Abstract: A desalter/dehydrator system that comprises a pressure vessel, and first and second distribution headers disposed within the pressure vessel. The first distribution header is configured to inject an oil/water emulsion at a location within an electric field generated within the pressure vessel. The second distribution header is configured to inject the oil/water emulsion at a location below an electric field generated within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes controlling water separation in a hydrocarbon stream flowing through a separator train including one or more separator vessels located upstream of a dehydrator by manipulating a demulsifier flowrate added to the separator train by: receiving data from a real-time process test of the separation train, estimating model fit parameters to the data to generate a water separation profile (WSP) correlating water draw-off and demulsifier flowrate for the separation train, determining a maximum and a minimum demulsifier flowrate from the WSP, receiving, from an operator, a separation performance for a target water separation value entering the dehydrator downstream from the separator train, and adjusting the demulsifier flowrate according to the WSP to achieve the target water separation entering the dehydrator.

Abstract: In a hydrocracking process, the hydrocarbon feed is processed by a guard reactor operating at maximum severity temperatures. The processing in the guard reactor maximizes the removal of metals and performs hydrodenitrogenation steps and hydrodesulfurization steps. The demetallized and partially desulfurized and denitrogenized hydrocarbon feed is then sent to a treating reactor for further hydrodenitrogenation and hydrodesulfurization before being sent further downstream for further hydrocracking processing.

Abstract: A process id disclosed for upgrading tars, typically those resulting from hydrocarbon refining processes, to products suitable for other uses, such as blending with other hydrocarbons to provide low-sulfur fuel oils or Emission Control Area-acceptable fuels. A low-sulfur hydrocarbon product obtained from the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catalyst system has been designed that disrupts the sedimentation process. The catalyst system achieves this by saturating key feed components before the feed components are stripped into their incompatible aromatic cores. The efficacy of this disruptive catalyst system is particularly evident in a hydrocracker configuration that runs in two-stage-recycle operation. The catalyst is a self-supported multi-metallic catalyst prepared from a precursor in the hydroxide form, and the catalyst must be toward the top level of the second stage of the two-stage system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the hydroconversion of heavy oil products (the fresh load). Said apparatus comprises: a slurry bubble column hydroconversion reactor, which comprises a feed line in which the fresh load and the recirculated slurry phase are conveyed, an inlet line for a hydrogenating stream and an outlet for a reaction effluent through an outlet nozzle; a stripping column at high pressure and high temperature placed downstream of the reactor and directly connected to the reactor head through a pipeline in which the reaction effluent flows; said column having an inlet line for a stripping gas, an inlet for the reactor effluent, a head outlet for steam and an outlet for the slurry phase; lines and means for recirculating the slurry leaving the stripping column; lines and means for taking a drain stream, which has the function of preventing the accumulation of solids in the reactor.

Abstract: A pyrolysis gasifier includes a tubular body configured to receive and pyrolyze a combustible waste, a bottom door disposed below the tubular body to selectively seal the tubular body, a main frame supporting the tubular body, a base frame supporting the bottom door, an automatic ash processor configured to, while traveling in one direction, push and remove ash remaining on the bottom door after pyrolysis of the combustible waste, and a guide frame supporting the automatic ash processor and configured to guide the travel of the automatic ash processor.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a gasoline composition utilizing lignocellulosic biomass, which is a plant-derived resource that does not cause competition with food production, the gasoline composition satisfying properties required for use in gasoline engines, and a process for producing the gasoline composition. The gasoline composition contains 0.3 to 10.0 vol % of hemicellulose-derived pentene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one, optionally alkylated diarylamine in a fuel or a fuel additive for cleaning the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle engine. A further aspect relates to a method for cleaning the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine during the operation of the internal combustion engine by burning a fuel, wherein the fuel contains a fuel additive comprising at least one, optionally alkylated diarylamine.

Abstract: A methane (CH4) gas is synthesized from carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) using catalyst-dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. In the method and apparatus for synthesizing methane gas of the invention, methane (CH4) gas, which is synthetic natural gas, can be effectively synthesized only from carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) using DBD plasma at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and also, additional heating and pressurization devices are not used during the methane gas synthesis process, thus reducing production costs and realizing high-value-added processing due to the absence of risks during the processing.

