Abstract: Refining assemblies and methods for refining rich natural gas containing a first methane gas and other hydrocarbons that are heavier than methane gas are disclosed. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a methane-producing assembly configured to receive at least one liquid-containing feed stream that includes water and rich natural gas and to produce an output stream therefrom by (a) converting at least a substantial portion of the other hydrocarbons of the rich natural gas with the water to a second methane gas, a lesser portion of the water, and other gases, and (b) allowing at least a substantial portion of the first methane gas from the rich natural gas to pass through the methane-producing assembly unconverted. The assemblies may additionally include a purification assembly configured to receive the output stream and to produce a methane-rich stream therefrom having a greater methane concentration than the output stream.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising: (a) from about 60 to about 98% by weight of one or more alcohols; (b) from about 0.5 to about 20% by weight of one or more alkyl cellulose derivatives, wherein each alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more OH, O-alkyl, O-hydroxyalkyl and/or O-alkoxyalkyl; (c) from about 1 to about 25% by weight of one or more carboxylic acid salts; and (d) from 0 to about 30% by weight of water. There is also provided uses, processes for manufacture, methods and products relating to the same.

Abstract: A carrier fluid or fluidizer for use in fuel performance additives or fuels including such additives is described herein. The novel carrier fluids include a unique blend of alkoxylated alcohols or polyols providing unexpected performance improvements to fuel performance additives and fuels incorporating the additives. The carrier fluids, when combined with at least a detergent, provide desired valve stick performance and unexpectedly improve the intake valve deposit performance at the same time.

Abstract: Concentrates containing specific functionalised diblock copolymers serve as effective additives for improving the cold flow behaviour of fuels and oils, the copolymers being derived from a terminally-unsaturated intermediate polymer obtained via a metallocene process involving hydrogen.

Abstract: This invention relates to solid firelighters of the type which may be used to initiate combustion of i) barbecues (BBQs), irrespective of whether the barbecue fuel is in the form of charcoal lump wood or briquettes, ii) natural wood in outdoor wood fires or iii) any domestic or commercial fires. Firelighters of the present invention comprise: 25 to 75% by weight fiberboard having a density of from 0.1 to 0.5 g/cm3; and 25 to 75% by weight palm fatty acid distillate; wherein the fiberboard is impregnated with the palm fatty acid distillate.

Abstract: A solid lubricant blend for enhancing lubricity of lubricating greases. The blend comprises a first stage solid lubricant selected from the group consisting of molybdenum disulfide, graphite, polytetrafluorethylene and mixtures thereof, a second stage solid lubricant of boron nitride, a third stage solid lubricant of an inorganic fluoride characterized by being capable of forming a bonded substantially homogeneous film on a substrate at the elevated temperatures and pressures, and graphene. The solid lubricant blend is mixed with a lubricating grease to attain the lubricating grease compositions of the invention.

Abstract: A lubricant for a rolling-element bearing includes a conventional lubricant as a base lubricant and at least one first additive, wherein the first additive includes muscovite, and the lubricant includes a proportion of muscovite that is between 3% and 5%. Also a method of lubricating a rolling-element bearing using the lubricant and a method of repairing a rolling-element bearing using the lubricant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conveyor lubricant compositions including an emulsion of a lipophilic compound and also including an emulsifier and/or an anionic surfactant. The present invention also relates to methods employing such lubricant compositions. In an embodiment, the method includes applying the present lubricant composition to a conveyor with a non-energized nozzle.

Abstract: A process for obtaining free fatty acid and/or free fatty acid ester, including separating a liquid mixture containing the free fatty acid and/or the fatty acid ester by contacting a vapor of the liquid mixture in a column of a distillation apparatus with condensate formed from the vapor running downward. Heat and mass transfer takes place between the vapor and the condensate on column internals. The column has at least 10 theoretical plates and the separation is conducted with a pressure drop between the top and bottom of the column of ?p of ?3.3 mbars. Appropriately, the liquid mixture, contains polyunsaturated fatty acid, preferably omega-6 or omega-3 fatty acid and/or alkyl monoesters and/or glycerol monoesters. In one embodiment the column has at least 30 theoretical plates and the separation is conducted with a pressure drop ?p between 3.5 mbar and 6 mbar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the novel use of (oxybis)dicyclohexane compounds as fragrance materials.

