Abstract: The present invention relates to reactive colloidal nanocrystal comprising a core comprising a metal or a semiconductive compound or a mixture thereof and at least one polythiol ligand, wherein said core is surrounded by at least one polythiol ligand. Reactive colloidal nanocrystals according to the present invention can be prepared with one pot synthesis and are ready to react directly with the polymer matrix and being crosslinked with the polymer matrix to form high quality and stable nanocrystal composites. Furthermore, the present invention relates to nanocrystal composite comprising nanocrystals according to the present invention and a polymer matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clustered nanocrystal network comprising a core comprising a metal or a semiconductive compound or mixture thereof and at least one polythiol ligand, wherein said core is surrounded by at least one polythiol ligand, and wherein each core surrounded by at least one polythiol ligand is crosslinked with at least one another polythiol ligand stabilizing another core. Furthermore, the present invention relates to nanocrystal composites comprising clustered nanocrystal networks. Clustered nanocrystal networks according to the present invention can be prepared by one-pot synthesis and can be embedded into the polymer matrix to form high quality and stable nanocrystal composites.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel metallic nanoparticles coated with a thin protective carbon shell, and three-dimensional nano-metallic sponges; methods of preparation of the nanoparticles; and uses for these novel materials, including wood preservation, strengthening of polymer and fiber/polymer building materials, and catalysis.

Abstract: A method of producing a modified biochar and the use of the biochar as a soil amendment. The modified biochar can be produced by contacting biochar with an acid-containing solution obtained from an acid containing stream produced in a pyrolysis process, which produces biochar. In accordance with one aspect, a cellulose-containing biomass is pyrolyzed to generate a gaseous organic acid-containing stream, which is condensed to produce an organic acid-containing solution. The biochar is then modified by contact with the organic acid-containing solution.

Abstract: A method for making a growing medium includes a step of combining tree bark and/or wood components together to form an initial composition; heating the initial composition to a temperature greater than about 149° C. under steam in a pressurized vessel; processing the initial composition through a refiner with a plurality of opposing disks to obtain the fibrous growing medium, the refiner separating fibers from each other; wherein the growing medium has total porosity of 88 volume % or more.

Abstract: A liquid crystal composition, including at least one of: a first compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 below, a second compound represented by Chemical Formula 2 below; and a third compound represented by Chemical Formula 2? below: The definitions of A, Z, n, R, and R? are provided herein. Also provided is a liquid crystal display, including: a first display panel including a thin film transistor; a second display panel facing the first display panel; and a liquid crystal layer including at least one of a first compound represented by Chemical Formula 1, a second compound represented by Chemical Formula 2, and a third compound represented by Chemical Formula 2? and a reactive mesogen.

Abstract: A liquid crystal alignment agent allowing formation of an LCD element having good reliability and less residual image, a liquid crystal alignment film, and an LCD element having the liquid crystal alignment film are shown. The liquid crystal alignment agent includes a polymer (A), a photosensitive polysiloxane (B), and a solvent (C). The polymer (A) is obtained by reacting a mixture that includes a tetracarboxylic dianhydride component (a-1) and a diamine component (a-2). The photosensitive polysiloxane (B) is obtained by reacting a polysiloxane (b-1) having an epoxy group with a cinnamic acid derivative (b-2) and an aromatic heterocyclic derivative (b-3) containing nitride, oxide or sulfide.

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 fighting 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: A paraffinic solvent recovery process for treating high paraffin diluted bitumen includes supplying the latter to flashing apparatus; separating into flashed paraffinic solvent and diluted bitumen underflow; and returning a portion of the underflow as returned diluted bitumen into the high paraffin diluted bitumen prior to introduction into the flashing apparatus, at temperature and amount to shift asphaltene precipitation equilibrium to reduce asphaltene precipitation. The process includes pre-heating the high paraffin diluted bitumen by transferring heat from hot dry bitumen, flashed paraffinic solvent and/or a portion of diluted bitumen underflow. Flashed paraffinic solvent may contain residual light end bitumen contaminants that increase asphaltenes solubility and the process may include removing contaminants to produce reusable paraffinic solvent at given solvent-to-bitumen ratio range to maintain given asphaltene precipitation.

