Abstract: The present invention provides a process for upgrading a heavy hydrocarbon mixture, said process comprising: i) dividing said heavy hydrocarbon mixture into at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein said first portion comprises 10-45% wt of the heavy hydrocarbon mixture and said second portion comprises 90-55% wt of the heavy hydrocarbon mixture; ii) thermally upgrading said first portion of heavy hydrocarbon mixture in an upgrader to produce a lighter hydrocarbon mixture; and iii) mixing said lighter hydrocarbon mixture with a heavy hydrocarbon mixture to produce an upgraded hydrocarbon mixture, wherein, on entry to said upgrader, the composition of said first portion of heavy hydrocarbon mixture is identical to that of said second portion of heavy hydrocarbon mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the removal of naphthenic acids from crude oils and crude oil distillates by use of supported basic ionic liquids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for desulfurizing gasoline fraction by solvent extraction: introducing the gasoline fraction into an extraction tower at a lower-middle part thereof, introducing a solvent into the extraction tower at the top thereof, injecting saturated C5 hydrocarbon into a reflux device at the bottom of the extraction tower, wherein the gasoline fraction which is desulfurized flows out from the top of the extraction tower; the solvent that has extracted sulfide, aromatics and C5 hydrocarbon flows out from the bottom of the extraction tower, and is separated into a C5 hydrocarbon-containing light component, a sulfur-rich component, water and the solvent. The present invention also provides a process for deeply desulfurizing catalytic cracking gasoline, which flexibly combines the process described above and an existing desulfurization technology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated hydrocracking process for production of olefinic and aromatic petro-chemicals from crude oil. An object of the present invention is to provide an integrated hydrocracking process for production of olefinic and aromatic petrochemicals from a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising crude oil wherein the portion of the crude oil converted to LPG is increased significantly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method of producing aromatics and light olefins from a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting the hydrocarbon feedstock to a solvent extraction process in a solvent extraction unit; (b) separating from the solvent extracted hydrocarbon feedstock obtained in step (a) a raffinate fraction comprising paraffins and a fraction comprising aromatics and naphtenes; (c) converting said fraction comprising aromatics and naphtenes in a hydrocracking unit and separating into a high content aromatics fraction and a stream high in light paraffins; (d) converting said raffinate fraction in a steam cracking unit into light olefins.

Abstract: A process and system for producing liquid and gas fuels and other useful chemicals from carbon containing source materials comprises cool plasma gasification and/or pyrolysis of a source material to produce synthesis gas using the produced synthesis gas for the production of a hydrocarbon, methanol, ammonia, urea, and other products. The process and system are capable of sequestering carbon dioxide and reducing NOx and SOx.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to produce ketones suitable for use as fuels and lubricants by catalytic conversion of an acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation product mixture that can be derived from biomass.

Abstract: A method for storing upgraded coal, which is economical and whereby it becomes possible to prevent the spontaneous ignition of piles; and grain-size-controlled coal which rarely undergoes spontaneous ignition during storage. The method for storing upgraded coal includes piling up granular coal containing upgraded coal, wherein the content of grains each having a grain size of 10 mm or less in the coal is 50 mass % or more. It is preferred that the content of grains each having a grain size of 1 mm or less is 25 mass % or more and the content of grains each having a grain size of 0.15 mm or less is 7 mass % or more in the coal.

Abstract: A process is provided for converting waste fibers to solid fuel. The process includes providing a supply of animal waste including the waste fibers in a predetermined quantity, subjecting the supply of animal waste to anaerobic digestion, producing a waste byproduct, dewatering the waste byproduct, and compressing the dewatered waste byproduct to form briquettes.

Abstract: A method to convert carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources which are remotely located, into a high performance solid fuel. This method, and the apparatus described as the means to accomplish this method, provides a continuous process which can be completely powered by the energy contained in the biomass. The heat, mechanical power and electrical power are provided from the energy in the biomass, through the methods described. In this way, the apparatus is free to operate in remote locations, where no power or auxiliary fuel sources are available.

Abstract: An aviation fuel is formulated with manganese-containing compounds. The composition may include relatively high amounts of manganese up to about 500 mg Mn/l. A manganese-containing additive may reduce the smoke created during the combustion of the aviation fuel. Additionally, the aviation fuel composition may include manganese to improve octane and include a phosphorus-containing scavenger to reduce manganese oxide engine deposits. Further, isooctane is added in order to, with the manganese-containing compound, improve the octane number of the fuel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating a low friction and highly durable coating on a solid substrate. Also disclosed is a coating that increase durability and reduce friction of a substrate. The coating comprises at least one layer polydopamine and one layer of graphite. Dip coating is used to deposit said polydopamine layer on top of a substrate and then said graphite coating on top of said polydopamine layer.

