Abstract: Provided are azeotrope-like compositions consisting essentially of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropene and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and uses thereof, including use in refrigerant compositions, refrigeration systems, blowing agent compositions, and aerosol propellants.

Abstract: The increase of temperature in heat sensitive devices during heat generating conditions is prevented through the absorption of heat, by providing a carbohydrate endotherm in an amount sufficient to effect the required heat absorption. The carbohydrate endotherm operates in an environment substantially devoid of potential oxidizing reactants. A scavenger may be employed in combination with the carbohydrate endotherm to remove or neutralize potential oxidizing reactants. Alternatively (or in addition), a fluoro-inert material may be employed in combination with the carbohydrate endotherm to effect a desired non-oxidizing environment. The carbohydrate endotherm may be used to provide thermal control and/or thermal protection in a variety of applications and environments. The carbohydrate endotherm may also be employed in combination with previously disclosed endotherm materials to achieve synergistic benefits therewith.

Abstract: Magnesium oxysulfate cement compositions and methods for controlling and preventing fluid and gas flow through a wellbore are described. The compositions and methods may be implemented to provide a barrier to fluid and gas flow between casings or in other operations such as squeeze operations. Magnesium oxysulfate cement compositions may include an admixture of magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate trihydrate and water. When admixed with water, the compositions rapidly transition from a flowable state to a solid state with formation of little or no gel strength before the transition and further have a near-linear relationship between the time required for the transition to occur and the composition temperature at which the transition occurs enabling the user to determine the time within which the transition will occur. Additives, such as accelerators and inhibitors can be added to modify the time in which the compositions make the transition from flowable state to solid state.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for treating water- and hydrocarbon-producing subterranean formations with a relative permeability modifier at concentrations below those conventionally used in the art, while not substantially impacting the treatment fluid's performance. Treatment fluids described herein comprise a base fluid, a relative permeability modifier comprising a hydrophobically modified hydrophilic polymer, and a companion polymer interacting synergistically with the relative permeability modifier such that the treatment fluid is operable to reduce the water permeability or to increase an aqueous fluid injection pressure of at least a portion of a subterranean formation by more than the relative permeability modifier or the companion polymer acting alone at like concentration. The water permeability reduction and/or the aqueous fluid injection pressure increase can be more than additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, apparatus, and systems to minimize environmental impact, water use, and overall cost of drilling and hydraulic fracturing for crude oil and natural gas. Some variations of the invention provide a fracturing-fluid additive composition comprising a water-soluble portion of a biomass-pyrolysis liquid. In some embodiments, the fracturing-fluid additive composition is substantially biodegradable and is not toxic. Some variations provide improved proppants for oil or gas well fracturing. Other variations of this invention relate to drilling-fluid additive compositions, and methods of using these compositions. This invention can significantly improve the environmental, economic, and social sustainability associated with drilling and fracturing for production of oil and gas.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the field of oil recovery from reservoirs. More specifically, it relates to the recovery of oil from sandstone and carbonate reservoirs using a process for preparing a dispersion of capsules for use downhole including the steps of providing capsules containing a dense liquid, each capsule having a capsule wall defining an inner area, the capsule wall having an outer side. The capsules are functionalized by adding a carbon dioxide-philic compound to the outer side of the capsule wall. A dispersion is then prepared by adding the functionalized capsules to supercritical carbon dioxide such that a stable dispersion of capsules in supercritical carbon dioxide is achieved.

Abstract: An economic, direct synthetic method for producing water soluble ZnS QDs that are ready for bioconjugation is provided. The method can produce aqueous ZnS QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 400 nm to 700 nm. Highly luminescent metal sulfide (MS) QDs are produced via an aqueous synthesis route. MS QDs are capped with thiol-containing charged molecules in a single step. The resultant MS QDs exhibit the distinctive excitonic photoluminescence desired of QDs and can be fabricated to avoid undesirable broadband emissions at higher wavelengths. The aqueous ZnS QDs are stable in biological fluids over a long period of time. In addition, non-toxic ZnS QDs have been produced with good photoluminescence properties.

