Abstract: Provided herein are grease compositions comprising at least one estolide compound of formula: in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 0; m is an integer equal to or greater than 2; R1, independently for each occurrence, is selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R3 and R4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched. Also provided are methods of making estolide-based grease products.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a method of forming an additive package for a lubricant composition. The method includes the step of providing a base oil and a dispersant, the step of heating the base oil and the dispersant, and the step of combining the base oil and the dispersant to form a first mixture. The method further includes the step of providing a detergent, the step of heating the detergent, and the step of combining the first mixture and the detergent to form a second mixture. The method further includes the step of providing an anti-wear additive and a seal compatibility additive, the step of heating the anti-wear additive the seal compatibility additive, and the step of combining the second mixture, the anti-wear additive, and the seal compatibility additive to form the additive package.

Abstract: A multi-purpose lubricant is described. In accordance with one implementation, a lubricant comprises food grade based oils substantially complying with USDA H-1 specifications for incidental contact with food, wherein at least one oil is selected from the group consisting of food grade plant oil, food grade poly-alpha-olefin, polyalkylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. In accordance with another implementation, a lubricant comprises canola oil, castor oil and a poly-alpha-olefin. In accordance with yet another implementation, a lubricant comprises canola oil, castor oil and a polyalkylene glycol. In accordance with yet another implementation, a lubricant comprises an oil substantially complying with USDA H-2 specification wherein the oil is at least one item selected from the group consisting of plant oil, poly-alpha-olefin, polyalkylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. In some implementations, the multi-purpose lubricant may be applied to areas of a bicycle chain.

Abstract: This invention discloses new krill oil compositions characterized by having high amounts of phospholipids, astaxanthin esters and/or omega-3 contents. The krill oils are obtained from krill meal using supercritical fluid extraction in a two stage process. Stage 1 removes the neutral lipid by extracting with neat supercritical CO2 or CO2 plus approximately 5% of a co-solvent. Stage 2 extracts the actual krill oils by using supercritical CO2 in combination with approximately 20% ethanol. The krill oil materials obtained are compared with commercially available krill oil and found to be more bioeffective in a number of areas such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant effects, improving insulin resistances and improving blood lipid profile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel aldehyde compounds and a method of improving, enhancing or modifying a fragrance formulation through the addition of an olfactory acceptable amount of the novel aldehyde compounds.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for separating tall oil products from a black liquor-containing boiling liquid that has been drained off, was produced within a kraft mill chip digester, and includes a fibrous cellulose material in a mixture with the black liquor and tall oil products, and where the boiling liquid is separated in a separation unit arranged to mechanically separate the boiling liquid into a fibrous cellulose material and a mixture of mixed black liquor and tall oil products, where the mixture of boiling liquid and tall oil products is brought to a separation tank, the separation tank being a gravity separation tank, and adapted to be emptied in a discontinuous manner of the tall oil product collected and concentrated therein, the tall oil products being floated on top of and above a fraction of mixed black liquor, where the tall oil products is brought to a centrifugal separator.

Abstract: A process for utilizing bio-based oils and/or fats for producing biofuels includes the steps of: mixing alcohol with a raw material for forming a reaction mixture; pumping the reaction mixture to a reactor; mixing biogas as a catalyst with the reaction mixture in a selected process step either before or after the supply of the reaction mixture to a high-pressure pump, the biogas including methane and carbon dioxide; adjusting a temperature and pressure of the reactor so that the reaction mixture achieves a supercritical state; esterifying the reaction mixture to produce liquid biofuel and by-products; separating the by-products including methane and alcohol from the liquid biofuel; and recovering separated methane. An equivalent system for utilizing bio-based oils and/or fats for producing biofuels is also disclosed.