Abstract: A method for making a nanocatalyst includes the steps of forming a mixture of a catalyst precursor, and a crude oil media, wherein the catalyst precursor is insoluble in the oil media, then heating the mixture in the presence of a stability agent, thereby liberating the catalyst particles from the precursor while the stabilizing agent prevents growth of the catalyst particle so that nanocatalyst particles form and are maintained in the oil media. The resulting catalyst composition as well as a hydroconversion process using the catalyst are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for producing BTX and LPG, comprising: a) contacting a feed stream comprising C5-C12 hydrocarbons in the presence of hydrogen with a hydrocracking catalyst in a hydrocracking reactor to produce a hydrocracking product stream comprising hydrogen, methane, LPG and BTX, b) separating the hydrocracking product stream into a first gas stream and a first liquid stream, c) separating the first gas stream to obtain a second gas stream comprising hydrogen and methane and a second liquid stream comprising LPG and BTX, wherein the separation is performed such that the second liquid stream is substantially free of hydrogen and methane, d) separating the second liquid stream into a third gas stream comprising LPG and a third liquid stream comprising BTX, wherein step (c) involves adding a part of the third liquid stream to the first gas stream to absorb the LPG in the first gas stream to obtain the second liquid stream or adding a part of the third liquid stream to a gas stream sep c

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of middle distillates, comprising at least one step for the catalytic oligomerization of a feed comprising olefins containing 3 to 9 carbon atoms, in which the reaction section comprises at least two reactors which are positioned in series and which can be permutated, each containing at least one oligomerization catalyst for the oligomerization reactions, said catalysts being identical or different, and in which the reactor which is the furthest downstream in the direction of movement of said feed comprising olefins contains the catalyst with a period of service which is shorter than the period of service of the catalysts present in the other reactors and is operated at an average temperature (WABTn) which is lower than the average temperature (WABTn?1) of the reactor directly preceding it, the difference between said average temperatures being at least 10° C. (WABTn?1?WABTn?10° C.).

Abstract: A method for recovering synthetic oils from a feed stream, the method comprising separating at least a portion of the non-synthetic oil constituents from a commingled stream to produce a partially purified synthetic oil stream and one or more contaminant streams. Extracting at least a portion of the synthetic oil from the partially purified synthetic oil stream to produce a synthetic oil stream and a second contaminant stream.

Abstract: A process for producing a composition as a feed for producing carbon black starting from an atmospheric residue, in which said atmospheric residue is vacuum distilled in order to produce at least one vacuum distillate fraction and at least one vacuum residue fraction, said vacuum distillate fraction being treated in accordance with at least the following two steps in succession: a step 1) for fluid catalytic cracking, producing a FCC residue, a step 2) for filtration of the fine solid particles contained in said FCC residue obtained from cracking step 1), resulting in a filtrate containing less than 300 ppm of particles below 10 microns, and in which, said vacuum residue fraction is supplied to a deasphalting step, resulting in a deasphalted vacuum residue fraction, at least a portion thereof being mixed with at least a portion of said filtrate from the filtration step 2) to form said composition.

Abstract: There is provided a process for upgrading a hydrocarbon material. The process includes: (a) treating a hydrocarbon material-comprising feed, wherein the treating includes cracking a hydrocarbon material-comprising feed, such that an upgraded intermediate is produced; and (b) in the absence, or the substantial absence, of adscititious diatomic hydrogen, reducing the content of olefinic material within at least a fraction of the upgraded intermediate such that an olefinic material content-reduced product is produced.

