Abstract: The present invention generally relates to microfluidics and labeled nucleic acids. For example, certain aspects are generally directed to systems and methods for labeling nucleic acids within microfluidic droplets. In one set of embodiments, the nucleic acids may include “barcodes” or unique sequences that can be used to distinguish nucleic acids in a droplet from those in another droplet, for instance, even after the nucleic acids are pooled together. In some cases, the unique sequences may be incorporated into individual droplets using particles and attached to nucleic acids contained within the droplets (for example, released from lysed cells). In some cases, the barcodes may be used to distinguish tens, hundreds, or even thousands of nucleic acids, e.g., arising from different cells or other sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotating microfluidic device capable of combining portions of various liquids into a single droplet, thus generating millions of droplets with differing compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Hot Isostatic Pressed ferritic-austenitic steel alloy, as well objects thereof. The elementary composition of the alloy comprises, in percentages by weight: C ?0-0.05; Si 0-0.8; Mn 0-4.0; Cr more than 29-35; Ni 3.0-10;? Mo 0-4.0; N 0.30-0.55:? Cu 0-0.8; W 0-3.0; S ?0-0.03; Ce 0-0.2; the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities. The objects can be particularly useful in making components for a urea production plant that require processing such as machining or drilling. A preferred use is in making, or replacing, liquid distributors as used in a stripper as is typically present in the high-pressure synthesis section of a urea plant.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for converting oxygen within air into ozone. The device has a portable housing with an air inlet and an enhanced ozone air outlet. A lamp housing is positioned within the portable housing and has a plurality of UV lamps for emitting UV radiation, the plurality of UV lamps extending from one end of the lamp housing to the other in a generally parallel configuration. The device also has a blower positioned within the portable housing for moving the air into contact with UV radiation from the plurality of UV lamps. The device further includes a plurality of baffles positioned within the lamp housing for dispersing the air as the air moves through the lamp housing. The device can be used to eliminate odors and contaminants found in the air, as well as to eliminate oils and contaminants found in water and to kill insects.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus (10, 20) for a continuous preparation of organic peroxides, with the reactor comprising at least one flow channel (1, 1a, 1b) configured as a reaction zone; an inlet system (2) in fluid communication with a first end of the at least one flow channel and configured for introducing two or more substances or a combination of substances into the at least one flow channel; an outlet system (3) in fluid communication with a second end of the at least one flow channel, the second end being located downstream of the first end and the outlet system being configured for extracting a reaction product present at the second end; an oscillatory system (4, 5) configured for superimposing an oscillatory flow on the flow of substances passing through the at least one flow channel, the oscillatory being effected in at least a section of the at least one flow channel; and a controller configured to implement the method by controlling the inlet system to introduce, accordi

Abstract: Methods of producing solid CO2 sequestering carbonate materials are provided. Aspects of the methods include introducing a divalent cation source into a flowing aqueous liquid (e.g., a bicarbonate rich product containing liquid) under conditions sufficient such that a non-slurry solid phase CO2 sequestering carbonate material is produced. Also provided are systems configured for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a mercury sorbent material are provided. The methods comprise making a copper/clay mixture by admixing a dry clay and a dry copper source; making a sulfur/clay mixture by admixing a dry clay and a dry sulfur source; admixing the copper/clay mixture and the sulfur/clay mixture, to form a mercury sorbent pre-mixture; and shearing the mercury sorbent pre-mixture to form the mercury sorbent material. Various substrates may be used with or instead of the clay, and various additives may be added to the copper, sulfur, clay, or mixture thereof.

Abstract: A star-shape nanoparticle that adsorbs arsenic in a solution, a method of producing the star-shape nanoparticle, and a method of determining an arsenic concentration in an arsenic-containing solution via the star-shape nanoparticle and fluorescence spectroscopy are provided. Various embodiments of the star-shape nanoparticle, the method of producing thereof, and the method of using thereof to determine an arsenic concentration in a solution are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to improve chromatography beads. More closely, the invention relates to a novel method for production of dextran-containing porous media and chromatography media produced with this method. In the method, the chromatography media is subjected to dextranase-treatment leading to improved pressure-flow properties of the media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a super absorbent polymer exhibiting more improved liquid permeability and/or absorption rate while maintaining excellent absorption performance. Such super absorbent polymer comprises a base polymer powder including a first cross-linked polymer of a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer having at least partially neutralized acidic groups; and a surface cross-linked layer formed on the base polymer powder and including a second cross-linked polymer in which the first cross-linked polymer is further cross-linked through an alkylene carbonate having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and satisfies predetermined physical properties.