Abstract: Candle products may be made from a fuel source that contains a high oleic vegetable oil and a gelling agent. The high oleic vegetable oil may contain by weight percentage a fatty acid content of free fatty acids and/or fatty acids bound in triglyceride form, of: greater than 50% and less than about 99% of C18:1; and a combined C18:2 and C18:3 content of less than about 30%. Useful gelling agents may include fatty alcohols, fatty acids, dicarboxylic acids and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A wooden wick comprising a strip of wood. Such wick further includes a wood booster member connected to the strip of wood. At least the strip of wood or the booster member comprises a grain, wherein the grain is figured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detergent, preferably a liquid detergent, containing a surfactant system, which comprises: a) 15 to 50% by weight, based on the surfactant system, of at least one surfactant of the formula: R1-CH(SO3-X+)-C(?O)OCH3; and/or b) 15 to 50% by weight of at least one surfactant of the formula: R2-C(?O)O—(AO)n-CH3, wherein R1, R2, AO, n and X+ are defined as disclosed here. The invention further relates to washing processes which use said detergents and to the use of the surfactant system described here for improving the cleaning power of a detergent.

Abstract: A fabric conditioning active composition comprising an esterquat mixture of quaternized mono-, di-, and tri-esters of alkanolamine in which the tri-esterquat content of the quaternized esterquat mixture is greater than 25% by weight of the esterquat mixture, and the combined di-esterquat and tri-esterquat content in the esterquat mixture is greater than 78% by weight of the esterquat mixture. Additionally, the free fatty acid content of the composition is greater than 1% by weight based on the weight of the esterquat mixture. The fabric conditioning active composition provides high viscosity when dispersed into water at low concentrations of 0.5% to 12%, without the need for additional polymeric thickeners or other thickening additives.

Abstract: The present composition relates to fabric care compositions comprising an organosiloxane polymer. Methods of using such compositions including contacting a fabric with the composition and rinsing the fabric are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for use of enzymes for sustainable wash water maintenance are disclosed. The invention relates to use of enzymes for removing soils from wash water sources in a variety of cleaning applications. The invention cleans wash water sources, prevents the re-deposition of soils on treated surfaces and enhances detergency. Methods of wash water maintenance according to the invention provide sustainable practices by improving water quality and minimizing water and energy consumption in wash systems.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, etc., directed to the stable delivery of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) or other suitable oxidizers into difficult substrates using low viscosity, lipophilic solvents, such as for stain removal or modification. For example, the compositions, methods, etc., can be used to remove autofluorescent organic stains such as pink stains caused by Streptoverticillium reticulum in marine vinyl or any other suitable substrate.

Abstract: Systems, methods, etc., directed to removing or modifying pink-stain in a substrate. For example, removal of pink-stains caused by Streptoverticillium reticulum in marine vinyl, or to enhance the speed, specificity, and efficacy of other bleaching processes of autofluorescent organic stains in those and other substrates.

Abstract: This invention provides a liquid composition that removes titanium nitride from a substrate without corroding tungsten or a low-k interlayer dielectric also present on said substrate. Said liquid composition has a pH between 0 and 4, inclusive, and contains the following: at least one oxidizing agent (A) selected from the group consisting of potassium permanganate, ammonium peroxodisulfate, potassium peroxodisulfate, and sodium peroxodisulfate; a fluorine compound (B); and a tungsten-corrosion preventer (C). The tungsten-corrosion preventer (C) either contains at least two different compounds selected from a group of compounds (C1) consisting of alkylamines, salts thereof, fluoroalkylamines, salts thereof, and the like or contains at least one compound selected from said group of compounds (C1) and at least one compound selected from a group of compounds (C2) consisting of polyoxyalkylene alkylamines, polyoxyalkylene fluoroalkylamines, and the like.

