Abstract: An apparatus and process for hydrodesulfurizing hydroprocessed naphtha from an overhead stream of a product fractionation column and/or from an overhead stream of a product stripping column in which an overhead stream may be condensed and fed to a post treat hydrodesulfurization reactor. Hydrogen may be supplied from an upstream separator for separating the hydroprocessed stream. Accordingly, naphtha may be hydrodesulfurized within the hydroprocessing recovery unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of a process for producing high grade coke from crude oil residue include at least partially separating, in a solvent extraction unit, the crude oil residue into a deasphalted oil (DAO)-containing stream and an asphaltene containing-stream, producing a pressurized, heated DAO-containing stream, where the pressurized, heated DAO-containing stream, mixing a supercritical water stream with the pressurized, heated DAO-containing stream to create a combined feed stream, introducing the combined feed stream to an upgrading reactor system operating at supercritical temperature and pressure to yield one or more upgrading reactor output streams comprising upgraded product and a slurry mixture, where the slurry mixture comprises sulfur and one or more additional metals. The process also may include calcining the slurry mixture at a temperature of from 700° C. to 1900° C. to produce a product stream comprising the high grade coke.

Abstract: A method for dehydrating liquid fuel is disclosed. The method includes injecting a supply of dry gas into a liquid fuel via an outlet submerged in the liquid fuel. Also, a system for dehydrating liquid fuel is disclosed having a container for storing a liquid fuel, a line for delivering a supply of dry gas, and an outlet disposed near the bottom of the container and connected to the gas line for injecting dry gas into the liquid fuel.

Abstract: A method of infusing wood grilling products with flavor and aroma-enhancing supplements is utilized to impart flavor and aroma to a wood grilling product that is to be used for cooking. The wood grilling product is placed into a vacuum infusion chamber and submerged within a first quantity of FAE liquid. The first quantity of FAE liquid and the wood grilling product are then hermetically sealed within the vacuum infusion chamber. A first quantity of air is evacuated out of the vacuum infusion chamber in order to apply a vacuum to the wood grilling product. The vacuum is maintained on the wood grilling product for an optimal time duration. A second quantity of air is then introduced into the vacuum infusion chamber in order to return the vacuum infusion chamber to atmospheric pressure and infuse the first quantity of FAE liquid into the wood grilling product.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forming densified lignocellulose biomass are described. Methods can include torrefaction and densification of a lignocellulose feedstock. Temperature and pressure control and lubricant addition throughout the process can provide for the lignin to dissipate more completely throughout the biomass and better coat the cellulose. The product can include a high level of lignin and low volatiles, both of which can improve the energy density of the product. In addition, the process can include a cooling step that can increase the crystallinity of the solidified lignin, which can further increase bulk density and improve grindability of the product.

Abstract: An oil for removing or preventing fouling on a mechanical component includes at least one vegetable oil having a flash point of 490° F. or above. A method of removing or preventing fouling on a mechanical component of a device, includes applying a vegetable oil or composition of vegetable oils on the mechanical component of the device. The vegetable oil or composition of vegetable oils has a flash point of 490° F. or above and operation of the device deposits carbon or other types of fouling on the mechanical component.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing noise, sticking, and/or friction using a dry lubricant. The methods provide for application of a friction- and/or noise-reducing composition. The methods reduce friction, and/or noise for multiple applications. The methods also provide for reducing adherence of undesirable materials to articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lubricant coating for a medical container comprising a cross-linked lubricant composition comprising a mixture of non-reactive silicone with reactive silicone, characterized in that the reactive silicone comprises a mixture of vinyl-based silicone and acrylate-based silicone. The invention further relates to a lubricant composition usable as an intermediate product in the fabrication of a lubricant coating. The invention further relates to a medical container comprising a barrel and a stopper in gliding engagement within the barrel, comprising such a lubricant coating. The invention also relates to a process of manufacturing a medical container comprising a barrel and a stopper in gliding engagement within the barrel including depositing a lubricant composition on the inner surface of the barrel and/or on the stopper, and irradiating the coated barrel and/or stopper so as to cross-link the lubricant composition to form a lubricant coating.

