Abstract: The invention relates to a light modulation element comprising a cholesteric liquid crystalline medium sandwiched between two substrates (1), provided with a common electrode structure (2) and a driving electrode structure (3) individually, wherein the substrate with driving and/or common electrode structure is additionally provided with an alignment electrode structure (4) which is separated from the driving and or common electrode structure on the same substrate by a dielectric layer (5). The invention is further related to a method of production of said light modulation element and to the use of said light modulation element in various types of optical and electro-optical devices, such as electro-optical displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), non-linear optic (NLO) devices, and optical information storage devices.

Abstract: Provided are a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as high maximum temperature, low minimum temperature, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy and large negative dielectric anisotropy, or having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics; and an AM device including the composition. The liquid crystal composition has negative dielectric anisotropy, and contains a specific compound having large negative dielectric anisotropy as a first component, a specific compound having low minimum temperature as a second component and a specific compound having small viscosity as a third component, and the composition may contain a specific compound having high maximum temperature or small viscosity as a fourth component, a specific compound having negative dielectric anisotropy as a fifth component or a specific compound having a polymerizable group as an additive component.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid crystal compound that has high stability to heat, light and so forth, a high clearing point, low minimum temperature of a liquid crystal phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large negative dielectric anisotropy, a suitable elastic constant and excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, a liquid crystal composition containing the compound and a liquid crystal display device including the composition. The compound is represented by formula (1). For example, R1 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 9 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbons; R2 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 9 carbons or alkenyl having 3 to 10 carbons; ring A1 is 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; ring A2 is 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z1 and Z2 are a single bond; Z3 is —O— or a single bond; and L1 is F, CF3 or CF2H.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymerizable composition containing: a) a polymerizable compound having one or two or more polymerizable groups and satisfying formula (I) Re(450 nm)/Re(550 nm)<1.0; and??(I) b) an organic solvent having a solubility parameter (SP value) of 8.50 to 11.00 (cal/cm3)0.5, a boiling point of 75 to 180° C., and an evaporation rate index of 20 to 700. The present invention also provides an optically anisotropic body, a retardation film, an antireflective film, and a liquid crystal display device that are produced using the polymerizable composition of the present invention. The polymerizable composition of the present invention is useful because it is excellent in solubility and has high storage stability that prevents the occurrence of precipitation of crystals. When the composition is polymerized to produce a film-shaped polymer, uneven application is less likely to occur while the liquid crystal alignment is maintained.

Abstract: The present subject matter describes a method and apparatus for operating a delayed coker. The method comprises contacting a vapour produced in a delayed coker-drum with a catalyst maintained in form of a bed, and maintaining a level of said catalyst-bed within pre-defined limits during catalytic-cracking of the vapour. Thereafter, the cracked-vapour is routed to a coker-fractionator column to trigger conversion into one or more hydrocarbon products.

Abstract: A portable modular treatment system to be remotely deployed adjacent a solvent extraction bitumen well may include a portable initial separation module configured to receive a liquid emulsion, from the solvent extraction bitumen well including bitumen, produced water, solvent, and at least one non-condensable gas and liberate the at least one non-condensable gas while the solvent remains with the liquid emulsion. The system may further include a portable free water removal module configured to receive the liquid emulsion from the portable initial separation module and separate the bitumen and solvent from the produced water, a portable skimming tank module configured to receive the produced water from the portable free water removal module and remove free oil from the produced water through gravity separation, and a portable condenser module configured to receive the bitumen and solvent from the portable free water removal module and separate the bitumen and solvent.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing hydrotreated oil comprising: a step of passing heavy hydrocarbon oil through a reactor filled with a hydrotreating catalyst to obtain hydrotreated oil, wherein the hydrotreating catalyst contains phosphorus, an iron group element, and a group 6 element; the ratio C2/C1 of a content C2 of the iron group element to a content C1 of phosphorus in the hydrotreating catalyst is less than 0.60 in a molar ratio; and the average pore diameter of the hydrotreating catalyst is larger than 7.5 nm and smaller than 9.5 nm.

Abstract: The disclosure provides dyes for marking hydrocarbon compositions. More particularly, the disclosure relates to non-mutagenic dyes for marking hydrocarbon compositions.