Abstract: A method for making surface-coated water-absorbing polymer particles in a microfluidic device is provided. The microfluidic device includes a first microfluidic channel conveying precursor water-absorbing polymer particles, a second microfluidic channel conveying a first coating solution, a third microfluidic channel conveying water-absorbing polymer particles coated with the first coating solution, a fourth microfluidic channel conveying a first non aqueous liquid. An absorbent article includes the surface-coated water-absorbing polymer particles obtained via the method herein is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to constructs and methods of use thereof for improving NOx reduction in air. In particular, it has been found that improvements in NOx reduction are achieved when a photocatalytic, transparent or translucent titanium dioxide sol formulation is provided as a layer over a white surface or like surface that provides high reflection of incident light. The surface may be the surface of an underlying base structure or an applied layer, such as a paint. The base to which the layer(s) is applied can be a structure that is located where NOx concentration in the atmosphere is particularly high, such as near a roadway or other areas subject to significant vehicular traffic.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cerium-zirconium based mixed oxide having: (a) a Ce:Zr molar ratio of 1 or less, and (b) a cerium oxide content of 10-50% by weight, wherein the composition has (i) a surface area of at least 18 m2/g, and a total pore volume as measured by N2 physisorption of at least 0.11 cm3/g, after ageing at 1100° C. in an air atmosphere for 6 hours, and (ii) a surface area of at least 42 m2/g, and a total pore volume as measured by N2 physisorption of at least 0.31 cm3/g, after ageing at 1000° C. in an air atmosphere for 4 hours. The invention also relates to a catalytic system comprising the cerium-zirconium based mixed oxide, as well as to a process 10 for treating an exhaust gas from a vehicle engine comprising contacting the exhaust gas with the cerium-zirconium based mixed oxide.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising—a support comprising TiO2,—a composite oxide containing vanadium and antimony, which has a rutile-type structure different from VSbO 4 and V0.92Sb0.92O4 as determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis with CuK? radiation, and—optionally, one or more selected from the group consisting of oxides of silicon, oxides of vanadium and oxides of antimony, for selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides; to a process for preparing the catalyst composition, to the catalyst composition obtained/obtainable by the process and to use of the same for selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides.

Abstract: An electride, which is more stable and can be more easily obtained, is provided or is made available, and as a result, a catalyst particularly useful for chemical synthesis, in which the electride is particularly used, is provided. A transition metal-supported intermetallic compound having a transition metal supported on an intermetallic compound represented by the following formula (1): A5X3??(1) wherein A represents a rare earth element, and X represents Si or Ge.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification catalyst having a substrate and a catalyst coating layer formed on the surface of the substrate, wherein the catalyst coating layer has the upper and lower layer having a lower layer closer to the surface of the substrate and an upper layer relatively remote from the surface of the substrate, the upper layer of the catalyst coating layer having Rh, Pd, and a carrier, the lower layer of the catalyst coating layer having at least one noble metal selected from Pd and Pt and a carrier, 65% by mass or more of Pd in the upper layer exists in a layer up to 50% of the upper layer in a thickness direction from the surface of the upper layer being relatively remote from the surface of the substrate, and the ratio of Pd to Rh by mass (Pd/Rh) is 0.5 to 0.7 in the upper layer.

Abstract: A high durability catalyst for decomposing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or sublimable organic substances, generated inside a polymer film production furnace, at a high conversion rate is provided. A method for purifying a gas inside a polymer film production furnace with the use of the catalyst is also provided. Provided are a purification catalyst for a gas inside a polymer film production furnace, which contains a mixed oxide composed of a manganese-based oxide containing manganese and potassium and having a cryptomelane structure, and copper oxide; and a method for purifying a gas inside a polymer film production furnace, comprising a step 1 of bringing hot air containing volatile and/or sublimable organic substances, generated during production of a polymer film by the polymer film production furnace, into contact with the catalyst provided inside or outside the furnace, at a temperature in the range of 200 to 350° C.

