Abstract: A liquid crystal composition includes a first class including a first compound represented by Chemical Formula 1, wherein the first compound is 13 to 18 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the total liquid crystal composition, and a second compound represented by Chemical Formula 2, wherein the second compound is 8 to 13 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the total liquid crystal composition, a second class including a third compound represented by Chemical Formula 3. Chemical Formulas 1, 2, and 3 are represented by: and wherein R and R? are, independently of each other, a hydrogen atom, or an unsubstituted or substituted C1 to C7 alkyl group.

Abstract: A liquid crystal compound is described, having a large dielectric anisotropy, a high voltage holding ratio and stability to heat, light and so forth, maintaining a nematic phase in a wide temperature range, and having a suitable optical anisotropy and an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds. Particularly, a liquid crystal compound having a large dielectric anisotropy is described. The compound is represented by formula (1): In the formula, for example, R1 is alkyl having 1 to 20 carbons; ring A1, ring A2, ring A3, ring A4, ring A5 and ring A6 are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6 and Z7 are independently a single bond, —(CH2)2—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CF2O—, —OCF2— or —CH?CH—; X1 is fluorine, —CF3 or —OCF3; and Y1 and Y2 are independently hydrogen or fluorine.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition exhibits a positive dielectric anisotropy and sufficiently low viscosity without decreasing or increasing refractive index anisotropy or nematic phase-isotropic liquid phase transition temperature, and does not cause display failures. The liquid crystal composition contains one or more compounds selected from compounds represented by general formula (LC0) and one or more compounds selected from a group of compounds represented by general formula (LC1) to general formula (LC5), in which the liquid crystal composition contains one or more compounds in which at least one of A01, A02, and A11 to A42 in general formulae (LC0) to (LC4) represents a tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl group.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition and an AM LCD device containing the same are described. The liquid crystal composition has a negative dielectric anisotropy, contains a specific compound having a negatively large dielectric anisotropy in a specific range of proportion as a first component, and a specific compound having a small viscosity as a second component, and may also contain a specific compound having a high maximum temperature or a small viscosity as a third component, a specific compound having a negative dielectric anisotropy as a fourth component, and/or a specific compound having a polymerizable group as an additive component.

Abstract: A pyrolysis apparatus reduces feedstock to gaseous energy sources and recyclable solids by moving feedstock through a processing unit via a feedstock transport mechanism that has sections that move the feedstock at respectively different rates through a retort within the processing unit. The feedstock transport mechanism may be an auger with a variable flighting pitch along its shaft. The pyrolysis apparatus may be modular in that processing units may be added and subtracted as necessary for any given installation. A restriction device squeezes ambient air out of the feedstock prior to entry into the pyrolysis apparatus retort.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method, device and installation for devolatizing a solid feedstock, comprising carbon-based waste selected from the group consisting of hazardous material, biomass, animal manure, tires, municipal solid waste and refuse derived fuel. The method comprises treating the solid feedstock to a produce a particle size laying between about 1 cm3 and about 100 cm3. The solid feedstock is passed into a jacketed system which includes a solid feedstock injector, a retort, a side arm for injecting a heated gas, and a process auger. The solid feedstock is contacted with a heated gas, comprising hydrogen, inside the jacketed system at a temperature of about 500° C. to about 1000° C. for a time of about 60 seconds to about 120 seconds, whereby the solid feedstock is converted into a gas stream and a solid stream.

Abstract: A method of processing oil sands material including bitumen. The method includes subjecting the oil sands material to a predistillation process. The predistillation process includes heating the oil sands material to between approximately 350° C. and approximately 400° C., to produce atmospheric gas oil from the bitumen, and intermediate dried oil sands material, and heating the intermediate dried oil sands material to between approximately 535° C. and at least approximately 600° C., to produce vacuum gas oil and coked oil sands material comprising carbon-heavy hydrocarbons and sand. The method also includes subjecting the coked oil sands material to gasification, to produce barren hot oil sands material, and syngas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for the fluid catalytic cracking of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock. According to at least one embodiment, the method includes supplying the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock to a reaction zone having a catalyst, such that both the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and the catalyst are in contact in a down-flow mode, wherein said contact between the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and the catalyst takes place in a fluidized catalytic cracking apparatus having a separation zone, a stripping zone, and a regeneration zone. The method further includes maintaining the reaction zone at a temperature of between 500 and 600° C., such that the hydrocarbon feedstock converts into a cracked hydrocarbon effluent comprising light olefins, gasoline, and diesel.

