Abstract: Disclosed is a process and plant for producing biocoal in which biogenous starting material located in retorts is pyrolyzed and the flammable pyrolysis gases formed by the pyrolyses are burned to generate hot flue gases. The retorts are introduced consecutively into at least one reactor chamber and by use of the flue gases the pyrolyses are performed therein. The retorts are at least largely closed toward entry of hot flue gases and the heating of the starting materials located in the retorts by the flue gasses is effected only indirectly via the heating of the retorts.

Abstract: A two-stage reactor/process is disclosed for the conversion of solid particulate biomass material and includes: a first stage, in which solid particulate biomass material is pyrolyzed to primary reaction products, and a second stage in which the primary reaction products are catalytically converted in a second stage which is operated at a temperature higher than that of the first stage.

Abstract: A process for preparing normal paraffins involves separating a Fischer-Tropsch product stream to obtain first gaseous and liquid hydrocarbon streams. The first gaseous hydrocarbon stream is cooled and separated to obtain a second liquid hydrocarbon stream and a third liquid hydrocarbon stream, which are hydrogenated. The hydrogenated liquid hydrocarbon stream is separated by distillation to obtain a hydrogenated normal paraffin fraction comprising 5 to 9 carbon atoms, a hydrogenated normal paraffin fraction comprising 10 to 13 carbon atoms, a hydrogenated normal paraffin fraction comprising 14 to 18 carbon atoms, and a hydrogenated normal paraffin fraction comprising 19 to 35 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing a heavy polynuclear aromatic (HPNA) compound from a hydrocarbon oil. The process includes contacting the hydrocarbon oil containing the HPNA compound with a lean hydrocarbon-immiscible liquid stream to produce a mixture comprising the hydrocarbon oil and a rich hydrocarbon-immiscible liquid containing the HPNA compound; and separating the mixture to produce a hydrocarbon oil effluent having a reduced level of the HPNA compound and a hydrocarbon-immiscible liquid effluent containing the HPNA compound. The hydrocarbon-immiscible liquid can be a halometallate ionic liquid, a liquid coordination complex, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for production of anisotropic coke from a hydrocarbon feedstock and a system for producing the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a thermal cracking of heavy petroleum residue producing petroleum coke and lighter hydrocarbon products. The invented process utilizes a novel scheme for production of a premium quality coke from primarily, a clarified oil feedstock. Clarified oil from fluid catalytic cracking unit is routed through a process scheme comprising a separator column, hydrotreatment section and an aromatic extraction section to create an ad-mix of effluents which form the feedstock to a thermal cracking unit. Premium quality anisotropic coke is produced in the thermal cracker reactor drums under tailor made process conditions employing the said feedstock.

Abstract: Systems and methods for crude oil separation and upgrading, which include the ability to reduce aromatic complex bottoms content in gasoline and higher-quality aromatic compounds. In some embodiments, aromatic complex bottoms are recycled for further processing. In some embodiments, aromatic complex bottoms are separated for further processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the cloud point of a Fischer-Tropsch derived fraction to below 0° C., wherein the method comprises subjecting the Fischer-Tropsch derived fraction to a cloud point reduction step comprising mixing the Fischer-Tropsch derived fraction, which comprises more than 80 wt. % of paraffins and 90 wt. % of saturates, with a solvent mixture (16), wherein the solvent mixture (16) comprises a paraffinic naphtha fraction (7) and a co-solvent (15); and subjecting the solvent treatment mixture (23) to a solvent de-waxing step (17).

Abstract: A method for installing a device into a crude oil service operation, the method may include installing the device into a section of the crude oil service operation, wherein the device comprises a surface comprising a Self-Assembled Monolayer of Phosphonate (SAMP) coating, and may also include contacting the surface with the contaminant, wherein the contaminant is selected from the group consisting of paraffins and asphaltenes. Various systems include one having a liquid environment of paraffins and asphaltene, and a surface residing within the environment comprising a Self-Assembled Monolayer of Phosphonate (SAMP) composition. Systems also include pipelines and vessels having an internal surface therein comprising a Self-Assembled Monolayer of Phosphonate (SAMP) composition, and with hydrocarbon liquids present in the pipeline or vessel.

