Abstract: Described herein are polishing compositions containing an abrasive and a buffering material, wherein the pH of the polishing composition is about 6 to about 9, and methods of preparing and using the same.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) composition (Q) comprising (A) Colloidal or fumed inorganic particles (A) or a mixture thereof in a total amount of from 0.0001 to 2.5 wt.-% based on the total weight of the respective CMP composition (B) at least one amino acid in a total amount of from 0.2 to 1 wt.-% based on the total weight of the respective CMP composition (C) at least one corrosion inhibitor in a total amount of from 0.001 to 0.02 wt.-% based on the total weight of the respective CMP composition (D) hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing agent in a total amount of from 0.0001 to 2 wt.-% based on the total amount of the respective CMP composition (E) aqueous medium wherein the CMP composition (Q) has a pH in the range of from 6 to 9.5.

Abstract: An adhesive comprising a solvent free powder of average particle size in the range 20 to 300 preferably 20 to 150 microns is heat activated at a temperature in the range 140° C. to 220° C., is flowable at a temperature below the heat activation temperature and is dry and non-tacky to the touch at ambient temperature, the use of a powdered adhesive is particularly useful for bonding of non-planar surfaces with complex contours.

Abstract: A composite article comprises a base layer and an adhesive layer disposed thereon. The base layer comprises the reaction product of a polyamide and an anhydride-functional copolymer, and an ionomer. The adhesive layer comprises a cationic polymer and an adhesive.

Abstract: Provided is a pressure sensitive adhesive sheet for tires that enables continuous and efficient labeling on tires using a labeling apparatus. The pressure sensitive adhesive sheet includes a release material (C), a first pressure sensitive adhesive layer (B1), a first substrate (A1), a second pressure sensitive adhesive layer (B2), and a second substrate (A2), in this order, and satisfies Requirement (1): in a planar view of the pressure sensitive adhesive sheet, the outline of the first pressure sensitive adhesive layer (B1) exists inside the outline of the second substrate (A2); and Requirement (2): the MD stiffness of the second substrate (A2), measured in the Gurley method according to JIS L 1085, is 0.10 mN or more.

Abstract: Provided is an adhesive member to be adhesively fixed through pressure which has both position adjustability and adhesiveness and is capable of producing a sufficient adhesive strength in addition to the position adjustability. The adhesive member comprises a support, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided on one surface of the support, and a plurality of protrusion elements arranged, in spaced-apart relation to each other, on a principal surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on a side opposite to the support. Each of the protrusion elements is composed of an aggregation of a plurality of cohesive particles, wherein the adhesive member has a frictional force of 0.4 N/cm2 or less, with respect to a stainless steel plate serving as an adherend, as measured when the protrusion elements are in contact with a surface of the adherend, and a shear adhesive strength of 45 N/cm2 or more.

Abstract: Provided are a pressure-sensitive adhesive film and a method of manufacturing an organic electronic device using the same. The pressure-sensitive adhesive film that may effectively block moisture or oxygen penetrated into an organic electronic device from an external environment, and exhibit reliability under harsh conditions such as high temperature and high humidity and excellent optical characteristics is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polishing composition comprising a pH of 6 or less, sulfonic acid-modified colloidal silica obtained by immobilizing sulfonic acid on surfaces of silica particles, and water, wherein the sulfonic acid-modified colloidal silica is derived from sulfonic acid-modified aqueous anionic silica sol produced by a production method comprising: a first reaction step of obtaining a reactant by heating raw colloidal silica having a number distribution ratio of 10% or less of microparticles having a particle diameter of 40% or less relative to a volume average particle diameter based on Heywood diameter (equivalent circle diameter) as determined by image analysis using a scanning electron microscope in the presence of a silane coupling agent having a functional group chemically convertible to a sulfonic acid group; and a second reaction step of converting the functional group to a sulfonic acid group by treating the reactant.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerant composition as a mixed refrigerant containing refrigerant components of difluoromethane (HFC32), pentafluoroethane (HFC125), and hexafluoropropene (FO1216). The makeup of the refrigerant components in the mixed refrigerant is configured such that a global warming potential (GWP) is 750 or less, a vapor pressure at 25° C. is in a range of 1.4 to 1.8 MPa, and a flame retardant parameter Fmix represented by formula (1) below is 0.46 or more. Fmix=?iFixi??(1) Here, Fmix indicates a flame retardant parameter of the refrigerant composition, Fi indicates a flame retardant parameter of each of the refrigerant components, and xi indicates a molar fraction of each of the refrigerant components.