Abstract: A bifunctional catalyst for conversion of oxygenates, said catalyst comprising zeolite, alumina binder and Zn, wherein the Zn is present at least partly as ZnAl2O4.

Abstract: Catalysts are disclosed having metal oxide support structures and acidic reaction sites. The reaction sites may be according to the general formula MxOyAlBrzX]?H+ where x is one or two; y is one or two; z is one or two; X is selected from Br or Cl; M is Al or Si and one or more of M, O and Al has a molecular bond with the metal oxide support structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a copper containing small-pore zeolite which comprises?preparing a reaction mixture comprising a zeolite of the faujasite framework type, Cu-tetraethylenepentamine (Cu-TEPA) and at least one compound M(OH)x, which does not comprise the tetraethylammonium cation and?heating the reaction mixture to form a copper containing small-pore zeolite.

Abstract: One form of the present disclosure provides a catalyst including: an LTA zeolite containing copper ions; and an additive, wherein a Si/Al molar ratio of the LTA zeolite is in a range of approximately 2 to 50.

Abstract: A NOx absorber catalyst for treating an exhaust gas from a diesel engine. The NOx absorber catalyst comprises a first region comprising a NOx absorber material comprising a molecular sieve catalyst, and a second region comprising a nitrogen dioxide reduction material; and a substrate having an inlet end and an outlet end.

Abstract: A catalyst and process for the production of methyl acetate by contacting dimethyl ether and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst which is a zeolite of micropore volume of 0.01 ml/g or less.

Abstract: Provided herein are metal organic frameworks comprising metal nodes and N-donor organic ligands. Methods for capturing chemical species from fluid compositions comprise contacting a metal organic framework characterized by the formula [MaMbF6-n(O/H2O)w(Ligand)x(solvent)y]z with a fluid composition and capturing one or more chemical species from the fluid composition.

Abstract: An especially robust compound and its derivative metal complexes that are approximately one hundred-fold superior in catalytic performance to the previously invented TAML analogs is provided having the formula: wherein Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 are oxidation resistant groups which are the same or different and which form 5- or 6-membered rings with a metal, M, when bound to D; at least one Y incorporates a group that is significantly more stable towards nucleophilic attack than the organic amides of TAML activators; D is a metal complexing donor atom, preferably N; each X is a position for addition of a labile Lewis acidic substituent such as (i) H, deuterium, (ii) Li, Na, K, alkali metals, (iii) alkaline earth metals, transition metals, rare earth metals, which may be bound to one or more than one D, (iv) or is unoccupied with the resulting negative charge being balanced by a nonbonded countercation; at least one Y may contain a site that is labile to acid dissociation, providing a mechanism for shortening co

Abstract: In one aspect, phosphine compounds comprising three adamantyl moieties (PAd3) and associated synthetic routes are described herein. Each adamantyl moiety may be the same or different. For example, each adamantyl moiety (Ad) attached to the phosphorus atom can be independently selected from the group consisting of adamantane, diamantane, triamantane and derivatives thereof. Transition metal complexes comprising PAd3 ligands are also provided for catalytic synthesis including catalytic cross-coupling reactions.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere bag suitable for microscopy and spectroscopy, having an optic attachment (7) a sample support attachment (6), gas inlet means (2), gas outlet means (4) and a sample insertion means (3) that allow a sample to be analysed to be enclosed in a relatively small and controlled gas atmosphere chamber allowing the remainder of the analysis device to remain outside the chamber retaining full dexterity for the operator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fluid handling devices that include integrated card and pipette tip devices, for use with multichannel liquid dispensing devices.

Abstract: Sample container for holding and transferring a liquid sample and method thereof. The sample container includes an inlet configured to allow a liquid sample to enter a sample container, and an outlet configured to allow one or more droplets of the liquid sample to exit the sample container by one or more acoustic ejections respectively. The inlet and the outlet are in different locations.