Abstract: A process for the economical and environmentally acceptable disposal of spent adsorbent recovered from an adsorption column used to remove HPNA compounds and HPNA precursors from hydrocracking unit bottoms and/or recycle streams includes removing the liquid hydrocarbon oil from the spent adsorbent material by a combination of solvent flushing, and/or heating and vacuum treatment, grinding the dried adsorbent material containing the HPNA compounds and HPNA precursors to produce free-flowing particles of a predetermined maximum size, and introducing the particulate adsorbent material into a membrane wall partial oxidation gasification reactor to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide synthesis gas, or syngas, which can be further processed by the water-gas shift reaction to increase the overall hydrogen recovered from the initial feed to the gasifier.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an internally self-circulating fluidized bed gasifier and an air distributor therein for generating a stepped constrained wind. The air distributor includes a gas-material mixture through hole and a plurality of vent holes. Each of the vent holes is designed to have a winding path. Due to the winding paths of the vent holes and an arrangement of converging outlets of the vent holes to the gas-material mixture through hole, which is in communication with a furnace chamber, the present disclosure enables a gas entering the furnace chamber to form a stepped constrained wind and effectively prevents solid-phase materials in the furnace chamber from leaking into a gas mixture chamber. The internally self-circulating fluidized bed gasifier can achieve self-circulation combustion gasification for multiple times and a well-controlled gasification temperature, resulting in a high coal gasification efficiency without an ash leakage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for efficiently regenerating waste lubricating oil and belongs to the technical field of waste lubricating oil recovery and treatment. The method for efficiently regenerating waste lubricating oil is provided to solve a problem that existing waste lubricating oil has a high metal ion content. The method includes: adding the waste lubricating oil into a reaction vessel, performing a stirring treatment under the action of a cuprous-containing catalyst to form an aggregate, and then performing filtration and separation to directly remove the aggregate, to obtain corresponding regenerated lubricating oil. The present invention can effectively realize separation and removal of a metal ion, directly filter and separate, avoid emulsification, and obtain high quality lubricating oil having a low total metal ion content.

Abstract: The present disclosure in general relates to a process for (1) reducing impurities, i.e. undesirable natural components such as waxes and undesirable synthetic materials such as agrochemicals and other environmental pollutants, or (2) fractionation of natural components present in an essential oil using at least one selective membrane.

Abstract: A cleaning product including a spray dispenser and a cleaning composition suitable for spraying and foaming, the composition housed in the spray dispenser and includes: i) from about 5 to about 15% by weight of the composition of a surfactant system; and ii) a specific glycol ether solvent, the surfactant system and the glycol ether solvent are in a weight ratio of from about 5:1 to about 1:1.

Abstract: A non-Newtonian concentrate composition includes a sensitizer or irritant, a surfactant, an anti-mist component and optionally a stability component. Example sensitizers and irritants include, but are not limited to, acids, quaternary compounds, and amines, and example anti-mist components include, but are not limited to, polyethylene oxide and polyacrylamide.

Abstract: A laundry treatment composition comprising: i) at least 5 wt % amphiphilic material, preferably selected from the group consisting of detersive surfactants and quaternary ammonium compounds, ii) from 0.1 to 5 wt % perfume, iii) 0.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a wash that will effectively clean printing related equipment such as a printing press, including all of its components, of materials used in the printing process, including printing inks, paper, and fountain solutions.

