Abstract: There is provided apparatus for absorbing humidity inside an electrical enclosure and indicating absorption of humidity. The apparatus comprises a housing for a desiccant which is attachable to a rail inside the electrical enclosure, such as a DIN specification rail. The housing also includes a transparent window which allows the desiccant to be visualized.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of emission control equipment for boilers, heaters, kilns, or other flue gas-, or combustion gas-, generating devices (e.g., those located at power plants, processing plants, etc.) and, in particular to a new and useful method and apparatus for reducing or preventing the poisoning and/or contamination of an SCR catalyst. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for increasing the service life and/or catalytic activity of an SCR catalyst while simultaneously controlling various emissions. In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling, mitigating and/or reducing the amount of selenium contained in and/or emitted by one or more pieces of emission control equipment for boilers, heaters, kilns, or other flue gas-, or combustion gas-, generating devices (e.g., those located at power plants, processing plants, etc.).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for denitrification and desulfurization of and dust removal from an FCC tail gas by an ammonia-based process. The apparatus may include a first-stage waste heat recovery system, a denitrification system, a dust removal and desulfurization system, a tail gas exhaust system, and an ammonium sulfate post-processing system. The dust removal and desulfurization system may include a dedusting tower and an absorption tower disposed separately. The top and the bottom of the absorption tower may be connected respectively to the tail gas exhaust system and the ammonium sulfate post-processing system. The absorption tower may include sequentially, from bottom to top, an oxidation section, an absorption section, and a fine particulate control section. The methods may be implemented with the apparatus.

Abstract: This application is in the field of technologies for desulfurization and demercaptanization of gaseous hydrocarbons. The device includes a catalytic reactor loaded with a catalyst solution in an organic solvent, a means of withdrawal sulfur solution from the reactor into the sulfur-separating unit, and a sulfur-separating unit. The said device has at least means of supplying gaseous hydrocarbon medium to be purified and oxygen-containing gas into the reactor, and a means of outletting the purified gas from the reactor. The sulfur-separation unit includes a means of sulfur extraction. The reactor design and the catalyst composition provide conversion of at least 99.99% of hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans into sulfur and disulfides. The catalyst is composed of mixed-ligand complexes of transition metals. The technical result achieved by use of claimed invention is single-stage purification of gaseous hydrocarbons from hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans with remaining concentration of —SH down up to 0.001 ppm.

Abstract: An object of at least one embodiment of the present invention is to suppress poisoning due to phosphorus derived from engine oil, and effectively purify NOx discharged from the time of engine start up to a high load condition. In an exhaust gas purification catalyst for an internal combustion engine, a catalyst layer includes: a first catalyst layer exposed to an exhaust gas flow; and a second catalyst layer formed between the first catalyst layer and the substrate. A second catalyst upstream layer formed on an upstream side of the second catalyst layer with respect to the exhaust gas flow and a first catalyst downstream layer formed on a downstream side of the first catalyst layer with respect to the exhaust gas flow include at least one of palladium and platinum, as well as an oxygen storage material as the catalyst component. An amount of the oxygen storage material in the first catalyst downstream layer is larger than an amount of the oxygen storage material in the second catalyst upstream layer.

Abstract: A micro flow filtration system comprises a fluid circuitry (3) and a first reservoir (1) outside the circuitry (3) suitable for containing a fluid. The fluid circuitry (3) comprises a tangential flow filtration module (10) capable of separating the fluid sample into a retentate stream and a permeate stream upon passage of the fluid sample into the tangential flow filtration module (10) through an inlet feed (18). The fluid circuitry (3) further comprises a second reservoir (2) integrated in the fluid circuitry (3), a pump (5) for creating and driving a fluid flow, optionally at least one pressure sensor (6, 7 or 8) for acquiring and detecting data about the fluid sample, optionally a pressure regulator (9) for regulating the flow in the fluid circuitry (3) and a plurality of conduits (22) forming the fluid circuitry (3) together with the second reservoir (2), the TFF-module (10), the pump (5), the pressure sensor (6, 7 or 8) (if present) and the pressure regulator (9) (if present).