Abstract: A process for preparing a Mn4+ doped phosphor of formula I Ax[MFy]:Mn+4??I includes contacting a mixture of a compound of formula Ax[MFy], a compound of formula AX, and a Mn+n source comprising a fluoromanganese compound, with a fluorine-containing oxidizing agent in gaseous form, at an elevated temperature, to form the Mn4+ doped phosphor; wherein A is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, or a combination thereof; M is Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr, Al, Ga, In, Sc, Hf, Y, La, Nb, Ta, Bi, Gd, or a combination thereof; X is F, Cl, Br, I, HF2, or a combination thereof; x is the absolute value of the charge of the [MFy] ion; y is 5, 6 or 7; and n is 2, 3, or 4.

Abstract: The invention provides, amongst others for application in a lighting unit, a phosphor having the formula M1?x?y?zZzAaBbCcDdEeN4?nOn:ESxREy (I), with M=selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr, and Ba; Z=selected from the group consisting of monovalent Na, K, and Rb; A=selected from the group consisting of divalent Mg, Mn, Zn, and Cd; B=selected from the group consisting of trivalent B, Al and Ga; C=selected from the group consisting of tetravalent Si, Ge, Ti, and Hf; D=selected from the group consisting of monovalent Li, and Cu; E=selected for the group consisting of P, V, Nb, and Ta; ES=selected from the group consisting of divalent Eu, Sm and Yb; RE=selected from the group consisting of trivalent Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm; 0?x?0.2; 0?y?0.2; 0<x+y?0.4; 0?z<1; 0?n?0.5; 0?a?4 (such as 2?a?3); 0?b?4; 0?c?4; 0?d?4; 0?e?4; a+b+c+d+e=4; and 2a+3b+4c+d+5e=10?y?n+z.

Abstract: The invention relates to the optical films, in particular to a quantum dot film applied to a backlight module. The quantum dot film aims to solve the problem that the color saturation of a liquid crystal displayer is poor. The novel quantum dot film comprises a quantum dot layer, and an upper waterproof layer and a lower waterproof layer are arranged on the upper surface of the quantum dot layer and the lower surface of the quantum dot layer respectively. The quantum dot layer comprises, by weight, 100 parts of adhesives, 5-20 parts of silica gel particles, 1-20 parts of diffusion particles and 0.1-20 parts of quantum dots. The surface of the silica gel particles is provided with a micropore structure. The quantum dots are adsorbed in micropores of the silica gel particles or dispersed in the adhesives. The silica gel particles and the diffusion particles are dispersed in the adhesives. The quantum dot film is applied to the backlight module and has the advantages of improving the color gamut and illuminance.

Abstract: Compositions useful for the selective removal of titanium nitride and/or photoresist etch residue materials relative to metal conducting, e.g., tungsten, and insulating materials from a microelectronic device having same thereon. The removal compositions contain at least one oxidant and one etchant, may contain various corrosion inhibitors to ensure selectivity.

Abstract: A closed system for gaining sellable petroleum coke pieces out of solidified petroleum coke in a coke drum unit, comprises a coke drum unit containing solidified petroleum coke; a coke crushing unit for crushing petroleum coke into sellable petroleum coke pieces; a closed slurry pipe leading petroleum coke slurry to a closed slurry pit; a dewatering bin unit for receiving petroleum coke slurry from the slurry pit, for collecting the sellable petroleum coke pieces and for leading filtered water and petroleum coke fines out of it; a closed drain water pit, separate from the slurry pit, for receiving the filtered water and the petroleum coke fines from the dewatering bin unit; a water settling tank receiving the filtered water and the petroleum coke from the drain water pit and for separating the petroleum coke fines from the water such that the petroleum coke fines collect in the bottom part of the water settling tank, and for leading the petroleum coke fines into the slurry pit where they mix with the petroleu

Abstract: A process for regionalization of mining bitumen-containing oil sands ore for extraction and conversion to produce dry bitumen comprises operating multiple separate oil sands ore mining and extraction facilities or in situ thermal recovery facilities, to produce separate bitumen froth streams; operating a regional paraffinic froth treatment (PFT) hub for receiving a portion of each of the separate bitumen froth streams and treating the bitumen froth streams to produce the dry bitumen; optionally providing a portion of the dry bitumen stream to the bitumen upgrading facility and another portion of the dry bitumen stream to a bitumen market pipeline or remote upgrading facility; and optionally comprising regionalization of water distribution where by-product waters are recovered from the PFT hub and the upgrading facilities and distributed to the mining and extraction facilities for use as extraction processing water to produce the bitumen froth streams.