Abstract: In one aspect, lubricant compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a lubricant composition described herein comprises a grease and milled metal sulfide particles dispersed in the grease. In other cases, a lubricant composition described herein comprises a grease, polytetrafluroethylene particles, zinc dithiophosphate, and molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate, wherein the polytetrafluroethylene particles, zinc dithiophosphate, and molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate are dispersed in the grease.

Abstract: A method for improving wear control in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil. The formulated oil has a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and encapsulated boron-containing microscale particles, as a minor component. The minor component preferably contains no metal or sulfur, and preferably no phosphorus. The encapsulated boron-containing microscale particles include an encapsulating material and a boron-containing compound encapsulated by the encapsulating material. The boron-containing compound is a boron oxide, a boric acid, or mixtures thereof. The encapsulating material is a carboxylic acid selected from an aliphatic carboxylic acid, a cycloaliphatic carboxylic acid, an aromatic carboxylic acid, and mixtures thereof. The lubricating oils are useful in internal combustion engines.

Abstract: An enhanced hydraulic fluid comprises a conventional hydraulic fluid in combination with a predetermined amount of benzene by volume relative to the conventional hydraulic fluid. The predetermined amount of benzene preferably comprises between about 1.0% to about 20.0% benzene by volume, more preferably between about 1.5% to about 10.0% benzene by volume, and most preferably between about 2.0% to about 5.0% benzene by volume. The conventional hydraulic fluid may comprise electronics coolant liquids and oils. Conventional hydraulic fluids that may be mixed with benzene in the volumes described above include, but are not limited to, FLUORINERTS™ that include FC-43 and FC-70, including any perfluorinated, partially fluorinated, or partially chlorinated alkane with between about 3 to about 18 carbon atoms; mineral oils that include CAPELLA™ brand mineral oil; esther oils (synthetic or natural) that include formidals, and MIDEL™ brand esther oils.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an additive package for a lubricant composition that provides improved fluoropolymer compatibility. The additive package comprises a halide seal compatibility additive and a second seal compatibility additive. The disclosure is also directed to a lubricant composition comprising a base oil, a halide seal compatibility additive, and a second seal compatibility additive. The halide seal compatibility and the second seal compatibility additive improves the fluoropolymer seal compatibility of the resultant lubricant composition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a macro-composition with a special structure. The structure includes a layered macro-composition made of a nanoparticle as an inner nucleus, an intermediate layer around the nucleus, and an outer layer intercalated with the nucleus or encapsulating the nucleus and the intermediate layer. A plurality of the layered macro-compositions is bonded together by bonds, so that each layered macro-composition is bonded to at least one other such layered macro-composition. Embodiments include a macro-composition made of three 3-layered macro-compositions joined in a chain by two bonds. These macro-composition assemblies may take the shape of layered macro-compositions bonded together in chains, or forming other shapes, such as rings. The layered macro-composition may be no more than about 100 nanometers in size, for example. The bonds of the complex macro-composition may have an average length of no more than about 100 nanometers, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of diesters of 2,5-dimethyl-2-hexenedioic acid, 2,5-dimethyl-3-hexenedioic acid and 2,5-dimethyladipic acid or a mixture thereof as a fragrance or as flavor, to a method for imparting or modifying a scent or a flavor to a composition by including said compounds into such composition, to a fragrance containing composition and/or a fragrance material containing said compounds and to a process for preparing diesters of 2,5-dimethyladipic acid.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed for cleaning a membrane. The composition includes: (i) a non-ionic surfactant having the formula: R—O(CH2CH2O)nH, wherein R is a branched, substituted or unsubstituted, C11-15 alkyl group, wherein n is an average degree of ethoxylation, and wherein n is in the range of from 3 to 20; and (ii) at least one of an additional non-ionic surfactant, a water soluble solvent, or a hydrotrope. In one version of the composition, an upper limit of a range of molecular weights of the surfactant is 1300 grams or below. In another version of the composition, the composition has a gel point such that it will be in the liquid phase before and after dilution with any amount of water at all temperatures of 40° F. and above. A method of cleaning a membrane using the compositions is also disclosed.