Abstract: A process for preparing an ion-exchange membrane having a textured surface profile comprising the steps (i) and (ii): (i) applying a radiation-curable composition to a membrane in a patternwise manner; and (ii) irradiating and thereby curing the radiation-curable composition present on the membrane; wherein the radiation-curable composition comprises: a) 10 to 65 wt % of curable ionic compound(s) comprising one ethylenically unsaturated group; b) 3 to 60 wt % of crosslinking agent(s) comprising at least two ethylenically unsaturated groups and having a number average molecular weight below 800; c) 0 to 70 wt % of inert solvent(s); d) 0 to 10 wt % of free-radical initiator(s); and e) 0.5 to 25 wt % of thickening agent(s).

Abstract: Water treatment systems including electrically-driven and pressure-driven separation apparatus configured to produce a first treated water suitable for use as irrigation water and a second treated water suitable for use as potable water from brackish or saline water and methods of operation of same.

Abstract: Hollow fiber cartridges and components and methods of their construction.

Abstract: A method for the repair of defects in a graphene or other two-dimensional material through interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: Membranes, methods of making the membranes, and methods of using the membranes are described. The membranes can comprise a support layer, and a selective polymer layer disposed on the support layer. The selective polymer layer can comprise an oxidatively stable carrier dispersed within a hydrophilic polymer matrix. The oxidatively stable carrier can be chosen from a quaternary ammonium hydroxide carrier (e.g., a mobile carrier such as a small molecule quaternary ammonium hydroxide, or a fixed carrier such as a quaternary ammonium hydroxide-containing polymer), a quaternary ammonium fluoride carrier (e.g., a mobile carrier such as a small molecule quaternary ammonium fluoride, or a fixed carrier such as a quaternary ammonium fluoride-containing polymer), and combinations thereof. The membranes can exhibit selective permeability to gases. The membranes can selectively remove carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide from hydrogen and/or nitrogen.

Abstract: Methods for forming two-dimensional (2D) zeolite nanosheets include exposing a multi-lamellar (ML) zeolite material including an organic structure directing agent (OSDA) to a mixture including sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide under conditions sufficient to remove substantially all of the OSDA from the ML zeolite material; and after exposing the ML zeolite material, treating a solution containing the ML zeolite material to sonication and/or mixing under conditions sufficient to substantially exfoliate layers of the ML zeolite to obtain porous two-dimensional zeolite nanosheets that are substantially free of the OSDA. In some cases, without further treatment such as secondary growth of the zeolite coating layer, a deposit of the OSDA-free nanosheets on polymer support exhibits hydrocarbon isomer selectivity.

Abstract: A separation membrane structure comprising a porous support, a first glass seal, and a separation membrane. The porous support includes through-holes which connect a first end surface and a second end surface. The first glass seal is configured to cover the first end surface. The separation membrane is formed on an inner surface of the through-holes. The first glass seal has a first seal body part and a first extension part. The first seal body part is disposed on the first end surface. The first extension part is connected to the first seal body part and disposed on the inner surface of the through-holes. The separation membrane has a first connection part connected to the first extension part of the first glass seal. A first thickness of the first connection part is less than or equal to 10 microns, and less than or equal to 3.2 times a center thickness at a longitudinal center of the separation membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymers suitable for hydrophilically modifying the surface of porous fluoropolymer supports, for example, a copolymer of the formula: Also disclosed are a method of preparing the polymers, a method of hydrophilically modifying porous fluoropolymer supports, hydrophilic fluoropolymer porous membranes prepared from the polymers, and a method of filtering fluids through the porous membranes.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus, puncturing mechanism, and cartridge are disclosed. The mixing apparatus has a housing and a drawer with a recess. Corresponding cartridges may be inserted into the drawer and slid into the housing to facilitate mixing a liquid with contents of the cartridge. The liquid may originate from a reservoir in the mixing apparatus or a direct line. Also inside the housing of the mixing apparatus is the puncturing mechanism. The puncturing mechanism has a nozzle configured to puncture a lid of a cartridge and inject liquid to mix with the contents of the cartridge. The puncturing mechanism is further configured to drive an internal puncturing unit inside of the cartridge through a lower portion of the cartridge to allow liquid from the nozzle and contents of the cartridge to be dispensed into a receptacle.

