Abstract: A phosphor with a high light-emitting intensity and indicated by general formula MeaRebSicAldNeOf. Me has Sr as an essential element thereof and can include one or more types of element selected from Na, Li, Mg, Ca, Ba, Sc, Y, and La. Re has Eu as an essential element thereof and can include one or more types of element selected from Mn, Ce, Tb, Yb, and Sm. When composition ratios a, b, c, d, e, and f fulfill a=1?x, b=x, c=(2+2p)×(1?y), d=(2+2p)×y, e=(1+4p)×(1?z), and f=(1+4p)×z, parameters p, x, y, and z fulfill the following: 1.630<p<1.650, 0.005<x<0.300, 0.180<y<0.220, and 0.060<z<0.100. A light-emitting device with high luminance is provided by using this phosphor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a phosphor comprising a europium-activated sialon crystal having a basic composition represented by a formula: (Sr1-x, Eux)?Si?Al?O?N? (1) (wherein x is 0<x<1, ? is 0<??4 and ?, ?, ? and ? are numbers such that converted numerical values when ? is 3 satisfy 9<??15, 1???5, 0.5???3 and 10???30), wherein the phosphor is composed of particles having a sphericity of 0.65 or more and emits green light by being excited by ultraviolet light, violet light or blue light.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystal composition having at least one or a suitable balance regarding at least two of characteristic such as high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, low minimum temperature thereof, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large dielectric anisotropy, large specific resistance, high stability to ultraviolet light or heat; an AM device having short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, long service life and so forth. The liquid crystal composition has positive dielectric anisotropy and contains a specific compound having high maximum temperature and large refractive index anisotropy as a first component, and may contain a specific compound having large positive dielectric anisotropy as a second component, a specific compound having high maximum temperature or small viscosity as a third component or a specific compound having negative dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component, and a liquid crystal display device includes the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-voltage coil superior in insulating properties and rigidity at high temperatures, which comprises a bobbin, a conducting wire wound around the bobbin, and an encapsulant encapsulating the conducting wire, wherein the encapsulant comprises a liquid crystalline polyester having a repeating unit represented by defined formula (1), —O—Ar1—CO—, a repeating unit represented by defined formula (2), —CO—Ar2—CO—, and a repeating unit represented by defined formula (3), —X—Ar3—Y—, as a forming material.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition comprising a compound represented by the following formula has sufficient solubility and a wide usable concentration range, and exhibits excellent haze-lowering performance. B1 represents an n-valent chain linking group, L1 and L2 represent a single bond, —O—, —S—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, etc, A1 represents a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon group or a divalent heterocyclic group, A2 represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group, Sp1 represents a single bond, or an alkylene group, Hb1 represents a fluorine-substituted alkyl group, n represents 2 to 6, m represents 0 to 2, and l represents 2 or 3.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for extracting bitumen from an oil sand stream, the method including at least the steps of: (a) providing an oil sand stream; (b) contacting the oil sand stream with a liquid comprising a non-aqueous solvent thereby obtaining a solvent-diluted oil sand slurry; (c) screening the solvent-diluted oil sand slurry thereby obtaining a screened oil sand slurry and a rejects stream; (d) introducing the rejects stream into a liquid bath; (e) transporting the rejects stream through the liquid bath to a space above the surface of the liquid bath; and (f) extracting bitumen from the screened oil sand slurry obtained in step (c).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for thermochemically transforming biomass or other oxygenated feedstocks into high quality liquid hydrocarbon fuels. In particular, a catalytic hydropyrolysis reactor, containing a deep bed of fluidized catalyst particles is utilized to accept particles of biomass or other oxygenated feedstocks that are significantly smaller than the particles of catalyst in the fluidized bed. The reactor features an insert or other structure disposed within the reactor vessel that inhibits slugging of the bed and thereby minimizes attrition of the catalyst. Within the bed, the biomass feedstock is converted into a vapor-phase product, containing hydrocarbon molecules and other process vapors, and an entrained solid char product, which is separated from the vapor stream after the vapor stream has been exhausted from the top of the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention describes a Fischer-Tropsch process for synthesis of hydrocarbons comprising contacting a charge comprising synthesis gas under Fischer-Tropsch synthesis operating conditions with at least one catalyst containing an active phase comprising at least one metal of group VIIIB selected from cobalt, nickel, ruthenium and iron deposited on an oxides support comprising alumina, silica and phosphorus, said oxides support not containing any spinel phase. The catalyst has an improved hydrothermal and mechanical resistance in a Fischer-Tropsch process while improving its catalytic performances.

