Abstract: Methods for conserving the use of fresh wash water in crude oil desalting are described. A crude oil stream including salt mixes with a wash water stream to form an emulsion. The emulsion flows to a desalter, and the wash water coalesces to reform the wash water stream and to transfer at least a portion of the salt from the crude oil stream to the wash water stream. The crude oil stream with reduced salt content separates from the wash water stream. The effluent, which includes the wash water stream, flows from the desalter to a processing unit. The effluent is processed to reduce a concentration of salt in the effluent to be substantially equal to or less than a concentration of salt in the wash water stream. At least a portion of the processed effluent mixes with the crude oil stream before the emulsion flows to the desalter.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides processes for hydroprocessing hydrocarbon feedstocks comprising a silicon content of about 1 wppm or greater. In at least one embodiment, a process includes introducing, in a reactor or to the reactor, a hydrocarbon feedstock having a silicon content of at least about 1 wppm, based on the total weight of the hydrocarbon feedstock, to a treat gas to produce a hydrocarbon feedstock/treat gas mixture. The process includes introducing the hydrocarbon feedstock/treat gas mixture to a catalyst composition comprising at least one group 6 metal and at least one group 8-10 metal, wherein the molar ratio of group 6 metal to group 8-10 metal is from about 10:1 to about 1:10. The process includes obtaining a liquid product comprising a sulfur content of 5,000 wppm or less. Furthermore, processes of the present disclosure provide hydroprocessing of high Si content feeds using hydrocarbon feeds at high liquid hourly space velocities.

Abstract: A method of utilizing a catalytic complex having a transition metal (e.g. nickel, cobalt) ion coordinated to a calixarene ligand in upgrading hydrocarbon feedstocks containing C20 through C50 hydrocarbons (e.g. vacuum gas oil) to produce light petroleum products (e.g. medium distillate, naphtha) is specified. A method of using the catalytic complex with a supported co-catalyst to synergistically hydrocrack the feedstocks is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a supercritical water (SCW)-treated product is provided. The method comprising the steps of introducing a crude oil stream and a water stream to a supercritical water process, wherein the crude oil stream can undergo conversion reactions to produce the supercritical water (SCW)-treated product, wherein the SCW-treated product includes an increased paraffin concentration as compared to crude oil stream. The method further includes the step of introducing the SCW-treated product to a steam cracking process, wherein the SCW-treated product can undergo conversion reactions to produce furnace effluent.

Abstract: A gasification unit includes a gasifier configured to gasify a carbon-containing solid fuel; a pressure vessel housing the gasification furnace; a pressure holding section that is to be filled with a pressurizing gas and is provided between the gasifier and the pressure vessel; a pressurizing gas supply device configured to supply a pressurizing gas to the pressure holding section; pressure equalizing pipes by which the inside of the gasifier is communicated with the pressure holding section; a pressure difference detection and estimation device configured to detect or estimate a pressure difference between a first pressure on the gasifier side and a second pressure on the pressure holding section side; and a control device configured to control the pressurizing gas supply device such that the second pressure is higher than the first pressure based on a detection or estimation result of the pressure difference detection and estimation device.

Abstract: There is disclosed an antifoam component which includes at least one poly(acrylate) copolymer for use in a fuel. Poly(acrylate) polymers prepared by polymerizing a (meth)acrylate monomer comprising C1 to C30 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid (“multifunctional monomer”) are also disclosed. Other poly(acrylate) polymers prepared by polymerizing (i) a (meth)acrylate monomer comprising C1 to C4 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid (“solubility monomer”); (ii) a (meth)acrylate monomer comprising C5 to C12 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid (“surface tension monomer”); and (iii) optionally at least one additional monomer comprising a solubility monomer, a surface tension monomer, a monomer comprising C1 to C30 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid (“multifunctional monomer”), or combinations thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are octane enhancing additives and methods that improve a liquid fuel composition's octane rating. A liquid fuel composition may comprise a liquid fuel and an octane enhancing additive. The octane enhancing additive may comprise an indoline compound with a bicyclic ring structure, wherein the indoline compound comprises a six-membered aromatic ring and a five-membered aliphatic ring that share a carbon-carbon aromatic bond. The five-membered aliphatic ring may be heterocyclic and may comprise a nitrogen positioned in an alpha position to the six-membered aromatic ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biofuel, particularly an advanced solid biofuel, comprising waste coffee grounds.