Abstract: A system and a method for the production and provision of CO2 gas are disclosed. A sealable chamber is equipped with heating means and when a CO2 carrier material, such as sodium bicarbonate is placed in it and heated to its decomposition temperature CO2 gas is released. The released gas is conveyed into liquid within a container and when the pressure of the gas in the container raises more and more CO2 gas is dissolved. The heating may be done by conduction mechanism, a microwave heating mechanism or by induction mechanism. The sodium bicarbonate or any other material including carbon dioxide may be disposed in powder, solid, suspension, emulsion, solution or wet powder form. It may be disposed in thin envelope case.

Abstract: A system for preparing a polymeric mixture includes: a containment device configured to distribute dry polymeric materials; a receiving chamber in fluid communication with the containment device; a wetting bowl; a dispersing channel; and a mixing chamber connected to the dispersing channel. A method of preparing a polymeric mixture includes distributing water and dry polymeric materials through the various components of the system and mixing the materials with the mechanical mixing device.

Abstract: There is provided apparatus (301) for mixing contents of a receptacle, the apparatus comprising a rotary shaft (302) equipped at a proximal end with a connection for removable attachment to a means of providing rotation. The rotary shaft has a mixing element (303) fixedly connected at a distal end of the shaft opposite to said proximal end. The mixing element comprises at least two arms (304) at the distal most end of the shaft, a corkscrew neck (306) on the shaft and a collar (305) on the shaft positioned in between the at least two arms and the corkscrew neck. The at least two arms are configured in a first partially-open resting position and are moveable to a second fully-open operative position. The mixing element further comprises a blade (307) positioned across the shaft more proximally than the corkscrew neck.

Abstract: A mixer sensing assembly of a mixer for mixing a wellsite fluid in a tank at a wellsite is provided. The mixer includes a shaft driven by a driver and a paddle operatively connectable to the shaft and rotatable therewith. The sensor assembly includes a mount operatively connectable to the shaft, a fluid interface, and a mixing sensor. The fluid interface is responsive to flow of the wellsite fluid passing thereby, and is connectable to the mount. The mixing sensor is connectable to the mount, the fluid interface, and/or the shaft to measure a strain applied to the thereto whereby fluid parameters of the wellsite fluid may be determined. The wellsite fluid may be mixed moving the components in the tank with the mixer, and measuring a strain on the mixer by detecting movement of the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A blending appliance includes a housing with a jar receiving area defined between an upper housing and a support base. A blender jar includes a base portion and a receptacle portion, and is configured to be laterally received within the jar receiving area of the housing. A magnetic coupling system includes an upper magnetic coupler disposed in the base portion of the blender jar and a lower magnetic coupler disposed in the support base of the housing. The upper and lower magnetic couplers are magnetically coupled to one another for driving a blade assembly disposed in the receptacle portion of the blender jar. A brake mechanism is disposed on the upper magnetic coupler and is configured to stop rotation of the upper magnetic coupler when the blender jar is removed from the jar receiving area.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods, systems, and apparatuses for controlled delivery of wellbore fluids including analysis and treatment within the methods, systems, and apparatuses themselves.

Abstract: A polymer is disclosed, which includes a structure of Formula 1 or Formula 2. R1 is a C2-18 alkylene group or a C6-18 arylene group, R2 is a C1-18 alkyl group, and R3 is a functional group of Formula 3. Each of X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, and X6, being the same or different, is H or methyl. Each of p, q, and r, being the same or different, is an integer of 1 to 60. R4 is —C2H4—, —C3H6—, Each of m and n, being the same or different, is an integer of 0 to 50, and m+n?0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biological and chemical transformation as well as physical and chemical trapping. More specifically, the invention relates to a new reactor arrangement for performing, by means of at least one solid reaction member, biological or chemical transformation, or physical or chemical trapping from or release of agents to, a fluidic medium. The reactor arrangement is comprised of an auxiliary reactor having a transformation device and a main reactor. The invention also provides an auxiliary reactor adapted for being connected to a main reactor, a method of using such a reactor arrangement, as well as a process involving the reactor arrangement.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor is provided comprising a plurality of first flow channels including a catalyst for a first reaction; a plurality of second flow channels arranged alternately with the first flow channels; adjacent first and second flow channels being separated by a divider plate (13a, 13b), and a distributed temperature sensor such as an optical fiber cable (19). The distributed temperature sensor may be located within the divider plate, or within one or 10 more of the flow channels.