Abstract: Drilling fluid compositions include invert emulsion fluids having an oleaginous phase, an aqueous phase, and an emulsifier composition that includes an ethoxylated alcohol compound and a polyaminated fatty acid compound. The ethoxylated alcohol compound has the formula R1—(OCH2CH2)n—OH, where R1 is a hydrocarbyl group having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms and n is from 1 to 8. The ethoxylated alcohol compound has a Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) of less than or equal to 6. The polyaminated fatty acid compound has the formula R2—CO—NH—CH2—CH2—N(COR2)—CH2—CH2—NH—CO—R3, where R2 is a hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and R3 is a hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkylene carboxylate group having formula —R4—COOH, where R4 is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbylene having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Methods of drilling wells include operating a drill in a wellbore in the presence of drilling fluid compositions.

Abstract: Compositions may contain an oleaginous base fluid, and a branched amidoamine surfactant prepared from the reaction of an alkylene amine or an oligoalkylene amine and a branched acid having a C4 to C24 primary hydrocarbon chain, and having one or more C1 to C24 branches. Methods may include emplacing a wellbore fluid into a wellbore, wherein the wellbore fluid contains an oleaginous base fluid; and a branched amidoamine surfactant prepared from the reaction of an alkylene amine or an oligoalkylene amine and a branched acid having a C4 to C24 primary hydrocarbon chain, and having one or more C1 to C24 branches.

Abstract: Various invert emulsion drilling fluid compositions. One such invert emulsion drilling fluid is a water in oil emulsion, which can include an invert emulsifier to stabilize the water in oil emulsion, a fatty acid, a 36 carbon fatty dimer diamine, a filtration control agent; and an inorganic mineral including one or more of lime, calcium chloride, and barite. The invert emulsion drilling fluids can be formulated to be substantially free of clay.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve the water dispersibility of the PVA-based resin and also to suppress the swelling of the PVA-based resin. The object is achieved by organic-inorganic composite particles, which have an average particle size of preferably 1 ?m to 3,000 ?m, including a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin and a component having a three-dimensional siloxane crosslinked structure that is derived from a hydrolysis-polycondensation product of an alkoxysilane and/or a low condensate thereof, wherein the alkoxysilane includes a T unit and/or a Q unit as a structural unit (s), and a Si content with respect to a total weight of the composite particles is 0.1 wt % or more and 23 wt % or less in terms of SiO2.

Abstract: A variety of systems, methods and compositions are disclosed. A method of well treatment may comprise providing a well treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a delayed hydratable polymer, wherein the delayed hydratable polymer comprises a hydratable polymer and amorphous silica. The method may further comprise introducing the well treatment fluid into a wellbore.

Abstract: Engineering bead slurries may be useful in producing lightweight cement slurries for use in subterranean cementing operations. For example, a method may include engineering a bead slurry to have a shelf-life of about 1 month or greater by performing at least one of (1) calculating the shelf-life for the bead slurry and (2) calculating a minimum yield point required to prevent a lightweight bead of the bead slurry from floating or settling in the bead slurry; wherein the bead slurry comprises a gelled base fluid and a plurality of lightweight beads having a specific gravity of about 0.8 or less; producing the bead slurry; mixing the bead slurry and a cement slurry to yield a lightweight cement slurry; introducing the lightweight cement slurry into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; and allowing the lightweight cement slurry to set therein.

Abstract: Wellbore servicing fluids including a shape memory material and methods of use are provided. A method may include: providing a wellbore servicing fluid including: a base fluid; and a shape memory material; deforming the shape memory material to have a temporary shape; introducing the wellbore servicing fluid into a wellbore; and activating the shape memory material such that the shape memory material changes from the temporary shape to an initial shape.

Abstract: A crude oil recovery chemical fluid is described and claimed. This fluid has been shown to exhibit excellent resistance to salt and high temperatures. This crude oil recovery chemical fluid includes a silane compound, an aqueous silica sol having an average particle diameter of from about 3 nm to about 200 nm, two or more anionic surfactants, and one or more nonionic surfactants.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced or improved oil recovery includes injecting a Y-Grade NGL enhanced oil recovery fluid through an injection well into a hydrocarbon bearing reservoir to mobilize and displace hydrocarbons. The Y-Grade NGL enhanced oil recovery fluid comprises an unfractionated hydrocarbon mixture. Simultaneously and/or subsequently, a mobility control fluid is injected into the hydrocarbon bearing formation. Hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon bearing reservoir are produced through a production well or the same injection well.

