Abstract: Provided is a polymerizable liquid crystal compound represented by formula (1). An aspect can be exemplified, in which, in formula (1), W1 is hydrogen or a substituent, A1 is 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene or naphthalene-2,6-diyl, Z1 and Y1 are a connecting group, m and n each are an integer from 0 to 7, in which an expression: 3?m+n?8 holds, Q1 is a spacer, and PG is a polymerizable group.

Abstract: A coke oven may comprise an upper oven and a lower oven beneath the upper oven. Crude gas produced in a coking chamber of the upper oven during a coking process is incompletely combusted in the upper oven and may subsequently be conducted into the lower oven via downwardly directed downcomer channels. The crude gas may flow through an outer sole flue, may be deflected in a transition region, may flow through an inner sole flue, and may exit the lower oven via an exhaust gas collecting channel. The outer and inner sole flues may be supplied with secondary air such that the gas initially partially combusted in the upper oven by means of primary combustion is completely combusted in the lower oven by means of secondary combustion. The transition region in which the gas is deflected in the lower oven may be divided into a plurality of flow channels.

Abstract: A bio-product such as biochar, bio-coal, bio-oil, coke, and/or activated carbon material is formed by processing a starting biomass material comprising water-laden material. The starting biomass material is heated to below or above an autoignition temperature through a rotary compression unit (RCU) by generating steam through releasing unbound and bound waters in the biomass thus forming a bio-product. The biomass material being processed may be, without limitation, a woody or non-woody biomass material, such as cellulosic material and/or grain. The process can also form bio-oil from pyrolysis vapors which can be processed to other bio-products.

Abstract: Highly efficient and universal biomass conversion methods are described. Methods utilize a base-catalyzed decarboxylation reaction in a conversion process carried out in the presence of excess base to overcome carbonate formation from CO2. Methods can efficiently convert all components of a biomass feedstock to liquid hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide byproduct. The process has several versions: hydrolysis and alcoholysis, etc. The chemical process can be carried out with nearly 100% conversion for any type of biomass feedstock and requires no expensive or complicated pretreatment. The conversion reactions can be carried out at moderate temperatures of 170-300° C. and form a product that can include a mixture of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons, including alcohols and phenol derivatives.

Abstract: Hydropyrolysis processes are described, in which differing types of feedstocks, including at least one biorenewable feedstock, namely a biomass-containing feedstock, may be co-processed to allow enhancements in operating conditions and/or product properties, depending on changing customer requirements and/or overall market demands. According to specific embodiments, an aliphatic hydrocarbon precursor or an aromatic hydrocarbon precursor is co-processed with the biomass-containing feedstock to enhance an operating condition (e.g., a reactor temperature profile) of the hydropyrolysis process and/or a property (e.g., cetane number) of a liquid product (e.g., a diesel boiling range fraction) obtained from a substantially fully deoxygenated hydrocarbon liquid.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is a method that includes contacting an oxygenated compound and hydrogen (H2) with a solid catalyst, where the solid catalyst includes a metal carbide that includes a first transition metal, and the contacting converts at least a portion of the oxygenated compound to a deoxygenated compound. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the metal carbide may include at least one of Mo2C and/or W2C.

Abstract: A system for desalting crude oil includes delivering a stream of salty crude oil and wash water into a mixing valve, mixing the stream of salty crude oil and wash water through the mixing valve to create a mixed stream of desalted crude oil and salty wash water, delivering the mixed stream of desalted crude oil and salty wash water to a static mixer, and mixing the mixed stream of crude oil and wash water in the static mixer. Within the static mixer, the mixed stream is mixed in a coalescing regime to coalesce smaller droplets of water into larger droplets of water. The mixed stream is subjected to an electric field to cause additional coalescence before being directed to a desalter where the salty wash water is separated from the desalted crude oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrotreating process that includes providing a vacuum gas oil stream; heating the vacuum gas oil stream; passing the heated vacuum gas oil stream to a hydrotreating reactor; passing the hydrotreated effluent to a hot separator to form a gas stream and a liquid stream; passing the gas stream to a cold separator to form a heavy liquid stream, a light liquid stream and a vapor stream; and passing the vapor stream to an amine scrubber. Aspects of certain embodiments of the present invention also relate to a hydrotreating process in which the hydrotreating reactor is operated at a pressure within the range of approximately 35-50 kg/cm2g.