Abstract: The invention discloses synergistic combinations of surfactant blends and cleaning compositions employing the same. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes an extended anionic surfactant with novel linker surfactants including one or more of an alkyl glycerol ether, an ethoxylated alkyl glycerol ether, an alcohol ethoxylate and/or a Gemini surfactant. This system forms emulsions with, and can remove greasy and oily stains, even those comprised of non-trans fats. The compositions may be used alone, as a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or as a part of a soft surface or hard surface cleaning composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a cationic polysaccharide in a detergent composition used for treating dyed textile fibers in an aqueous medium, in order to reduce the loss of color of the dyed fibers when treating same using said detergent composition.

Abstract: Compositions include a water-soluble polymer, silica nanoparticles, and a combination of a nonionic and anionic dispersed in an aqueous liquid phase. The polymer is a water-soluble copolymer of acrylic acid and an acrylamide, or a salt of the same. Methods of using the compositions to clean and coat a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: The need for a liquid hard surface cleaning composition which provides reduced drying time is met by formulating the composition using copolymer comprising non-ionic monomeric units, a low level of cationic monomeric units, and other optional monomers.

Abstract: A solvent composition is provided that includes a chlorinated ethylene present from 75 to 80 total weight percent and at least one halocarbon miscible with the chlorinated ethylene and present in an amount to define a weight ratio of the chlorinated ethylene to said at least one halocarbon of from 75:25-80:20. The solvent composition has a flash point of less than 23 degrees Celsius and an initial boiling point of greater than 35 degrees Celsius. When the solvent is packaged as an aerosol with a propellant, the resulting solvent can be used in confined spaces owing to reduced ignitibility and better human health and environmental properties compared to conventional aerosol degreasers.

Abstract: Container comprising a single unit dose of a detergent composition containing at least one complexing agent (A) dissolved in an aqueous medium, said complexing agent (A) being a mixture of the L- and D-enantiomers of glutamic acid diacetic acid (GLDA) or its respective mono-, di-, tri- or tetraalkali metal salts or its mono-, di-, tri- or tetraammonium salts, said mixture containing predominantly the respective L-isomer with an enantiomeric excess (ee) in the range of from 5 to 90%, wherein said container is made from a polymer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forming a concentrate from an alcoholic beverage, such as a beverage made by fermentation processes. A membrane process may be used to reduce water and alcohol content, followed by freeze concentration to further reduce water content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for growing microbes and biofilms on a hydrogel in a controlled environment. The system can have a cup, and a liner with the liner inserted into the cup and a hydrogel inserted into the liner. The cup, liner, and hydrogel assembly can be placed into a containment tray. The hydrogel can be sterilized before being placed into the containment tray. A lid can seal the cup, liner, and hydrogel into the containment tray. A lid can have inoculations ports, or can be made out of a self-sealable material keeping the inside environment sterilized and free of contaminants. The hydrogel can be inoculated with microbes through the inoculations ports, and incubated for a period of time at a set temperature to allow the microbes, and biofilms time to grow. After being grown the microbes and biofilms can be separated from each other allowing for both microbes and biofilm to be separately tested.

Abstract: The invention relates to a perfusion manifold assembly that allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with an assembly so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate. The invention further relates to a drop-to-drop connection scheme for putting a microfluidic device in fluidic communication with a fluid source or another microfluidic device, including but not limited to, putting a microfluidic device in fluidic communication with the perfusion manifold assembly.

