Abstract: A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, wherein the substrate is porous, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; treating the double-network hydrogel with an organic solvent with a volatile and water-miscible organic solvent to replace a majority of water within the double-network hydrogel; evaporating the organic solvent while the double-network hydrogel is still elongated to form a substantially-dried double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to superabsorbent polymer having excellent centrifuge retention capacity and permeability. The superabsorbent polymer simultaneously exhibits excellent centrifuge retention capacity and permeability, and thus, can fundamentally solve the problems of the existing superabsorbent polymer and technical requirement of the art, and can provide various hygienic goods exhibiting more excellent properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel chromatographic materials, e.g., for chromatographic separations, processes for their preparation and separations devices containing the chromatographic materials. The preparation of the inorganic/organic hybrid materials of the invention wherein a surrounding material is condensed on a superficially porous hybrid core material will allow for families of different hybrid packing materials to be prepared from a single core hybrid material. Differences in hydrophobicity, ion-exchange capacity, chemical stability, surface charge or silanol activity of the surrounding material may be used for unique chromatographic separations of small molecules, carbohydrates, antibodies, whole proteins, peptides, and/or DNA.

Abstract: A method for solid-phase extraction is disclosed. The method includes fabricating a solid-phase extraction medium by incorporating a plurality of modified mesoporous silica particles within pores of a cotton fabric matrix, putting the solid-phase extraction medium in contact with a fluid containing metal ions including one of immersing the solid-phase extraction medium in the fluid containing metal ions or passing the fluid containing metal ions through the solid-phase extraction medium by continuously circulating the fluid through the solid-phase extraction medium, and extracting the metal ions from the fluid by adsorbing the metal ions onto the solid-phase extraction medium responsive to a contact between the solid-phase extraction medium and the fluid containing metal ions.

Abstract: A sorbent boom has a bundle having one or more sheets of folded and spun adsorbent material inside of exterior netting surrounding the bundle. The exterior netting secures a rope and has clamped ends with rings and clips so as to permit securing one segment of the sorbent boom to another segment or to another sorbent boom.

Abstract: A water absorbent resin (water absorbing agent) and method for producing it are provided which improve, in a water absorbent article (in particular, a diaper) including a water absorbent resin as a water absorbing agent, the absolute absorption amount (g), liquid absorbing times (in particular, liquid absorbing times at the second instance and later), re-wet (g), and diffusion distance (%) of the water absorbent article. A particulate water absorbing agent of the present invention has a CRC, a proportion of particles with sizes of 600 ?m to 150 ?m as defined through a standard-sieve classification, an SST, and the value of the difference between an FST and the SST each within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A process for the production of coating graphene, and other carbon allotropes, onto carbon-coated magnetic nanoparticles while maintaining high magnetic moment and adsorption properties is disclosed.

Abstract: A three-way catalyst article, and its use in an exhaust system for internal combustion engines, is disclosed. The catalyst article for treating exhaust gas comprising: a substrate; and a single catalyst layer deposited directly on the substrate; wherein the single catalyst layer comprises a first platinum group metal (PGM) component, an oxygen storage component (OSC) material, and an inorganic oxide; and wherein the single catalyst layer has a total washcoat loading of less than 2.4 g/in3.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyoxometalates represented by the formula (An)m+{M?s[M?M12X8OyRzHq]}m? or solvates thereof, corresponding supported polyoxometalates, and processes for their preparation, as well as corresponding metal-clusters, optionally in the form of a dispersion in a liquid carrier medium or immobilized on a solid support, and processes for their preparation, as well as their use in reductive conversion of organic substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst material comprising a support, a first metal and a second metal on said support. The first and second metals are in the form of a chemical compound. The first metal is Fe, Co or Ni, and the second metal is selected from the group consisting of Sn, Zn and In. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) from methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3), wherein the methane and ammonia are contacted with a catalyst according to the invention.