Abstract: An insulated beer fridge stores and ages corked craft beer in a vertical orientation for a period of several months to years without degrading the cork stopper used to seal the bottle. Cork shrinkage is prevented by controlling the humidity within the beer fridge container within a range of 50% to 70% relative humidity. An optimal beer aging temperature in the range of 10° C. (50° F.) to 15.6° C. (60° F.) is maintained by a refrigeration system. Relative humidity within the beer fridge containment is actively maintained by a humidity replenishment mechanism. A controller calculates the amount of water needed to bring the relative humidity to 50% to 70% at the beer fridge temperature. Beers are stored in the beer fridge on trays, which can be pulled for removal of aged beer and addition of new corked craft beer.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for aging beer inside a coconut. After selecting a suitable coconut of appropriate freshness and maturity, an opening may be placed in the shell through which coconut water may be removed and beer may be introduced. The opening may then be sealed and the coconut may be stored for a period of time. During storage, the coconut may impart a coconut flavor to the beer stored therein. Storage may be performed in a refrigerated environment to ensure the continued freshness of the beer and coconut, as well as the sanitation of the storage process. After sufficient storage to impart a desired amount or intensity of coconut flavor to the beer, the beer may be removed from the coconut. The coconut flavored beer may then be consumed, bottled, canned, kegged, or otherwise stored.

Abstract: The invention features a bioreactor for the growth of macroalgae and methods for using the bioreactor to maintain optimal nutrient levels for the organisms in an aquarium or aquaculture system. The devices and methods of the invention provide for the bioremediation of excess nutrients in order to maintain nutrient balance in an aquarium or aquaculture system that facilitates growth and/or health of one or more of the organisms that reside therein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vessel for culturing cells which includes: a bottom, a top, a tubular neck, and, one or more shelves. The first shelf adjoins the top with the first shelf being located intermediate the bottom and the top. The bottom, the top and the one or more shelves collectively define an enclosed volume for culturing cells with the enclosed volume being accessible by the opening in the tubular neck. Advantageously, this vessel provides high volume cell culture in a manner that increases efficiency and reduces the cost of culturing cells.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a disposable bioreactor including a headplate and a stirrer. The headplate has at least one inlet port aperture and one outlet port aperture formed therein and is adapted to couple sealingly with a bag capable of receiving a culture medium. The stirrer is coupled to and extends from the headplate and is adapted to stir the culture medium when the headplate is coupled to the bag. The bioreactor is adapted to fit within the upper opening of the stand of an existing conventional glass bioreactor, so that the bag is suspended within the vessel.

Abstract: A method for improving productivity in microbial fermentations and mammalian cell culture bioreactors.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices and systems of culturing cells in a cell culture5 device comprising a plurality of non-porous substrates in the form of a packed bed in which the addition of substrates to the cell culture device enables specific yields to be obtained. Modified non-porous substrates are also provided for use in such methods, devices and systems.

Abstract: A bioreactor outlet air conditioning system (10) has a bioreactor vessel (100) and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has a fluid flow path (196) from a headspace (108) in the vessel for venting air from the vessel, and a temperature control element (300) in thermal contact with the fluid flow path (196). The fluid flow path (196) may be defined by a disposable portion of the bioreactor vessel (100). A method of controlling evaporation within a bioreactor vessel (100), dependent on the required evaporation rate, adjusts the temperature of the temperature control element (300) to control the rate of evaporation of the liquid media (106) from the vessel (100), and may include monitoring fluids in the fluid flow path (196) to detect at least water content of the fluids exiting the vessel to adjust the temperature and control the rate of evaporation dependent on the detected water content levels.

Abstract: An apparatus for electroporation of biological cells is provided. The apparatus includes a sample container having an insulator chamber for holding the cells. The sample container has a first electrode and a second electrode to provide electrical connection for electroporation. The insulator chamber is configured to contain at least one cell monolayer. The apparatus also includes a pulse generator that can generate a predetermined pulse for electroporation of the cells.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: The current technology is related to methods for rapidly determining the metabolic baseline and potential of living cells. Embodiments relate to measuring the activity of each of the two major energy-generating pathways within the cell: mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, first under baseline conditions, and again after applying a stress to the cells to demand increased energy supply. In some embodiments the stress may be applied by exposing the cells to a combination of two chemical compounds: a mitochondrial uncoupler and an ATP synthase inhibitor. In one embodiment, the metabolic energy generating activity of the mitochondrial respiration pathway is determined by measuring the rate of oxygen consumption by the living cells, and the metabolic energy generating activity of the glycolysis pathway is determined from a measurement of extracellular acidification caused by secretion of protons from the cell.