Abstract: A method for significant increase in gas oil yield and energy efficiency in crude oil distillation is provided. The present invention relates to a method of separating the components of crude oil. This method utilizes the innovative and novel application of lighter fraction of crude through its superheating and its injection in the stripping section consisting of bottom to flash zone of main distillation column. Method also illustrates the innovative utilization of water in crude distillation unit to eliminate the bottom striping steam and for significant energy saving.

Abstract: A method for removing sulfur, nitrogen or metals from an oil feedstock. The method involves reacting the oil feedstock with an alkali metal and a radical capping substance. The alkali metal reacts with the metal, sulfur or nitrogen content to form one or more inorganic products and the radical capping substance reacts with the carbon and hydrogen content to form a hydrocarbon phase. The inorganic products may then be separated out from the hydrocarbon phase.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of separating a fluid emulsion stream into a hydrocarbon stream and an aqueous stream, by contacting the stream with a microporous membrane to yield a hydrocarbon product stream and an aqueous product stream. The membrane comprises a substantially hydrophobic, polymeric matrix, and substantially hydrophilic, finely divided, particulate, substantially water-insoluble filler distributed throughout the matrix. The polymeric matrix has a mean pore size less than 1.0 micron, and the purities of the product streams are independent of the flux rate of the aqueous product stream and the pore size of the membrane.

Abstract: A process and catalyst that provides for the upgrading of a high endpoint gas oil feedstock that contains significant concentrations of organic sulfur compound and organic nitrogen compounds. Included among the sulfur compounds are the dimethyl-dibenzothiophenes and derivative thereof. The catalyst of the process is an additive impregnated composition or a derivative thereof that further comprises cobalt and molybdenum. The process provides for the upgrading the high endpoint gas oil feedstock by significantly reducing the difficult to remove thiophene and nitrogen compounds and the process does this with a significantly reduced hydrogen consumption relative to processes using comparative catalysts.

Abstract: Deep desulfurization of hydrocarbon feeds containing undesired organosulfur compounds to produce a hydrocarbon product having low levels of sulfur, i.e., 15 ppmw or less of sulfur, is achieved by first subjecting the entire feed to an extraction zone to separate an aromatic-rich fraction containing a substantial amount of the aromatic refractory and sterically hindered sulfur-containing compounds and an aromatic-lean fraction containing a substantial amount of the labile sulfur-containing compounds. The aromatic-rich fraction is contacted with isomerization catalyst, and the isomerized aromatic-rich fraction and the aromatic-lean fraction are combined and contacted with a hydrotreating catalyst in a hydrodesulfurization reaction zone operating under mild conditions to reduce the quantity of organosulfur compounds to an ultra-low level.

Abstract: A process for the production of middle distillates from a paraffinic feedstock produced by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis comprising a limited content of molecules containing at least one oxygen atom. In the process, the feedstock is subjected to at least one hydrocracking/hydroisomerization stage in the presence of a hydrogen stream also containing a limited atomic oxygen content.

Abstract: A system and process for upgrading a whole crude oil feed in an integrated ebullated-bed and hydrotreater is provided in which the whole crude oil is flashed into a flashed straight run distillates fraction and an atmospheric residue fraction. The atmospheric residue fraction is hydroprocessed in an ebullated-bed reaction zone, while the flashed straight run distillates fraction and the products fraction produced from the ebullated-bed reaction zone are hydrotreated in a fixed-bed reaction zone. Distillates from the hydrotreater and the unconverted residue fraction from the ebullated-bed reaction zone can be combined to produce an upgraded synthetic crude oil.

Abstract: An integrated hydrocracking, vacuum distillation and solvent deasphalting process that provides for controlling the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a heavy oil recycle stream by separating a portion of the heavy oil recycle stream into various fractions in a vacuum distillation unit, and processing the various fractions in a manner, including solvent deasphalting, that allows for the control of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the heavy oil recycle stream.