Abstract: An inlet structure is adapted to be connected to a microchannel. The inlet structure includes an inlet portion and at least one micro structure. The inlet portion contains an inner surface. The micro structure is disposed in the inlet portion and connected to the inner surface. When a fluid is injected into the inlet portion, the micro structure destroys a surface tension of the fluid to cause the fluid to flow into the microchannel by capillary action.

Abstract: A method to extract, amplify and separate nucleic acid in a microfluidic device having a plurality of chambers and channels can include a) introducing cells having nucleic acid to a first chamber of the microfluidic device and subjecting the cells in the first chamber to conditions that lyse the cells. The method can further include b) subjecting the first chamber to centrifugal force, thereby allowing the lysate or a portion thereof having nucleic acid to be distributed to a second chamber through a first channel in the microfluidic device. The method can also include c) combining the lysate or the portion thereof and reagents for amplification of the nucleic acid, thereby providing a second mixture. The method can also include d) subjecting the second chamber to centrifugal force, thereby allowing gas to be expelled from the second mixture.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclose provides methods for amplifying and quantifying nucleic acids. Methods for amplifying and quantifying nucleic acids comprise isolating a sample comprising nucleic acid molecules into a plurality of microchambers, performing a polymerase chain reaction on the plurality of microchambers, and analyzing the results of the polymerase chain reaction. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides devices consistent with the methods herein.

Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods of manufacturing are described that provide a tip resistant optical testing instrument configured to rest on a surface. The optical testing instrument includes a shell defining a cavity for receiving a sample tube. The shell includes a bottom shell surface, wherein the bottom shell surface defines at least one support element, wherein the at least one support element is configured to engage the surface to support the optical testing instrument in a testing position, and a translational surface configured to engage the surface to support the optical testing instrument in an angled position. In an instance in which the optical testing instrument tilts from the testing position to the angled position, the translational surface is configured to engage the surface contacting the translational surface to prevent the optical testing instrument from tipping further and allow the optical testing instrument to return to the testing position.

Abstract: A flow passage design for multi-reaction biological detection includes a first temporary tank, a second temporary tank, a first microchannel, and a second microchannel. The first temporary tank is configured to temporarily store a first liquid in an initial state. The second temporary tank is configured to temporarily store a second liquid in the initial state. The first microchannel is located upstream of the first temporary tank. The first microchannel has an outlet end and an inlet end, respectively connecting to the first temporary tank and the second temporary tank. The second microchannel is located downstream of the first temporary tank and connects to the first temporary tank. In the initial state, a portion of the first liquid enters the second microchannel, the outlet end of the first microchannel is covered by the first liquid, and the inlet end of the first microchannel is covered by the second liquid.

Abstract: A hematology test slide has the same or similar dimensions as a chemical reagent test slide and an immunoassay test slide so that it may be used with these other slides on a single clinical instrument. The hematology slide includes, in order from top to bottom, a slide housing having a top housing member, a top cover slip, a U-shaped, transfer tape spacer, a bottom cover slip, a base gasket and a base plate. The U-shaped spacer has a curved end portion which defines a sample deposit area, where a blood sample is pipetted thereon, and a pair of straight, parallel, spaced apart legs extending from the curved end portion. The legs define a read area. A blood sample deposited on the hematology slide at the sample deposit area will flow by capillary action to the read area, where optical measurements are made on the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sizing a microfluidic device for confining a sample. The sample to be confined can include cells (biological sample) or microparticles suspended in a carrier fluid medium. The present invention also relates to a method for sizing a microfluidic device for confining an explant contained in a cell culture fluid medium.