Abstract: A process for producing a catalyst, comprising the steps of modifying a carrier by a first impregnation with at least one alkaline earth metal in a first metal precursor solution, the first metal precursor being decomposed to form at least one metal oxide or metal hydroxide, thereby obtaining a modified carrier. A second impregnation is carried out by incipient wetness by a second precursor solution comprising at least one metal Me in a second solution. Finally, the second precursor is decomposed, thereby obtaining a catalyst body having an enrichment of the at least one metal Me in the outer shell of the catalyst body, the metal being present in a concentration having either as an egg-shell profile or a hammock profile.

Abstract: A method for producing an ammoxidation catalyst, comprising: a step of preparing a precursor slurry that is a precursor of the catalyst; a drying step of obtaining a dry particle from the precursor slurry; and a calcination step of calcining the dry particle, wherein the step of preparing the precursor slurry is a step of mixing a first solution or slurry having a first pH and a second solution or slurry to obtain a solution or slurry having a second pH after completion of mixing, a time during which a pH of a mixture passes through a particular range having an upper limit and a lower limit while the second solution or slurry is mixed is 1-70 seconds, he upper limit and the lower limit being designated as a third pH and a fourth pH respectively, and the third pH and the fourth pH are set between the first pH and the second pH.

Abstract: A process for increasing the overall yield of pyridine or its alkyl pyridine derivatives during a base synthesis reaction is disclosed. The process comprises reacting a C2 to C5 aldehyde, a C3 to C5 ketone or a combination thereof, with ammonia and, optionally, formaldehyde, in the gas phase and in the presence of an effective amount of a particulate catalyst comprising a zeolite, zinc, a binder, and clay and optionally a matrix, wherein the catalyst has a L/B ratio of about 1.5 to about 4.0. Preferably, the zeolite is ZSM-5. A process for enhancing the catalytic activity of a zinc and zeolite containing catalyst to increase the overall yield of pyridine and/or its derivatives during a base synthesis reaction is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite comprising a MTT framework has been synthesized that has been designated UZM-53. This zeolite is represented by the empirical formula: M+mRrAl1-xExSiyOz where M represents sodium, potassium or a combination of sodium and potassium cations, R is the organic structure directing agent or agents derived from reactants R1 and R2 where R1 is diisopropanolamine and R2 is a chelating diamine, and E is an element selected from the group consisting of gallium, iron, boron and mixtures thereof. Catalysts made from UZM-53 have utility in various hydrocarbon conversion reactions.

Abstract: Provided is a Fluid Catalytic Cracking catalyst composition having increased propylene production with respect to other Fluid Catalytic Cracking catalysts (measured at constant conversion). The catalyst composition comprises a particulate which comprises (a) non-rare earth metal exchanged Y-zeolite in an amount in the range of about 5 to about 50 wt %, based upon the weight of the particulate; and (b) ZSM-5 zeolite in an amount in the range of about 2 to about 50 wt %, based upon the weight of the particulate.

Abstract: A catalyst system comprises an activated solid support material and having, on its surface, one or more catalytic transition metal complexes.

Abstract: A new family of crystalline microporous metalloalumino(gallo)phosphosilicates designated MeAPSO-83 has been synthesized. These metalloalumino(gallo)phosphosilicates are represented by the empirical formula of: Rp+rA+mM2+wExPSiyOz where A is an alkali metal such as potassium, R is an quaternary ammonium cation such as ethyltrimethylammonium, M is a divalent metal such as Zn and E is a trivalent framework element such as aluminum or gallium. This family of metalloalumino(gallo)phosphosilicate materials are stabilized by combinations of alkali and quaternary ammonium cations, enabling unique, high charge density compositions. The MeAPSO-83 family of materials have the BPH topology and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes and separation properties for separating at least one component.