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: The present invention relates to washing or cleaning agents having improved foaming characteristics under high soil loading, containing at least one anionic surfactant and at least one alkylamidopropyl betaine of formula (R1)C(?O)NH(CH2)3N+(R2)(R3)CH2COO?, where R1 is an alkyl radical having 7 to 9 carbon atoms and R2 and R3 are identical or different alkyl radicals having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, wherein the weight ratio of the alkylamidopropyl betaine defined herein/total amount of anionic surfactant in the washing or cleaning agent is from 0.003 to 0.12, wherein the weight ratio of the total amount of alkylamidopropyl betaine as defined herein/total amount of alkylamidopropyl betaine in the washing or cleaning agent is 0.25 to 1.0, to washing or cleaning methods in which washing or cleaning agents of this kind are used.

Abstract: A detergent composition comprising a subtilisin variant having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, and at least one additional ingredient selected from i) bleaches selected from percarbonates, persulphates and organic peracids, ii) aminocarboxylates, or iii) sulphonated polymers, or iv) organophosphoric acids or salts thereof and mixtures thereof is provided. Also provided is a detergent composition comprising a subtilisin variant having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the detergent composition is at least partially enveloped in a water soluble or water dispersible package. The compositions exhibit good performance on proteinaceous stains, even when formulated at alkaline pHs. A method of removing proteinaceous stains from surfaces comprising such stains is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to extend the benefits of using hypochlorite compounds such as sodium hypochlorite to clean and disinfect articles while reducing or eliminating the side effects of treating an article with a strong oxidant material. The invention relates to a single step process involving mixing of precursor compositions of a suitable hypohalite or hypohalous acid with a solution of a reducing agent. Optionally a buffer may be present in either or both precursor compositions, such that at time of use such active hypohalous acid concentration in the resulting aqueous mixture remains at a sufficient activity level to effect one or more desired benefits against a target substrate for a desired period of time. The oxidant is substantially consumed by reaction with the reducing agent after the time needed for achieving the desired benefit has passed.

Abstract: A solution for use in removing a double sided adhesive tape from moldings and which can have the further property of conditioning the molding 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 laundry detergent composition suitable for formulation into a water-soluble unit dose article, wherein the liquid laundry detergent composition includes a. an anionic surfactant, b. 1,2-propanediol; c. dipropylene glycoland a water-soluble unit dose article including said liquid laundry detergent composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous compositions of associative polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), optionally containing surfactants, biocidal agents and/or oxidants, which can provide a cleaning benefit and surface protection to treated articles including reduced soiling tendency, reduced cleaning effort and improved soil repellency, as well as providing bacteriostatic properties to treated surfaces that thereby gain resistance to water, environmental exposure and microbial challenge.

Abstract: Filter-aid materials are disclosed herein, and processes, systems, and methods using such filter-aid materials for filtering and removing particles and/or constituents from a fluid, wherein the filter-aid material comprises at least one filterable composite adsorbent comprising at least one adsorbent component formed in-situ on at least one filtration component. Further disclosed herein are filter-aid materials and processes, systems, and methods using such filter-aid materials for filtering and removing particles and/or constituents from a fluid, wherein the filter-aid material comprises at least one filterable composite adsorbent comprising at least one adsorbent component formed in-situ on at least one filtration component, and wherein the filter-aid material further comprises an at least one additional filtration component mixed with the at least one filterable composite adsorbent.

Abstract: A device for in-vitro modelling in-vivo tissues of organs that includes a first body portion with at least one access chamber, a second body portion with at least one culturing chamber, and a culturing membrane dividing the at least one access chamber from the culturing chamber. The device further includes a third body portion with at least one actuation chamber having at least one limitation cavity, and an actuation membrane dividing the at least one culturing chamber from the at least one actuation chamber. With the device, a robust actuation system can be provided that does not depend on the mechanical properties of the actuation membrane material, nor on the pressure, and that allows to mimic three-dimensional deformations of the tissue, in particular of lung alveoli.