Abstract: A method for separating and isolating catalyst particles from the hydrocarbon component of a cat slurry oil of a fluid catalytic cracking unit (hereinafter SOCFBs) by mixing a low boiling point solvent with a quantity of SOCFBs in a digester, allowing catalyst fines to settle the bottom of a hydrocarbon layer (comprised of slurry oil, solvent and any diluent used to retrieve the SOCFBs) in the digester, decanting the hydrocarbon layer from the digester, and evaporating the low boiling point solvent from the settled catalyst fines.

Abstract: A hydroprocessing system involves introducing heavy oil and in situ formed metal sulfide catalyst particles, or a catalyst precursor capable of forming metal sulfide catalyst particles in situ within the heavy oil, into a hydroprocessing reactor. The metal sulfide catalyst particles are formed in situ by 1) premixing a catalyst precursor with a hydrocarbon diluent to form a precursor mixture, 2) mixing the precursor mixture with heavy oil to form a conditioned feedstock, and 3) heating the conditioned feedstock to decompose the catalyst precursor and cause or allow metal from the precursor to react with sulfur in the heavy oil to form the metal sulfide catalyst particles in situ in the heavy oil. The in situ formed metal sulfide catalyst particles catalyze beneficial upgrading reactions between the heavy oil and hydrogen and eliminates or reduces formation of coke precursors and sediment.

Abstract: A supported catalyst useful in processes for chemically refining hydrocarbon feedstocks is prepared, the catalyst comprising a metal from Group 6 of the Periodic Table, a metal from Groups 8, 9 or 10 and optionally phosphorous, wherein the metals, and phosphorous when present, are carried on a foraminous carrier or support, the carrier or support, preferably comprises porous alumina having a total pore volume (TPV) of about 0.6 cc/g to about 1.1 cc/g and comprising: (a) equal to or greater than about 78% to about 95% of TPV in pores having a diameter of less than about 200 Angstroms (?); (b) greater than about 2% to less than about 19% of the TPV in pores having a diameter of about 200 (?) to less than about 1000 ?; (c) equal to or greater than 3% to less than 12% of the TPV in pores having a diameter equal to or greater than about 1000 ?; and (d) a pore mode equal to or greater than about 90 ? and less than about 160 ?. Preferably the support exhibits a d50 greater than about 100 ? and less than about 150 ?.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sequential slurry hydroconversion of heavy oil feedstocks. One or more low pressure slurry hydroconversion stages can be used to perform a majority of the conversion of a heavy oil feedstock. The bottoms from the low pressure stages can then be slurry hydroconverted in one or more high pressure stages to further convert the feedstock.

Abstract: Improved yields of fuels and/or lubricants from a resid or other heavy oil feed can be achieved using slurry hydroconversion to convert at least about 90 wt % of the feed. The converted portion of the feed can then be passed into one or more hydroprocessing stages. An initial processing stage can be a hydrotreatment stage for additional removal of contaminants and for passivation of high activity functional groups that may be created during slurry hydroconversion. The hydrotreatment effluent can then be fractionated to separate naphtha boiling range fractions from distillate fuel boiling range fractions and lubricant boiling range fractions. At least the lubricant boiling range fraction can then be hydrocracked to improve the viscosity properties. The hydrocracking effluent can also be dewaxed to improve the cold flow properties. The hydrocracked and/or dewaxed product can then be optionally hydrofinished.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides a reaction chamber, including a catalyst, and a heating chamber configured to receive light. The heating chamber is positioned underneath at least a portion of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Energy-efficient gasification-based multi-generation apparatus, facilities, or systems, and methods of modifying existing gasification-based multi-generation apparatus and the various conventional thermal coupling arrangements, are provided. An exemplary gasification-based multi-generation apparatus includes a gasification system configured to generate raw syngas feed from a carbon-based feedstock, and an acid gas removal system configured to remove acidic contaminants from the raw syngas feed to thereby provide a treated syngas feed. The gasification system includes a gasification reactor, a syngas fluid cooler reactor, and a soot ash removal unit comprising a soot quench column, a soot separator, a soot filter, a soot scrubber, and a gasification system energy management system having a conventional set of heat exchanger unit and an added set of heat exchanger units to enhance energy efficiency.

Abstract: Energy-efficient gasification-based multi-generation apparatus, facilities, or systems, and methods of modifying existing gasification-based multi-generation apparatus and the various conventional thermal coupling arrangements, are provided. An exemplary gasification-based multi-generation apparatus includes a gasification system configured to generate the raw syngas feed from a carbon-based feedstock. The gasification system includes a gasification plant or facility, a sour water stripping plant or facility comprising a sour water stripper, a gasification reactor, and a gasification system energy management system.