Abstract: A description is given of a process for hydrotreatment of at least one hydrocarbon feedstock having a weighted average temperature (WAT) of more than 380° C. using at least one catalyst containing at least one metal from Group VIB and/or at least one metal from Group VIII of the periodic table and a support containing an amorphous mesoporous alumina having a connectivity (Z) of more than 2.7, said hydrotreatment process operating at a temperature of between 250° C. and 430° C., at a total pressure of between 4 MPa and 20 MPa with a ratio of volume of hydrogen to volume of hydrocarbon feedstock of between 200 and 2 000 liters per liter and at an Hourly Volume Velocity (HVV) defined by the ratio of the volume flow of liquid hydrocarbon feedstock to the volume of catalyst fed into the reactor of between 0.5 and 5 h?1.

Abstract: A hydroprocessing catalyst or catalyst precursor has been developed. The catalyst is a transition metal tungstate material, or the decomposition product thereof. The hydroprocessing using the crystalline transition metal molybdotungstate material may include hydrodenitrification, hydrodesulfurization, hydrodemetallation, hydrodesilication, hydrodearomatization, hydroisomerization, hydrotreating, hydrofining, and hydrocracking.

Abstract: A system for gasification of a carbonaceous material and recycling char or solids from a gasifier is disclosed. The recycling system may include a standpipe that receives a solids stream from a separator, the standpipe generating a pressure differential across a bed of accumulated char, thereby producing a bottoms stream having a greater pressure than the inlet solids stream. The recycling system may also include a holding vessel that receives the bottoms stream and a fluidized-bed distribution vessel that receives char from the holding vessel and is configured to provide a continuous and precise flow of recycled char to the gasification reactor.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting hydrates in a fluid comprising water and gas comprising adding to the fluid an effective hydrate-inhibiting amount of a composition comprising one or more homo- or co-polymers of N-alkyl(alkyl)acrylamide synthesized by polymerizing one or more N-alkyl(alkyl)acrylamide monomers in a solvent comprising a glycol ether of formula CH3—(CH2)m—(O—CH2—CH2)n—OH where m is an integer of 0-1, and n is an integer ?1.

Abstract: A method of introducing carbon to an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) used for melting steel, and a composition of matter including carbon, and made in a briquette form. The composition comprises between 45 and 96 weight percent of a carbon-containing material, between 2 and 30 weight percent of a basic oxide, and between 2 and 25 weight percent of a binder material. The method comprises mixing between 45 and 96 weight percent of a carbon-containing material, between 2 and 30 weight percent of a basic oxide, and between 2 and 25 weight percent of a binder material to form a solid material mixture; compressing individual portions of the solid material mixture into compressed briquettes; curing the compressed briquettes into solid briquettes; and adding the solid briquettes into the molten steel in the electric arc steelmaking furnace.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dryer system for drying lignite coal used in a power plant. The system comprises a dryer and a closed loop heat pump circuit that is configured and arranged to provide heat energy to the dryer. The closed loop heat pump circuit includes a working fluid, a dryer heat exchanger, an expansion device fluidly connected and downstream of the dryer heat exchanger, arranged to enable heat energy transfer from the vapor of the second outlet line to the first working fluid and a compressor for compressing the working fluid.

Abstract: A coated sliding member 10 for use under an environment where it is in contact with lubricant, comprising: a base material 12; and a first hard carbon layer 14 having a thickness of 3 ?m or more formed on a surface of the base material by a vacuum arc method using carbon and consisting of diamond-like carbon, containing substantially no hydrogen and being configured only of carbon, and a second hard carbon layer 15 formed on a surface of the first hard carbon layer by a vacuum arc method using carbon and consisting of diamond-like carbon, containing substantially no hydrogen and being configured only of carbon and nitrogen, the film thickness of the second hard carbon layer being 3 to 35% of the film thickness of the first hard carbon layer.

Abstract: An overbased sulfonate modified lithium carboxylate grease composition and method of manufacture comprising overbased calcium sulfonate, overbased magnesium sulfonate, or both added to a source of lithium hydroxide, base oil, and optionally one or more acids when a complex grease is desired. When overbased sulfonate is added, the amount of dicarboxylic acid relative monocarboxylic acid may be reduced. Additionally, the amount of lithium hydroxide added may be less than stoichiometrically needed to react with the acids. A sulfonate modified lithium grease with improved thickener yield and dropping point may be made without multiple heating and cooling cycles or using a pressurized kettle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for obtaining a lipid from a cell by lysing the cell, contacting the cell with a base and/or salt, and separating the lipid. The present invention is also directed to a lipid prepared by the processes of the present invention. The present invention is also directed to microbial lipids having a particular anisidine value, peroxide value, and/or phosphorus content.