Abstract: The compositions include a methylated siloxane liquid and a solvent comprising at least one of a ketone or ester each having up to six carbon atoms, a halogenated alkane having up to two carbon atoms, tetrachloroethene, 1-chloro-4-trifluoromethyl benzene, or ethane. The compositions can also include hydrocarbon solvent comprising at least one of toluene, xylene, or a saturated hydrocarbon represented by formula CxH2x+y, wherein x is from 5 to 8, and wherein y is 0 or 2 and/or propellant. The method can include applying the composition to a brake system component to clean the brake system component. The method can also include applying a composition including hexamethyldisiloxane to a brake system component to clean the brake system component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a solvent composition and methods of using the solvent composition. The solvent composition includes at least 80 wt. % of trans-1,2-dichloroetheylene (t-DCE), and 0.1 to 20 wt. % of at least one organic compound. The organic compound may be a hydrocarbon and/or an oxygenated solvent. The solvent composition may be used to clean a surface by contacting the surface with the composition to dissolve a contaminant on the surface. The composition may be used to remove a coating from a surface of a substrate by contacting the surface with the solvent composition to dissolve the coating and removing the composition containing the coating from the surface. The composition may also be used to deposit material on a substrate by dissolving the material in the solvent composition, applying the composition containing the material onto the substrate, and evaporating the composition from the substrate.

Abstract: A cleaning composition is particularly suited for cleaning dirty intake valves. The cleaning composition includes a high solvency surfactant/solvent which has a Kb greater than 100 or polar Hansen solubility parameter greater than 6. The surfactant/solvent is combined with an organic carrier and a surfactant. A wetting agent may also be employed. The cleaning composition is added to the intake air as a mist as the engine is running.

Abstract: A cleaning product having a spray dispenser and a cleaning composition suitable for spraying and foaming, the composition housed in the spray dispenser wherein the composition contains: i) 2 to 15% by weight of a surfactant system comprising an alkyl ethoxylated sulfate anionic surfactant and a specific co-surfactant; and ii) a specific glycol ether solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning product comprising: an inverted container assembly comprising an inverted container and a liquid dispenser attached to a bottom surface of the inverted container, and a liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition having a specific viscoelastic rheology profile contained in the inverted container assembly. The present invention also relates to the use of the cleaning product for cleaning dishware.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method including bottling alcoholic beverages with selected ingredients including alcohol neutral spirits, alcohol and whisky, beer, wine, ingredients to add flavors and nutritional additive ingredients to benefit the health of an alcoholic beverage drinker, wherein a selection of alcohols includes vodka, tequila, gin, rum, brandy and other alcoholic spirits, wherein a selection of ingredients to add flavors includes flavorings including fruit flavorings, an artificial sweetener, and natural sweetener, wherein a selection of nutritional additive ingredients includes vitamins, minerals, fulvic acid, humic acid, ulmic acid and a purified and sanitized black water with humic acid and fulvic acid molecules in a mixed solution, and wherein bottling includes a bottling electronic monitoring, at least one control network, at least one bottling quality control process and a bottling labeling and packaging process and devices.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic system for a perfusion cell culture is disclosed. The system includes: a substrate; a micro-fluid injection channel defined in the substrate to guide fluid in a plane direction of the substrate; at least two micro-fluid branch channels defined in the substrate, wherein the branch channels are branched from the micro-fluid injection channel; micro-fluid outlet channels defined in the substrate, wherein each of the outlet channels extends from a distal end of each branch channel to a top face of the substrate, wherein each outlet channel has each through-hole defined in the top face portion of the substrate; and well plates disposed on the top face of the substrate, wherein each of the well plates fluid-communicates with each outlet channel. The micro-fluidic system refers to a technique that adjusts a flow of liquid or gas of a very small amount (nanoliter or picoliter) in an extremely miniaturized device.

Abstract: The invention provides a full-automatic cell culture system, at least comprising: a control module, a control platform, a dark field microscope for on-line observation of cell culture, a cell incubator shaker and a cell culture bag. The control platform is connected to the dark field microscope for on-line observation of cell culture and the cell incubator shaker respectively, and the control module is connected to the control platform. The invention also provides a culture bag support frame for a continuous cell incubator shaker, the continuous cell incubator shaker, a non-contact sensor connector, the cell culture bag and the dark field microscope for on-line observation of cell culture which are related to the full-automatic cell culture system, thereby realizing continuous culture and observation of cells.