Abstract: A wavelength conversion element comprising a crosslinked matrix and at least one phosphor dispersed in said matrix, wherein said matrix is made from a precursor material comprising a precursor having a structure chosen from one of the generic formulae is provided. Further, a light emitting device comprising a wavelength conversion element and a method for producing a wavelength conversion element are provided.

Abstract: Shown is a bimesogenic compound having high solubility in a liquid crystal compound, a liquid crystal composition, a chiral dopant, an additive including an antioxidant or an ultraviolet light absorber, and a polymerizable liquid crystal compound, each of which is used in other bimesogenic compounds or a liquid crystal display device, while maintaining desired physical properties. A compound is represented by formula (1), a liquid crystal composition contains the compound, conjugate fibers with an encapsulated liquid crystal obtained from the liquid crystal composition, and a liquid crystal display device is obtained from the conjugate fibers with the encapsulated liquid crystal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid crystal (LC) medium comprising polymerisable compounds, to a process for its preparation, to its use for optical, electro-optical and electronic purposes, in particular in LC displays, and to LC displays comprising it.

Abstract: A process for forming an impact-modified flame retardant polymer fillers, as well as the impact-modified flame retardant polymer filler, are disclosed. A polymer filler is an additive that can be added to a polymer matrix. The polymer filler can be mixed or otherwise incorporated into a polymer to modify the properties of a polymer matrix to create the flame retardant material. The impact-modified flame retardant polymer fillers can include an impact-modified hydroxyapatite filler.

Abstract: A process is described for producing BTX and alcohols from biomass, by a) catalytic pyrolysis of the biomass in a fluidized-bed reactor producing a gaseous pyrolysis effluent; b) separation of said gaseous pyrolysis effluent into at least one BTX fraction and a gaseous effluent containing at least carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, c) sending all of the gaseous effluent from separation b) into fermentation producing a liquid fermentation stream containing at least one stream containing at least one oxygenated compound chosen from alcohols, diols, acid alcohols, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones and esters, d) separating the fermentation stream obtained on conclusion of c) into at least the stream containing at least one oxygenated compound, an aqueous fraction, and an unreacted gaseous effluent, e) recycling at least part of unreacted gaseous effluent into the catalytic pyrolysis a).

Abstract: A method (100) is proposed for processing a mixture of substances which contains predominantly or solely hydrocarbons having from M to N carbon atoms, which include sulfur-containing hydrocarbons, a first feed being formed using fluid of the mixture of substances and being subjected to a first separation in which a first fraction is formed which contains predominantly or solely hydrocarbons having from X to Y carbon atoms and at least a portion of the sulfur-containing hydrocarbons contained in the first feed, and a second feed being formed using fluid of the first fraction and being subjected to a desulfurisation, in which the sulfur-containing hydrocarbons contained in the second feed are converted predominantly or completely and hydrocarbons having more than Y carbon atoms are formed as secondary products, with the result that a product mixture of the desulfurisation contains predominantly or solely hydrocarbons having from X to Y carbon atoms and the secondary products, where M is five or six, X is five o