Abstract: A method to generate dense, multi-cyclic diamondoid fuels from bio-derived sesquiterpenes. This process can be conducted with both heterogeneous and homogenous catalysts and produces the targeted isomers in high yield. The resulting multi-cyclic structures impart significantly higher densities and volumetric net heats of combustion while maintaining low viscosities which allow for use at low temperature/high altitude. Moreover, bio-derived sesquiterpenes can be produced from renewable biomass sources. Use of these fuels will decrease Navy dependence on fossil fuels and will also reduce net carbon emissions.

Abstract: A solid firelighter is provided, which comprises a carboxylic acid and/or an alkyl ester derivative thereof and a curable resin. The firelighter specifically comprise methyl, ethyl, propyl, or buthanoyl esters of a C6-C10 carboxylic acid or mixtures thereof in an amount of at least 20% by weight. Moreover, a method of manufacturing said firelighter is provided, as well as compositions for use in the manufacture of said firelighter.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerating machine oil which comprises an ester between a polyol consisting of at least one of pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol represented by formula (I) and 2-propylheptanoic acid, and is characterized in that the refrigerating machine oil can be used in combination with a refrigerant consisting of 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze). When the refrigerating machine oil is used in combination with a refrigerant consisting of HFO-1234ze, excellent miscibility with the refrigerant, lubricity, thermal and chemical stability and the like can be achieved.

Abstract: Lubricant compositions include: (a) one or more polyalkylene glycol base oils obtained by polymerization or copolymerization of alkylene oxides comprising from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, include at least one butylene oxide and (b) at least one detergent chosen from salicylates or phenates. The present disclosure also relates to: 1) use of a lubricant composition as engine oil, preferably as oil for the engines of petrol or diesel motor vehicles; 2) use of a group of additives for an engine lubricant comprising polyalkylene glycol bases obtained by polymerization or copolymerization of alkylene oxides comprising from 3 to 8 carbon atoms; and 3) use of at least one additive chosen from salicylates, phenates, dithiocarbamates, amine-based or phenol-based antioxidants, preferably from salicylates or phenates, for reducing the Noack volatility of the base oils of polyalkylene glycol type, obtained from alkylene oxides comprising from 3 to 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Provided herein are 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 1; 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 uses of the compositions described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lubricating oil composition comprising a lubricating base oil, and at least one ester additive selected from a first ester that is a fatty acid 3,4-epoxycyclohexyl alkyl ester and a second ester that is a 3,4-epoxycyclohexyl carboxylic acid alkyl ester, wherein a content of the ester additive is 0.01 to 5.0% by mass based on the total mass of the lubricating oil composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, hydraulic fluids and additives for reducing the rate of surface current degradation for components in a hydraulic system, wherein the hydraulic system is exposed to phosphate-ester-based hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: 1-[di(4-octylphenyl)aminomethyl]tolutriazole is prepared in a mineral oil and blended with a liquid alkylated diphenylamine. The liquid product shows increased storage stability with respect to crystallization of the 1-[di(4-octylphenyl)aminomethyl]tolutriazole when the amine is added. This blend product can be stored for a prolonged period of time, and then utilized in a lubricant composition as an antioxidant and corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A low-phosphorus lubricating composition has less than 600 ppm phosphorus, comprising at least 85 weight % of a lubricating base blend, and an additive comprising the following, as weight % of the total composition: (1) an organomolybdenum compound at an amount which provides about 0.1-800 ppm Mo; (2) a hindered phenol at about 0.1-2%; and (3) a dithiocarbamate at about 0.1-2%; with a first proviso that where the dithiocarbamate does not comprise a metal dithiocarbamate, the additive additionally comprises: (4) an alkylated diphenylamine at about 0.1-2%, and with a second proviso that where the organomolybdenum compound comprises molybdenum dithiocarbamate, it is considered a metal dithiocarbamate for purposes of the first proviso, but is considered an organomolybdenum compound for the purposes of calculation of the amount present in the total composition.

