invention has effective ingredients of said peptide nucleic acids. The anti-influenza peptide nucleic acid of the invention is of high bioavailability and stable physical and chemical properties with no toxic or side effect and no drug tolerance. With low cost, the drugs can inhibit influenza virus replication and have good anti-virus effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to antisense oligonucleotidic sequences (ODN) against Smad7 suitably modified, and their uses in medical field as therapeutic biological agents, in particular in the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to constructs, compositions and methods for modulating platelet-type 12 lipoxygenase (12-LO) in adipose tissue in vivo. Specifically, the invention provides constructs encoding expression-inhibiting oligonucleic acids, e.g., antisense and RNA interfering (RNAi) molecules, targeted to a platelet-type 12-LO gene or a transcript thereof, which are capable of reducing or silencing platelet-type 12-LO expression specifically in adipocytes and pre-adipocytes. Vectors of these constructs (including, but not limited to, viral vectors), compositions of them and methods of using same for the treatment and amelioration of conditions associated with excess fat cell mass and obesity are also provided.

Abstract: Vectors expressible in a host that is the rhaBAD promoter region of the L-rhamnose operon operably linked to a transcriptional unit that is: a) a nucleic acid sequence which is heterologous to the host, and b) a prokaryotic signal sequence operably linked to the nucleic acid sequence. The prokaryotic signal sequence is selected from signal peptides of periplasmatic binding proteins for sugars, amino acids, vitamins and ions. The expression of the nucleic acid sequence is controlled by the promoter region. The vector is used for the regulated heterologous expression of a nucleic acid sequence in a prokaryotic host. This is an isolated and purified nucleic acid sequence expressible in a host is the promoter region of the L-rhamnose operon. There is a method for producing a polypeptide in a host using the vector.

Abstract: A mutant Pichia pastoris alcohol oxidase 1 (AOX1) promoter of the wild type Pichia pastoris AOX1 promoter (SEQ ID No. 1) comprising at least one mutation selected from the group consisting of: a) a transcription factor binding site (TFBS), b) nucleotides 170 to 235 (?784 to ?719), nucleotides 170 to 191 (?784 to ?763), nucleotides 192 to 213 (?762 to ?741), nucleotides 192 to 210 (?762 to ?744), nucleotides 207 to 209 (?747 to ?745), nucleotides 214 to 235 (?740 to ?719), nucleotides 304 to 350 (?650 to ?604), nucleotides 364 to 393 (?590 to ?561), nucleotides 434 to 508 (?520 to ?446), nucleotides 509 to 551 (?445 to ?403), nucleotides 552 to 560 (?402 to ?394), nucleotides 585 to 617 (?369 to ?337), nucleotides 621 to 660 (?333 to ?294), nucleotides 625 to 683 (?329 to ?271), nucleotides 736 to 741 (?218 to ?213), nucleotides 737 to 738 (?217 to ?216), nucleotides 726 to 755 (?228 to ?199), nucleotides 784 to 800 (?170 to ?154) or nucleotides 823 to 861 (?131 to ?93) of Seq ID No.

Abstract: Methods and means are provided for the modification of the reactivity of plant secondary cell walls, particularly in cotton cell walls found in cotton fibers. This can be conveniently achieved by expressing a chimeric gene encoding a Saprolegnia monoica chitin synthase in cotton plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid EX15567101 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid EX15567101 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides new sequences, gene constructions, vectors and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of diseases and specially, for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems for manipulation of media and particles, whether inert materials or biomaterials, such as cells in suspension cell culture. The methods and systems comprise use of an apparatus comprising a rotating chamber wherein the actions of the combined forces of gravity, fluid flow force and centrifugal force form a fluidized bed within the rotating chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods to identify novel bacteria and metabolites derived therefrom. More specifically, the invention describes a novel method to isolate bacteria producing metabolites of interest from environmental samples. Particularly, the invention discloses a method to select rare antibiotic producing bacteria. The invention can be used from any sample and allows the isolation of bacteria having e.g., pharmaceutical or agrochemical interest.

Abstract: A Kluyveromyces lactis yeast strain comprising the sequence identified by SEQ ID NO: 1, and methods for the production of sugars (glucose and galactose), ethanol, ?-galactosidase and biomass is provided, in which the Kluyveromyces lactis yeast strain is cultured in the presence of a lactose-containing medium. The lactose-containing medium may be milk, whey, whey resulting from the preparation of butter, whey resulting after casein precipitation, milk permeate, whey permeate, acid whey and YPL culture medium.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the production of food compositions, oils, fuels, oleochemicals, and other compounds in recombinant microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a lipase, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a keto acyl-ACP synthase enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty aldehyde reductase, a fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing food compositions, and transportation fuels such as renewable diesel, biodiesel, and renewable jet fuel, as well as oleochemicals such as functional fluids, surfactants, soaps and lubricants.