Abstract: A new family of crystalline microporous metalloalumino(gallo)phosphosilicates designated MeAPSO-82 has been synthesized. These metalloalumino(gallo)phosphosilicates are represented by the empirical formula of: Rp+rA+mM2+wExPSiyOz where A is an alkali metal such as potassium, R is an quaternary ammonium cation such as ethyltrimethylammonium, M is a divalent metal such as Zn and E is a trivalent framework element such as aluminum or gallium. This family of metalloalumino(gallo)phosphosilicate materials are stabilized by combinations of alkali and quaternary ammonium cations, enabling unique, high charge density compositions. The MeAPSO-82 family of materials have the CGS topology and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes and separation properties for separating at least one component.

Abstract: Nanoparticles for use in assay methods for detecting analytes in samples, which comprise a signal inducing agent, e.g. a transition-metal catalyst or a chemiluminophore, a chemiluminophore precursor, a soluble absorber, or a soluble absorber precursor. After binding to an analyte, the nanoparticle is dissociated by a chemical or physical trigger, e.g. an organic solvent or ultrasound, to release the signal inducing agent, which releases a detectable signal via a physical or chemical reaction. The nanoparticles comprising a chemiluminophore, a chemiluminophore precursor, a soluble absorber, or a soluble absorber precursor can also effect chemical reactions that serve as signal amplifiers.

Abstract: A homogeneous catalyst is provided comprising one or more metals; and at least two metal coordinating ligands wherein the homogeneous catalyst is a multi-ligand metal complex_adapted for use with an oxidant in an oxidation reaction to catalytically pretreat lignocellulosic biomass. In one embodiment, the homogenous catalyst is copper (II) 2, 2? bipyridine ethylenediamine (Cu(bpy)en). Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition comprising an N2-phosphinylamidine chromium salt complex having Structure FNPACr I: wherein CrXp is a chromium salt where X is a monoanion and p is an integer from 2 to 6. A process comprising a) contacting i) ethylene, and ii) a catalyst system comprising an N2-phosphinylamidine chromium salt complex having Structure FNPACr I: wherein CrXp is a chromium salt where X is a monoanion and p is an integer from 2 to 6; and b) forming an oligomer product in a reaction zone.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an immobilized metalloporphyrin catalyst and its utilization in maleic acid preparation, belonging to the technical field of metalloporphyrin catalytic application. The immobilized metalloporphyrin catalyst is used for catalyzing furfural to prepare maleic acid and is good in catalytic effect, mild in reaction conditions and capable of greatly reducing the energy consumption required in the prior art. The catalyst disclosed by the present disclosure can provide a good microenvironment for a reaction, so that the yield and selectivity of maleic acid are increased; and according to a method disclosed by the present disclosure, the conversion ratio of furfural is 20.4%-95.6%, the yield of maleic acid is 10%-56.1%, and the selectivity is 43.6%-76.1%. Meanwhile, the catalyst is easy to separate and environmentally friendly and may be recycled for many times.

Abstract: A catalyst for oxidising ammonia comprises a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst and a composite heterogeneous extruded honeycomb having longitudinally extending parallel channels, which channels being defined in part by channel walls having a total longitudinal length, wherein the channel walls comprise a pore structure including a periodic arrangement of porous cells embedded in an inorganic matrix component, at least some of which porous cells are defined at least in part by an active interface layer of a catalytically active material comprising a precious metal supported on particles of a support material.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for efficiently sulfiding metal catalyst resident in a reactor vessel comprises a sulfiding module and a hydrogen sulfide detection module and a remote computer all arranged and configured to communicate wirelessly and to allow remote control and monitoring of the modules and sulfiding process.

Abstract: A reaction method includes a reaction step of reacting two or more substances with each other by using a pipette tip, attached to a pipette nozzle, for sucking or discharging a liquid to supply a liquid to a reaction field and remove the liquid from the reaction field a plurality of times. The reaction method further includes: a first process of, prior to the reaction step, detecting an end height of the pipette tip and setting a reference height of the pipette nozzle on the basis of the end height of the pipette tip; and a second process of correcting, in a course of the reaction step, the height of the pipette nozzle from the reference height so as to cancel out variation in the end height of the pipette tip due to a change in the temperature of the pipette tip.