Abstract: The present application provides a reactor for: converting feedstock material into gases; or disassociating or reforming a chemical compound; and/a a mixture to its constituent elements; and/to other chemical forms, and; finally a heating device. The reactor comprises a heating device for discharging an ionized gas into the reactor, a feedstock feeder for injecting the feedstock material into the reactor, and a shell forming a chamber that encloses a portion of the heating device and a portion of the feedstock feeder. The application also provides a method for converting hydrocarbon material into synthetic gases. The method comprises: providing the hydrocarbon material to a burner inserted into a reactor, a second step of supplying ionized gases into the reactor, and a third step of subjecting the burner to a flame of the ionized gases such that molecules of the hydrocarbon material are dissociated to forming synthetic gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, which can be part of a pre-treatment system in a plant for the production of fuels, e. g. bio-ethanol, derived from plant biomass, e. g. first generation crops, such as grain, sugarcane and corn or second generation crops such as lignocellulosic biomass. The invention relates to an apparatus for processing, such as fluffing and mixing, at least two media, such as a solid, e. g. biomass, and a fluid, e. g. steam, so as to rendering the first medium susceptible to efficient receiving of energy and/or mass which is provided by localized release of the second medium. Although the description of the present invention focuses on biomass, it is envisaged that the invention is generally applicable to control the mixing of at least two media by crossing their stream of while dispersing at least one of them.

Abstract: Refining assemblies and methods for refining rich natural gas containing a first methane gas and other hydrocarbons that are heavier than methane gas are disclosed. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a methane-producing assembly configured to receive at least one liquid-containing feed stream that includes water and rich natural gas and to produce an output stream therefrom by (a) converting at least a substantial portion of the other hydrocarbons of the rich natural gas with the water to a second methane gas, a lesser portion of the water, and other gases, and (b) allowing at least a substantial portion of the first methane gas from the rich natural gas to pass through the methane-producing assembly unconverted. The assemblies may additionally include a purification assembly configured to receive the output stream and to produce a methane-rich stream therefrom having a greater methane concentration than the output stream.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing blast furnace blow-in coal that can, at a low cost, obtain blast furnace blow-in coal that suppresses occlusion by blast furnace blow-in ash or accretion of blast furnace blow-in ash in a pathway leading to a tuyere of a blast furnace main body, while suppressing a decrease in the amount of heat release. The method includes selecting first and second coal types satisfying conditions (S2, S3), on the basis of the CaO content in the ash when the oxides of Al, Si, Ca, and Mg in the ash is 100 wt % and the Al2O3 content in the ash is 20 wt %, deriving the mixing ratio of the first and second coal types that results in the CaO content in the ash of the mixed coal being at least 40 wt % (S4), and mixing the first and second coal types (S5) at the mixing ratio.

Abstract: Methods for producing alcohols and oligomers contemporaneously from a hydrocarbon feed containing mixed butenes using an acid based catalyst are provided. Additionally, methods for producing fuel compositions having alcohols and oligomers prepared from mixed olefins are also provided as embodiments of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the catalyst can include a dual phase catalyst system that includes a water soluble acid catalyst and a solid acid catalyst.

Abstract: The use is described of polymers which contain, in copolymerized form, an ?-olefin, a vinyl ester and an ester of an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid as an additive for fuel oils and lubricants and in particular as a cold flow improver in fuel oils. In addition, the fuel oils and lubricants additized with these polymers; and also additive packages comprising such polymers are described.

Abstract: A method for reducing wear between two surfaces in sliding contact with one another includes introducing nanoparticles between the two surfaces in an amount and having a composition that results in shear lines being generated within at least one agglomerated wear particle that is generated between the two surfaces as a result of the sliding contact, and subjecting the agglomerated wear particles to at least one load, using at least one of the two surfaces, such that the agglomerated wear particles disassemble along the shear lines into multiple smaller wear particles.

Abstract: A volatile methyl siloxane lubricant for use in the process of laminating lithium sheets into lithium films is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of zeolites or of agglomerates based on zeolites in order to improve the thermal stability of oils and the invention is targeted in particular at the use of these zeolitic compounds for stabilizing the oils or the formulations based on oils participating in the composition of refrigerants.