Abstract: Process for TDAE-1 and TDAE-2 production is initiated with production of DAE Feeds which have kinematic viscosity at 100° C. ranges 24-67 cSt, followed by mixing them with solvent to yield Mixture of DAE Feed with density ranges 0.75-0.85 kg/liter and further contacting the Mixture of DAE Feed with solvent, like furfural, NMP and DMSO to facilitate a counter current liquid-liquid extraction, wherein the TDAE-1 and TDAE-2 are produced at ratio of polar solvent to Mixture of DAE Feed ranges 1.7-2.0 and 0.5-1.7, respectively. The PCA content of TDAE-1 and TDAE-2 are less than 3% weight and 3-20% weight. The amount of 8 Grimmer polyaromatics hydrocarbon content in the TDAE-1 and TDAE-2 are the same, that is, less than 10 mg/kg including Benzo (a) pyrene substance as much as less than 1 mg/kg.

Abstract: Process of extracting sulphur-containing compounds from a hydrocarbon cut of the gasoline or LPG type by liquid-liquid extraction with a soda solution employing a unit (2) for pretreatment of the feedstock to be treated placed upstream of the extraction unit (4), the soda being introduced into the extraction column (4) in the form of two circuits operating either in parallel, or in series.

Abstract: Corrosion of ferrous material such as steel or stainless steel is a problem in oil pipelines, oil storage tanks, and the piping and process equipment at oil refineries, and this corrosion may be reduced by reducing the TAN value of the oil feedstock that is used/transported within the ferrous material. This TAN value may be reduced by reacting the oil feedstock with an alkali metal, thereby forming a de-acidified alkali metal. The de-acidified alkali metal has a TAN value of less than or equal to 1 mgKOH/g.

Abstract: Methods and systems of removing color bodies from vacuum gas oil. The methods and systems include mixing the oil and N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) within one or more columns. After moving through the one or more columns, water and glycerin are added to the oil. A second portion of the NMP is removed from the oil as well as at least some of the water and at least some of the glycerin through at least one centrifuge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to online analysis of crude oil from desalting processes. Online analysis of the crude oil that has been desalted will allow for real time adjustments to process operating parameters such that the salt concentration of the crude oil is maintained within acceptable parameters. This online analysis can yield a more efficient process, reduce energy consumption of the desalting process, and maintain corrosion rates within acceptable limits.

Abstract: A support for hydrocracking catalyst of hydrocarbon oil, which comprises a modified zeolite obtained by incorporating titanium into a faujasite-type zeolite, wherein the modified zeolite satisfies conditions (a) to (e) as described, and to a hydrocracking catalyst employing the support and a method for hydrocracking of hydrocarbon oil containing aromatics using the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making a catalyst for hydroprocessing a carbonaceous feedstock under hydroprocessing conditions, and the use of that catalyst. More particularly, the present invention is directed to methods for inhibiting rapid decomposition of ammonium nitrate during calcination of the catalyst following metal impregnation, wherein ammonium nitrate is formed when a nitrate-containing composition and an ammonium-containing component is used in the deposition of metal onto the catalyst.

Abstract: The physical and chemical properties of heavy and extra-heavy crudes are improved by a procedure that uses a homogeneous type catalyst and involves the stages: 1. separation and removal of the water fraction that is contained in the hydrocarbons, 2. catalyst injection and activation of the reaction system, 3. elimination of gaseous hydrocarbons and recovery of the partial pressure of hydrogen at different times, 4. reaction and 5. recovery of distillated products.

Abstract: A particulate pump includes a posimetric rotary drive that has a hub affixed to a pair of discs. The posimetric rotary drive and chain together provides a working surface for a coal plug against a wall. A chain has a plurality of overlapping links and is integral with the hub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for generating a methane-containing substitute natural gas from a carbon oxide-containing input gas and also to an energy supply system equipped with such an apparatus. According to the invention, the input gas is subjected to a methanation reaction where a superstoichiometric hydrogen fraction is established in the reactant gas. The product gas of the methanation reaction is divided by gas separation into a methane-containing retentate gas, which yields the substitute natural gas, and a hydrogen-containing permeate gas. At least some of the permeate gas is returned to the input gas and admixed therein to form the reactant gas for the methanation reaction. The invention may be used, for example, for renewable energy supply systems with biomass valorization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material and/or fuel which is produced from biomass. The material and/or fuel can be produced according to a method, wherein the biomass is treated at a temperature of over 100 degrees centigrade and a pressure of over 5 bar for a treatment duration of at least 1 hour.