Abstract: A device and methodology for concomitant ejection and suction of a perfusate (CESOP) within a region of interest without spillover of the perfusate to a juxtaposed anatomical region. An inflow line, connected to a perfusate cistern, is coupled to an outflow line, connected to outflow control mechanisms, via an elongate rigid support. Perfusate can flow through the inflow line to the region of interest, and nearly simultaneously, the outflow line can suction the perfusate out of the region of interest. The amount of time that the perfusate remains in the region of interest is sufficient to take effect in the region of interest. The rigid support helps control the inflow and outflow lines. A micromanipulator can also be used to control the lines and application tip thereof. Either or both lines may also have adjustable flow rates therethrough and may include stoppers/regulators.

Abstract: A multi-function cooling and thermo-sensitive rack includes horizontal bars, a base, positioning holes, connectors, a lateral frame, connecting holes, a temperature-displaying prompter, and N temperature sensors. The lateral frame and the base are connected through the connectors. The lateral frame and the base have their surfaces facing each other symmetrically provided with plural connecting holes thereon. The horizontal bars have two ends thereof received in the corresponding symmetrical connecting holes. The positioning holes are distributed over the surface of the base. The N temperature sensors have output ends thereof for outputting sensing signals connected with input ends of the temperature-displaying prompter for inputting the N temperature-sensing signals. The present invention is applied to apparatuses used in microbiology experiment.

Abstract: A lysis/resealing process for preparing erythrocytes containing active ingredient is provided comprising placing a globular concentrate in suspension in an isotonic solution having a haematocrit level which is equal to or greater than 65%, with refrigeration at 1 to 8° C.; measuring the osmotic fragility based on a sample of erythrocytes from that same globular concentrate, preferably on a sample of the suspension; lysis and internalization procedure of the active ingredient, inside the same chamber, at a temperature maintained at 1 to 8° C., comprising allowing the erythrocyte suspension having a haematocrit level equal to or greater than 65% and a hypotonic lysis solution which is refrigerated at 1 to 8° C., to circulate in a dialysis cartridge; the lysis parameters being adjusted in accordance with the osmotic fragility previously measured; and resealing in a second chamber at a temperature of from 30 to 40° C. by means of a hypertonic solution.

Abstract: Described is an isolated strain of the fungus Colonostachys rosea termed BVT Cr-7 useful as a biological control agent for the treatment of plants. The isolated strain, formulations comprising said strain and/or spores derived from said strain may be applied to plants or plant materials in order to improve plant yield, to improve plant growth, or for the treatment or prevention of diseases or pathogens in the plant.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for using recombinant C1 metabolizing microorganisms capable of metabolizing sulfur containing compounds and other contaminants to biologically convert sour or acidic natural gas into high-value molecules, and to allow recovery of stranded oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a strain capable of efficiently propagating in a low nutritive potential medium, capable of metabolizing pentoses and of resisting fermentation inhibitors, comprising the following steps; a) growth of a strain of recombinant yeast with a strain of wild yeast lacking any impairments, the recombinant yeast strain comprising at least one copy of an exogenous gene of xylose isomerase and at least one additional copy of a gene of D-xylulokinase included in the genome and linked to a single sexual characteristic of the strain, b) at least two cycles of genome shuffling by sporulation and or random hybridization, c) selection of the population obtained in step b) according to a suitability criterion of the strains to metabolize xylose, d) selection of the population obtained in step c) according to a suitability criterion of the strains to grow in a Pref type medium, a medium with low nutritive value.

Abstract: Provided are a novel medium for expressing glycoproteins by culturing cells and a method for producing glycoproteins by culturing cells in the medium. Further provided are a medium comprising uridine and N-acetyl-D-mannosamine for the use of expression of a glycoprotein by culturing cells and a method for producing glycoproteins by culturing cells in the medium.