Abstract: A composition includes molybdenum disulfide, epoxy binder, and 0.01 to 3 wt % lead. The composition is useful, for example, as dry film lubricant.

Abstract: According to the invention, the compositions and methods provide for the complete removal of synthetic glues or adhesives from a plurality of surfaces through the use of organic solvents and/or amine solvents in combination with surfactants, chelants, acidulants and/or additional bottle wash additives. Beneficially, the compositions and methods are suitable for use at lower temperatures and pH conditions that conventional caustic-based adhesive removal compositions.

Abstract: A hard surface cleaning composition which provides a shine to hard surfaces and which is water resistant includes 0.001-50 wt. % of at least one detersive surfactant, at least 10 wt. % of a diluent, the diluent including water, and 0.01-40 wt. % of particles comprising at least one of an anionic polyurethane polymer and an anionic polyurethane hybrid polymer, formed as an aqueous dispersion, the particles having an average particle size of less than 170 nm.

Abstract: Modified protein compositions that provide benefits in laundry products are produced by minimal processing of crude protein sources. Modifications include reaction with one or more of 1) cationic functional agents, 2) anionic functional agents, 3) proteolytic enzymes, 4) reducing agents and 5) oxidizing agents. They may be complexed with a surfactant to improve the separation from insoluble cellulosic carbohydrate materials in the crude protein sources, and to improve their dispersibility and effectiveness in laundry products. The resulting products may provide benefits of preventing soil redeposition, preventing dye transfer, soil repellency, and fabric wear reduction in laundry operations. The invention also encompasses the laundry products comprising the protein compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of polypeptides, in particular Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to said parent alpha-amylase: substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage pattern, thermal stability, pH/activity profile, pH/stability profile, stability towards oxidation, Ca2+ dependency, specific activity, and solubility, in particular under production conditions.

Abstract: A peanut food product with reduced levels of allergenic proteins such as Ala h1/h2/h3 is produced by initiating the germination process in raw peanuts, holding the peanuts in moist conditions to initiate germination and then treating with bromelain.

Abstract: This application relates to thiophene azo dyes for use as hueing agents, laundry care compositions comprising such thiophene azo dyes, processes for making such thiophene azo dyes, and laundry care compositions and methods of using the same. The thiophene azo dyes contain a formally charged moiety and are generally comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. These thiophene azo dyes are advantageous in providing a hueing effect, for example, a whitening effect to fabrics, while not building up over time and causing undesirable blue discoloration to the treated fabrics. The thiophene azo dyes are also generally stable to bleaching agents used in laundry care compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions containing anionic surfactant and solvent, more specifically, to compositions containing anionic surfactant and a solvent comprising butanediol.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for reducing or inhibiting the crystallization of taurine in a soap bar, wherein the method comprises: a) admixing a fatty acid soap with an aqueous solution of taurine or taurine salt as a taurine source to form an amalgamate and b) preparing a soap bar comprising the amalgamate. Further provided is a soap bar obtained by the above method.

Abstract: The invention is a windshield washer preparation, a method for producing the preparation and a device that produces the preparation. The method uses the dehydration of methanol and distillation of dimethyl ether to produce the preparation and a propellant for pressurized packaging. The washer preparation contains deionized water, methanol, dimethyl ether, dimethyl carbonate and additional compounds selected from the group consisting of dyes, de-foaming agents and surfactants. The disclosed method and device can formulate varying combinations of methanol, deionized water and dimethyl ether using the methanol dehydration reaction prior to the addition of dimethyl carbonate. The preparation can be used in automobile washer reservoirs or directly on the windshield using trigger spray applicators or an aerosol can. The excess dimethyl ether from the method can be used taken from the system and stored for future use.

Abstract: A cleaning mixture comprising polymeric resin pellets having a Rockwell R hardness of 85 to 140, water, and a surfactant salt comprising at least one of sulfonate salts, C6 to C36 carboxylic acid salts, or mixtures thereof, is used to purge the mixing device. The cleaning mixture has a pH of 6.0 to 9.0.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for producing liquid detergent products using a vessel comprising an inlet, an outlet, an agitation device, and an additive mixing zone disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The method comprises introducing an unstructured liquid detergent precursor into the inlet of the vessel; mixing an additive and the unstructured liquid detergent precursor in an additive mixing zone to form a combined additive detergent; adding a structurant to the combined additive detergent downstream of the additive mixing zone to form a liquid detergent product. The liquid detergent products may be used in a water-soluble pouch, for e.g., a multi-compartment water-soluble pouch.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the isomerization and fermentation of xylose and hexose sugars using an immobilized enzyme system capable of sustaining two different pH microenvironments in a single vessel are disclosed. Bilayer particles are dispersed in a mixture comprising an ionic borate source and xylose. The bilayer particles have a first region with a first enzymatic activity comprising xylose isomerase and a pH of 6 or above, and a second region having a second enzymatic activity at an acidic pH.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for detecting the presence, quantity and identity of one or more microorganisms in a sample and a method for using the same. The apparatus is composed of one or more chambers and a sensing element for sensing microorganisms. In particular embodiments, the sensing element is an array of chemoresponsive dyes deposited on a substrate in a predetermined pattern combination, wherein the combination of the dyes have a distinct and direct spectroscopic, transmission, or reflectance response to distinct analytes produced by the microorganism which is indicative of the presence, quantity and identity of the microorganism.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for culturing microorganisms are described, including culturing in mixotrophic culture conditions. A bioreactor array with multiple culture vessels with independently controllable inputs is used to culture similar cultures of microorganisms in which at least one parameter differs from other culture vessels in the bioreactor array.