Abstract: A water content sensor is positioned within a flowline downstream of a well-choke. The water content sensor is configured to determine a water content percentage of a production fluid flowing through the flowline. A temperature sensor is positioned downstream of the well-choke. The temperature sensor is configured to determine a temperature of the production fluid flowing through the flowline. A heating jacket surroundings at least a portion of the flowline. The heating-jacket is configured to transfer heat into the flowline. A controller is configured to receive a signal from each of the water content sensor and the temperature sensor, and control the heating jacket in response to a signal from each of the water content sensor and the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A lubricant composition includes a biodegradable polyalkylene glycol, an inherently-biodegradable polyalkylene glycol, and a non-biodegradable polyalkylene glycol. The biodegradable polyalkylene glycol satisfies the biodegradability requirements set forth in OECD 301B. The inherently-biodegradable polyalkylene glycol satisfy the inherently-biodegradability requirements set forth in OECD 301B. The non-biodegradable polyalkylene glycol is defined by OECD 301B and satisfies the non-bioaccumulative requirements set forth in OECD 107. The lubricant composition includes the biodegradable polyalkylene glycol in an amount of at least about 30 parts by weight, the inherently-biodegradable polyalkylene glycol in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 parts by weight, and the non-biodegradable polyalkylene glycol in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5 parts by weight, each based on 100 parts by weight of the lubricant composition.

Abstract: A vinyl-based comb copolymer includes a polyisobutylene-based macromonomer unit and a vinyl-based monomer unit. A polyisobutylene-based macromonomer has at least 0.8 (meth)acryloyl groups represented by a specific formula at one end of a main chain per molecule, and is copolymerized with a vinyl-based monomer. A method for producing the vinyl-based comb copolymer includes copolymerizing the polyisobutylene-based macromonomer with the vinyl-based monomer. A viscosity index improver includes the comb copolymer. A lubricating oil composition includes the comb copolymer.

Abstract: A method for refining vegetable oil is used to reduce formation of soaps. An acid-treated vegetable oil mixture is passed through a low shear mixing device prior to being fed to a static hydrodynamic reactor. The static hydrodynamic reactor induces a neutralization reaction that forms soaps in a pressurized vegetable oil mixture. The reacted mixture is discharged from the reactor to a downstream system for separating the formed soaps from the reacted mixture to form a refined vegetable oil having reduced soaps content.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cleaning compositions in general, and cleaning compositions that are well suited for use by individuals, who experience adverse health effects that may occur upon exposure to certain chemicals. This condition, characterized as multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), makes it virtually impossible for certain individuals to use commercially available cleaning products without inducing immunological responses. The disclosure presents and describes protocols for the formulation and evaluation of a variety of cleaning products using a combination of 14C assay, head space analysis and screening of both ingredients and final products for governmentally-regulated materials. The methods and compositions newly presented herein avoid causing adverse health responses in individuals and are suitable for use by any person, particularly individuals who experience MCS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions such as cleaning compositions comprising a mix of enzymes. The invention further relates, use of compositions comprising such enzymes in cleaning processes.

Abstract: A disinfecting solution includes hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of from about 1.5% w/w to 8% w/w; at least one readily biodegradable anionic surfactant in a concentration of from about 10% w/w to about 25% w/w; at least one of salicylic acid and salts thereof, in a concentration of from about 1% w/w to about 8% w/w; at least one chelating agent in a concentration of from about 0.005% w/w to about 10% w/w; and at least one low-corrosive non-surfactant sulfonic acid selected from benzenesulfonic acid, benzene disulfonic acid, xylene sulfonic acid, toluene sulfonic acid, cumene sulfonic acid, sulfosalicylic acid, naphthalene mono- or di-sulfonic acid, methane sulfonic acid, and isethionic acid in a concentration of from about 1% w/w to about 15% w/w. The solution is free of acetic acid, furoic acid, phenylacetic acid, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, aromatic alcohols, halogen acids, phenols, peracid activators, bleaches, and (optionally) benzoic acid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making and using the compositions for maintaining clean surfaces are disclosed herein. A preferred composition for maintaining clean surfaces is an aqueous solution that comprises water, silicon dioxide, stearic acid, nitrous oxide, hydrogen and a hydrophobic substance. A preferred hydrophobic substance for this preferred composition is a water soluble powder of Polysilsesquioxane Steardimonium Chloride. A preferred method of making such a composition includes the steps of mixing the solid ingredients—silicon dioxide, stearic acid, and the hydrophobic substance, and then mixing the solid ingredients with water until the ingredients are preferably evenly distributed in the solution at preferably a PH of 0-5. A preferred method of using such a composition includes the steps of applying an even layer of the composition onto a surface and allowing the surface to dry.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing blowoff and fermentation gasses from a fermenter for food or beverages includes a blowoff vessel configured to capture blowoff from the fermenter and positioned externally to the fermenter, the blowoff vessel including a first port configured to establish fluid communication between the blowoff vessel and the fermenter; an airlock in fluid communication between the blowoff vessel and ambient atmosphere; and a gas receptacle in fluid communication with the blowoff vessel, the gas receptacle configured to receive and store fermentation gases from the fermenter during fermentation, and to allow stored fermentation gases to return to the fermenter during suck-back.