Abstract: Novel MSC stem-cell culture and therapy methods and culture medium compositions for the purpose of inducing, activating, or priming discrete uniform cell phenotypes to selectively promote or suppress inflammation and immunity, yielding polarized, primed, activated, or induced cells used in cell-based therapy.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions relating, in part, to the generation of human progenitor cells committed to the lung lineage and uses of such cells for treatment of lung diseases/disorders or injury to the lung. Whether an adult stem cell can be isolated from human adult lung remains controversial in the art and at present, methods for isolating and using adult lung stem cells from humans lack reproducibility. Thus, the methods and compositions described herein are advantageous over the present state of knowledge in the art and permit the generation of human lung progenitor cells for treatment, tissue engineering, and screening assays.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods for immortalizing cells. The invention further provides immortalized cell lines, e.g., neuronal cell lines, and methods of using these cell lines in screening assays.

Abstract: Cranial placodes are embryonic structures essential for sensory and endocrine organ development. The efficient derivation of cranial placodes from human pluripotent stem cells is disclosed where the timed removal of the BMP inhibitor Noggin, a component of the dual-SMAD inhibition strategy of neural induction, triggers placode induction at the expense of CNS fates. Further fate specification at the pre-placode stage enables the selective generation of placode-derived trigeminal ganglia capable of in vivo engraftment, mature lens fibers and anterior pituitary hormone-producing cells that upon transplantation produce hormones including, but not limited to, human growth hormone and adrenocortiocotropic hormone in vivo. Alternatively, anterior pituitary hormone-producing cells are generated in cell culture systems in vitro.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical active ingredient for cell differentiation to alleviate cell and cell-related deficiencies in mammals comprising porous silica containing a releasable agent capable of contributing to a cell environment conducive for stem cell differentiation in co-implanted stem cells and/or in endogenous stem cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for influencing the stability of an antibody producing cell, comprising directly or indirectly influencing the amount of BCL6 and/or Blimp 1 expression product within said antibody producing cell. Stable antibody producing cells and cell lines are also provided, as well as methods for producing antibodies using such cells and/or cell lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in vitro expansion of erythroid cells. The method includes subjecting erythroid cells to 3-dimensional packed cell culture using a porous structure. The use of the composition according to the present invention enables in vitro expansion of erythroid cells in the most efficient manner.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for providing platelet concentrates and synthetic storage media with reduced residual plasma volumes are disclosed. The disclosed systems and methods reduce the residual volume of plasma in platelet concentrate to obtain a platelet product having a volume of plasma that is approximately 5% or less of the total platelet product volume. The disclosed systems and methods also reduce the residual volume of plasma in platelet concentrate to obtain a washed platelet product, wherein the volume of plasma in the washed platelet product is approximately 1% or less of the total washed platelet product volume. Storage media for platelets including less than approximately 10% plasma are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of obtaining stromal progenitor cells (SPC) from subcutaneous adipose tissue by incubation of a very small volume of the subcutaneous adipose tissue in an enzyme solution produces SPC that are usable in medical applications based on autologous SPC even on individuals having a body mass index lower than 18.5.

Abstract: ZSCAN4, a gene expressed in ES cells and 2-cell stage embryos, has been previously shown to regulate telomere elongation and genome stability in mouse ES cells. It is disclosed herein that in the adult human pancreas, a small number of ZSCAN4-positive cells are present among cells located in the islets of Langerhans, acini, and ducts. These data disclosed herein indicates that expression of ZSCAN4 is a marker for rare stem/progenitor cells in adult human pancreas. Thus, provided herein is a method of isolating pancreatic stem cells or progenitor cell from a sample by detecting expression of ZSCAN4. Also provided is a method of treating diabetes by isolating ZSCAN4+ pancreatic stem cells or progenitor cells, expanding the cells in vitro and transplanted the expanded cells into the subject. The expanded ZSCAN4+ cells can optionally be differentiated into pancreatic ? cells before transplanting the cells into the subject.

Abstract: The invention provides an automated system for producing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from adult somatic cells. Further, the system is used for producing differentiated adult cells from stem cells. The invention system is useful for isolating somatic cells from tissue samples, producing iPSC lines from adult differentiated cells by reprogramming such cells, identifying the pluripotent reprogrammed adult cells among other cells, and expanding and screening the identified reprogrammed cells.