Abstract: Nanoscale probes for forming stable, non-destructive seals with cell membranes. The probes, systems including these probes, and methods of fabricating and using the probes described herein may be used to sense from, stimulate, modify, or otherwise effect individual cells or groups of cells. In particular, described herein are nanoscale cellular probes that may be used to fuse with, and in some variations span, the lipid membrane of a cell to provide stable and long lasting contact to the cell. Thus, the probes described herein may be used as part of a system, method or device that would benefit from stable, non-destructive access to and across a cell membrane. In some variations the nanoscale probe devices or systems described herein may be used as part of a drug screening procedure.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for generating organic compounds using carbon dioxide as a source of carbon and electrical current as an energy source. In one embodiment, a reaction cell is provided having a cathode electrode and an anode electrode that are connected to a source of electrical power, and which are separated by a permeable membrane. A biological film is provided on the cathode. The biological film comprises a bacterium that can accept electrons and that can convert carbon dioxide to a carbon-bearing compound and water in a cathode half-reaction. At the anode, water is decomposed to free molecular oxygen and solvated protons in an anode half-reaction. The half-reactions are driven by the application of electrical current from an external source. Compounds that have been produced include acetate, butanol, 2-oxobutyrate, propanol, ethanol, and formate.

Abstract: An assembly includes an adjustable dip tube that can selectively withdraw an isolated component at various heights within a vessel. The adjustable nature of the dip tube can improve the cell recovery rate as compared to conventional cell recovery assemblies. Additionally, the assembly can take advantage of the adjustable nature of the dip tube while maintaining an aseptic interior cavity of the assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a lactic acid bacterium belonging to Lactobacillus kunkeei, the bacterium having a higher IgA production inducing activity than that of Lactobacillus strain GG (ATCC53103), and a lower mitogenic activity and a lower IL-2 production inducing activity than those of Listeria strain EGD; and a food composition, a pharmaceutical composition, a cosmetic composition, an immunostimulant for preventing the infection by pathogens or viruses that invade through the respiratory or esophageal mucosa, and an intestinal immunostimulant for preventing or alleviating food poisoning, each of which contains the lactic acid bacterium or treated cells of the lactic acid bacterium.

Abstract: Described is an isolated somatic stem cell that is 2 to less than 6 micrometer in size and Lgr5+. Methods of preparing and using the cell are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for preventing or treating neoplastic disease in a mammalian subject. A composition is provided which comprises an enriched immune cell population reactive to a human endogenous retrovirus type E antigen on a tumor cell. A method of treating a neoplastic disease in a mammalian subject is provided which comprises administering to a mammalian subject a composition comprising an enriched immune cell population reactive to a human endogenous retrovirus type E antigen, in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate the neoplastic disease or to prevent its occurrence or recurrence.

Abstract: A method for rapid mincing of adipose tissues to isolate live cells in vitro is disclosed to overcome the drawbacks of a lead procedure of isolating live cells by holding a knife to mince adipose tissues, which can only isolate a small number of live cells and obtain low cell viability. The method includes: providing an adipose tissue; mincing the adipose tissue homogeneously by a mincing device; adding a reagent into the minced adipose tissue to perform hydrolysis; performing centrifuge and isolation; and removing a supernatant to obtain a cell pellet. Therefore, the time of mincing adipose tissues can be shortened, and contaminations caused by repeated use of the knife can be avoided. The method can be used for isolating live cells of adipose tissues to improve the number of live cells per unit weight of adipose tissues without reducing the cell viability.