Abstract: An approach is provided for processing mixed solid waste using an integrated bioenergy complex. The approach, for instance, involves receiving the mixed solid waste at the integrated bioenergy complex, the integrated bioenergy complex including an organic conversion processing center and an inorganic conversion processing center. The approach also involves separating the mixed solid waste into recyclables, an organic waste stream, and an inorganic waste stream. The approach further involves feeding the organic waste stream to the organic conversion processing center to produce organic conversion products and an organic residual, and feeding the organic residual and the inorganic waste stream to the inorganic conversion processing center to produce inorganic conversion products, electric power, and a residual waste. The electric power is used to partially or fully power the organic conversion processing center, and residual waste is less than a target percentage of the received mixed solid waste.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to the introduction of a renewable fuel oil as a feedstock into refinery systems or field upgrading equipment. For example, the present application is directed to methods of introducing a liquid thermally produced from biomass into a petroleum conversion unit; for example, a refinery fluid catalytic cracker (FCC), a coker, a field upgrader system, a hydrocracker, and/or hydrotreating unit; for co-processing with petroleum fractions, petroleum fraction reactants, and/or petroleum fraction feedstocks and the products, e.g., fuels, and uses and value of the products resulting therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for separation of asphaltenes from an oil-containing fuel, has a mixing element for intensive mixing of the oil-containing fuel with a solvent to form a solution supersaturated with asphaltenes, a vessel for reducing the oversaturation by depositing the asphaltenes out of the supersaturated solution, a growth zone formed within the vessel for growth of asphaltene particles present via the asphaltenes separated out of the supersaturated solution, and a classifying unit connected in terms of flow to the vessel for separation of the asphaltene particles grown in the growth zone in terms of their particle size, wherein the vessel is formed and set up such that a stream containing asphaltene particles circulates between the mixing element and the growth zone of the vessel. A corresponding process has a stream containing asphaltene particles that circulates between the mixing element and the growth zone of the vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for solvent deasphalting of steam cracker tar. The resulting deasphalted oil produced from the steam cracker tar can then be hydroprocessed, such as hydrotreated and/or hydrocracked in a fixed bed reactor. The solvent deasphalting can correspond to a mild or trim deasphalting or can correspond to solvent deasphalting at higher solvent to oil ratios. Performing a trim deasphalting can reduce or minimize the amount of deasphalting residue that is formed as a product from the deasphalting process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the separation of classes of paraffins from a hydrocarbon sample can include a first column comprising a first zeolite adsorbent material for the isolation of one or more n-paraffins from the hydrocarbon sample and generation of a first eluate including one or more iso-paraffins and one or more one-ring or multi-ring naphthenes. The system can further include a second column, coupled to the first column, comprising a second zeolite adsorbent material for the isolation of one or more iso-paraffins or one-ring naphthenes from the first eluate and generation of a second eluate including one or more multi-ring naphthenes.

Abstract: Treatment of hydrocarbon streams, and in one non-limiting embodiment refinery distillates, with reducing agents, such as borohydride and salts thereof, alone or together with at least one co-solvent results in reduction of the sulfur compounds such as disulfides, mercaptans, thiophenes, and thioethers that are present to give easily removed sulfides. In one non-limiting embodiment, the treatment converts the original sulfur compounds into hydrogen sulfide or low molecular weight mercaptans that can be extracted from the distillate with caustic solutions, hydrogen sulfide or mercaptan scavengers, solid absorbents such as clay or activated carbon or liquid absorbents such as amine-aldehyde condensates and/or aqueous aldehydes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regenerative reactor system which includes a reverse flow regenerative reactor. The reverse flow regenerative reactor includes a housing enclosing an interior region, and process flow components configured to manage the flow of a pyrolysis stream through the interior region. The process flow components include reactor beds. The reverse flow regenerative reactor also includes a pyrolysis inlet conduit for managing flow of the pyrolysis stream to the reverse flow regenerative reactor, and further includes a liquid distribution device that is configured to disperse a liquid portion of the pyrolysis stream along an internal surface of the pyrolysis inlet conduit.

Abstract: An ebullated bed process for the hydroconversion of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks that provides for high conversion of the heavy hydrocarbon with a low sediment yield. The process uses for its catalyst bed small particles of a specifically defined shaped hydroprocessing catalyst which is contacted with the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock under hydroconversion conditions and yields a hydrocarbon conversion having a relatively low sediment content.

Abstract: Rheology modifying agents and methods of modifying the rheology of a slurry are disclosed. Methods for the prevention of fouling and methods for monitoring the rheology of a slurry are also provided. The slurry can be a lime slurry or a magnesium oxide slurry, for example. The rheology modifying agent can be polymer-grafted nanocrystalline cellulose. The rheology modifying agent can optionally include other components, such as a chelating agent.

Abstract: A carbonaceous fuel gasification system for a supercritical CO2 power cycle system includes a micronized char preparation system comprising a devolatilizer that receives solid carbonaceous fuel, hydrogen, oxygen, and fluidizing steam and produces micronized char, steam, hydrogen, and volatiles. An indirect gasifier includes a vessel comprising a gasification chamber that receives the micronized char, a conveying gas, and steam where the gasification chamber provides syngas, ash, and steam. A combustion chamber receives syngas and an oxidant and burns the mixture of syngas with the oxidant to provide heat for gasification and for heating incoming flows, thereby generating steam and CO2. The heat for gasification is transferred from the combustion chamber to the gasification chamber by circulating refractory sand. A syngas cooler cools the syngas and generates steam and provides to a supercritical CO2 power cycle system that performs a supercritical CO2 power cycle for generating power.