Abstract: The process basically comprises: dissolving a lamellar disulphide, as a source of the solid lubricant, in an aqueous solvent, forming a first aqueous solution; dissolving a reducing agent, as hydroxylamine, sodium hypophosphite or sodium borohydride, in an aqueous solvent, forming a second aqueous solution; mixing the first and second aqueous solutions, forming a third aqueous solution; neutralizing the pH of the third aqueous solution; dissolving a sulphur source, in an aqueous solvent, forming a fourth aqueous solution; mixing the third and fourth aqueous solutions, forming a fifth aqueous solution, which is contained and heated in an autoclave; cooling the fifth aqueous solution to the room temperature; and removing, from the autoclave, the nanoparticles in powder form.

Abstract: A sliding material based on graphite-added resin containing 5 to 60% by weight of graphite particles having an average particle diameter of from 5 to 50 ?m, and a degree of graphitization of 0.6 or more, with the balance being one or more of polyimide resin and polyamide-imide resin, and further, the number of the graphite particles having a minimum diameter/maximum diameter ratio (hereinafter referred to as “particle ratio”) of 0.5 or more amounts to 50% or more of the total number of the graphite particles observed in a photograph of an optional cross section of the sliding material based on graphite-added resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multipurpose overbased metal salt of the reaction product of a hydrocarbyl substituted amine with an itaconate, such as an N-substituted 4-carboxypyrrolidin-2-one, and methods of employing the same in lubricating compositions. Overbasing the N-substituted 4-carboxypyrrolidin-2-one can provide improved friction modifying performance to the compound as well as impart multi-functionality to the compound, i.e., the compound may function as a friction modifier as well as, for example, a detergent, anti-wear or extreme pressure agent and dispersant in lubricating compositions. The lubricating compositions containing the overbased N-substituted 4-carboxypyrrolidin-2-one are preferably intended to be employed in a method for lubricating a mechanical device, such as an automatic or manual transmission. However, it is envisioned that the compound can be employed in engine oil lubricants and any other type of functional fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel hindered phenol compound of Formula (I) (wherein the groups R and R? are as defined in the specification), preparation thereof and use thereof as an antioxidant. By using the hindered phenol compound of this invention as an antioxidant, it is possible to produce a lubricant oil composition exhibiting excellent oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel lubricity enhancing additives, to a method for producing the same, and to the use thereof.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) enzymes, nucleic acids encoding them, antibodies that bind specifically to them, and methods for making and using them. Industrial methods and products comprising use of these phospholipases are also provided. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for hydration of non hydratable phospholipids (NHPs) within a lipid matrix. The methods enable migration of NHPs to an oil-water interface thereby allowing the NHPs to be reacted and/or removed from the lipids. In certain embodiments, provided is a method for removing NHPs, hydratable phospholipids, and lecithins from vegetable oils to produce a degummed oil or fat product that can be used for food production and/or non-food applications. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for hydration of NHPs followed by enzymatic treatment and removal of various phospholipids and lecithins.

Abstract: A new and improved waste oil management system is described herein which includes an automated data management system, allowing users to track usage and collection volumes, and other useful data, to help reduce oil use, lower costs and increase profits. The waste oil management system includes an oil monitoring device or integrated control panel linked to one or more computers, more fully described herein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for improved cleaning using neutral cleaners are disclosed. In particular, neutral pH cleaning compositions according to the invention employ a synergistic combination of water insoluble surfactants and an anionic hydrotropes capable of forming a stable, low-foaming solution. The neutral cleaning solutions provide significant benefits over water insoluble microemulsions traditionally used for neutral cleaning compositions and provide at least equivalent cleaning efficacy as non-neutral cleaning compositions.

Abstract: A disinfecting solution for a nonionic soft contact lens, which solution contains polylysine as a disinfectant, and further contains: 0.1-1.0% by weight of a component (A) which is an acidic tonicity agent having at least one carboxyl group; 0.10-1.25% by weight of a component (B) which is a basic tonicity agent having an amino group; and 0.1-2.0% by weight of a component (C) which is at least one of a nonionic tonicity agent and an amphoteric tonicity agent, wherein each of the components (A) to (C) has a molecular weight of not larger than 200, and a ratio of a molar concentration of the component (A) to a molar concentration of the component (B) is not larger than 1.2. The disinfecting solution has a pH of 6.5-8.0, an osmotic pressure of 250-330 mOsm/kg and an electric conductivity of 130-750 mS/m.

Abstract: Stains on plastic dishware in the course of machine dishwashing can be prevented or at least reduced by use of hydrophobically modified polysaccharides.