Abstract: A method for producing an odor-free HTC coal, at least comprising the following steps: a) providing a biomass; b) performing a hydrothermal carbonization in order to produce a carbon sludge, the carbon sludge comprising HTC coal and HTC process water; c) separating HTC coal and HTC process water by a mechanical dewatering process; d) heating the HTC coal to a temperature of at least 150 degrees Celsius in order to remove highly volatile carbon compounds.

Abstract: An oxide film (170) is formed on a surface of a base material (175) that is a sintered body constituted by an iron-based material. The oxide film (170) includes a first layer (171), a second layer (172), and a third layer (173). The first layer (171) is located on an outermost surface and is constituted by at least fine crystals. The second layer (172) is located under the first layer (171) and contains columnar structures. The third layer (173) contains columnar structures and is provided on the second layer (172) through an interface (174) so as to be located close to the base material (175). The first layer (171) includes a dense layer (171a). The oxide film (170) can exhibit satisfactory abrasion resistance.

Abstract: The present application relates to the use, in a lubricant composition comprising at least one base oil, of 2 to 12% by weight, relative to the weight of said lubricant composition, of an ester that has a viscosity at 100° C. of between 200 and 1000 cSt, for the purpose of improving the cleanliness of an engine.

Abstract: An overbased metal detergent grease comprising at least one of polyalkylene glycol and/or an acid having at least one of both a nitrogen and a sulfur atom. The grease has improved extreme pressure performance as measured by the Standard Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure Properties of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method), ASTM D2596. Methods of making an overbased metal detergent grease comprising using at least one of polyalkylene glycol and/or an acid having at least one of both a nitrogen and a sulfur atom. Methods of lubricating mechanical components using the grease comprising contacting the mechanical component with the grease. Mechanical components can include gears, drivetrain elements, bearings, hinges, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A gear lubricant composition includes at least 97% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition, of at least one hydrocarbon-based oil that includes a weight content of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 0%, a weight content of normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10% and a carbon content of biological origin greater than or equal to 90% relative to the total weight of the oil, at least 0.01% by weight, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition, of at least one additive selected among the anti-wear additives, extreme pressure additives, anti-corrosion additives, additives having metal-deactivating properties, anti-foam additives, anti-oxidant additives selected among the phenolic anti-oxidants, and the mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Provided are industrial processes for producing a fatty acid alkyl ester from a natural oil feedstock or a mixed lipid feedstock, wherein the natural oil feedstock comprises a free (un-esterified) organic acid such as a free fatty acid, comprising: producing fatty acid alkyl esters using an alcoholysis reaction such as a vapor phase alcoholysis reaction or a supercritical alcoholysis reaction, wherein the alcoholysis reaction takes place under conditions comprising: mixing the natural oil feedstock and/or mixed lipid feedstock and alcohol into an alcoholysis reactor or equivalent, and then depressurizing, and then recovering the fatty acid alkyl esters from the alcoholysis reactor or equivalent by distillation in a distillation column, leaving a still pitch or distillation bottoms in the distillation column or equivalent, wherein the fatty acid alkyl esters can be removed from the alcoholysis reactor or equivalent with or without cooling of the reaction mixture prior to depressurization.

Abstract: Fabric care compositions that include certain glyceride polymers, particularly those obtainable by certain processes, such as using olefin metathesis to oligomerize unsaturated glycerides. Processes of making and using such compositions, including processes of treating a fabric with such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns one or more bacteria cultures of the genus Bacillus, Lysinibacillus or Pseudomonas, a composition comprising the bacteria cultures, the use of the bacteria cultures for preventing and/or reducing amount of free fatty acids and a method for washing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having mannanase activity, catalytic domains, and carbohydrate binding modules, and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains, and carbohydrate binding modules. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains, and carbohydrate binding modules.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an enzyme delivery system having a plurality of solution spun fibers. The solution spun fibers made from a water soluble polymeric resin and an enzyme. The enzyme is encapsulated in the solution spun fibers and is present in an amount from 0.1 to 40 wt % based on total weight of the solution spun fibers. The percent of active enzyme after encapsulation is from 50 to 100%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an automatic dishwashing detergent product, said product being provided as a discrete dosage unit and comprising a continuous, non-aqueous gel phase, comprising manufacturing said gel phase by a method comprising free radical polymerisation of monomer(s) in a non-aqueous reaction mixture to form a polymeric builder; wherein said reaction mixture comprises: at least one non-ionic surfactant which is an optionally end-capped alcohol alkoxylate; and one or more monomers comprising acrylic acid and optionally one or more further ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated acids, wherein no more than 0.1 wt % of the total amount of the monomer(s) are crosslinking monomer(s).