Abstract: Methods of treating contamination, particularly fungal contamination, in cultures of Haematococcus pluvialis with hydrogen peroxide and salt are described herein. The method comprises dosing the culture comprising a concentration of salt with a concentration of hydrogen peroxide based on the stage of the cells in the culturing process and at a frequency to increase the likelihood of the cells surviving until the process of accumulating carotenoids, such as astaxanthin, is complete.

Abstract: Methods of treating contamination, particularly fungal contamination, in cultures of Haematococcus pluvialis with hydrogen peroxide are described herein. The method comprises detecting the contamination and then dosing the culture with a concentration of hydrogen peroxide based on the stage of the cells in the culturing process and at a frequency to increase the likelihood of the cells surviving until the process of accumulating carotenoids, such as astaxanthin, is complete.

Abstract: Methods of treating lysis in cultures of Haematococcus pluvialis with hydrogen peroxide are described herein. The method comprises dosing the culture comprising with a concentration of hydrogen peroxide based on the stage of the cells in the culturing process and at a frequency to increase the likelihood of the cells surviving until the process of accumulating carotenoids, such as astaxanthin, is complete.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding a BREX system are provided. Accordingly there is provided an isolated polynucleotide encoding a BREX system comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the BREX system comprising brxC/pglY, pglZ and at least one of pglX, pglXI, brxP, brxHI, brxHII, brxL, brxD, brxA, brxB, brxF, and brxE, with the proviso that said BREX system does not comprise pglW, and wherein said BREX system confers phage resistance to a bacteria recombinantly expressing same; Also provided is an isolated polynucleotide encoding a BREX system comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the BREX system comprising brxC/pglY, pglZ, pglX, pglW and at least one of brxD and brxHI, and wherein said BREX system confers phage resistance to a bacteria recombinantly expressing same. Also provided are compositions and methods for conferring phage resistance to bacteria or for conferring bacterial susceptibility to phages.

Abstract: Provided is a method of culturing one or more microorganisms. The method includes culturing one or more microorganisms in a medium comprising crude glycerol at a first concentration level, feeding to the media an additional amount of crude glycerol, once the first concentration of glycerol is reduced to a first threshold level, at a concentration sufficient to achieve the first concentration level, monitoring the crude glycerol concentration until the first concentration level of the crude glycerol is reduced to the first threshold level. The steps may be repeated until a desired microorganism cell density is achieved.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides the use of a phosphatidylcholine compound as a component of a media composition. The resulting media composition can be used for the cryopreservation of eukaryotic cells. The cryopreserved eukaryotic cells can be thawed and recovered for inoculation and/or growth in a media to reproduce new cells. Provided herein are compositions and methods for the cryopreservation of eukaryotic cells in a media composition containing a phosphatidylcholine compound.

Abstract: Biomedical devices and methods are disclosed for the development of 3D polymeric scaffolds for cell culture, high throughput screens for biomolecule purification, and generation of bone mimetic materials. The devices may feature multiple geometries, and scaffold generation capabilities include multiple gel types utilizing organic and aqueous phase pregel. Additionally, macroporous and non-macroporous morphologies are possible.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing an agent for improving sperm-motility, in particular, an agent for improving forward-sperm-motility, for use on reduced-motility sperm in male infertility treatment. Prepared is a gaseous agent for improving sperm-motility consisting of a gas that contains hydrogen molecules in the amount of 1% (v/v) or higher, for example, a gas that contains hydrogen molecules in an amount of between 45 and 55% (v/v), or a liquid agent for improving sperm-motility consisting of a liquid such as physiological saline, a culture solution, or a buffer solution containing hydrogen molecules in the amount of 1% or higher of the saturation solubility thereof, for example, a liquid in which hydrogen molecules have been dissolved by bubbling. The gaseous agent for improving sperm-motility can improve the motility of sperm by contacting hydrogen gas and either semen or a dilution thereof with each other in a gaseous phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting or suppressing undifferentiated or pluripotent stem cell growth and proliferation in a differentiated or differentiating cell population or culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to methods for producing tissue-specific cells from patient samples, and to tissue-specific cells produced using these methods. Methods for reprogramming cells using RNA are disclosed. Therapeutics comprising cells produced using these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of chemically defined cell culture media containing nutrients and growth factors free of any serum for culturing cells such as mesenchymal stem cells and methods of using embodiments of the cell culture medium for expanding cell populations such as mesenchymal stem cells while maintaining a pluripotent phenotype and methods of inducing chondrogenesis and osteogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells by admixing differentiation factors into embodiments of the cell culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention generally features methods of preparing a microarray of cell spheroids, methods of preparing a micromold for embedding spheroids for histology, and methods of screening a library of agents.