Abstract: An exogenous substance transfer apparatus that introduces an exogenous substance into a small amount of cells by electrical action and a method for manufacturing exogenous substance-bearing cells at low cost are provided. In the introducing an exogenous substance like a gene into a cell, a cell suspension liquid that contains the cell and the exogenous substance is supplied to a container through an opening portion in an amount that is prepared such that a liquid droplet that is formed will not come into contact with a pair of electrodes simultaneously. The liquid droplet is formed in an oil stored in the container, without the cell suspension liquid mixing with the oil. When a direct current voltage is supplied to the electrodes from a power supply, the liquid droplet moves there-between, and the exogenous substance is introduced into the cell within the liquid droplet by electrical action.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for preparing media, feeds, and supplements. Such methods and medias may display increased stability of labile components and may use, for example, microsuspension and/or encapsulation technologies, chelation, and optionally, coating and/or mixing the labile compounds with anti-oxidants. The compositions may withstand thermal and/or irradiation treatment and have reduced virus number. These techniques may result in product with extended shelf-life, extended release of their internal components into culture, or in product that can be added aseptically into a bioreactor using minimal volumes. The compositions and methods may optimize the bioproduction workflow and increase efficiency.

Abstract: The technology relates in part to methods and compositions for ex vivo proliferation and expansion of epithelial cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stem cells obtained from the amnion and their methods of obtaining and culturing. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising amnion-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and to methods of using ADSCs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of mammalian cell culture, and provides methods and compositions for cell attachment to, cultivation on and detachment from a solid substrate surface containing from at least about 0.5% N, a sum of O and N of greater than or equal to 17.2% and a contact angle of at least about 13.9 degrees, lacking a feeder cell layer and lacking an adlayer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cells are treated with a compound capable of inhibiting Rho kinase activity. In another embodiment, the cells are treated with a compound capable of inhibiting Rho activity.

Abstract: Methods of cell culture using patterned SAM arrays are disclosed. Advantageously, the disclosed methods use SAM arrays presenting adhesion peptides to grow confluent monolayers that can invaginate to form an embryoid body.

Abstract: The present invention is of methods of establishing and propagating human embryonic stem cell lines using feeder cells-free, xeno-free culture systems and stem cells which are capable of being maintained in an undifferentiated, pluripotent and proliferative state in culture which is free of xeno contaminants and feeder cells.

Abstract: Compositions of purified biologically active Wnt proteins are provided. Wnt proteins are found to be hydrophobic and post-translationally modified by addition of a lipid moiety at a conserved cysteine residue. Methods for isolation of Wnt utilize detergents that maintain the solubility of the modified protein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a specialized subpopulation of natural killer cells that have enhanced effector functions and the potential to kill malignant tumor cells or infected cells when the natural killer cells are exposed to an antibody bound to the tumor cells or the infected cells.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a kit comprising: (a) a mesenchymal stem cell; (b) a gelatin-hyaluronan-chondroitin tri-copolymer scaffold; (c) a kartogenin; and (d) a bioreactor. The present invention is also related to a method for promoting differentiation of a mesenchymal stem cell into cartilage tissue, comprising: (a) culturing the mesenchymal stem cell on a gelatin- hyaluronan-chondroitin tri-copolymer scaffold in the presence of a kartogenin; and (b) culturing the mesenchymal stem cell and the gelatin-hyaluronan-chondroitin tri-copolymer scaffold in a bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of a chondrocyte using mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells obtained from the amniotic membrane of umbilical cord and therapeutic uses of such chondrocytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to promote differentiation of pancreatic endoderm cells to pancreatic endocrine rich clusters and to enhance insulin expression in hormone-expressing cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for screening for a growth-promoting factor for pluripotent stem cells with a conditioned medium which is generated by culturing feeder cells in a serum-free medium that contains L-ascorbic acid, insulin, transferrin, selenium, and sodium bicarbonate and does not contain a serum nor serum replacement; a method for growing pluripotent stem cells via feeder-free culture using the conditioned medium; and a method for growing pluripotent stem cells by carrying out feeder-free culture of pluripotent stem cells cultured in advance on feeder cells in the serum-free medium.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing induced pluripotent stem cells using a synthetic peptide, and more particularly, to a method of preparing induced pluripotent stem cells using a peptide capable of inhibiting the activity of NF-?B and promoting mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). Since undifferentiated multipotent stem cells may be efficiently prepared under xenopathogen-free or feeder cell-free conditions without requiring co-culture with animal serum or xenogeneic cells, the method for preparing the induced pluripotent stem cells using the synthetic peptide according to the present disclosure is very useful for developing stem cell therapeutic agents that are clinically applicable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for increasing the observed titer of a virus stock for the purpose of increasing the calculated log reduction (LRV) in virus clearance studies. A tissue culture or assay plate is seeded with an indicator cell line and titrated with a virus stock followed, by a centrifugation step for about 5 minutes to about 24 hours at a g-force ranging from about 50×g to about 2400×g, and at a temperature from about 4° C. to about 39° C. The resulting calculated virus titer after undergoing the centrifugation step is 10-fold higher than the virus titer would be if determined in the absence of the centrifuging step.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of enhancing virus replication in permissive cells that express a receptor to FGF2 protein. The method includes administering FGF2 protein or a functional variant thereof and the virus to the permissive cells. An oncolytic virus having a genome that includes an open reading frame that encodes FGF2 protein or a functional variant thereof is also described.