Abstract: A beverage maker includes: a water supply module configured to supply water used by the beverage maker; an ingredient supplier connected to the water supply module, the ingredient supplier including a plurality of ingredient holders each of which has an inlet and an outlet; a fermentation module connected to the ingredient supplier and configured to receive ingredients from the ingredient supplier and water from the water supply module; at least one connection channel configured to connect the outlet of a first ingredient holder among the plurality of the ingredient holders to the inlet of a second ingredient holder among the plurality of the ingredient holders; and a support holder located in the ingredient supplier and configured to support the connection channel.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring parameters of state of a fluid contained in a container (10, 10?) that has a sensor carrier plate with plural sensors (S01-S10, S01?-S10?). Each sensor has a sensor head in operative contact with the interior of the container (10, 10?) and in operative contact with an external control unit (12). The external control unit (12) receives measurement data generated by the sensor heads of active sensors via their communication link and processes the data. An activation data record (24, 24?) is assigned to each sensor (S01-S10, S01?-S10?) and is recorded in a manner that is accessible for the external control unit (12). The external control unit (12) first accesses the activation data records (24, 24?), then classifies the sensors (S01-S10, S01?-S10?) as activatable or nonactivatable sensors, and subsequently activates only those sensors classified as activatable sensors.

Abstract: A device for treating at least one biological cell includes at least one treatment support comprising a receiving surface enabling the adhesion of the at least one biological cell, at least one actuator capable of deforming said support in order to apply a stress to said at least one cell, and means of controlling said at least one actuator such that the actuator deforms the treatment support according to a given amplitude of deformation and for a given duration so as to generate at least one transitory pore in a membrane of the biological cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multi-cuvette cartridges, flow cells, and electrical pulse systems for treatment of large volumes of biological samples with pulsed electric fields. The multi-cuvette cartridges systems may include mechanical motors for automatic positioning and alignment between the cuvettes and the electrodes of the electrical pulse systems. The flow cell systems may include fluidic systems, such as pumps, nozzles and valves, which may operate in coordination with the electrical systems for efficient exposition of biological samples. Embodiments having flow cell systems that allow “on-demand” production of activated sample are also disclosed.

Abstract: A Bacillus subtilis strain or a progeny thereof, a method of culturing the same and uses thereof. The invention also relates to a culture and lysate of the Bacillus subtilis strain or its progeny, and a method for producing D-psicose epimerase and producing D-psicose using the Bacillus subtilis strain or its progeny.

Abstract: Described herein is a Mycobacterium mutant, comprising at least one mutation in at least one gene sequence encoding global gene regulators (GGRs) selected from the group consisting of sigH, sigL, sigE, ECF-1, and mixtures thereof, wherein the GGR gene is at least partially inactivated. Described herein also is a vaccine based on the mutant and a method of differentiating between subjects that have been infected with Mycobacterium and subjects that have not been infected with Mycobacterium or have been vaccinated with a Mycobacterium vaccine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are universal donor stem cells and related methods of their use and production. The universal donor stem cells disclosed herein are useful for overcoming the immune rejection in cell-based transplantation therapies. In certain embodiments, the universal donor stem cells disclosed herein do not express one or more MHC-I and MHC-II human leukocyte antigens. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the universal donor stem cells disclosed herein do not express one or more human leukocyte antigens (e.g., HLA-A, HLA-B and/or HLA-C) corresponding to MHC-I and MHC-II human leukocyte antigens, thereby rendering such cells hypoimmunogenic.

Abstract: A method of expanding and maintaining human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in an undifferentiated state by culturing the ESCs in a suspension culture under culturing conditions devoid of substrate adherence is provided. Also provided are a method of deriving ESC lines in the suspension culture and methods of generating lineage-specific cells from ESCs which were expanded in the suspension culture of the present invention.

Abstract: A molecular marker expressed specifically in corneal endothelial cells, and a method for producing one or more corneal endothelial cells using the marker and a method for evaluating one or more corneal endothelial cells using the marker are provided. At least one molecule selected from the group consisting of ZP4, MRGPRX3, GRIP1, GLP1R, HTR1D, and CLRN1 is used as a marker specific to corneal endothelial cells.