Abstract: A metal-free detergent and antioxidant additive comprising the reaction product of an acidic organic compound, a boron compound, a polyamine such as polyethylene imine, and optionally an alkoxylated amine and/or an alkoxylated amide, is provided. The additives of the present invention have higher TBN than similar compounds known in the art.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a process for treating a soapstock. The present invention more particularly provides systems and methods for treating a soapstock to generate free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives, e.g. fatty acid alkyl esters. The present invention more particularly provides systems and methods for realizing the full fatty acid yield of a soapstock by first converting substantially all of the saponifiable material in a soapstock to salts of fatty acids (soaps) and acidulating the soaps to generate free fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives, e.g. fatty acid alkyl esters, wherein the soapstock comprises soaps and saponifiable lipids, e.g. glycerides and/or phospholipids, and the generating of free fatty acids and/or fatty acid is achieved without the use of a mineral acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid detergent or cleaning agent, comprising a) an anionic surfactant neutralized with an amine, b) an alkoxylated oxo alcohol having 7 or 8 alkoxy units, and c) up to 10 wt. %, relative to the entire detergent or cleaning agent, of water. The liquid detergent or cleaning agent has very good cleaning performance toward soiling containing fat and can be a component of water-soluble packagings.

Abstract: The color protection properties of detergents when used to wash colored textiles is to be improved. This is substantially achieved in that polymers are used which are molecularly imprinted using dyes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a concentrated detergent composition comprising an alkali metal carbonate, methylglycinediacetic acid, glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid, and alkali metal tripolyphosphate. The composition is particularly suited to remove tea and coffee soil in warewashing applications.

Abstract: Liquid abrasive cleanser compositions sprayable through conventional manual trigger sprayers comprise a polyalkylene glycol, a nonionic surfactant, a pH adjusting agent, an abrasive, and water, wherein sprayability is made possible by the addition of the polyalkylene glycol. The compositions that are sprayable and acceptable as hard surface cleaners comprise polyethylene glycol as the polyalkylene glycol. The addition of polyethylene glycol having molecular weight of from about 4,000 to about 1,000,000 dramatically increases the sprayer output volume of liquid abrasive compositions having greater than or equal to 10 wt. % calcium carbonate. Addition of polyethylene glycol of molecular weight of from about 4,000 to about 100,000 converts otherwise non-sprayable liquid abrasive compositions into reliably sprayable compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluid washing or cleaning products which are present as combination products comprising a packaging means and at least two fluid washing or cleaning compositions A and B that are located in said packaging means and that are separate from each other, wherein the two compositions A and B comprise A: 10 to 75 wt % of builder material(s); 0.1 to 10 wt % of enzyme preparation; 24.9 to 89.9 wt % of water; and B: less than 0.1 wt % of enzyme preparation; 0.5 to 90 wt % of water and at least one further ingredient of washing or cleaning products, and which fluid washing or cleaning products have an improved stability if the viscosity of the compositions A and B is above 1500 mPas.

Abstract: Brewing assemblies and kits are generally disclosed herein. In particular, a brewing assembly comprising an upper member having a generally conical lower portion and a base member having a funnel shaped portion wherein the lower portion of the upper member is arranged to nest with the funnel shaped portion of the base member is disclosed. The present disclosure also describes brewing kits comprising a fermenter, a lid arranged to close a top opening of the fermenter, a tap connectable to a tap opening of the fermenter, and a base member having a substantially continuous and generally conical portion arranged to mate with a generally conical lower portion of the fermenter. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention creates a support for cell culture and cell sheet detachment which has a substrate, whose surface is coated with a conjugate having a disulfide bond-containing amino acid as a spacer and a biopolymer enhancing cell attachment, migration or differentation. Unexpectedly, after being seeded on the support, the cells grow to form one or more layers of cell sheets and the cell sheets can be easily detached from the support by adding a reductant to cleave the disulfide bond. Accordingly, the invention provides a simple and non-toxic method for detachment of cell sheets.

Abstract: The electroporation chamber and its related devices combine the features of an electroporation chamber that acts as a manifold for regulation of sample flow with those of a flow electroporation device to form a regulated flow electroporation device. The invention further comprises a novel regulated flow electroporation chamber that enables conditions in which a sample is uniformly processed in individual fractions or volumes in a fully closed (sterile) system.