Abstract: A microfluidic structure in which a plurality of chambers arranged at different positions are connected in parallel and into which a fixed amount of fluid may be efficiently distributed without using a separate driving source, and a microfluidic device having the same. The microfluidic device includes a platform having a center of rotation and including at least one microfluidic structure. The microfluidic structure includes a sample supply chamber configured to accommodate a sample, a plurality of first chambers arranged in a circumferential direction of the platform at different distances from the center of rotation of the platform, and a plurality of siphon channels, each of the siphon channels being connected to a corresponding one of the first chambers.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments related to an apparatus and methods for biological sample processing enabling isolation and concentration of microbial or pathogenic constituents from the sample. Sample may be obtained directly from a specimen container, such as a vacutainer, and processed directly without risk of user exposure. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide a convenient and inexpensive solution for rapid sample preparation compatible with downstream analysis techniques.

Abstract: The assembly includes a docking console and a manifold. The docking console includes a cartridge support surface having a first end and a second end. The manifold has one or more wells defined therein. The docking console further includes a manifold retention bracket to releasably hold the manifold against a fluid cartridge supported on the cartridge support surface at an interface position such that the one or more wells are in fluid communication with the fluid cartridge and a biased seal bar to press the fluid cartridge against the manifold held by the manifold retention bracket. A hydrophilic porous frit disposed within at least one of the wells and is to permit liquid to flow through the outlet aperture but prevent gas from passing through the outlet aperture.

Abstract: Electroacoustic device having a transducer including a piezoelectric substrate, first and second electrodes of inverse polarity having respective first and second tracks provided on said substrate, the first and second tracks spiraling around a same center (C), the transducer being configured for generating a swirling ultrasonic surface wave in the substrate.

Abstract: A multi-channel microfluidic device for multi-parallel analyte detection includes a substrate and a multi-channel microfluidic assembly formed in the substrate. The multi-channel microfluidic assembly comprises a synchronized port; a plurality of separate ports; a plurality of channels arranged in parallel, where each of the plurality of channels includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a first branch channel assembly; and a plurality of second branch assemblies. The synchronized port is connected with all the first ends of the plurality of the channels via the first branch channel assembly. Each of the plurality of the separate ports is in connection with the second end of each of the plurality of the channels via each of the plurality of the second branch channel assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a system for performing droplet inflation, and methods and kits comprising the same. The system comprises at least one microfluidic channel comprising one or more droplets flowing therein, one or more fluid reservoirs, one or more inflators, one or more inflator nozzles, and at least one mechanism for disrupting an interface between a droplet and a fluid. The present invention provides for the inflation of a relatively controlled volume of fluid into a droplet resulting in an increase in the volume of the droplet relative to its volume prior to inflation and, accordingly, dilution of the concentration of species, if any, previously present and emulsified in the droplet.