Abstract: Provided among other things are a cleaning composition comprising a carrier fluid comprising in the carrier fluid polymer comprising particulate super absorbent polymer (PSAP), wherein the PSAP as in the cleaning composition is substantially at the percolation volume fraction or higher; wherein the cleaning composition can be passed over a surface driven by a pressure drop effective to render the composition traditional biofilm (TBF) cleaning effective and protein cleaning effective.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beer-making device which allows to produce beer, in which yeast is alive, directly on the ground for sale without expert knowledge and can produce various kinds of beer at once, automatically, cheaply and easily, without the possibility of contamination due to contact with the external environment.

Abstract: The present invention is an alcoholic beverage having the sensory characteristics of a traditionally aged distilled spirit based on the individualized palate preferences of an individual. The method includes having an individual taste multiple standardized distilled spirits, mixing the standardized distilled spirits until a desired sensory experience is met, and then scaling up production of the same desired sensory experience for that particular individual.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for reducing cost and space requirements and increasing ease of cleaning/harvesting of algae scrubbers and seaweed cultivators by utilizing illumination domes, macroalgal settlement structures, reservoirs including overflowing and pole mount, repositionable water outlet structures, 3D printed macroalgal attachment materials, and submersible macroalgal illumination devices.

Abstract: A device simulates a function of a tissue and includes a first structure defining a first chamber, a second structure defining a plurality of second chambers, and a membrane located at an interface region between the first chamber and the plurality of second chambers. The second structure extends along the first chamber. Each of the second chambers has a fluid therein, with each fluid having an agent of a different concentration and/or flowing at a different flow rate. The membrane, which separates the first chamber from the plurality of second chambers, has cells adhered on a first side facing toward the first chamber and on a second side facing toward the plurality of second chambers.

Abstract: Equipment for fermentation of beverages, particularly kombucha, that limits alcohol production during fermentation, increases throughput by reducing fermentation times, and utilizes production plant floorspace efficiently. Unlike traditional fermentation equipment that uses large, often cylindrical, vats, embodiments of the invention use vertical stacks of relatively shallow fermentation trays. The shallow trays increase the ratio of surface area to liquid volume, thereby improving oxygen flow to the fermenting liquid; increased oxygen flow reduces alcohol production for kombucha and reduces fermentation time. Air gaps between trays in the vertical stack, and headspace between the top of the fermenting liquid and the tray top edges, are optimized to promote oxygen flow. Fermentation trays are stacked vertically to maintain high production capacity with limited facility floorspace.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for generating orthotopic models of cancer. The devices and methods include providing a microfluidic device having a body, the body including a first microchannel separated from a second microchannel by an at least partially porous membrane, the membrane having a first side facing the first microchannel and a second side facing the second microchannel, seeding the first side of the membrane with healthy cells and cancer cells such that the cancer cells are seeded with a differentiated tissue layer, and culturing the healthy cells and the cancer cells within the microfluidic device by flowing medium through one or more of the first and second microchannels with or without endothelium in the second channel.

Abstract: An organ-on-chip apparatus includes a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, and an interface. Respective portions of the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel may extend parallel to and adjacent each other, and the interface may be disposed between the respective portions of the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel such that fluid exchange between the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel is via the interface. The first and second fluid channels may be defined in an extracellular matrix material.

Abstract: Methods of production of edible filamentous fungal biomat formulations are provided as standalone protein sources and/or protein ingredients in foodstuffs as well as a one-time use or repeated use self-contained biomat reactor comprising a container with at least one compartment and placed within the compartment(s), a feedstock, a fungal inoculum, a gas-permeable membrane, and optionally a liquid nutrient medium.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing clonal cell populations are described. In some instances the disclosed methods comprise: a) identifying and selecting a cell based on its position on a surface or in a container, where the selection is not based on whether the cell comprises an exogenous label or an expressed reporter; b) photoablating all non-selected cells on the surface or in the container; and c) growing a clonal population of the selected cell.

Abstract: Disclosed mechanical stimulator systems can maintain the sterility of biological samples within a multi-well plate while mechanically stimulating the samples. The systems disclosed herein allow for the individual activation by mechanical compression of a high number of samples at the same time, while maintaining sterility of the samples. The well plates, guides, actuations pistons, and other components of the disclosed systems can be configured to be contained in or adjacent to an incubator that can control properties such as gas levels and temperature while at the same time allowing for the mechanical actuation of the biological samples.