Abstract: A slurry suspension is provided, which comprises (a) carbonaceous material particles having an average diameter D50 comprised between 0.1 ?m and 200 ?m; (b) an organic compound comprising at least one amine group; and (c) an organic phase.

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: Various compositions of matter, methods of making compositions of matter, and methods of using compositions of matter are disclosed. In some embodiments, compositions useful as aviation gasoline, sometimes called “avgas”, are disclosed. In some embodiments, mesitylene is used in compositions of matter. Additives may be employed in the disclosed compositions of matter. In some embodiments, the composition of matter has a motor octane number of about 99 or higher. In some embodiments, the compositions of matter have reduced or no heteroatom constituents, and/or may have reduced or no metal constituents. In some embodiments, compositions of matter disclosed herein may have certain performance characteristics equal to better than currently available 100LL compositions.

Abstract: A lubricant, which includes an ionic liquid including a conjugate base and a conjugate acid including 2 or more cations in a molecule of the conjugate acid, wherein the conjugate acid includes a monovalent group including a straight-chain hydrocarbon group having 6 or more carbon atoms, and an acid that is a source of the conjugate base has a pKa in acetonitrile of 10 or less.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of an oil-soluble mono-, di-, or tri-glyceride of at least one hydroxy polycarboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof, as an anti-camshaft-wear additive in a non-aqueous lubricant composition and/or in a fuel composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lubricating oil composition comprising an oil of lubricating viscosity and an oil soluble synergistic mixture of antioxidants, said mixture comprising: a) a hindered amine antioxidant according to formula (I) wherein each R1 is independently selected from a substituted or unsubstituted, branched or linear, C1-C20 hydrocarbyl group; R2 is selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom or a, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or linear, C1-C20 hydrocarbyl group; each R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom or a, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or linear, C1-C20 hydrocarbyl group; each R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom or a, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or linear, C1-C20 hydrocarbyl group; n is an integer from 1 to 4; and m is an integer from 1 to 5; and b) a molybdenum succinimide complex.

Abstract: A polyester composition, suitable for use as a dispersant in lubricating oils, is disclosed. The polyester composition is prepared by reacting (a) an acylating agent selected from an aliphatic-substituted succinic acylating agent, an aromatic polycarboxylic acylating agent, and combinations thereof; and (b) a hydroxyalkyl-substituted tertiary amine compound of the following structure: wherein R? is a C1-24 aliphatic group; R in each of the x (RO), y (RO) and z (RO) groups is independently C2-4 alkylene; x+y is in a range of 2 to 7; and z is in a range of 1 to 5.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oil soluble polyester composition, suitable for use as a dispersant in lubricating oils. The oil soluble polyester composition is prepared by reacting (a) a hydrocarbyl-substituted succinic acylating agent and (b) a di-hydroxyalkyl-substituted tertiary amine compound selected from a N,N-di-hydroxyalkyl-substituted tertiary monoamine and a N,N?-di-hydroxyalkyl-substituted tertiary diamine.

Abstract: Lubricating oil compositions and methods of their use are provided herein. A lubricating oil composition as described herein includes a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity, an amine-functionalized olefin copolymer dispersant viscosity index improver in an amount of from about 1.5 wt. % to 2.0 wt. % based on the weight of the lubricating oil composition, and a dispersant. The amine-functionalized olefin copolymer dispersant viscosity index improver includes a reaction product of an acylated olefin copolymer and a polyamine.

Abstract: A lubricating grease composition for a resin member is used to be supplied as a lubricant on a surface of at least a sliding portion of a resin member including the sliding portion with an other member. The lubricating grease composition for a resin member contains a base oil which is a mixed oil of a poly-?-olefin having a kinetic viscosity at 40° C. of 18 to 50 mm2/s and an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer having a number average molecular weight of 40,000 to 200,000, a lithium-based complex soap as a thickener and a polytetrafluoroethylene resin as a solid lubricant having a mixing ratio of 4 to 12 mass % to the entire lubricating grease composition, wherein the base oil has a kinetic viscosity at 40° C. of 80 to 200 mm2/s and a worked penetration of the lubricating grease composition ranges from 265 to 340.