Abstract: Photolabile pro-fragrances may include the ketones of Formula (I) Such compounds may be used in detergents, cleaning agents, cosmetic agents, air-care agents, and combinations thereof. The photolabile pro-fragrances may create a long-lasting fragrance on surfaces or in a room using the aforementioned pro-fragrances.

Abstract: A seed-oil based reactive diluent is synthesized via a two-step process wherein in the first step, unsaturated seed oils such as soybean oil first react with mono-hydroxy functional amines to form an intermediate mixture composed of mono-hydroxy functional seed oil based derivatives and in the second step, a core molecule having multiple hydroxyl-reactive groups reacts with the intermediate mixture prepared from the first step and a polyol cross-linker to form a reactive diluent with a star-branched shape.

Abstract: Provided is a wick for a candle including a carbon material. In addition, provided is a candle including the wick for a candle. By using the wick for a candle according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the candle in which a length of the wick combusted at the time of combustion is not long and ash of the wick does not fall.

Abstract: A composition including a plurality of particles, the particles including: about 25% to about 94% by weight a water soluble carrier; about 5% to about 45% by weight a quaternary ammonium compound; and about 0.5% to about 10% by weight a cationic polymer; wherein each of the particles has a mass from about 1 mg to about 1 g; and wherein the composition has a viscosity from about 1 Pa-s to about 10 Pa-s at 65° C.

Abstract: A composition for treating a hard surface. The composition has: (a) at least one adhesion promoter; (b) at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of: anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and combinations thereof; (c) mineral oil; (d) water; (e) optionally, at least one solvent; and wherein the composition is self-adhering upon application to a surface to be treated, and wherein the composition provides a wet film to said surface when water passes over said composition and surface.

Abstract: Industrial 2-in-1 cleaning compositions providing both detergency and rinseability in a single cleaning composition comprising a polymer are disclosed. Alkali metal carbonate-based cleaning compositions and methods of both making and using the same provide user-friendly, solid, detergent compositions without the need for using a separate rinse aid composition. The compositions and methods are particularly well suited for use in industrial cleaning using alkali metal carbonate compositions that beneficially provide cleaning and rinseability in the rinse cycle.

Abstract: Provided is a detergent composition and method for reducing filming and spotting in automatic dishwashing systems. The composition comprises: aspartic acid diacetic acid or salt thereof; a dispersant polymer comprising a (meth)acrylic polymer with a Mw from 2000 to 100,000; a builder; and a surfactant.

Abstract: The invention relates to detergent compositions comprising granular non-phosphate builder. The granules comprise an amino acid based builder, preferably MGDA, and s silicate. The composition is housed in a rigid PVOH capsule.

Abstract: Alkaline sprayable aqueous compositions for cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting are disclosed. In particular, the sprayable compositions include an inverse emulsion polymer for modifying the viscosity of the composition and provide numerous benefits over dispersion polymer compositions used for rheology modification to reduce misting and respiratory inhalation of cleaning compositions. Compositions and methods of cleaning using the compositions having reduced amounts of airborne particulates of the composition during spray applications are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water-soluble unit dose articles comprising an amphoteric surfactant, methods of making and methods of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extraction into an aqueous medium of hop acids from a hop acids containing matter and for dissolution in an aqueous medium of hop acids, comprising contacting a hop acids containing matter with carbon-containing chemical substances having at least one functional group containing a nitrogen atom with a lone electron pair and at least one other polar and/or hydrophilic functional group, thereby forming complexes of hop acids with the carbon-containing chemical substances with at least one functional group containing a nitrogen atom with a lone electron pair and at least one other polar and/or hydrophilic functional group. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a brewed beverage, particularly for brewing a beer, and in particular to a method to improve the utilization of hop acids, including alpha-acids and iso-alpha-acids, in the brewing process.

Abstract: A method and system for distilling alcohol in an alcohol production process is disclosed. The method can include fermenting a mixture of water and milled grain to produce alcohol-laden beer, which can be distilled in a beer column maintained at a subatmospheric pressure to produce a vapor, primarily including alcohol, and whole stillage. Stillage is separated from the whole stillage. Water is evaporated from the separated stillage to produce first-concentrated stillage and first effect steam. Water from the first-concentrated stillage is evaporated with heat from the first effect steam to produce second effect steam. In one embodiment, second effect steam can be used to supply sufficient heat to a side stripper for distilling the alcohol-laden beer. In another embodiment, the method can include generating steam from one or more steam generator to supply sufficient heat to the beer column for distilling the alcohol-laden beer.