Abstract: There is provided a method of differentiating an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) into a renal proximal tubular cell (PTC)-like cell. The method comprises culturing an undifferentiated iPSC in a renal epithelial cell culture medium in the presence of one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2) and bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7), for a period of from about 8 to about 10 days, under conditions sufficient to induce differentiation of the iPSC into a PTC-like cell. A cell population of differentiated PTC-like cells is also provided, as well as uses and methods of use of the cell population.

Abstract: Methods for producing engineered induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are provided comprising introducing a first nucleic acid into somatic cells for integration into their genome and reprogramming the cells to produce engineered iPS cells having the nucleic acid integrated into their genome. For example, in certain aspects the cells are reprogrammed by introduction of a genetic element that expresses one or more reprogramming factor and culturing of the cells under conditions sufficient to produce reprogrammed cells.

Abstract: A device for culturing a liver tissue has a culture chamber to which at least two flow channels, which are at least for introducing and discharging a culture medium, are connected. A gel which serves as a cell scaffold material is housed in the culture chamber. A co-culture system containing an endothelial cell-derived cell, a hepatocyte-derived cell and a mesenchymal cell is co-cultured on the gel in such a way that the co-culture system has a tubular structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attenuated strain of porcine pseudorabies virus (PRV), in which said attenuated strain of PRV is a variant strain of PRV with inactivation of gI/gE/11K/28K proteins. In addition, the present invention also provides a vaccine composition comprising the attenuated strain of PRV as an antigen, a preparation method and use thereof. Proved by immunogenicity and pathogenicity testing of the live vaccine, said live PRV vaccine can provide a good protection for pigs with no clinical signs observed, indicating excellent immune protection.

Abstract: This invention provides a vaccinia virus that grows specifically in a cancer cell and damages such cancer cell and the use of such virus for treatment of cancer. Such mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent vaccinia virus strain lacks functions of vaccinia virus growth factor (VGF) and O1L, it does not grow in normal cells but grows specifically in cancer cells, and it has oncolytic properties that specifically damage cancer cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to non-naturally occurring polypeptides useful for preparing Ezetimibe, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides.

Abstract: An isolated or a purified nucleic acid sequence for enhancing expression levels of a protein of interest, in 5? to 3? direction, comprises: a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter; an eEF-1 intron repeat (eEF-1 IR); and a regular sequence, which comprises: at least one tag element, a fixable linker sequence, wherein the fixable sequence is TEV sequence; and a multiple cloning site (MCS). By means of the array of the specific promoter and eEF-1 IR, the expression and purity of the recombinant protein could be enhanced; wherein eEF-1 IR can reduce the length of vector and assist RNA polymerase II transcription. Besides, TEV sequence of the fixable linker sequence of the regular sequence can remove a tag on recombinant protein; a specific target can be inserted into the multiple cloning site.

Abstract: The present application relates to an L-threonine-producing microorganism and a production method for L-threonine using the same, and more specifically, to a microorganism having enhanced L-threonine productivity and a method for producing L-threonine in high yield using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lipase variants and methods of obtaining them. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: The invention provides for systems, methods, and compositions for altering expression of target gene sequences and related gene products. Provided are vectors and vector systems, some of which encode one or more components of a CRISPR complex, as well as methods for the design and use of such vectors. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in eukaryotic cells and methods for utilizing the CRISPR-Cas system.