Abstract: A filter assembly for separating microcarriers from a fluid medium includes a collapsible container bounding a sterile compartment adapted to hold a fluid. An inlet port is attached to the container through which fluid flows into the compartment. An outlet port is attached to the container through which fluid flows out of the compartment. A filter is disposed within the compartment, the filter dividing the compartment into an inlet chamber that is fluidly coupled with the inlet port and an outlet chamber that is fluidly coupled with the outlet port, the filter allowing a medium to pass therethrough but preventing microcarriers disposed in the medium from passing therethrough.

Abstract: The aspects of the disclosed embodiments generally relate to an apparatus which allows for the controlled addition of antifoam to the foam present in the headspace of a disposable single-use bioreactor in a reliable manner. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments also generally relate to a method of using such apparatus which allows for the controlled addition of antifoam to the foam present in the headspace of a disposable single-use bioreactor in a reliable manner. The aspects of the disclosed embodiments generally relate to antifoam systems, methods and apparatus, and more particularly, to an antifoam device operably connected to a single use biobag.

Abstract: A method for controlling electrical power consumption for a first group of functional which can be used for operational management during operation of the bioreactor components during operation comprises, inter alia, adjusting a present power control signal for one or more of the functional components from the first group in order to optimise power consumption, when a comparison shows for the first group of functional components that the currently required total electrical power consumption is greater than a predefined total electrical power consumption, such that, for the first group of functional components, an adjusted total electrical power consumption is not greater than the predefined total electrical power consumption. A biotechnological apparatus comprises a bioreactor, a reactor vessel formed in the bioreactor and having a cultivation chamber, and a temperature control device provided with a heat pump and configured to control the temperature of the cultivation chamber.

Abstract: A laboratory container, in particular a cell culture container, includes a container volume which is surrounded by a container body and which can be accessed from the outside through a container opening of the container body. The container has a fluid line which communicates with the container volume and which comprises a valve arrangement. The fluid line is designed to conduct fluid in order to discharge and/or introduce fluid out of and/or into the container volume. The fluid line can be selectively released in order to conduct a fluid or blocked by the valve arrangement, and the container additionally has a gas balancing opening, through which gas can be introduced into or discharged out of the container volume in counterflow to a possible fluid flow in the fluid line. The gas compensating opening is surrounded by a channel wall, said line channel running from the gas balancing opening into the container volume and opening into said container volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bioreactor system for cell cultivation. More specifically, the invention relates to a compact bioreactor system which has several integrated functions and enables small scale static culture as well as scale-up rocking culture in the same bioreactor. The bioreactor system comprises tray for positioning of a cell culture bag having adjustable volume, a lid covering the cell culture bag and provided with heating function, an integrated perfusion unit, an integrated cell loading unit, and an integrated unit for automatic cell culture sampling, wherein the bioreactor system is controlled by a single control unit. The invention also relates to a method of cell culture using the bioreactor system for culture of therapeutic cells.

Abstract: The methods of harvesting cells are provided, wherein the methods comprise introducing a processing material and a source material into a processing loop. The processing loop comprises a processing chamber and a filtering device. The processing material and the source material are circulating through the processing chamber and the filtering device, wherein the processing chamber has a mass; balancing an influx of the processing material into the processing chamber with a permeate flux of the filtering device to maintain the mass of the processing chamber at a constant value; and collecting the cells in a collection chamber. Cell harvesting devices are also provided for processing and harvesting cells using a control law to balance the mass of the processing chamber through the entire process.

Abstract: Algae harvesting and cultivating systems and methods for producing high concentrations of algae product with minimal energy. In an embodiment, an algae harvesting method is provided for performing dead-end filtration in an algae harvesting system having at least one treatment tank defining a plurality of filtration stages including at least a first filtration stage and a second filtration stage. An algae medium is pulled through the hollow fiber membranes such that a retentate and a permeate are produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified microorganisms comprising one or more heterologous nucleic acid molecules together encoding at least three different proteins, each protein comprising an enzymatic domain and a bacterial microcompartment-targeting signal polypeptide, wherein said enzymatic domains each catalyse a different substrate to product conversion in the same metabolic pathway, and wherein said microorganisms are essentially free of bacterial microcompartments (BMCs); and to cell free systems comprising aggregates comprising at least three different proteins, each protein comprising an enzymatic domain and a bacterial microcompartment-targeting signal polypeptide, wherein said enzymatic domains each catalyse a different substrate to product conversion in the same metabolic pathway, and wherein said system does not comprise bacterial microcompartments; and to methods for the production of said microorganisms and cell free systems and their use in methods of producing a product of int