Abstract: A measuring device for a container having a process connection for determining the concentration of a constituent in an essentially liquid container content, comprising a concentration sensor, wherein the measuring device comprises a filter, an extraction line and a pump, wherein the filter is arranged within the container and the concentration sensor is arranged outside of the container, and the extraction line runs, starting from the filter, through the process connection to the concentration sensor, with the concentration sensor being connected to the pump, and the pump conveys the container content from the container through the filter across the extraction line to the concentration sensor, with the extraction line having at least one bend located between the filter and the process connection.

Abstract: Provided is a method in which visibility of colonies of microorganisms in a medium is improved and quantitative counting of the number of microorganisms can be simply and accurately performed. The method of counting the number of microorganisms includes a step of adding a analyte to a composition containing (a) a polymer compound that can form non-flowable transparent gel without passing through dissolution by heating and without depending on cooling, (b) guar gum and (c) a nutritional ingredient and mixing the resulting mixture, a step of culturing the microorganisms contained in the analyte, and a step of counting the number of colonies of the microorganisms.

Abstract: A microorganism contamination countermeasure selection device includes a gene information acquirer configured to acquire gene information indicating information on genes of microorganisms contained in a sample, an index determiner configured to determine at least one of microorganism indexes corresponding to the gene information acquired by the gene information acquirer based on the gene information acquired by the gene information acquirer and a microorganism index table in which a microorganism index based on features of the microorganisms is associated with at least one of the gene information, and a contamination countermeasure selector configured to select at least one of contamination countermeasures corresponding to the microorganism index determined by the index determiner based on the microorganism index determined by the index determiner and a contamination countermeasure table in which a contamination countermeasure against contamination by the microorganisms is associated with at least one of the

Abstract: A cell separation device configured for separating cells from microcarriers or spheroids in a liquid is provided. The cell separation device includes a vessel comprising a first port, a second port, and a cavity; and a porous mesh disposed within the cavity to divide the cavity into a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first port is in communication with the first compartment of the cavity, the first port located to a first side of the porous mesh, wherein the second port is in communication with the second compartment of the cavity, the second port located to a second side of the porous mesh, and wherein the porous mesh is positioned within the cavity to have a substantially vertical orientation or an inclined orientation with respect to a flow of liquid through the porous mesh.

Abstract: A method of cultivating algal cells of an algae belonging to a class selected from Chlorophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Haptophyceae includes: irradiating the algal cells with an artificial light having a ratio of (i) photon flux density in a wavelength range of 520-630 nm to (ii) photosynthetic photon flux density, that is 65% or more; and measuring a condition of the algal cells and/or a condition of an algal cell culture provided by cultivating the algal cells. Irradiation and non-irradiation of the algal cells with the artificial light are switched, or the photon flux density in the wavelength range of 520-630 nm is changed, according to the measured condition of the algal cells and/or the measured condition of the algal cell culture.

Abstract: A system for identifying Candida auris is disclosed. The system has two aspects. The first is a positive selection of C. auris based on C. auris's distinctive resistance to quaternary ammonium compounds (especially at elevated incubation temperatures). The second is a negative selection of C. auris based on C. auris's distinctive sensitive to tert-Butyl-hydroperoxide. C. auris can be identified in a sample through use of a positive-selection culture medium, which fosters C. auris colony growth while suppressing growth of other yeasts. The isolate can be confirmed as C. auris through use of a negative-selection culture medium, which suppresses C. auris colony growth while permitting growth of other yeasts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of probiotics, more particularly to the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. Even more particularly the present invention relates to enhanced probiotic potency of S. boulardii. The present invention provides mutant alleles useful to develop yeast strains with enhanced production of acetic acid. In addition, the invention also relates to the use of such yeast strains for the production of dietary supplements or pharmaceutical compositions to improve gastrointestinal comfort.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to genetically engineered microorganisms for treating or reducing the risk of bacterial infections or dysbiosis, and further discloses methods of making and using such microorganisms.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and culture systems for production of a biologically active Wnt polypeptide under a minimal serum condition. Also described herein include methods and culture systems for production of a biologically active Wnt polypeptide in a serum-free condition.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preparing thymic organoids according to embodiments of the invention. Also disclosed are methods of preparing thymic emigrant cells in vitro, according to embodiments of the invention. Also disclosed are methods of treating or preventing a condition in a mammal, e g , cancer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of inducing pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into clinically applicable retinal ganglion cells. The present invention provides a method for inducing pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into retinal ganglion cells that can be used for clinical application. Such method is a method for producing retinal ganglion cells with elongated axons comprising the following steps: (a) a step of inducing pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into retinal progenitor cells via floating culture; (b) a step of inducing the retinal progenitor cells obtained in step (a) to differentiate into retinal ganglion cells via floating culture; and (c) a step of allowing axons to elongate via adhesion culture of the retinal ganglion cells obtained in step (b).