Abstract: A differentially coated device for conducting a plurality of nano-volume specified reactions, the device comprising a platen having at least one exterior surface modified to a specified physicochemical property, a plurality of nano-volume channels, each nano-volume channel having at least one interior surface in communication with the at least one exterior surface that is selectively coated with an optionally dissolvable coating agent physisorbed to at least one interior surface, wherein the optionally dissolvable coating agent comprises a coating agent and a first component for the plurality of specified reactions. Methods for preparing and using such devices are also provided, as well as a method of registering a location of a dispenser array in relation to a microfluidic array. A first one of the dispenser array and the microfluidic array is movable in relation to the frame, and the other of the first one of the dispenser array and the microfluidic array is fixed relative to the frame.

Abstract: Silanation compositions containing a mixture of two or more silanation reagents, where at least one silanation reagent includes a functional group capable of supporting polymer synthesis and at least one silanation reagent includes no functional group capable of supporting polymer synthesis are useful in modulating the active site density and hydrolytic stability of a surface. These compositions are particularly useful in silanating a surface prior to preparation of a polymer array and provide for increased hybridization results.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium disposed in an artificial container. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one of a plasmonics agent and an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy through the artificial container to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the plasmonics agent or 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 plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: Provided is nanostructured sand, a process for producing same, a process for separating a pollutant-water mixture, and uses of the nanostructured sand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatography ligand, which comprises Domain C from Staphylococcus protein A (SpA), or a functional fragment or variant thereof. The chromatography ligand presents an advantageous capability of withstanding harsh cleaning in place (CIP) conditions, and is capable of binding Fab fragments of antibodies. The ligand may be provided with a terminal coupling group, such as arginine or cysteine, to facilitate its coupling to an insoluble carrier such as beads or a membrane. The invention also relates to a process of using the ligand in isolation of antibodies, and to a purification protocol which may include washing steps and/or regeneration with alkali.

Abstract: A method comprising a) drying a support material comprising silica at temperature in the range of from about 150° C. to about 220° C. to form a dried support; b) contacting the dried support with methanol to form a slurried support; c) subsequent to b), cooling the slurried support to a temperature of less than about 60° C. to form a cooled slurried support; d) subsequent to c), contacting the cooled slurried support with a titanium alkoxide to form a titanated support; and e) thermally treating the titanated support by heating to a temperature of equal to or greater than about 150° C. for a time period of from about 5 hours to about 30 hours to remove the methanol and yield a dried titanated support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst that comprises a carrier body with a length L, which extends between a first end face ‘a’ and a second end face ‘b’, and differently composed, catalytically-active material zones A, B, and C arranged on the carrier body, wherein material zone A contains platinum or platinum and palladium with a weight ratio Pt:Pd of ?1 and, starting from end face ‘a’ or starting from end face ‘b’, extends along 70 to 100% of the length L, and material zone B contains palladium or platinum and palladium and, starting from end face ‘b’, extends along a portion of the length L, and material zone C contains SCR-active material and, starting from end face ‘a’, extends along a portion of the length L, wherein material zone C is arranged above material zone A.

Abstract: A NOx trap catalyst is disclosed. The NOx trap catalyst comprises a noble metal, a NOx storage component, a support, and a first ceria-containing material. The first ceria-containing material is pre-aged prior to incorporation into the NOx trap catalyst, and may have a surface area of less than 80 m2/g. The invention also includes exhaust systems comprising the NOx trap catalyst, and a method for treating exhaust gas utilizing the NOx trap catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed are a catalyst for dehydrogenating a paraffinic hydrocarbon and a method of preparing the same, wherein the catalyst is configured such that a sponge-type alumina support having 3D meso/macro pores is directly impregnated with an active metal, thus decreasing the diffusion resistance of a material, realizing structural stability, and maximizing the distribution of the active metal in the support, thereby significantly increasing olefin conversion and selectivity. In this catalyst, the sponge-type alumina support is directly impregnated with the active metal to thus form an active metal layer inside the support having 3D meso/macro pores that are interconnected to each other.

Abstract: The present application includes iron catalysts promoted with Mo, K and optionally Cu on a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) support for high molecular weight hydrocarbon synthesis from synthesis gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an SCM-11 molecular sieve, a process for producing same and use thereof. The molecular sieve has an empirical chemical composition as illustrated by the formula “the first oxide·the second oxide”, wherein the ratio by molar of the first oxide to the second oxide is more than 2, the first oxide is silica, the second oxide is at least one selected from the group consisting of germanium dioxide, alumina, boron oxide, iron oxide, gallium oxide, titanium oxide, rare earth oxides, indium oxide and vanadium oxide. The molecular sieve has specific XRD pattern, and can be used as an adsorbent or a catalyst for converting an organic compound.