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: The invention provides a water-soluble metal-working oil agent, including a component A and a component B, wherein the component A is a mineral oil which has a characteristic temperature, as measured in accordance with JIS K2242, of 570° C. or higher, and the component B is at least one condensed fatty acid which is selected from a condensed fatty acid (1), produced through dehydration condensation of a hydroxycarboxylic acid, and a condensed fatty acid (2), produced through dehydration condensation of an alcoholic hydroxyl group of the condensed fatty acid (1) with a monovalent carboxylic acid, which has a characteristic temperature, as measured in accordance with JIS K2242, of 650° C. or higher. The agent can provide excellent workability with a hard-to-work material and can prolong tool life.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed for aiding extraction of an emulsified oil from an oil and water emulsion. The composition includes silicon containing particles at a level of 0.1 wt. % to 30 wt. %; an emulsifying agent at a level of 1 wt. % to 30 wt. %; and water at a level of 40 wt. % to 99 wt. %. A method of extracting oil from an oil and water emulsion in a material is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) dispersing silicon containing particles into the material using a mechanical blending device; and (b) separating the oil from the material. A method of extracting oil from an oil and water emulsion in a material is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a dispersion of silicon containing particles in water; (b) metering the dispersion into the material; and (c) separating the oil from the material.

Abstract: Pyrophoric material such as iron sulfide is frequently found in refinery equipment. When the equipment is opened to the atmosphere for maintenance, an exothermic reaction can take place that may cause injury to personnel and catastrophic damage to equipment. A process used to treat pyrophoric material uses sodium nitrite injected into a gaseous carrier stream to oxidize iron sulfides to elemental sulfur and iron oxides. The sodium nitrite solution may be buffered to a pH of about 9 with disodium phosphate or monosodium phosphate. A chemical additive that provides a quantitative measure of reaction completion may be added to the treatment solution.

Abstract: Described herein are softening compositions comprising fermented fruit solutions and softening agents, methods for making the same, and methods for using the same. The fermented fruit solutions can contain fruit, sugar and water. The softening agent can be selected from the group consisting of soy lecithin, oleic acid, glycerol, and mixtures thereof. The softening compositions can be used to soften article(s) (e.g., using as a fabric softener).

Abstract: Caustic-free detergent compositions are provided. Detergent compositions including an aminocarboxylate, water conditioning agent, non-caustic source of alkalinity and water beneficially do not require the use of additional surfactants and/or polymers to provide suitable detergency and prevent scale build-up on treated surfaces and enhance protein removal from the treated surfaces. Beneficially the detergent compositions have a concentrate pH less than about 11.5. The detergent compositions are used with a sanitizer to employ the low alkaline detergent compositions are particularly suitable for use as low temperature ware wash detergents that beneficially reduce scale build-up. Methods of employing the low alkaline detergent compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to yeast strains and, in particular, to yeast strains for use in fermentation processes. The invention also relates to methods of fermentation using the yeast strains of the invention either alone or in combination with other yeast strains. The invention further relates to methods for the selection of yeast strains suitable for fermentation cultures by screening for various metabolic products and the use of specific nutrient sources.

Abstract: A photo-bioreactor and method of operating are described. The photo-bioreactor includes a reactor vessel arranged to contain a fluid medium within which bio-material is grown, and at least one light-emitting rod extending into the reactor vessel, wherein the light-emitting rod has an elongate tubular member characterized by a length along a longitudinal axis and a width along an axis normal to the longitudinal axis, and designed with an outer wall that encloses one or more light-emitting devices arranged along the longitudinal axis, the outer wall being transparent to at least part of the light emitted by the one or more light-emitting devices into the reactor vessel. The photo-bioreactor further includes a drive system coupled to the elongate tubular member, and operatively configured to rotate the light-emitting rod about the longitudinal axis within reactor vessel, and circulate the fluid medium through the reactor.

Abstract: An attachment arrangement for providing a sensor in a flexible bag, said attachment arrangement comprising: a sensor holding part adapted to be integrated with the flexible bag and comprising first locking part protruding out form the flexible bag, the sensor holding part holding an optical sensor inside the flexible bag; an adaptor part provided outside the flexible bag and adapted to hold an optical fiber, the adaptor part comprising second locking part adapted to mate with the first locking part to lock the first locking part and the second locking part together such that the optical fiber can communicate with the optical sensor inside the bag.