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for generating improved T cells having increased Ezh2 activity and methods of use thereof in the treatment of cancer and chronic infection.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and uses of genetically modified NKT cells to induce an NKT cell immune response against tumor or to change a microenvironment of the tumor by suppressing an activity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells are presented. In some embodiments, naive NKT cells are obtained from a patient having a tumor, and are genetically engineered to include a chimeric protein, a T cell receptor, a hybrid T cell receptor replacing the endogenous T cell receptor, or one of CD40L and Fas-L. The naive or genetically modified NKT cells can be administered to a cancer patient to trigger and/or boost immune response against the tumor.

Abstract: The present application provides a culture system and method for expanding hematopoietic stem cells and/or hematopoietic progenitor cells, hematopoietic stem cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells. The culture system comprises a basal medium suitable for expanding stem cells; and a JNK signaling pathway inhibitor. Groups of JNK signaling pathway inhibitor are described and provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for promoting the maintenance, expansion, and transplantation of stem cells by culturing the cells under conditions which increase expression and/or activity of Hsf1.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of using a cell-derived extracellular matrix derived in-vitro from cells isolated from amniotic fluid (AFC-ECM) for the maturation of immature cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (immature hiPSC-CMs) in culture forming mature cardiomyocytes. Also disclosed herein is a cell construct comprising a monolayer of these mature cardiomyocytes on an AFC-ECM useful for cardiotoxicity and/or proarrhythmic screening assays of drug compounds. Also disclosed herein are methods for determining the cardiotoxicity and/or proarrhythmic effect of a drug compound in vitro using such cell constructs.

Abstract: A method for producing mesenchymal stem cells from neonatal stem cells includes: extracting cells from an umbilical cord; extracting cells from an amniotic membrane, extracting cells from umbilical cord blood; producing serum from the umbilical cord blood; and suspending the cells in the serum of the umbilical cord blood; whereby about 20% to 30% of the total cells populations are mesenchymal stem cells. The method also includes cryopreserving the mesenchymal stem cells for storage at a temperature of about ?80° Celsius. The method also includes performing the extractions from a C-section delivery. The method also includes requiring the donor answer a health questionnaire in regards to providing the umbilical cord, the amniotic membrane, and the umbilical cord blood.

Abstract: [Problem] The present invention addresses the problem of providing a method for efficiently preparing dental pulp stem cells from dental pulp cells collected from dental pulp tissue. [Solution Means] The method for preparing dental pulp stem cells from dental pulp cells collected from dental pulp tissue according to the present invention includes: (a) a step for preculturing dental pulp cells using a culture medium that includes serum at 7-13% (v/v), the dental pulp cells being bonded to a culture dish; (b) a step for culturing the dental pulp cells bonded to the culture dish by step (a) at least for one day using a culture medium that includes serum at 7-13% (v/v); and (c) a step for culturing the dental pulp cells in a low-serum condition after step (b).

Abstract: A method for preparing an agonist for improving boar sperm motility includes: (1) collecting and infiltrating a testicular tissue of a young boar 3-5 days after born; (2) washing the tissue with PBS; (3) incubating the tissue in a cell culture medium, and centrifuging the cell suspension to remove a supernatant; (4) adding hyaluronidase and collagenase IV followed by shaking, and adding the cell culture medium and centrifuging to remove a supernatant; (5) adding trypsin and deoxyribonuclease followed by shaking, and adding the cell culture medium; (6) filtering the cell suspension by a cell sieve; (7) centrifuging to remove a supernatant, and adding the cell culture medium; (8) culturing and passaging the cells; (9) culturing and storing the cell suspension. The invention has the advantages of good application effect, low cost and simple production process.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for inducing the reprogramming of a non-pluripotent to an iPSC having desirable properties using a vector system providing transient and temporal expression of transgenes that are short-lived. Also provided are reprogramming cells and iPSC populations or clonal cell lines using the provided reprogramming methods and compositions. Further provided are genome-engineered iPSCs and derived cells redifferentiated therefrom to comprise targeted editing involving insertions and deletions in one or more selected genomic loci.