Abstract: Embodiments of cleaning compositions for removing polymeric soils comprise at least one surfactant, at least one amine, and a solvent blend comprising at least one aromatic alcohol, at least one dibasic ester, and at least one terpene solvent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for containing and dispensing a particulate detergent composition. The apparatus includes a transparent container. The transparent container holds a solid state particulate detergent composition. The apparatus also includes a solid state particulate detergent composition. The solid state particulate detergent composition includes a number of surfactants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hop extract having a reduced bitter taste which shows a fat absorption suppressing effect. More specifically the present invention relates to a hop extract oxidation-reaction product obtained by an oxidation-reaction of a hop extract.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid catalyzing system for aging a liquid, such as alcoholic liquid, vinegar and soy sauce. In the present invention, a plurality of nano metal flakes are adopted as the catalyst and a liquid catalyzing system is particularly designed in the present invention for rapidly aging the liquid. By using the liquid catalyzing system, the liquid can be evenly mixed with the nano metal flakes in a reaction space constructed by a framework and a filter; in addition, a disturb gas is inputted to the reaction space through a gas circulation loop connecting with the framework for treating a liquid flow disturbance to the liquid and the nano metal flakes, so as to accelerate a catalytic reaction resulted from the nano metal flakes to the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for producing tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) in different ratios. The apparatus comprises:(i) a bioreactor comprising (a) an automated supply system configured to deliver a first automated supply of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), a cannabinoid acid synthase, and a reaction mixture; and (b) a second automated system to cease the reaction; (ii) a controller configured to modify a property of the reaction mixture to produce the desired products; and (iii) an extractor configured to recover the tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) or cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabichromenic acid.

Abstract: Basing on study of a previous discovered effective bioreactor system, a method to increase culture medium dissolved oxygen is disclosed. This method together with addition of an optimal mixing forms a theoretical foundation for effective bioreactor design and prototype construction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for culture of cells are provided. The devices can comprise a three-dimensional body having multiple two-dimensional surfaces extending inwardly from a periphery of the three-dimensional body towards an interior of the three-dimensional body, wherein the multiple two-dimensional surfaces are configured to support monolayer growth of eukaryotic cells over at least a majority of or all of the surface area of the multiple two-dimensional surfaces.

Abstract: A digester tank has a servicing device that allows access to the interior of the digester tank. The sealing device may have a movable retention wall adapted to resist the pressure of the gas inside the digester by one or more of a) increasing the bending resistance of the retention wall, for example by inflating pockets in the wall, b) forcing the lower edge of the retention wall downwards, for example by weight, a mechanical arm or inflating pockets, and c) providing a mechanical structure within the retention wall, for example a non-moving cage-like structure. A sealing device with a fixed wall has a pipe with an isolation valve between the headspace of the tank and the inside of the sealing device. In operation, a seal may be formed across the separation curtain by raising the level of the liquid contents and closing the isolation valve.

Abstract: An acoustophoresis device made up of modular components is disclosed. Several modules are disclosed herein, including ultrasonic transducer modules, input/output modules, collection well modules, and various connector modules. These permit different systems to be constructed that have appropriate fluid dynamics for separation of particles, such as biological cells, from a fluid.

Abstract: Techniques for generating microtissues, including a micro-fabricated platform including at least one micro-well including a plurality of micro-cantilevers coupled thereto and surrounded by a plurality of ridges, each micro-cantilever including a cap at a terminal end thereof. The platform can be immersed in a suspension of cells. The suspension of cells can be driven into at least one micro-well, and the ridges can be de-wetted to remove excess suspension and isolate the suspension of cells in each micro-well. The cells can be driven in the suspension of each micro-well toward a top surface of the suspension, which can be polymerized to form a matrix. The cells can be cultivated to spontaneously compact the matrix such that the micro-cantilevers anchor and constrain the contracting matrix to form a band of microtissue that spans across the micro-cantilevers.

Abstract: A structure for use in cell and tissue culturing and in other surface and interface applications. The structure comprises a first material layer defining one or more surface features therein disposed randomly or in a pattern, the one or more surface features having the same or different sizes and cross sectional shapes, a second material layer disposed in or on the one or more surface features, a microstructure disposed in or on the one or more surface features and at least partially embedded and immobile within the second material layer, the microstructure presenting a curvature and a stiffness value and protruding above an upper surface of the second material, a size of the microstructure between 1 nanometer and 10 millimeters, and the structure for use in cell and tissue culturing and in other surface and interface applications wherein a cell grows on the microstructure.