Abstract: A biomass gasification system for producing aqueous or water gases after biomass has been carbonized is disclosed. Temperatures of a thermal decomposition and gasification furnace can be quickly and uniformly stabilized with smaller thermal loss. Reaction residuals after thermal decomposition and gasification are prevented from adhering on the inner surface of the system. The biomass gasification system comprises: a main body, a first cylindrical member, a first cut-out member, a first cylinder accommodating therein a first screw conveyor, a second cylindrical member, a second cut-out member, a second cylinder accommodating therein a second screw conveyor. The first cylinder is so constructed that it penetrates the main body, the first cylindrical member and the first cut-out member in an axial direction. The first screw conveyor, the second screw conveyor and the second cut-out member have a plurality of gasifying agent ports, respectively.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel and methods of making the same. A process for making a hybrid fuel includes the steps of combining a biofuel emulsion blend and a liquid fuel product to form a hybrid fuel. Optionally, the hybrid fuel can be combined with water in a water-in-oil process and include oxygenate additives and additive packages. A hybrid fuel includes blends of biofuel emulsions and liquid fuel products, including light gas diesel. Optionally, the hybrid fuel can include water, oxygenate additives, and other additive packages.

Abstract: A system for cogenerating gas-steam based on gasification and methanation of biomass, the system including a gasification unit, a shift unit, a purification unit, a methanation unit, and a methane concentration unit. A waste heat boiler is provided in an upper part of a gasifier of the gasification unit. The methanation unit includes a first primary methanation reactor, a second primary methanation reactor, a first secondary methanation reactor, and a second secondary methanation reactor connected in series. An outlet of the second primary methanation reactor is provided with two bypasses, one of which is connected to an inlet of the first primary methanation reactor, the other of which is connected to the first secondary methanation reactor. The second secondary methanation reactor is connected to the methane concentration unit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the removal of inorganic components such as potassium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur, phosphorus and heavy metals, from biomass of rural or forest or urban origin or even mixture of different origin biomasses, from low quality coals such as peat, lignite and sub-bituminous/bituminous coals, from urban/industrial origin residues/wastes, which are possible to include as much organic—>5% weight—as inorganic—<95% weight—charge and from sewage treatmentplant sludges. The desired goal is achieved with the physicochemical treatment of the raw material. The method can also include the thermal treatment, which can precede or follow the physicochemical one. The application of the thermal treatment depends on the nature and the particular characteristics of each raw material as well as on the feasibility analysis of the whole process in order to determine the optimization point in each case.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a fluoropolyether compound represented by formula (1): R1—CH2—R2—CH2—R3 wherein R1 is C1-C10 alkoxy; R2 is —(CF2)pO(CF2O)x(CF2CF2O)y(CF2CF2CF2O)z(CF2CF2CF2CF2O)w(CF2)p—; x and y are each a real number of 0 to 30; z is a real number of 0 to 30; w is a real number of 0 to 20; p is an integer of 1 to 3; R3 is —OCH2CH(OH)CH2OH, —OCH2CH(OH)CH2OCH2CH(OH)CH2OH, —O(CH2)mOH, or —OCH2(OH)CHCH2—OC6H4—R4; m is an integer of 2 to 8; and R4 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkoxy, amino, or an amide residue; and also provides a lubricant having the compound and a magnetic disk.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lubricant composition which can be used as a lubricant for a rolling component, the composition capable of maintaining enhanced lubrication performance over a long period of time even under high temperature conditions such as temperatures of 180° C. or higher, and a rolling bearing including the lubricant composition sealed therein. A lubricant composition-sealed bearing 1 includes a lubricant composition 7 that is sealed in the peripheries of the rolling bodies 4. The lubricant composition 7 contains a base oil and an antioxidant. The base oil is an oil mixture of an alkyl diphenyl ether oil and at least one oil selected from a poly-?-olefin oil and an ester oil, and contains the alkyl diphenyl ether oil in an amount of 50% or more by weight of the total base oil. The antioxidant is 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline or a polymer thereof, and is contained in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total lubricant composition.