Abstract: A nucleic acid detection plate comprises a piezoelectric sensor and at least a pipe flowing through the surface of the piezoelectric sensor, two valves intervally installed on the pipe relative to the upstream end of the piezoelectric sensor, the nucleic acid to be detected is blocked in the pipe between the two valves for isothermal amplification; the nucleic acid detection system comprises the nucleic acid detection plate described above, a thermostat capable of accommodating the nucleic acid detection plate; and a signal processor capable of being date connected to the piezoelectric sensor. The inventive method simplifies device structure in through coordinated detection by combination of thermostatic amplification and piezoelectric sensing, and improves detection efficiency.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device comprising an incubation layer, the incubation layer including at least one dock, each of the at least one dock defines a stepped tank comprising an upper tank and a lower tank, an inflow channel in fluid communication with the stepped tank for supplying a fluid to the stepped tank, and an outflow channel in fluid communication with the stepped tank for draining the fluid from the stepped tank, wherein the geometry of the upper tank is configured to allow culturing of a fish larva therein, and wherein the geometry of the lower tank is configured to reversibly receive the fish larva from the upper tank and to dock the fish larva at a controlled orientation for imaging or observation.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to methods and systems for growing and/or harvesting cells. The method can include seeding cells on a plurality of carriers. The method can also include incubating the carriers under conditions suitable for cell growth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, methods and kits for cell-specific sorting of cells from a mixed population, e.g., from a tumor sample. Aspects of the invention combine aligned, electrospun microfibers with drug- or protein-releasing nanospheres to isolate cancer cells from tumor biopsies.

Abstract: A bona fide adaptable in vitro microcirculation model is provided by integrating a 3-D printed network of endothelial-cell lined perfusion channels, formed via sacrificial casting in a gel matrix, with a native, adaptable microvasculature matured from native microvessels added to the gel matrix. Responsive vascular adaptation exhibited by the in vitro microcirculation is physiologically relevant. Methods for fabricating, devices, models and investigative platforms for pharmaceutical applications, vascular mechanism and microvessel-parenchyma interaction studies, and vascularizing strategies for tissue engineering applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a high throughput photobioreactor. The high throughput photobioreactor includes: a chamber; a plate installed in the chamber and mounted with a plurality of wells; a plurality of light sources installed in the chamber and irradiating light toward the plate; a light quantity controller positioned on an upper part of the plate to make quantities of light irradiated to the plurality of wells different; and a temperature controller controlling a temperature of the plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutants of lactic acid bacteria which are resistant towards the antibiotic D-cycloserine and/or functionally equivalent antibiotics and which were found to give an increased texture when grown in milk while maintaining the other growth properties of the parent strain. The present invention, furthermore, relates to compositions comprising such mutants, and to dairy products fermented with the lactic acid bacteria resistant towards D-cycloserine and/or functionally equivalent antibiotics.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of detecting and quantifying low concentrations of cells in a sample with targeted nanoparticles having Raman reporters using surface-enhanced Raman scattering for detection. In certain embodiments, the sample is a group of cells derived from stem cells that have been differentiated into specific cell types and one is detecting residual stem cells or other progeny in order to quantify the purity of the sample. In certain embodiments, the targeted nanoparticles contain two or more Raman reporters for the purpose of multiplexing. In certain embodiments, purity measurements are used to make quality control determinations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel means which enables satisfactory preservation of embryos and fertilized eggs in the non-frozen state for a longer period than conventional means, which novel means also achieves high hatching ability and a high conception rate of the embryos after the preservation. The method for preserving a mammalian embryo(s) or fertilized egg(s) of the present invention comprises immersing a mammalian embryo(s) or fertilized egg(s) in a medium containing 20 to 80% (v/v) serum and 10 to 100 mM Good's buffer, and storing the embryo(s) or fertilized egg(s) at non-freezing low temperature. The preservative solution for a mammalian embryo(s) or fertilized egg(s) of the present invention essentially consists of a medium containing 20 to 80% (v/v) serum and 10 to 100 mM Good's buffer. The Good's buffer is preferably HEPES.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell populations that are enriched for mesendoderm and mesoderm, and cell populations that are enriched for endoderm. In accordance with the present invention, a selectable marker gene has been recombinantly targeted to the brachyury locus to allow the isolation and characterization of cell populations that comprise brachyury positive mesendoderm and mesoderm cells. The cell populations of the invention are useful for generating cells for cell replacement therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for assisted reproductive technology in mammals. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for in vivo maturation of an immature cumulus oocyte complex (COC), thereby enhancing the embryology outcome.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a lacrimal gland epithelial cell from a pluripotent stem cell, a lacrimal gland epithelial cell produced by the method, and a reagent kit for inducing differentiation from a pluripotent stem cell into a lacrimal gland epithelial cell. A method of producing a lacrimal gland epithelial cell includes the following step A: Step A: a step including increasing expression of Pax6 gene in a pluripotent stem cell or transfecting PAX6 protein thereinto, and increasing expression of Foxc1 gene or Foxp1 gene in the pluripotent stem cell or transfecting FOXC1 protein or FOXP1 protein thereinto.