Abstract: A lubricating grease composition for a polyamide resin member is used to be supplied as a lubricant on a surface of at least a sliding portion of the polyamide resin member including the sliding portion with an other member. The lubricating grease composition for a polyamide resin member contains a base oil which is a synthetic hydrocarbon oil, and a thickener which is at least one metal complex soap of a barium complex soap and a lithium complex soap, wherein a kinetic viscosity at 40° C. of the base oil ranges from 30 to 200 mm2/s and a drop point of the thickener is 270° C. or more.

Abstract: A lubricating oil composition according to one embodiment of the present invention contains an oxygen-containing synthetic base oil having an oxygen content (A) of from 15 to 40 mass % and a kinetic viscosity at 100° C. of from 0.5 to 50 mm2/s, and a viscosity index improver that is an oxygen-containing compound having an oxygen content (B) of from 15 to 40 mass % and a kinetic viscosity at 100° C. of 11,000 mm2/s or more, a mass ratio of the oxygen-containing synthetic base oil and the viscosity index improver being from 99.5:0.5 to 75:25, and a ratio (A/B) of the oxygen content (A) of the oxygen-containing synthetic base oil to the oxygen content (B) of the viscosity index improver being in a range of from 0.5 to 2.

Abstract: Methods for making specialty chemical products and chemical intermediates using hydroformylation are generally disclosed. Further, compositions and compounds formed using such methods are also disclosed. In some embodiments, methods are disclosed for refining a renewably sourced material, such as a natural oil, to form compositions, which can be further reacted employing the methods disclosed herein to form certain specialty chemical products or chemical intermediates.

Abstract: A scenting concentrate and a formulation containing same, which imparts a long-lasting grass scent, is disclosed. Methods and systems utilizing the formulation for imparting a grass scent to a substrate such as artificial grass are also disclosed.

Abstract: Precursor or pro-fragrance compounds used as a precursor to deliver at least one fragrant compound that is capable of imparting an odor, in particular one which imparts an odor to a material, more particularly to a fabric or textile. The pro-fragrant compounds of the invention include fragrant alcohols (R1OH) released from a compound of Formula I or in which Formula I is derived from (R1OH) and encompass any fragrant alcohol having more than three carbon atoms. Also, methods of generating the fragrant compounds and to improve, enhance or modify odoriferous properties of a perfuming composition or a perfumed article are also disclosed, as are the resultant perfuming compositions and articles.

Abstract: A detergent composition including a BslA-like protein and a surfactant system.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining mild aqueous laundry detergent formulations, mild liquid laundry detergent formulations, and methods for preparing the same. The formulations comprise various surfactants and have a low detergent mildness indicator, derived from combining results from Zein test, corneosurfametry test, and in vitro cytokine release test.

Abstract: Formulations of personal care compositions and personal care concentrate compositions containing salts of sulfonated fatty acid esters and/or salts of sulfonated fatty acids, and an alkyl betaine or sultaine are described. Personal care compositions of the present technology include liquid hand soaps, bath and shower washes, shampoos, 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 shampoos, antidandruff shampoo, facial cleaners, among others.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising at least one rhamnolipid and at least one siloxane, characterized in that the weight ratio of rhamnolipid to siloxane is from 5,000,000:1 to 100:1, preferably from 500,000:1 to 1000:1, particularly preferably from 25,000:1 to 2500:1. In another embodiment, the invention provides compositions include rhamnolipid in an amount of from 0.5% by weight to 70% by weight, preferably from 2% by weight to 60% by weight, particularly preferably from 3% by weight to 50% by weight, where the percentages by weight refer to the total composition.

Abstract: Described herein are cleaning compositions comprising fermented fruit solutions and builders, methods for making the same, and methods for using the same. The fermented fruit solutions can contain fruit, sugar and water. The builder can be selected from the group consisting of a non-phosphate builder, such as sodium citrate and sodium bicarbonate, boric acid and mixtures thereof. The cleaning compositions can be used to clean articles, launder articles, clean stains from articles, and clean surfaces.

Abstract: Aqueous formulation containing (A) at least one pigment or at least one dyestuff, (B) at least one dispersant selected from (B1) copolymers of at least one ethylenically unsaturated C4-C10-dicarboxylic acid and at least one C4-C20-olefin and their respective alkali metal salts and (B2) aromatic sulfonic acids and their respective alkali metal salts.(C) at least one chelating agent selected from MGDA, GLDA, IDS and citric acid and their respective ammonium and alkali metal salts. (D) water, wherein the concentration of the pigment (A) or dyestuff (A) is in the range of from 5 to 500 ppm, referring to the total aqueous formulation, and wherein the weight ratio of dispersant (B) to the pigment (A) or dyestuff (A), respectively, is in the range of from 1:5 to 3:1.