Abstract: A device for detecting the concentration of biological materials is formed in a body having a plurality of fluidic paths connectable to a multi-microbalance structure carrying a plurality of microbalances, each microbalance having a sensitive portion facing a reaction chamber. The body and the multi-microbalance structure are configured to be mechanically coupled together and each microbalance is configured to be coupled to a respective fluidic path. Each fluidic path includes an inlet, a duct and a liquid waste, each duct being configured to be coupled with a respective reaction chamber. The plurality of fluidic paths and microbalances form at least one first and one second reference cells and one first sample cell.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for detecting nucleic acids or performing other assays. The cassette can be inserted into a base station during use. The cassette has numerous features to ensure correct operation of the device under gravity, such as vent pockets for enabling the flow of sample fluid from one chamber to the next when the vent pocket is unsealed. The vent pockets have protrusions to help prevent accidental resealing. The cassette also can have a gasket to ensure free air movement between open vent pockets. A flexible circuit with patterned metallic electrical components disposed on a heat stable material can be in direct contact with fluid in the chambers and has resistive heating elements aligned with the vent pockets and the chambers. Recesses in the cassette channels or chambers can have structures such as ridges or grooves to direct fluid flow to enhance rehydration of lyophilized reagents disposed in the recess.

Abstract: A blood plasma and blood cell separation device includes a first body, a blood plasma separation membrane and a second body. The first body has an injection port. The blood plasma separation membrane is disposed on the first body. The second body is movably assembled to the first body and has a collecting stage. The collecting stage has a collecting surface and a sampling recess on the collecting stage. When a blood enters the blood plasma separation membrane from the injection port of the first body, a blood plasma in the blood plasma separation membrane is separated by a capillary force between the collecting stage of the second body and the blood plasma separation membrane, and the blood plasma enters in the sampling recess by a relative movement between the first body and the second body.

Abstract: (1) Plural reaction chambers each including at least one cell capturing unit and at least one nucleic acid capturing unit connected via a flow channel, (2) a first liquid flow channel commonly connected to the plural reaction chambers on a first surface side, (3) plural second liquid flow channels connected to the plural reaction chambers in a one-on-one relationship on the first surface side, and (4) a third liquid flow channel commonly connected to the plural reaction chambers on a second surface side opposite to the first surface, are provided in a flow cell device for single cell analysis.

Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a channel for a microfluidic system, comprising: a portion of a first depth and a portion of a second, deeper, depth along a direction of flow of the channel; a portion of variable depth located between the portion of a first depth and the portion of a second depth along the direction of flow, wherein, in the portion of variable depth, each cross-section of the channel that is orthogonal to the direction of flow has at least two different depths, being equal to at least the first depth and the second depth, at different portions thereof, thereby allowing for a gradual transition in capillary pressure as a capillary flow in the channel transitions from the portion of a first depth to the portion of a second depth.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a microfluidic chip including a channel layer and a fluid control layer operatively connected to the channel layer, the channel layer having one or more fluid channels. The one or more channels are configured to contain a plurality of droplets. A valve control system is provided to control flow of fluid through the one or more fluid channels in the channel layer. The microfluidic system also includes a droplet impedance detection and feedback control system operatively connected to the valve control system. The droplet impedance detection and feedback control system is configured to detect at least a position of at least one droplet in a fluid channel and to send a signal to the valve control system to operate a particular valve at a particular time based on the detected position of the at least one droplet.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid.

Abstract: Provided herein are anti-static pipette trays that reduce the amount of static charge accumulated on or in pipette tips and allow for discharge of any accumulated static charge.

Abstract: A mounting assembly arranged to mount a jaw at a jaw crusher includes a rotatable shaft having a jaw bearing mount region that is eccentric relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. A central axis of a jaw bearing that mounts the jaw at the crusher is off-set from a central axis of a frame bearing that mounts the shaft at the crusher by a distance in the range of 20 mm to 35 mm.

Abstract: A double roll crusher is provided for mined oil sands feed, even in the winter season. Each roll has a driveline driven by a high efficiency motor controlled by a variable frequency drive (VFD). Through removal of the prior, yet ubiquitous fluid coupling and related failure-prone components, a shorter, streamlined, lower inertia driveline results. The VFDs and a system controller adapt to the processing of difficult oil sand feed, anticipating high current events, adjusting roll speed on-the-fly, adjusting feeder rate or both to minimizing the high cost of process interruptions. Maximum startup torque and on-the-fly modification of roll and feeder speeds is provided to manage feed, environment and process variations and in instances of a stall, immediate recovery therefrom for reduced downtime, reduced wear and increased efficiency.