Abstract: Provided are electrokinetically-altered fluids (e.g., gas-enriched (e.g., oxygen-enriched) electrokinetic fluids) comprising an ionic aqueous solution of charge-stabilized gas-containing nanostructures in an amount sufficient to provide, upon contact with a cell, modulation of at least one of cellular membrane potential and cellular membrane conductivity. Further provided are the methods of making the electrokinetically-altered ionic aqueous fluid compositions. Particular aspects provide for regulating or modulating intracellular signal transduction associated by modulation of at least one of cellular membranes, membrane potential, membrane proteins such as membrane receptors, including but not limited to G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR), and intercellular junctions (e.g., tight junctions, gap junctions, zona adherins and desmasomes). Other embodiments include particular methods of producing the electrokinetically-altered fluids.

Abstract: This invention demonstrates the formation of a novel polarized membrane lipid raft signaling module in neurons, in response to several diverse neurotoxic stimuli. This polarization occurs well before neurons commit to die, and is an early mechanism in death signaling. The formation of this signaling module is dependent on cholesterol for its formation and provides a mechanistic explanation for the protective effects of cholesterol depleting drugs in several non-neural models of cell death. As such, the formation of the signaling module lends itself as a novel screen for the identification of new drugs and therapeutics which would retard its formation and protect against neuronal injury and death.

Abstract: A method of transforming human cells into mechanosensory hair cells (MHCs), such as inner hear hair cells in the cochlea and vestibular organs, can include: causing human Wharton's jelly cells (hWJCs) to increase expression of or biological function of HATH1 so as to transform the hWJCs into MHCs. The method can include; administering a nucleic acid that encodes HATH1 to the hWJCs; causing inhibited expression of or biological function of HES1 and/or HES5 in the hWJCs; administering a nucleic acid that inhibits HES1 and/or a nucleic acid that inhibits HES5 to the hWJCs; causing inhibited expression of or biological function of HES1 and/or HES5 in the WJCs by administering a nucleic acid that inhibits HES1 and/or a nucleic acid that inhibits HES5; nucleic acids are administered includes a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, and/or SEQ ID NO: 4.

Abstract: BTLA-positive (“BTLA+”) lymphocyte signaling drives T cells and kills tumors. BTLA functions as a positive modulator of anti-tumor (anti-melanoma) T cell responses, The BTLA+ T cell responds against tumor or cancer cells, and, in cancer patients respond better to IL-2 than BTLA-negative cells. Hence, the BTLA-positive T cell in cancers is a positive marker for selection of enriched anti-tumor-cancer reactive T cells and can be used or applied for adoptive T-cell therapy or for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for in vitro maturation of at least one immate dendritic cell, comprising stimulating said immature dendritic cell with TNF?, IL-1?, IFN?, a TLR7/8 agonist and prostaglandin E2(PG). Furthermore, the invention elates to a composition comprising these factors as well as to mature dendritic cells produced by a method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing compositions including embryonic proteins. The method includes culturing cells under hypoxic conditions on a biocompatible surface in vitro. The culturing method produces both soluble and non-soluble fractions, which may be used separately or in combination to obtain physiologically acceptable compositions useful in a variety of medical and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibers. In particular, the present invention provides aligned nanofiber bundle assemblies. In some embodiments, the aligned nanofiber bundle assemblies are used for tissue regeneration, controlled growth of cells, and related methods (e.g., diagnostic methods, research methods, drug screening).

Abstract: A simple method was developed to extract adipose-derived stromal stem cells (ASCs) without using enzymatic digestion of the collagen in adipose tissue. The resulting ASCs isolated by the simple wash method have lower levels of CD34 expression, a hematopoietic stem cell marker, as compared to ASCs isolated using conventional enzymatic digestion using collagenase. This characteristic is consistent with non-enzymatically treated stem cells obtained from bone marrow aspirates, which are negative for CD34. Additionally, the washed ASCs have higher levels of CD44 expression, a hyaluronate receptor, and lower levels of contaminating hematopoietic cells, as evidenced by low CD45 expression, as compared to enzymatically digested cells. The cells produced by this simple method can be used therapeutically for allogenic or autologous tissue regeneration, and can be administered using any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described herein for inducing reprogramming of non-pluripotent cells across lineage and differentiation boundaries to generate endodermal progenitor cells and hepatocytes. Compositions and methods for expansion of endodermal progenitor cells without loss of phenotype are also described herein.

Abstract: Reprogrammed somatic cells, methods for reprogramming, reprogramming factors for somatic cells and uses of such factors and cells are described. Nuclear reprogramming factors [NRF] described comprise one or more of a gene product or a polynucleic acid encoding a gene product from a retinoic acid receptor (RAR/RXR) family member, or an agonist or antagonist thereof; a gene product from an Lrh1 family member; or an agonist thereof; retinoic acid or a gene product involved in synthesizing or metabolizing retinoic acid; or an agonist or antagonist thereof; or a gene product that is involved in transporting a retinoic acid family member.