Abstract: A method is provided for the production of pellets or briquettes from lignin containing material in the form of processable particles wherein the method includes the steps of: passing the material having a relative moisture content of more than about 20%, by weight, to a drying step and drying it to a relative moisture content of about 0-30% by weight; passing the material to a heat treatment step and heating the material to about 180-235° C. by injecting steam into a reactor; maintaining the material in the reactor at the temperature reached for a sufficient time to soften the material and release lignin; reducing the pressure in the reactor in at least one step; and pelletizing or briquetting the treated material. The invention also concerns pellets or briquettes produced by the method.

Abstract: A cannabis oil extraction apparatus may include an extraction unit, condenser, winterization unit, micron filter, preheater, short-path distillation unit, and condenser. The extraction unit may utilize cellular disruption in a food grade solvent to extract cannabis oil from plant material. The short-path distillation unit may utilize molecular distillation. The short-path distillation unit may include a recirculation loop for multiple passes through the short-path distillation unit to separate extract components by weight. In one example, multiple short-path distillation units may be aligned is series to incrementally separate extract components by weight.

Abstract: Fragrance accords are provided herein that can provide a consumer with a perception of hygiene. The fragrance accords can include one or more of a citrus compound, floral compound, herbal/aromatic compound, and sulfur containing compound. The accords are suitable for incorporation into a fragrance composition and/or a consumer product to enhance the perception of hygiene. Methods of stimulating the perception of hygiene with the fragrance accords are also provided.

Abstract: Laundry detergents and their use for cold-water cleaning are disclosed. The detergents comprise a lipase and a mid-chain headgroup surfactant or an alkylene-bridged surfactant. The mid-chain headgroup surfactants have a C14-C30 alkyl chain and a polar group bonded to a central zone carbon of the C14-C30 alkyl chain. The alkylene-bridged surfactants comprise a C12-C18 alkyl chain, a polar group, and a C1-C2 alkylene group bonded to the polar group and a central zone carbon of the C12-C18 alkyl chain. Surprisingly, when combined with lipases, detergents formulated with the mid-chain headgroup or alkylene-bridged surfactants effectively liquefy greasy soils at low temperature and provide outstanding cold-water performance in removing greasy stains such as bacon grease, butter, cooked beef fat, or beef tallow from soiled articles.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions which can be used to clean surfaces and treat materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fabric softener active compositions comprising a combination of a mixture of quarternary ester ammonium compounds and fatty solvents (a fatty acid ester, a fatty acid, a fatty alcohol and mixtures thereof) and methods of making and using the same. The fabric softener active compositions preferably comprise component (a), said component being a mixture of quarternary ester ammonium compounds obtained by esterification of a mixture of alkanolamines comprises at least a trialkanolamine and a monoalkyldialkanolamine; component (b), said component being a fatty acid ester or a mixture of fatty acid esters, wherein the component (b) content is in the range from 5 to 60% wt. based on the total weight of the fabric softener active composition; and a component (c), said component being a fatty acid or a mixture of fatty acids, wherein the component (c) content is in the range from 0 to 15% wt. based on the total weight of the fabric softener active composition.

Abstract: A cleaning composition for a glass hard disk substrate has high detergency and can reduce the deterioration of the surface roughness of a substrate. In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a cleaning composition for a glass hard disk substrate, which contains an amine (component A) expressed by the formula (I) and a surface active agent (component B) expressed by the formula (II).