Abstract: A hydrocracking catalyst is provided comprising: a) greater than 10 wt % of a zeolite USY having: i. a total OD acidity of 0.350 to 0.650 mmol/g; ii. an ASDI between 0.05 and 0.15; iii. a BET surface area greater than 600 m2/g; iv. a SAR greater than 10; v. less than 45 vol % of pores greater than 2 nm; b) a support; and c) at least one metal selected from the group consisting of elements from Group 6 and Groups 8 through 10 of the Periodic Table. A process for hydrocracking using a hydrocracking catalyst to produce middle distillates is provided. A method for making a hydrocracking catalyst is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting oxygenates to olefins, comprising (1) providing a gas stream comprising one or more ethers; (2) contacting the gas stream provided in (1) with a catalyst, the catalyst comprising a support substrate and a layer applied to the substrate, the layer comprising one or more zeolites of the MFI, MEL and/or MWW structure type.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments are ZSM-5 zeolite microspheres. Disclosed in certain embodiments is a method of forming ZSM-5 zeolite microspheres including: 1) shaping a mixture into microspheres where the mixture includes a silica material and of particulates selected from at least one high-density material with an absolute bulk density of at least 0.3 g/cc, ZSM-5 zeolite crystals, and combinations thereof; 2) calcining the microspheres; and 3) reacting and subsequently heating the microspheres with at least one alkali solution to form ZSM-5 zeolite in-situ on the microspheres, where the ZSM-5 zeolite microspheres contain substantially no clay or calcined clay material.

Abstract: A NOx absorber catalyst for treating an exhaust gas from a lean burn engine. The NOx absorber catalyst comprises a molecular sieve catalyst comprising a noble metal and a molecular sieve, wherein the molecular sieve contains the noble metal; an oxygen storage material for protecting the molecular sieve catalyst; and a substrate having an inlet end and an outlet end.

Abstract: STA-20, a molecular sieve having a new framework type, is described. STA-20AP (as prepared) can have an alkyl amine, such as trimethylamine, and 1,6-(1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) hexyl cations (from diDABCO-C6) as SDAs. A lower alkyl ammonium hydroxide, such as tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, can be used as a pH modifier for making SAPO STA-20. A calcined product, STA-20C, formed from as made STA-20 is also described. Methods of preparing STA-20, activating STA-20 by calcination, and metal containing calcined counterparts of STA-20 are described along with methods of using STA-20 and metal containing calcined counterparts of STA-20 in a variety of processes, such as treating exhaust gases and converting methanol to olefins are described.

Abstract: A metal complex represented by the following Formula (1): (wherein M represents palladium or platinum; L represents a ligand selected from carbon monoxide, an olefin compound, an amine compound, a phosphine compound, an N-heterocyclic carbene compound, a nitrile compound and an isocyanide compound; n represents an integer of 0 to 2 showing the number of the ligand; and each of R1 to R4 represents an organic group). The metal complex described above can be fixed on an inorganic oxide while maintaining a skeletal structure thereof to obtain a supported metal complex, and this makes it possible to allow the supported metal complex to maintain the same catalytic activity as that of the original metal complex. Also, calcining the supported metal complex obtained in the manner described above makes it possible to obtain a supported metal catalyst which is improved in catalytic activity to a greater extent than conventional supported metal catalysts.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved catalytic converter capable of significantly reducing emissions by reducing the activation time of a catalytic device thereby improving emissions reduction performance, and an exhaust emission emissions reduction control method using the improved catalytic converter. The improved catalytic converter includes: a housing and two or more catalyst substrates disposed inside the housing, wherein the two or more catalyst substrates are separated inside the housing along a longitudinal direction, and the two or more catalyst substrates have a different diameter and a different volume.

Abstract: The devices, systems and techniques disclosed in this patent document include photocatalytic filter devices and can be used to provide a method for manufacturing a photocatalytic filter with improved adhesion. In addition, the present disclosure of this patent document includes technology to provide a method for reactivating a photocatalytic filter. Using the disclosed techniques, even if a photocatalytic filter is contaminated, the contaminated photocatalytic filter is easily reactivated while maintaining improved adhesion.