Abstract: The present invention provides constructs including a tubular biodegradable polyglycolic acid scaffold, wherein the scaffold may be coated with extracellular matrix proteins and substantially acellular. The constructs can be utilized as an arteriovenous graft, a coronary graft, a peripheral artery bypass conduit, or a urinary conduit. The present invention also provides methods of producing such constructs.

Abstract: The present invention enables efficient suspension culture of stem cells in a serum-free medium by comprising a step for quickly forming a homogenous aggregate of stem cells, and provides a method of selectively inducing the differentiation of nerves from a stem cell, a method of forming a cerebral cortical nerve network in vitro, and a method of producing a steric structure of a brain tissue in vitro, as well as a method of producing hypothalamic neuron progenitor cells, comprising culturing pluripotent stem cells as a suspended aggregate in a serum-free medium that substantially does not contain a Nodal signal promoter, a Wnt signal promoter, an FGF signal promoter, a BMP signal promoter, retinoic acid and an insulin, and isolating hypothalamic neuron progenitor cells from the culture.

Abstract: Provided herein, inter alia, is a method for producing an enriched population of antigen-specific plasma cells. In some embodiments, the method may comprise: (a) obtaining a sample of cells from an animal that has been immunized by an antigen, wherein the sample comprises B cells; (b) enriching for a population of antigen-specific B cells that comprise cell surface antibodies that are specific for the antigen by: i. contacting at least 105 of the cells in said sample, en masse, with the antigen or a portion thereof; and ii. isolating cells that bind to the antigen or portion thereof; and (c) activating the enriched B cells, en masse, in the presence of the antigen or portion thereof, to produce the enriched population of antigen-specific plasma cells.

Abstract: Safe, rapid and efficient methods for producing antigen-specific T cells recognizing human papilloma virus or HPV antigens.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating blood monocytes to produce functional antigen presenting dendritic cells. An extracorporeal quantity of a subject's blood is treated to separate the blood and produce a leukocyte concentrate comprising monocytes and plasma containing proteins. The leukocyte concentrate comprising monocytes and plasma containing proteins is pumped through a plastic treatment device, such as a photopheresis device. The resulting treated cells may be incubated for a sufficient period of time to allow the monocytes to form dendritic cells, or the treated cells may be reinfused directly to the subject.

Abstract: Method for reprogramming differentiated cells into lineage restricted progenitor cells is provided. The method may include contacting differentiated cells with inhibitors of tyrosine phosphatases and apoptosis to de-differentiate differentiated cells into lineage restricted progenitor cells.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and compositions for transdifferentiation of an animal cell from a first non-pluripotent cell fate to a second non-pluripotent cell fate. Also provided are methods and compositions for the transdifferentiation of an animal cell from a non-pluripotent mesodermal, endodermal, or ectodermal cell fate to a different non-pluripotent mesodermal, endodermal, or ectodermal cell fate.

Abstract: The invention provides hydrogels and methods for three-dimensional (3D) culture of adult epithelial stem cells and uses thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides an amadoriase having improved specific activity on a glycated substrate, compared with conventional amadoriase. Provided is an amadoriase comprising a substitution of the amino acid at the position corresponding to position 64 of the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, serine, methionine, leucine, threonine, valine, and isoleucine, a method for measurement of HbA1c, and a reagent kit for measurement of HbA1c using such amadoriase. Such method and kit for measurement enable rapid, simple, and accurate quantification of HbA1c.