Abstract: Methods of detecting target bacteria are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise exposing a sample to a phage capable of infecting target bacteria, said phage comprising a heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker. In some embodiments, the target bacteria comprise Listeria. In some embodiments, the target bacteria are all Listeria. Recombinant Listeria phage comprising a heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker are also provided as are useful combinations of such phage and articles of manufacture comprising such phage, among other things.

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus replication at extrahepatic sites has been suggested; however, complete viral replication has only been confirmed in hepatocytes. Here we show that human adipogenic DLK-1+ stem cells (hADSC) freshly isolated from HCV-infected individuals contained viral transcripts, replication intermediates and viral antigens in vivo, and viral transcripts increased in supernatants upon prolonged ex vivo culture. Furthermore, naive hADSC isolated from HCV (?) individuals support complete replication of clinical isolates in vitro, and the infection is donor-nonspecific for cells and cross-genotypic for viruses. Viral infection/replication is mediated through CD81, LDL-R, SR-B1, EGFR, Apolipoprotein E, occludin, claudin-1, NPC1L1 and diacylglycerol acetyltransferase-1, and can be inhibited by anti-viral drugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides viral vector compositions of high titer and purity, as well as methods for production of said compositions. The methods of the invention incorporate multiple features, such as production of viral vector particles in serum free media and multiple harvesting steps following transduction of the producer cell which provides for enhanced production of said viral vectors. The viral vector compositions of the invention, by virtue of their high titer and purity, minimize the deleterious phenotypic changes that typically occur following transduction of target cells, such as loss of a sub-populations of transduced cells, and effects on proliferation, differentiation, reprogramming or functionality of transduced cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fluff pulp compositions, absorbent articles comprising the fluff pulp compositions, and related methods. The fluff pulp compositions comprise a chemiluminescent system configured to produce visible light upon contact with an aqueous system. Representative absorbent articles include disposable diapers and adult incontinence products. Representative chemiluminescent systems include bioluminescent systems.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions relating to the synthesis of isoprenoid diphosphates using a mutated isopentenyl phosphate kinase.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to glycosyl hydrolase enzymes, compositions comprising such enzymes, and methods of using the enzymes and compositions, for example for the saccharification of cellulosic and hemicellulosic materials into sugars.

Abstract: Short-acting Factor VII peptides are disclosed. A shortened half-life is desirable for treatment of acute bleeding and similar disorders. Modification of the sialylation and/or glycosylation of Factor VII and variants thereof produced peptides useful in treating conditions of acute bleeding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of genetic engineering and enzyme engineering, and more particularly relates to a maltooligosyl trehalose synthase mutant and its application. The present invention provides a series of maltooligosyl trehalose synthase mutants with improved enzyme activity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for treating bacterial infections in a subject. The methods comprise administering a compound that binds a FAD-dependent flavoenzyme and a tetracycline, analog, derivative, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to probiotic bacteria selected from lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, having metals and/or metal nanoparticles and to foodstuff and pharmaceutical composition having these bacteria. The invention also provides methods for obtaining these bacteria and uses of these bacteria for the treatment and prevention of mineral deficiency pathologies, as a contrast agent for the imaging of the digestive tract and for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for isolating RNA, including small RNA from a RNA and DNA containing sample, wherein the sample is lysed and the optionally further processed lysate is incubated with a DNase to degrade DNA prior to purifying the RNA from the optionally further processed lysate. It was found that performing the DNase digest prior to isolating the RNA from the lysate has considerable advantages.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods, compositions for designing and producing a target nucleic acid. In particular, aspects of the invention relate to the multiplex synthesis of target polynucleotides.

Abstract: The identification of binding moieties capable of selectively interacting with one or more target antigens is of scientific, medical, and commercial value. Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for the identification, labeling, and/or retrieval of cognate binding moieties.