Abstract: Described herein are heterogeneous materials comprising a p-type semiconductor comprising two metal oxide compounds of the same metal in two different oxidation states and an n-type semiconductor having a deeper valence band than the p-type semiconductor valence bands, wherein the semiconductor types are in ionic communication with each other. The heterogeneous materials enhance photocatalytic activity.

Abstract: Method for aligning single elements (4) arranged in receiving pockets (3) of a transfer means (2), wherein the receiving pockets (3) are arranged in rows and are moved stepwise from one station into a following station, comprising the following steps: determining in which receiving pockets (3) incorrectly aligned single elements (4) are present, ejecting the single elements (4) determined as incorrectly aligned from the associated receiving pockets (3), turning the ejected single elements (4) by 180°, and re-inserting the turned single elements (4) into the associated receiving pockets (3).

Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a device includes a main microchannel and at least two other microchannels. The main microchannel defines a main fluid flow path and has an opening, and first and second microchannels defining a first and second fluid flow paths, respectively. The first fluid flow path is in fluidic communication with the main fluid flow path via the opening and forms a first angle relative to the main microchannel less than 90 degrees. The second microchannel defines a second fluid flow path in fluidic communication with the main fluid flow path via the opening and in fluidic communication with the first fluid flow path. The second microchannel forms a second angle relative to the main microchannel less than 90 degrees. The first and second microchannels form a third angle relative to one another, with the third angle being between 60 and 135 degrees.

Abstract: A nucleic acid extracting device includes an upper module, a lower module, and a material for capturing nucleic acid. The lower module has a sample reservoir receiving a sample, an elution reservoir receiving an elution, and a nucleic acid capturing chamber with the material disposed therein. The upper module has a sample channel that communicates with the sample reservoir, and an elution channel that communicates with the elution reservoir. The nucleic acid capturing chamber communicates with the sample channel and the elution channel. When a sample enters the nucleic acid capturing chamber via the sample channel, a nucleic acid in the sample is absorbed by the material in the nucleic acid capturing chamber, and the elution enters the nucleic acid capturing chamber, via the elution channel, to wash the nucleic acid out of the nucleic acid capturing chamber.

Abstract: An inertion funnel includes a hollow ring with an attachment point on an outside edge and a plurality of output apertures on the inside edge allows for an even flow of gas around the circumference of the ring and through the output apertures into a filter funnel below. The attachment point allows the attachment of a hose or other fitting through which gas flows into the hollow ring, which rests above and around the opening of the filter funnel. On the inside of the ring, an angled downward opening allows gas to flow out of the ring and into the filter funnel. Uniformly distributed around the opening are vanes that direct the flow of gas from the ring into the filter funnel below.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence of a reaction mixture in a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The method includes contacting the reaction mixture with EMR frequency absorbing particles formed from a material having a transition metal, transition metal oxide or a transition metal hydroxide, or a nitride, a phosphide or an arsenide of a Group III metal doped with the transition metal or a transition metal oxide, or silicon dioxide doped with the transition metal, transition metal oxide, or transition metal hydroxide; and irradiating the EMR absorbing particles with EMR having a frequency of about 200 kHz to 500 THz to amplify the target nucleic acid sequence, wherein the Group III metal is any one of Al, Ga, and In, and the transition metal is any one of Mn, Fe, Co and Cu.

Abstract: A paper shredder cutting assembly having an arbor, spaced-apart cutting blades on the arbor, a rigid frame set apart from and parallel to the arbor, and braces coupling the arbor to the frame. Each resilient brace is a spacer between a pair of spaced-apart cutting blades. The braces support arbor and cutting blades. The rigid frame and the braces cooperate to strengthen, and to reduce translational motion of the arbor, while allowing rotation of the arbor. Each brace has a brace body, a brace tang extending therefrom, and a brace tab extending perpendicularly from the brace tang. Each brace tab is aligned with another along an edge of the rigid frame, the brace bodies are spacers between the cutting blades, and the brace tabs impair translational motion of the brace bodies. A paper shredder with a motor, gearing, and counterposing cutting assemblies has motion-limited resilient spacers adjacent to cutting blades.