Abstract: A method and system for processing biomass. The method uses an apparatus with a housing, a rotor inside of the housing, and a plurality of protrusions extending from the rotor. The method includes placing the biomass in a fluid medium, inducing cavitation within the fluid to partially separate the biomass, sending the biomass and fluid into the housing, rotating the rotor to further separate the biomass, heating the biomass and fluid, and maintaining the acidity of the fluid and biomass at a pH of between approximately 2 to 6. The system includes apparatus each having a housing and a rotor within the housing. One apparatus has abutting, alternating height protrusions extending from the rotor. Another apparatus has grooves formed in the rotor and an end wall of the housing. Another apparatus has two rows of protrusions extending from the rotor that are spaced apart no less than approximately 6 millimeters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coated dehydrated microorganisms comprising a dehydrated microorganism surrounded by at least one coating, said coating comprising by dry weight at least 25% of hygroscopic salt(s) and wherein the pH of the coating is compatible with viability of the coated dehydrated microorganism. The coating can be partially crystalline, the salt(s) in the coating having preferably a crystallinity degree of up to 60% once applied onto the dehydrated microorganism. The present invention also relates to liquid coating compositions, methods for coating and protecting a dehydrated microorganism. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for the preparation of food products, feed products, consumer healthcare products or agri-products as well as to a food product, feed product, a consumer healthcare product or an agri-product containing such coated dehydrated microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an optimized and defined method for isolation and preservation of precursor cells from human umbilical cord. Besides being reproducible and 100% reliable, in terms of the number of samples processed, the method results in a high and defined number of precursor cells, being the majority obtained after a single adhesion and expansion/multiplication phase ex vivo (thus granting cell phenotype), in a shorter time frame than what was previously described in the state-of-the-art. With this method, it is possible to obtain, in 9 days, after direct freezing of a cell fraction, and after one expansion/multiplication phase ex vivo (end of P0) of the majority of the cells, about 8.6(±0.1)×105 cells/gram of processed umbilical cord. In turn, the characteristics of the cells allow, for example, after 35 days, obtaining an average of 7.7×1015 cells, with precursor phenotype, from 100% of processed umbilical cord samples.

Abstract: Immune cells (Z cells) activated by zinc finger-like protein that regulates apoptosis (Zfra) and uses thereof in cancer treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing an immune response to cytomegalovirus (CMV) using a genetically modified CMV that is conditionally replication defective. The methods of the invention can be used to treat and/or prevent primary CMV infection, infection due to reactivation of a latent CMV and a super-infection of a different strain of CMV that had been previously encountered. The present invention also relates to a replication defective CMV which has been recombinantly altered to allow for external control of viral replication. Compositions comprising the replication defective CMV are also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: Substance productivity is improved by introducing a metabolic pathway for synthesis of acetyl-CoA or acetic acid from glucose-6-phosphate into yeast. Acetic acid productivity, acetyl-CoA productivity, and productivity of a substance made from acetyl-CoA-derived are improved by attenuating genes involved in the glycolytic system of yeast and introducing a phosphoketolase gene into the yeast.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides comprising a UGT8 mini-promoters are provided. The mini-promoter may be operably linked to an expressible sequence, e.g. reporter genes, genes encoding a polypeptide of interest, regulatory RNA sequences such as miRNA, siRNA, anti-sense RNA, etc., and the like. In some embodiments a cell comprising a stable integrant of an expression vector is provided, which may be integrated in the genome of the cell. The promoter may also be provided in a vector, for example in combination with an expressible sequence. The polynucleotides find use in a method of expressing a sequence of interest, e.g. for identifying or labeling cells, monitoring or tracking the expression of cells, gene therapy, etc.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that include a plurality of small molecules selected from the group consisting of an amide, urea or acetone having a molecular weight less than 300 g/mol; and dNTPs and a polymerase in a buffer suitable for use as an amplification buffer. Methods of use of the compositions are also described for reducing non-template DNA amplification.

Abstract: Provided are methods for protein engineering, such as engineering proteases or kinases. The methods may utilize yeast display and/or ER sequestration of proteins or substrates. In some aspects, TEV proteases with altered substrate specificity, potency, and/or efficiency are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura are disclosed.