Abstract: A composition and method of making hydraulic fluids and lubricants using biodiesel as a blending component or base oil. Preferably around 0.1 to 45% of biodiesel is used as a blending component in a hydraulic fluid or as a base oil or additive in a lubricant. The use of biodiesel has environmental and cost advantages over other blending components or base oils. Lubricants and hydraulic fluids having ISO viscosity grades as low as 22 and 32 may be achieved by the use of biodiesel, while still meeting applicable standards for environmental acceptability.

Abstract: Combining a metal based friction modifier, such as a molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate, and certain esters of hydroxy carboxylic acids, such as short chain alkyl esters of citric or tartaric acid, e.g., tributyl citrate, has a synergistic effect on lowering the friction coefficient of lubricating oils allowing one to reduce the amount of metal based friction modifier needed to adequately formulate a lubricant with low friction characteristics.

Abstract: Microbial oil and fat cleaning agent composition block for drainpipes and a method of producing the same. Specifically, such a composition block accommodated in a drain cap for the inlet of a drainpipe so that oils and fats adhered to the drainpipe are biodegraded by powdery microorganisms present in the composition block to maintain smooth flow of sewage, prevent oil and fats from adhering onto the drainpipe from the cleaning agent, thus cleaning the inside of the drainpipe and removing odors. The dissolved cleaning agent is discharged with sewage through the drainpipe and is collected in a water collector, and oils and fats adhered to the water collector are biodegraded by the cleaning agent to remove odor inside the water collector, prevent adhesion of oils and fats to the water collector and thus maintain excellent water quality.

Abstract: A cleaning agent for hard surfaces and methods for cleaning are provided herein. In one embodiment, the cleaning agent includes at least one first amylase, wherein the first amylase is an ?-amylase from Bacillus sp. No. 707 or a functional fragment or a variant thereof. The cleaning agent further includes at least one second amylase, wherein the second amylase is an AA560 ?-amylase from Bacillus sp. or a functional fragment or a variant thereof. In another embodiment, the method includes dispensing the cleaning agent into the interior of an automatic dishwasher while a dishwashing program is being executed, before the main washing cycle begins, or in the course of the main washing cycle.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a detergent and a pharmaceutical composition comprising a deoxyribonuclease (DNase), wherein the DNase is obtained from a fungal source. It further concerns a laundering method and the use of DNase. The present invention further relates to polypeptides having DNase activity, as well as methods of producing the polypeptides.

Abstract: A solution for use in removing a double sided adhesive tape from mouldings and which can have the further property of conditioning the moulding for re-use. The solution comprising an admixture of ingredients which can synergistically function to give the desired properties and advantages. The mixture comprising: (a) a ratio of about 1:1 of Kerosene:Diesel; (b) 1 to 10% by vol. of an additive comprising a highly aromatic hydrocarbon solvent; and (c) 0 to 10% by vol. of perfume.

Abstract: A liquid composition having a microcapsule, the microcapsule having an aldehyde-containing resin, and one or more formaldehyde scavenger which reacts with formaldehyde to achieve more than about 60% reaction completeness in about 15 minutes time at pH 8 and at about 21° C. A liquid composition having a microcapsule, the microcapsule having an aldehyde-containing resin, one or more sulfur-based formaldehyde scavenger and optionally a non-sulfur-based formaldehyde scavenger.

Abstract: A detergent pouch may be made from a dissolvable paper which completely dissolves upon contact with liquid water thereby releasing the detergent contained within the pouch. The dissolvable paper may be a Cellulose gum such as Carboxymethyl Cellulose. The dissolvable paper is free from any coloring, dyes, impurities and other toxins. The detergent may be laundry detergent such as Sodium Carbonate, C12-15 Pareth-2, and Sodium Metasilicate which is free from any fillers, perfumes, coloring agents, or brighteners. The paper pouch and the powder detergent may be safe for septic wastewater treatment systems, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic. The paper pouch may be non-toxic.