Abstract: Methods of producing stem cell conditioned media to treat mammalian injuries or insults. In at least one embodiment of a method of producing a stem cell conditioned media of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of culturing at least one stem cell in a first cell culture medium, replacing some or all of the first cell culture medium with a second cell culture medium and further culturing the at least one stem cell in the second cell culture medium, and collecting a quantity of the second cell culture medium after a culture duration, wherein the quantity of the second cell culture medium contains a cell culture byproduct effective to treat a mammalian insult or injury.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polycationic agent and a polyanionic agent, and kits comprising the composition, is provided. In embodiments, the polyanionic agent is a nucleic acid and the polycationic agent is a modified polyalkyleneimine polymer.

Abstract: The use of a composition including at least one permeabilized nucleus of a first cell, or at least one permeabilized first cell including the nucleus and an extract of female germinal cells, or eggs, of a multicellular organism, the eggs being blocked in the metaphase II of meiosis, the extract including EGTA, for carrying out a method for obtaining pluripotent stem cells, or tissues derived from the pluripotent stem cells, or of cloning, provided that the process is not for cloning human beings.

Abstract: A 3D in vitro bi-phasic cartilage-bone organoid includes a layer of an artificial cartilage tissue, and a layer of an artificial bone tissue comprising a structure-giving scaffold and a bone marrow structure. The layer of the artificial cartilage tissue contacts at least one surface of the layer of the artificial bone tissue.

Abstract: A disposable, virus-trapping membrane, and a corresponding method to remove viruses from solution are described. The membrane includes a disposable, micro-porous filter membrane and a ligand immobilized on the membrane. The ligand irreversibly and selectively binds viruses. The ligand also has a pKa sufficiently high to repel antibodies via electrostatic charge repulsion.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing a product or product precursor of a biosynthetic pathway in a genetically modified host cell. The present invention also provides genetically modified host cells comprising nucleic acids encoding a scaffold polypeptide and nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding two or more enzymes in a biosynthetic pathway. The present invention further provides nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding scaffold polypeptides, for use in a subject method.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a polyketide synthase (PKS) capable of synthesizing an ?-olefin, such as 1-hexene or butadiene. The present invention also provides for a host cell comprising the PKS and when cultured produces the ?-olefin.

Abstract: The present application describes an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide capable of synchronously binding VEGF polypeptide and placenta growth factor (PIGF) polypeptide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a VEGFR1 component.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3?-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for engineering mutant enzymes with reduced star activity where the mutant enzymes have a fidelity index (FI) in a specified buffer that is greater than the FI of the non-mutated enzyme in the same buffer.

Abstract: The present invention provides for heterologous expression of termite and termite-associated symbiont cellulases. The cellulases can, for example, be codon-optimized and expressed in yeast host cells, such as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The cellulases can also be co-expressed in host cells with other cellulases. The expression in such host cells of the termite and termite-associated symbiont cellulases, and variants and combinations thereof, result in yeast with improved cellulosic activity. Thus, such genes and expression systems are useful for efficient and cost-effective consolidated bioprocessing systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides serine protease variants, more specifically subtilisin variants produced there from. Specifically, the present invention provides serine protease variants, more specifically subtilisin variants having one or more substitutions as compared to a reference serine protease. In addition, the present invention provides compositions comprising these serine protease variants, more specifically subtilisin variants. In some embodiments, the present invention provides cleaning compositions comprising at least one of these serine protease variants, more specifically subtilisin variants.

Abstract: Modified therapeutic proteins are provided. In particular modified Factor X polypeptides, which includes the Factor X zymogen, Factor Xa and other forms of Factor X, and uses thereof are provided.

Abstract: The present invention features inter alia nucleic acid molecules which encode polypeptides comprising a single chain Fc region and the polypeptides they encode. The Fc moieties of these constructs are linked by a cleavable scFc linker which is adjacent to at least one enzymatic cleavage site, e.g., an intracellular processing site. The resulting processed molecules comprise two polypeptide chains and substantially lack the extraneous amino acid sequence found in single chain Fc linker molecule. Methods of making and using these dimeric molecules are also described.

Abstract: Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsid proteins are provided. Methods for generating the recombinant adeno-associated viral capsid proteins and a library from which the capsids are selected are also provided.

Abstract: A method for generating a variant library of DNA sequences starting from at least one DNA starting sequence and including the steps: a) selecting at least two mutation sites in the starting sequence; b) dividing the DNA starting sequence into at least two sequence segments such that at least two of these sequence segments each contain at least one of the mutation sites; c) amplifying the sequence segments by polymerase chain reaction using at least five different oligonucleotides, where at (i) least one of the oligonucleotides can attach to each mutation site; (ii) at least two of the oligonucleotides can attach to at least one mutation site, and (iii) mutations are introduced, via mismatch positions, into the PCR amplificates by the oligonucleotides at the mutation sites where at least two mutations are introduced at at least one of the mutation sites; and d) linking the amplificates to give DNA sequences.