Abstract: A single dose pack includes a container including a water-soluble film and a single dose laundry detergent composition encapsulated within the container. The single dose laundry detergent composition includes about 0.01 to about 0.5 weight percent of zinc ricinoleate based on a total weight of the composition, about 0.07 to about 2.7 weight percent of sodium iminodisuccinate based on a total weight of the composition, and about 2.7 to about 35 weight percent of a non-aqueous solvent based on a total weight of the composition. The composition also includes water and about 35 to about 75 weight percent of a surfactant based on a total weight of the composition. The composition has a water activity of from about 0.45 to about 0.8 measured at about 25° C. and has a turbidity of less than about 25 NTU measured after ageing at about 75° F. for about 24 hours.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for in-line detection of chemical compounds in beer are provided. In these apparatus, methods, and systems, a small sample of wort is removed from a fermentation vessel, heated, analyzed by infrared attenuated total reflectance (IR-ATR) spectroscopy, and returned to the fermentation vessel. The concentrations of one or more chemical compounds in the wort can be ascertained directly from IR-ATR spectroscopy data, or indirectly from applying an algorithm to the IR-ATR spectroscopy data based on known reaction kinetics and stoichiometry. The apparatus, methods, and systems do not destroy the wort sample or contaminate the fermenting wort and so can be employed continuously during fermentation, and are rapid, accurate, and inexpensive.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for mixing multiphase flowing particles. The apparatus (100) comprises a conduit (100a) adapted to channelize the multiphase flowing particles. At least one flow diverter (101) is positioned in the conduit (100a), which is adapted to divert the flow of multiphase flowing particles into a plurality of flow streams. Further, at least one flow element (102) is disposed in the conduit (100a) along at least one of the plurality of flow streams, which is configured to inject fluid onto the plurality of flow streams at a velocity greater than the velocity of the plurality of flow streams. This induces a swirling flow of at least one of the plurality of flow streams, thereby facilitating mixing of the multiphase flowing particles in the conduit (100a).

Abstract: An algal growth system can include a frame and a flexible sheet material that can have a substantially vertical orientation, where the flexible sheet material can be configured to facilitate the growth and attachment of algae, where the flexible sheet material can be supported by the frame. The algal growth system can include a first drive shaft, where the first drive shaft can be coupled with the frame, where the first drive shaft can support and actuate the flexible sheet material, a gear system, where the gear system can be coupled with the first drive shaft, a first roller, where the first roller can be coupled with the frame and can be configured to guide the flexible sheet material, and a drive motor, where the drive motor can be coupled with the gear system, where the drive motor can actuate the gear system and the at least one drive shaft such that the flexible sheet material can be actuated.

Abstract: A method of testing an analyte can include using a cell culture device that includes: at least three distinct chambers between the top wall and bottom wall. The chambers can include: an internal chamber defined by at least one porous internal wall; one or more boundary layer chambers having at least an inner boundary layer chamber defined by the at least one porous internal wall and at least one porous inner boundary layer wall, the at least one porous internal wall having a plurality of pores fluidically coupling the central internal chamber to the one or more boundary layer chamber; and an outer chamber.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to the control and manipulation of fluidic species, for example, in microfluidic systems. In one set of embodiments, droplets may be sorted using surface acoustic waves. The droplets may contain cells or other species. In some cases, the surface acoustic waves may be created using a surface acoustic wave generator such as an interdigitated transducer, and/or a material such as a piezoelectric substrate. The piezoelectric substrate may be isolated from the microfluidic substrate except at or proximate the location where the droplets are sorted, e.g., into first or second microfluidic channels. At such locations, the microfluidic substrate may be coupled to the piezoelectric substrate (or other material) by one or more coupling regions. In some cases, relatively high sorting rates may be achieved, e.g., at rates of at least about 1,000 Hz, at least about 10,000 Hz, or at least about 100,000 Hz, and in some embodiments, with high cell viability after sorting.

Abstract: A transfer device designed to extract an amorphous or semi-solid structure, tissue, or construct from supporting media while maintaining the spatial integrity/organizational architecture thereof. The transfer device can include a controller, an actuator assembly, a plunger, and a needle. The controller can move the transfer device and the plunger independently.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a system and method for control of at least one bioreactor, other cell cultivation-related equipment, and systems containing any combination of these in a plant. For example, a Plant-Wide Control System (PWCS) or a Process Control System (PCS) may be divided into three main components: hardware (including operating systems, such as a controller communicating with one or more servers of a network associated with the PWCS, (2) software (such as a control module) for performing control, and (3) one or more instrument control loops, which may be used by the software to maintain certain process values. Moreover, a Height Equivalent of a Theoretical Plate (HETP) value and an asymmetry factor may be determined based on real-time analysis on a chromatography column, using PWCS components.

Abstract: Reactors, systems and processes for the production of biomass by culturing microorganisms in aqueous liquid culture medium circulating inner loop reactor which utilize nonvertical pressure reduction zones are described. Recovery and processing of the culture microorganisms to obtain products, such as proteins or hydrocarbons is described.