Abstract: Methods for catalyzing C—H insertion reactions using heme enzymes are described. The present disclosure provides a method for producing a C—H insertion product comprising providing an substrate having an sp3-hybridized C—H bond, a carbene precursor such as a diazo reagent, and a heme enzyme, and admixing the components in a reaction for a time sufficient to produce the C—H insertion product. Heme enzyme variants useful for carrying out in vivo and in vitro C—H insertion reactions, as well as expression vectors and host cells expressing the heme enzymes, are also described.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the disclosure provides soluble heteromeric polypeptide complexes comprising an extracellular domain of an ALK4 receptor and an extracellular domain of ActRIIB. In certain aspects, such soluble ALK4:ActRIIB complexes may be used to regulate (promote or inhibit) growth of tissues or cells including, for example, muscle, bone, cartilage, fat, neural tissue, tumors, and/or cancerous cells. In certain aspects, such ALK4:ActRIIB complexes are can be used to improve muscle formation, bone formation, metabolic parameters, and disorders associated with these tissues, cellular networks, kidney, and endocrine systems.

Abstract: Variants of the bacteriophage B103 DNA polymerase are described herein. The variant has improved properties, that include when compared to wild-type Phi29 DNA polymerase, at least one of the following: increased thermostability, improved reaction rate for DNA amplification, reduced background and a reduction of bias. Methods of using the DNA polymerase variant are also described herein.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions of active highly phosphorylated lysosomal sulfatase enzymes, their pharmaceutical compositions, methods of producing and purifying such lysosomal sulfatase enzymes and compositions and their use in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, or treatment of diseases and conditions, including particularly lysosomal storage diseases that are caused by, or associated with, a deficiency in the lysosomal sulfatase enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new polypeptides, nucleotides encoding the polypeptide, as well as methods of producing the polypeptides. The present invention also relates to detergent composition comprising polypeptides, a laundering method and the use of polypeptides.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for genome modification of a target sequence in the genome of a cell, using a novel Cas endonuclease. The methods and compositions employ a guide polynucleotide/endonuclease system to provide an effective system for modifying or altering target sequences within the genome of a cell or organism. Also provided are novel effectors and endonuclease systems and elements comprising such systems, such as guide polynucleotide/endonuclease systems comprising an endonuclease. Compositions and methods are also provided for guide polynucleotide/endonuclease systems comprising at least one endonuclease, optionally covalently or non-covalently linked to, or assembled with, at least one additional protein subunit, and for compositions and methods for direct delivery of endonucleases as ribonucleotide proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide having cellulase activity and which is thermostable, wherein said nucleic acid molecule comprises or has a nucleotide sequence selected from: i) a nucleotide sequence which encodes an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO. 2 or as set forth in SEQ ID NO. 8; ii) a nucleotide sequence which encodes an amino acid sequence having at least 80% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of (i); iii) a nucleotide sequence which encodes a part of the amino acid sequence of (i); iv) a nucleotide sequence which encodes a part of the amino acid sequence of (ii) wherein said part has at least 90% identity to an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 4, SEQ ID NO. 6, SEQ ID NO. 14, SEQ ID NO. 16, SEQ ID NO. 18 or SEQ ID NO. 20; v) a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO. 1 or as set forth in SEQ ID NO.

Abstract: A method of creating a miniature multicellular biological construct and a method for studying cellular environments using the miniature multicellular biological construct is provided. The method for making the miniature multicellular biological construct includes suspending cells in a hydrogel, depositing the cell-suspension into a microwell, gelling the cell-suspension, and incubating the cell-suspension. The method for studying cellular environments includes imaging the miniature multicellular biological construct.

Abstract: Methods of isolating nucleic acids comprising DNA from biological material are disclosed. The methods comprise a lysis step using an aqueous composition which comprises lithium at a concentration of 0.05 to 1.0M, a chelating agent, and a surfactant to produce a lysed composition. The lysed composition is treated with a solid support that is capable of immobilising DNA in the presence of a dissolved chaotropic agent at a concentration of 0.05 to 2M and 25% to 60% by volume of a C1-3 alkanol. The support is then washed with a first wash solution containing lithium dissolved in a C1-3 alkanol. Subsequently, the support is washed with a liquid comprising at least 80% by volume of a C1-3 alkanol. The nucleic acid comprising DNA is then eluted from the support.