Abstract: A unit dose of detergent and methods for producing the same are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a unit dose comprises a body having a viscosity of from about 200,000 centipoise to about 50,000,000 centipoise at a working temperature of from about 0 to about 50 degrees Celsius, where the body has a bloom value of about 200 grams or more at the working temperature. The body comprises a detergent surfactant at from about 1 to about 40 weight percent based on the total weight of the body, and the body comprises a thickener at from about 10 to about 40 weight percent based on the total weight of the body.

Abstract: Water-soluble unit dose articles including ester-containing laundry ingredients, protease enzymes and lipase enzymes. Related methods of use.

Abstract: A system and method for treating organic material to produce nutrient-rich products are disclosed. Exemplary systems include a first biodigestion reactor and a second biodigestion reactor coupled to the first biodigestion reactor. Exemplary methods include digesting organic material in the first biodigestion reactor and the second biodigestion reactor and recirculating material between the first biodigestion reactor and the second biodigestion reactor.

Abstract: A foam sensor system includes a container bounding a compartment. A foam sensor assembly is mounted on the container and includes: a base being secured to the container; a foam contact being spaced apart from the base and disposed within the compartment of the container, at least a portion of the foam contact having a first diameter; and a transition member extending between the base and the foam contact with at least a portion of the transition member being openly exposed within the compartment of the container, at least a portion of the transition member having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, the foam contact and transition member being connected together so that an electrical signal can pass therethrough.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an improved heat transfer system for use in reaction vessels used in chemical and biological processes. In one embodiment, a heat transfer baffle comprising two sub-assemblies adjoined to one another is provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forming stable particles from suspended solids produced by ethanol fermentation are disclosed. The methods include providing a fraction from ethanol fermentation containing solids and suspended solids. The pH of the fraction is adjusted, if necessary. A reducing agent is added. A high molecular weight anionic polymer is added to form stable particles of solids and suspended solids. Lastly, the stable particles are free drained to separate them from a treated liquid portion. The treated liquid portion is added as backset to the fermentation process while the recovered solids are further processed into useful products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to precursor cells to hepatic stellate cells, compositions comprising same and methods of isolating same. The surface antigenic profile of the precursors is MHC class Ia negative, ICAM-1+, VCAM-1+, ?3-integrin+. In addition to expression of these surface markers, the cells also express the intracellular markers desmin, vimentin, smooth muscle ?-actin, nestin, hepatocyte growth factor, stromal derived factor-1? and Hlx homeobox transcriptional factor.

Abstract: The current invention reports the use of meta-tyrosine for increasing the specific productivity of a eukaryotic cell that produces/expresses a polypeptide. In the current method it is not necessary to perform a temperature-, osmolality- or pH shift or to add drugs like valproic acid or sodium butyrate to modulate the specific productivity of the cultivated cells. The method does not affect cell viability or product titer.

Abstract: Structures and methods for tissue engineering include a multicellular body including a plurality of living cells. A plurality of multicellular bodies can be arranged in a pattern and allowed to fuse to form an engineered tissue. The arrangement can include filler bodies including a biocompatible material that resists migration and ingrowth of cells from the multicellular bodies and that is resistant to adherence of cells to it. Three-dimensional constructs can be assembled by printing or otherwise stacking the multicellular bodies and filler bodies such that there is direct contact between adjoining multicellular bodies, suitably along a contact area that has a substantial length. The direct contact between the multicellular bodies promotes efficient and reliable fusion. The increased contact area between adjoining multicellular bodies also promotes efficient and reliable fusion.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to methods to obtain mammalian cells and tissues with patterns of gene expression similar to that of a developing mammalian embryo or fetus, and the use of such cells and tissues in the treatment of human disease and age-related conditions. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for identifying, expanding in culture, and formulating mammalian pluripotent stem cells and differentiated cells that differ from cells in the adult human in their pattern of gene expression, and therefore offer unique characteristics that provide novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of degenerative disease.