Abstract: A method of removing at least a portion of an oxide layer from the surface of a metal substrate comprising exposing the metal substrate to a body of treatment liquor comprising a treatment formulation and a multiplicity of solid particles which comprise or consists of a multiplicity of polymeric particles and wherein said treatment formulation comprises one or more promoters selected from the group consisting of acids, bases and surfactants wherein the method further comprises causing the solid particles and the metal substrate to enter into contacting relative movement.

Abstract: A disposable sanitizing wipe impregnated with a non-toxic aqueous formulation for removing cosmetic residue (or lipstick) from rims of glass and ceramic drink ware

Abstract: A beer maker may include: a fermentation container having a beer brewing space, a thermoelectric module (or device) for heating or cooling inside of the housing, an ingredient supplying device, and a main channel connecting the ingredient supplying device and the beer brewing space to each other. Ingredients may be fermented in the fermentation vessel container, which is protected by a housing. Ingredients may be provided into the beer brewing space in a state that a lid is closed, a foreign substance may be minimized from being contained in the beer.

Abstract: A beer maker may include a fermentation vessel accommodated in a space and having a beer brewing space, a main channel communicating with the beer brewing space, a sub-channel communicating with the beer brewing space, a gas pump connected to the sub-channel to pump gas to the sub-channel, and a gas valve at the sub-channel. Ingredients for brewing beer are supplied to the beer brewing space through the main channel, and gas is supplied to the beer brewing space through the sub-channel, so that beer can be simply brewed while minimizing a user from opening the lid.

Abstract: A method for preparing a fermented beverage having a modulated aromatic profile is provided as well as a fermented beverage produced thereby. The method includes preparing a fermentable mixture, such as juice, must, or wort and introducing ammonium sulphide into the fermentable mixture at a predetermined concentration. The fermentable mixture is then subjected to fermentation. A C6 aldehyde, C6 alcohol or a combination thereof may be added to the fermentable mixture in combination with ammonium sulphide to enhance its effect on the aromatic profile of the fermented beverage.

Abstract: A polymer or other substrate optimized for growing cells is described, which takes the form of a micro-thin bag with gas permeable sides. Sides of the bag can be held at a fixed distance from one another with a multitude of tiny micropillars or other spacers extending between them, keeping the bag at a predetermined thickness and preventing the bag from collapsing and the sides from sticking together. In other embodiments, the sides may be held apart by gas pressure alone. A 0.01 ?m to 1000 ?m parylene or other biocompatible coating over the bag outsides controls the permeability of the bag material and provides a bio-safe area for cell growth. An alternate configuration uses open-cell foam with skins coated with a biocompatible coating. Tubes going into multiple bags can be connected to a manifold that delivers gaseous oxygen or removes carbon dioxide and other waste gases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shake-type culture apparatus which can perform large scale culture without using stirring blades and a culture method using the same. More particularly, there are provided a shake-type culture apparatus comprising: a culture bag made from a soft packaging material; an outer shell container being arranged to house the entirety of the culture bag to be able to perform adjustment of a temperature thereof; and a power source for shaking the outer shell container housing the culture bag, wherein the contents in the culture bag can be stirred and mixed by shaking the outer shell container housing the culture bag; and a culture method using the same.

Abstract: Methods of removing bubbles from a microfluidic device are described where the flow is not stopped. Methods are described that combine pressure and flow to remove bubbles from a microfluidic device. Bubbles can be removed even where the device is made of a polymer that is largely gas impermeable.

Abstract: Methods of removing bubbles from a microfluidic device are described where the flow is not stopped. Methods are described that combine pressure and flow to remove bubbles from a microfluidic device. Bubbles can be removed even where the device is made of a polymer that is largely gas impermeable.

Abstract: Methods of removing bubbles from a microfluidic device are described where the flow is not stopped. Methods are described that combine pressure and flow to remove bubbles from a microfluidic device. Bubbles can be removed even where the device is made of a polymer that is largely gas impermeable.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to an illumination opto-plate configured to specifically light the wells of a culture plate.