Abstract: Novel hexon isolated from simian adenovirus serotype 19 encoded in the polynucleotide defined as SEQ ID NO: 3, hepervariable region thereof, chimeric adenovirus comprising the same, and therapeutic use thereof provides a solution to the problem of safety and effective systemic treatment for developing gene therapeutic agents using adenovirus.

Abstract: The use of biomaterials, such as viruses and virus-like particles, to form nanostructures is generally disclosed. For instance, rod-like viruses can be used to form composite nanofibers that are fixed together in a head-to-tail assembly by a polymer. Also, 2-dimensional nanostructures formed from crosslinked viruses assembled in a single, film-like layer are generally disclosed. Porous gels having controllable pore size through the use of virus particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Mutant thermophilic organisms that consume a variety of biomass derived substrates are disclosed herein. Strains of Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum with acetate kinase and phosphotransacetylase expression eliminated are disclosed herein. Further, strain ALK1 has been engineered by site directed homologous recombination to knockout both acetic acid and lactic acid production. Continuous culture involving a substrate concentration challenge lead to evolution of ALK1, and formation of a more robust strain designated ALK2. The organisms may be utilized for example in thermophilic SSF and SSCF reactions performed at temperatures that are optimal for cellulase activity to produce near theoretical ethanol yields without expressing pyruvate decarboxylase.

Abstract: This invention provides for an improved generation of novel nucleic acid modifying enzymes. The improvement is the fusion of a sequence-non-specific nucleic-acid-binding domain to the enzyme in a manner that enhances the ability of the enzyme to bind and catalytically modify the nucleic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleotide sequences encoding thioesterase enzymes, methods for their production, their use in methods to form thioesters, and their use in methods of screening for other wild type bacteria capable of producing said thioesterase enzymes. Also disclosed are compositions comprising thioesters produced by the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having organophosphorous hydrolase activity, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention pertains to compositions and methods for identifying gRNAs that are effective in treating a latent HIV infection. An embodiment of the invention provides a cell having incorporated into its genome: a gene that expresses a CRISPR-Cas protein and an HIV pseudovirus genome, wherein the HIV pseudovirus genome has a first marker gene encoding a first marker protein under the control of HIV-1 LTR promoter and a second marker gene inserted into the nef gene of the HIV pseudovirus and encoding a second marker protein under the control of a constitutive promoter. Screening methods for identifying gRNAs that can treat a latent HIV infection are also provided. Further, compositions comprising a CRISPR-Cas protein and gRNAs that can treat a latent HIV infection are provided. Furthermore, a method for treating a latent HIV infection in a subject by administering the compositions of CRISPR-Cas protein and gRNAs are described.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases, for example, alpha amylases, to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel recombinant or isolated nucleic acid useful for integrating or being maintained in an Archaea or acidophilic hyperthermophilic eubacteria. The nucleic acid encodes a nucleotide sequence that is capable of stably integrating into the chromosome of a host cell, or being maintained as an extrachromosomal element in a host cell, that is an Archea, and a nucleotide sequence of interest. The present invention also provides for an Archaea host cell comprising the nucleic acid stably integrated into the chromosome or maintained episomally in the host cell, and a method of expressing the nucleotide sequence of interest in the host cell and/or directing glycosylation, multimerization, and/or membrane association or integration.

Abstract: Provided is a method for purifying ?-thrombin and for quantifying ?-thrombin and its degradation polypeptides in a liquid proteinatious solution. The method employs a one-step anion exchange chromatography method. The method allows purification and/or quantification of a homogenous post-translationally modified ?-thrombin. The method can also be used for purification and/or quantification of ?-thrombin.