Abstract: A method of producing a virus in cell culture comprising at least the steps of a) providing a population of cells cultured in a cell culture medium, b) infecting the population of cells by i. inoculating the population with the virus, and ii. incubating the inoculated population so as to allow the virus to replicate and propagate, c) collecting the produced virus, thereby providing a viral harvest, and d) purifying the virus, wherein a power density of at least 15 W/m3, at least 30 W/m3, at least 60 W/m3, at least 100 W/m3, at least 120 W/m3 is applied to the cell culture at least during step b).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medicine and virology. An attenuated influenza A virus, an influenza virus vector based thereon, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising thereof are provided, which can be used for the prevention and/or treatment of an infectious disease. In addition, the present invention relates to an attenuated influenza A virus, an influenza virus vector based thereon, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising thereof, which can be used for the treatment of oncological diseases.

Abstract: Provided are fusion proteins between p97 (melanotransferrin) and iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS), and related compositions and methods of use thereof, for instance, to facilitate delivery of IDS across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and/or improve its tissue penetration in CNS and/or peripheral tissues, and thereby treat and/or diagnose Hunter Syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis type II; MPS II) and related lysosomal storage disorders, including those having a central nervous system (CNS) component.

Abstract: A method of increasing production of fatty acids comprising introducing into a host and expressing therein an acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase (TE) from Bryantella formatexigens or a mutant thereof; a method of making a mutant B. formatexigens acyl-ACP TE; a method of making a chimeric Cuphea viscosissima acyl-ACP TE; a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a mutant acyl-ACP TE or a chimeric Cuphea viscosissima acyl-ACP TE; a host comprising the nucleic acid molecule; a mutant acyl-ACP TE or chimeric Cuphea viscosissima acyl-ACP TE; a method of altering the specificity of a plant acyl-ACP TE for at least one of its substrates comprising introducing into the plant acyl-ACP TE a substrate specificity-altering mutation; and a method of altering the level of activity of a plant acyl-ACP TE.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides variant Cas9 proteins, nucleic acids encoding the variant Cas9 proteins, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present disclosure provides systems that include a subject variant Cas9 protein (and/or a nucleic acid encoding the variant Cas9 protein) and a Cas9 guide RNA. In some cases, a subject system includes a PAMmer and/or a donor polynucleotide. The variant Cas9 proteins and the nucleic acids encoding the variant Cas9 proteins are useful in a wide variety of methods, which are also provided. In some embodiments, a variant Cas9 protein includes a RuvC domain, an HNH domain, and a disrupted RuvC/HNH linker region that reduces the RuvC cleavage activity of the protein. In some embodiments, a variant Cas9 protein includes a deletion (of all or a part of the HNH domain) or an insertion (within the HNH domain) that reduces the HNH cleavage activity of the protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated dimeric Streptococcus-specific phage lysins having two Streptococcus-specific phage lysin monomers covalently linked to each other, and having killing activity against one or more Streptococcus bacteria. Also provided for are pharmaceutical compositions of dimeric lysins and their use in therapeutic treatment or alleviation of infections or bacterial colonizations. The dimeric lysins may also be used to decontaminate porous and non-porous surfaces or devices.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and genetically engineered cells useful for uncapping a mannose-6-phosphate residue on an oligosaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention provides pregnancy associated plasma protein A2 (PAPP-A2), its nucleotide and amino acid sequences, antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode PAPP-A2, expression vectors for the production of purified PAPP-A2, antibodies capable of binding specifically to PAPP-A2, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of PAPP-A2-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of PAPP-A2, and methods for screening for pathologies in pregnant and non-pregnant patients. Methods for screening for altered focal proliferation states in pregnant and/or non-pregnant patients, which include detecting levels of PAPP-A2, are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for reducing the antigenicity of molecules, wherein the molecule comprises a uricase. The antigenicity of a molecule may be reduced or eliminated by conjugating at least one branched polymer to the molecule to form a molecule-polymer conjugate. The branched polymer may include a backbone and a plurality of side chains, each side chain covalently attached to the backbone.