Abstract: A microfluidic system for processing biological samples comprising a holding chamber adapted for holding a fluid and to be rotated on a platform, said holding chamber comprising an outlet through which fluid flow is controlled by an acceleration-primed valve system, wherein the acceleration-primed valve system comprises a capillary valve and an outlet channel. The invention provides a novel valving system, which retains fluids at low angular velocities, removes the need for hydrophilic surfaces, minimises disc real-estate and optimises certain microfluidic processes done in the holding chamber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microfluidic chip, device, system, and method for conveniently detecting human chorionic gonadotropin in a blood sample without the need for drawing blood with a needle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of fluidic devices that can be used to detect the presence (or absence) of analytes in samples by providing separate and distinct chromatographic signals for particular analytes. The fluidic devices described herein are highly sensitive and user-friendly. Methods of making and using the disclosed fluidic devices also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a microfluidic device for mechanically induced trapping of molecular interactions comprising at least a first unit cell and a second unit cell, each unit cell comprising—a membrane chamber comprising a membrane, —a flow channel crossing the membrane chamber and having an inlet and an outlet, and the flow channel crossing the first unit cell being different from the flow channel crossing the second unit cell. Another object of the invention is a method for isolation of specifically bound nucleic acids to target molecules on said microfluidic device followed by its recovery and identification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for generating substantially monodisperse droplets. The invention involves flowing a continuous phase fluid in a microfluidic passageway which extends along a longitudinal length direction and has a substantially constant cross section along the length direction. A dispersed phase fluid is introduced into the microfluidic passageway along a traverse direction through inlet orifices to generate droplets of the dispersed phase fluid in the continuous phase fluid. The inlet orifices have a substantially uniform diameter, and any adjacent two of the inlet orifices are arranged to be offset from each other in the length direction. The dispersed phase fluid is broken up by the shear stress generated by the continuous phase fluid to produce monodisperse droplets. By the offsetting arrangement of the inlet orifices, droplets formed by adjacent inlet orifices will not interfere with each other, thereby ensuring the uniformity of the droplets.

Abstract: In a polymer assay cartridge having wells containing reagents, beads and sample, where the wells are covered (e.g., with Parafilm® or films) and shipped to the point of care, the reagents and well contents can leak out. The reagent solutions are made semi-solid by adding hydrogel reagents and cooling to form a gel.

Abstract: In a polymer assay cartridge having wells containing reagents, beads and sample, where the wells are covered (e.g., with Parafilm® or films) and shipped to the point of care, the reagents and well contents can leak out. The reagent solutions are made semi-solid by adding hydrogel reagents and cooling to form a gel.

Abstract: A capillary connection unit for analysis devices and medical devices includes a capillary having at least one end section and a free end, at least one connection element arranged on the end section of the capillary, wherein the connection element has an axial guide-through for the capillary, a sealing element surrounding the capillary, and a metal sleeve element which radially externally surrounds the sealing element and which has a first end facing the connection element and a receiving region facing away from the connection element, wherein the connection element is configured to be detachably connected to a counter element and to exert an axial thrust force onto the sealing element.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for thermal processing of nucleic acid in a thermal profile. The method employs at least a first bath and a second bath, the method further employing a reactor holder for holding reactor(s) accommodating reaction material containing the nucleic acid. The method includes maintaining bath mediums in the baths at two different temperatures; and alternately allowing the reactor(s) to be in the two baths in a plurality of thermal cycles to alternately attain a predetermined high target temperature THT, and a predetermined low target temperature TLT, wherein the bath medium in at least one of the baths is a high thermal conductivity powder.

Abstract: The methods and configurations herein provide for analysis of microplate based assays. Certain aspects include: an optical illumination panel; a plurality of sample wells configured to receive light from the optical illumination panel, and wherein the plurality of sample wells is configured with a first field of view; at least one aperture array configured to isolate directed light therethrough the plurality of sample wells; at least one optical array configured to receive optical information from the plurality of sample platforms, wherein the at least optical array comprises an array of individual microprisms configured with equal apex angles at distal equidistances along a row, wherein the individual microprism apex angles decrease toward the center of the row culminating in at least one flat surface along a center portion of the row; and a detector configured to capture the optical information with a second field of view as provided by the at least one optical array.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing biological specimens are provided. The biological specimen processing system generally includes a flow cell carrier for holding a microfluidic flow cell and a fluidic handling unit attachable to the flow cell carrier. The fluidic handling unit interfaces with the microfluidic flow cell and can include fluidic pumps, fluidic connections, integrated electronics, and processing software to facilitate processing of a biological specimen contained in the microfluidic flow cell.