Abstract: Human pluripotent embryonic stem cells produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer as well as methods of making and using said human pluripotent embryonic stem cells are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with methods for reprogramming of mammalian somatic cells and in particular to reprogramming of mature mammalian somatic cells into multi-potent precursor cells.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method of promoting regression of cancer in a mammal comprising obtaining a tumor tissue sample from the mammal; culturing the tumor tissue sample in a first gas permeable container containing cell medium therein; obtaining tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from the tumor tissue sample; expanding the number of TIL in a second gas permeable container containing cell medium therein using irradiated allogeneic feeder cells and/or irradiated autologous feeder cells; and administering the expanded number of TIL to the mammal. Methods of obtaining an expanded number of TIL from a mammal for adoptive cell immunotherapy are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for priming T cells suitable for administration to a patient having a viral infection. The invention is also directed to the composition obtained by the method and uses thereof.

Abstract: A non-immunogenic selection epitope may be generated by removing certain amino acid sequences of the protein. For example, a gene encoding a truncated human epidermal growth factor receptor polypeptide (EGFRt) that lacks the membrane distal EGF-binding domain and the cytoplasmic signaling tail, but retains an extracellular epitope recognized by an anti-EGFR antibody is provided. Cells may be genetically modified to express EGFRt and then purified without the immunoactivity that would accompany the use of full-length EGFR immunoactivity. Through flow cytometric analysis, EGFRt was successfully utilized as an in vivo tracking marker for genetically modified human T cell engraftment in mice. Furthermore, EGFRt was demonstrated to have cellular depletion potential through cetuximab mediated antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) pathways.

Abstract: Methods of generating and expanding human hemangio-colony forming cells and non-engrafting hemangio cells in vitro and methods of expanding and using such cells are disclosed. The methods permit the production of large numbers of hemangio-colony forming cells, non-engrafting hemangio cells as well as derivative cells, such as hematopoietic and endothelial cells. The cells obtained by the methods disclosed may be used for a variety of research, clinical, and therapeutic applications. Human non-engrafting hemangio cells are a novel progenitor cell population that is related to but distinct from the hemangioblast and human hemangio-colony forming cells. The invention also provides compositions, preparations, and solutions comprising hemangio-colony forming cells, non-engrafting hemangio cells or cells differentiated therefrom.

Abstract: A method for expanding adult stem cells from blood is provided. The method includes growing and de-programming adult blood stem cells of a blood sample which has been obtained by in vitro treatment of the blood sample with macrophage colony stimulating factor (MCSF), and ozonization of the blood sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to nucleic acids encoding proteins, nucleic acids containing non-canonical nucleotides, therapeutics comprising nucleic acids, methods, kits, and devices for inducing cells to express proteins, methods, kits, and devices for transfecting, gene editing, and reprogramming cells, and cells, organisms, and therapeutics produced using these methods, kits, and devices. Methods for inducing cells to express proteins and for reprogramming and gene-editing cells using RNA are disclosed. Methods for producing cells from patient samples, cells produced using these methods, and therapeutics comprising cells produced using these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for inducing differentiation into adipocytes or regenerating adipose tissues comprises, as an ingredient, exosomes derived from stem cells differentiating into adipocytes, or exosomes derived from proliferating stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing cardiac differentiation of a pluripotent stem cell, which comprises the steps of (1) culturing a pluripotent stem cell in a medium containing a WNT signaling activator and a PCK activator and (2) culturing the cell after the step (1) in a medium containing a WNT signaling inhibitor, a Src inhibitor, and an EGFR inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention discloses a methodology for the culture of bladder cell lines and organoids from human bladder, both non-cancerous as well as cancer tissue.