Abstract: A microfluidic system for causing perturbations in a cell membrane includes (a) a microfluidic channel defining a lumen and configured such that a cell suspended in a buffer can pass there through, and (b) source or emitter of an energy field. The microfluidic channel may include a cell-deforming constriction. A diameter of the constriction may be a function of the diameter of the cell. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: An incubator includes: an insulated box including an incubation space surrounded by multiple inner faces; a humidifying unit that humidifies an incubation space; a first heating unit that heats a first inner face among the multiple inner faces, with electric power supplied; a second heating unit that heats a second inner face, different from the first inner face, with electric power supplied; and a control unit that controls the magnitude of electric power supplied to each of the first heating unit and the second heating unit. The control unit repeatedly changes the magnitude of electric power supplied to the first heating unit at first timing, and also repeatedly changes the magnitude of electric power supplied to the second heating unit at second timing different from the first timing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the electrical disintegration of cell structures including a chamber having an inlet for receiving material containing cell structures, an outlet for the discharge thereof, and a conveyor line extending between the inlet and the outlet, an electrode unit which has an electrode body which is arranged within the chamber at least portion-wise along the conveyor line, wherein the chamber has a wall which is portion-wise or completely electrically conductive and electrically insulated from the electrode body, and the electrode unit is adapted to generate an electric field between the electrode body and the wall for electrical disintegration.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for isolating, removing and analyzing cells. Provided is a method for isolating, removing and analyzing cells by filtering a liquid specimen containing cells through a porous polyimide film, and subjecting the cells captured by the film which did not pass through the porous polyimide film, or the cells in the liquid specimen which did pass through the porous polyimide film, to an examination of one or more cell properties selected from a group consisting of cell number or type, internal or external cell structure, type or amount of cell surface antigen, type or amount of material secreted from cells, cell adhesion, and cell survival rate.

Abstract: A method of producing yeast mutants and the use thereof. In order to provide yeasts which, at a given sugar content, produce a low ethanol content and a relatively high glycerol content in ethanolic fermentation and which are simultaneously obtainable rapidly, at least one yeast strain is contacted in a first mutagenesis step with a first mutagen and in a second mutagenesis step with a second mutagen. The first and second mutagens are different from one another and are selected from the following groups: nucleotide-alkylating agent, nucleotide-deaminating agent, and UV radiation. The method further includes a first selection step executed between the first and second mutagenesis steps and a second selection step being executed after the second mutagenesis step, in which the mutants that originate from the prior mutagenesis step in each case are exposed to a selection factor selected from the following groups: (a) hypertonic medium and (b) alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor.

Abstract: A method for treating a skin disorder, e.g., acne, e.g. acne vulgaris, in a subject is provided. The method comprises administering, e.g., applying, e.g., topically administering, ammonia oxidizing bacteria, e.g., a preparation comprising ammonia oxidizing bacteria, to a surface of the subject. Preparations comprising ammonia oxidizing bacteria for treating such skin disorder, e.g., acne, e.g. acne vulgaris in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an automated method for selecting a microbial strain from within a microbial strain library which can degrade or emulsify a target oil substrate. An apparatus, device or system adapted to perform the method of the invention is further provided. The use of the method of the invention in a method for preparing a microbial inoculum suitable for use to degrade or emulsify a target oil substrate; in a method of treating an oil reservoir or environmental remediation; and in a method for producing a biosurfactant-like substance is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the microbiological industry, and specifically to the production of L-serine using genetically modified bacteria. The present invention provides genetically modified microorganisms, such as bacteria, wherein the expression of genes encoding for enzymes involved in the degradation of L-serine is attenuated, such as by inactivation, which makes them particularly suitable for the production of L-serine at higher yield. The present invention also provides means by which the microorganism, and more particularly a bacterium, can be made tolerant towards higher concentrations of serine. The present invention also provides methods for the production of L-serine or L-serine derivative using such genetically modified microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for the mass cultivation of cells, and a cell cultivation device and kit. The present invention further pertains to a continuous cell cultivation method and a continuous cell cultivation device in which a carrier is used.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and systems comprising induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hepatocytes and systems and methods for acellular maturation thereof. In particular, iPSC-derived hepatocytes are matured on decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) to yield cells with enhanced hepatocytic biomarkers and functionality.