Abstract: A lottery ticket destruction apparatus includes a housing holding a motor with a pinion, sensors for detecting insertion of lottery tickets and starting up the motor, a first set of sheet-transfer rollers for flattening inserted lottery tickets and delivering flattened lottery ticket through the sensors, a set of scissor action rotary cutters with spiral cutting edges for cutting lottery tickets into small pieces through a scissor action, a second set of sheet-transfer rollers for delivering flattened lottery tickets from the sensors to the set of scissor action rotary cutters for cutting, and a transmission gear set drivable by the pinion to rotate the first and second sets of sheet-transfer rollers and the set of scissor action rotary cutters at different speeds, and shield plates surrounding the scissor action rotary cutters to shield cutting dust.

Abstract: Hydraulic classifiers are provided for sorting material using injected water. Some embodiments include upper and lower housings having different cross-sectional shapes. In some embodiments, certain improvements are provided for cleanout and/or removal or replacement of teeter bars.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are presented for extracting target particles within a ferrofluid medium. In some embodiments, a fluidic channel receives a flow of a mix of one or more types of target particles, where at least one magnetic field source is configured to react with the flow such that a force (indirect or direct) is placed on the particles of the mix, across the width and/or the height of the fluidic channel. An extraction opening placed on one wall is provided and configured to extract at least one type of target particle.

Abstract: An air purification apparatus (100) for purifying air in a target space external to the apparatus is disclosed that comprises at least one pollutant removal structure (130; 131, 132) for removing a pollutant from the air in fluid connection with a major vent (110) and a directional vent arrangement comprising a directional inlet (112) for drawing air into the air purification apparatus from a region of the target space in an aiming direction of the directional inlet; and a directional outlet (114) for expelling air in a further aiming direction towards the region.

Abstract: A dust collector includes a cylindrical housing forming an outer appearance of the dust collector; a primary cyclone formed inside the housing to cause a swirling flow to separate dust from air introduced into the housing; a secondary cyclone formed with axial inlet type cyclones to receive air and fine dust that have passed through the cyclone, and cause a swirling flow to separate the fine dust from the air; and a mesh provided at an outside surface the secondary cyclone to form a boundary between the primary and the secondary cyclones, wherein the axial inlet type cyclones includes a first group stacked in multiple stages, an inlet of which is arranged toward the mesh; and a second group provided on one side and the other side of the first group, respectively, an inlet and an outlet of which face a height direction of the dust collector.

Abstract: A dust collector includes a cylindrical housing forming an outer appearance of the dust collector; a cyclone formed inside the housing to cause a swirling flow to separate dust from air introduced into the housing; axial inlet type swirl tubes to receive air and fine dust that have passed through the cyclone, and causing a swirling flow to separate the fine dust from the air; and a mesh configured to surround an outside of the axial inlet type swirl tubes to form a boundary between the cyclone and the axial inlet type swirl tubes, wherein the axial inlet type swirl tubes are configured with four groups and stacked in multiple stages on virtual quadrants, the axial inlet type swirl tubes arranged in the same quadrant are arranged to face the same direction, and the axial inlet type swirl tubes arranged in different quadrants are arranged to face different directions.

Abstract: A dust collector includes a cylindrical housing forming an outer appearance of the dust collector; a cyclone inside the housing to cause a swirling flow to separate dust from air introduced into the housing; axial inlet type swirl tubes receiving air and fine dust that have passed through the cyclone, and causing a swirling flow to separate the fine dust from the air; and a mesh surrounding an outside of the axial inlet type swirl tubes to form a boundary between the cyclone and the axial inlet type swirl tubes, wherein the axial inlet type swirl tubes are stacked in stages and the axial inlet type swirl tubes in each stage are arranged in first and second columns that are provided in opposite directions to each other, and axial lengths of the axial inlet type swirl tubes gradually increase toward the center of each stage.

Abstract: An aspirator system includes an aspirator body having a longitudinal axis. A channel configured for telescoping expansion and contraction along the longitudinal axis includes a first tapered tube section with a proximal end secured to an outflow region of the aspirator body. A second tapered tube section is disposed in telescoping engagement with the first tapered tube section. A drag assembly is secured to a distal end of the second tapered tube section.