Abstract: To avoid contamination of workspaces by splashing and the like of a waste fluid. A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from one container to another container includes: a delivery channel connecting between the one container to the other container; and a delivery pump which feeds the fluid into the delivery channel by compressively deforming inner diameter in the middle of the delivery channel, wherein the delivery channel is a partially elastic configuration that can be compressively deformed by the delivery pump, and also is a closed-system configuration with which the fluid flowing inside thereof is isolated from outside. As described, the delivery pump and the delivery tube or the waste-fluid container are not directly connected but are simply in contact. Therefore, it is possible to prevent splashing and the like of the waste fluid onto a work space when handling the waste fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for inducing desired activity in enzymes or microorganisms capable of producing the enzymes. The invention is further directed to methods of stabilizing activity in microorganisms. In specific embodiments, the invention provides methods for inducing and stabilizing nitrile hydratase activity, amidase activity, and asparaginase I activity. The invention further provides compositions comprising enzymes or microorganisms having induced and/or stabilized activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method performed ex vivo for removal of tumor cells from intraoperatively collected blood salvage, to antibodies and scaffold proteins which mimic antibodies for use in said ex vivo method, to the use of said ex vivo method for removal of tumor cells from intraoperatively collected blood salvage followed by reintroducing the so obtained purified blood salvage or of concentrates of erythrocytes purified by said method to a patient from whom said intra-operatively collected blood was obtained, as well as to blood salvage or a concentrate of erythrocytes, both obtainable by said method for reinfusion to said patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are reagent-cell complexes comprising one or more definitive endoderm cells. Also described herein are compositions for detecting definitive endoderm. Method of enriching, isolating and/or purifying definitive endoderm cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for differentiating progenitor cells into insulin producing pancreatic islet cells and compositions and methods for using such cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variant phytase enzymes and their use thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant Csy4 endoribonucleases, nucleic acids encoding the variant Csy4 endoribonucleases, and host cells genetically modified with the nucleic acids. The variant Csy4 endoribonucleases find use in a variety of applications, which are also provided. The present disclosure also provides methods of detecting a specific sequence in a target polyribonucleotide; and methods of regulating production of a target RNA in a eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant strain of Trichodema reesei, namely, CCTCC No: M 2013540, that produces cellulase with high enzyme activity, and a method of producing thereof. The enzyme activity of the cellulase was as follows: Filter Paper Activity (FPA):792 U/mL, Endo-1, 4-?-D-glucanase (EG):1389 U/mL, Exo-1, 4-?-D-glucannase (CBH):680 U/mL, ?-1, 4-glucosidase (BG):486 U/mL.

Abstract: A hyperthermostable endoglucanase including an endoglucanase catalytic domain, the endoglucanase catalytic domain including: (A) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 11; (B) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence in which at least one amino acid is deleted, substituted, or added in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 11, and having hydrolytic activity using carboxymethyl cellulose as a substrate at least under conditions of a temperature of 110° C. and a pH of 4.0; or (C) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence having at least 70% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 11, and having hydrolytic activity using carboxymethyl cellulose as a substrate at least under conditions of a temperature of 110° C. and a pH of 4.0.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide cellobiohydrolase with high activity. The activity of cellobiohydrolase can be improved by substituting, with alanine, asparagine that is the amino acid at position 62 from the N-terminal of cellobiohydrolase shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, or asparagine at a position corresponding to the position 62 in an amino acid sequence corresponding to the sequence of the cellobiohydrolase shown in SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: Provided herein are antibacterial compositions and methods of making and using the compositions.

Abstract: Embodiments herein report compositions, methods and uses for inducing an innate immune response in a subject. Embodiments herein also generally report compositions, methods and uses for bacterial-derived peptides to induce an innate immune response in a subject having a bacterial or viral disorder and/or cancer. In certain embodiments, compositions herein concern derivatives of p60 protein of Listeria monocytogenes.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) polypeptides and compositions thereof. In some embodiments, the engineered TAL polypeptides have been optimized to provide enhanced catalytic activity while reducing sensitivity to proteolysis and increasing tolerance to acidic pH levels. The invention also provides methods for utilization of the compositions comprising the engineered TAL polypeptides for therapeutic and industrial purposes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for altering neurite growth are generally described. In some embodiments, a system may include a neuron comprising a neurite and electrodes able to generate a physical guidance cue. The physical guidance cue may be used to alter the growth of the neurite and may be temporally and spatially dynamic, such that neurite growth may be altered in a spatial and/or temporal manner. Dynamic control of neurite growth may be used to form directional neural connections, intersections, and/or overlaps.

Abstract: Systems and methods for altering neurite growth are generally described. In some embodiments, a system may include a neuron comprising a neurite and electrodes able to generate a physical guidance cue. The physical guidance cue may be used to alter the growth of the neurite and may be temporally and spatially dynamic, such that neurite growth may be altered in a spatial and/or temporal manner. Dynamic control of neurite growth may be used to form directional neural connections, intersections, and/or overlaps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of gene therapy, more specifically to oligonucleotides for making a change in the sequence of a target RNA molecule present in a living cell.