Abstract: Culture media, which contain chelated iron, promote cell proliferation of neural stem cells and/or neural progenitor cells while maintaining undifferentiated state and multipotency.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the production of antigen-specific T regulatory cells (Tregs). Such cells can be used in therapy to minimize undesirable immune responses such as those observed in autoimmunity and hemophilia and other diseases as well as in the response to protein therapy for genetic diseases. Methods for producing antigen specific Tregs and conditions for preferential expansion of functionally stable, specific Tregs are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of carrying out adoptive immunotherapy in a primate subject in need thereof by administering the subject a cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) preparation in a treatment-effective amount. The method comprises administering as the CTL preparation a preparation consisting essentially of an in vitro expanded primate CTL population, the CTL population enriched prior to expansion for central memory T lymphocytes, and depleted prior to expansion of effector memory T lymphocytes. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise concurrently administering Interleukin-15 to the subject in an amount effective to increase the proliferation of the central memory T cells in the subject. Pharmaceutical formulations produced by the method, and methods of using the same, are also described.

Abstract: Methods of identifying compounds that increase ? cell number and/or proliferation by determining the effect of compounds on ? cell number or proliferation in zebrafish pancreas are provided.

Abstract: A method of generating one of podocyte progenitor cells and neural stem/progenitor cells comprising the steps of collecting a urine specimen from a patient; centrifuging the urine specimen; and removing the one of podocyte progenitor cells and neural stem/progenitor cells.

Abstract: An exosome active formulation for inhibiting endothelial cell migration, and a preparation method and use thereof include the following steps: isolating primary umbilical vein endothelial cells and performing cell culture and passage; adding anisodamine to a culture medium of the subcultured endothelial cells to pretreat the endothelial cells, and then replacing the culture medium with a new endothelial cell culture medium and adding TNF-? to continue the culture of the endothelial cells; extracting exosomes from the TNF-? containing endothelial cell culture medium obtained after the endothelial cells are cultivated; and identifying the exosomes. The exosome active formulation for inhibiting endothelial cell migration prepared by the preparation method of this disclosure and its use in the antitumor drugs.

Abstract: The invention provides an automated system for producing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from adult somatic cells. Further, the system is used for producing differentiated adult cells from stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel NADPH oxidase proteins, or Nox, the use thereof, the method of preparation thereof and the method for identification thereof.

Abstract: Factors For the Production and Accumulation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) Derived from PUFA Synthases Abstract Disclosed are novel enhancing factor proteins of the PUFA synthase systems, nucleic acid molecules encoding the same, recombinant nucleic acid molecules and recombinant host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules, genetically modified microorganisms comprising the same, and methods of making and using the same. Also disclosed are genetically modified microorganisms that have been genetically modified to express a PUFA synthase system for the production of PUFAs, wherein the microorganisms have been modified to express the novel enhancing factor proteins of the PUFA synthase system.

Abstract: Described herein is a variant pol6 polymerase having at least one mutation selected from H223, N224, Y225, H227, I295, Y342, T343, I357, S360, L361, I363, S365, S366, Y367, P368, D417, E475, Y476, F478, K518, H527, T529, M531, N535, G539, P542, N545, Q546, A547, L549, I550, N552, G553, F558, A596, G603, A610, V615, Y622, C623, D624, I628, Y629, R632, N635, M641, A643, I644, T647, I648, T651, I652, K655, W656, D657, V658, H660, F662, L690 and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of protein engineering, and, in particular, to a xylanase mutant with improved heat tolerance. The present invention artificially introduces two or three unnatural disulfide bridges into xylanase by site-directed mutagenesis and obtains the mutants XynA1 and XynA2 with improved heat tolerance, especially the mutant XynA2 into which three disulfide bridges are introduced, achieving residual enzyme activity of 75% after treatment at 80° C. for 5 min, 72% higher than the residual enzyme activity of the mutant XynA1. The present invention further obtains, by screening, three mutation sites Q51N, H143K, and Q161F that can significantly increase the heat tolerance of mutants, and introduction of the mutation sites into the XynA1 and XynA2 xylanases, whether at a single point or a combination of two points or a combination of three points, can effectively improve the heat tolerance of the mutants.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses methods for high-yield fermentation of recombinant proline aminopeptidase and preparation of debittered rice peptide, belonging to the fields of fermentation technology, enzyme preparation and food additives. The present disclosure utilizes fermentation kinetic analysis to determine the high-yield fermentation method of proline aminopeptidase by recombinant Bacillus subtilis, and improve the yield of proline aminopeptidase to reach 174.8 U/mL. Proline aminopeptidase cooperates with alkaline protease and leucine aminopeptidase to hydrolyze rice protein. The free amino acid content is 27.3 times the unhydrolyzed free amino acid content, and the small peptide content below 180 Da in hydrolysate reaches 44.70%. The exposed N-terminal proline residue is fully hydrolyzed, and the free proline content is 1,064.3 times that of the unhydrolyzed free proline content, which increases the degree of rice protein hydrolysis.

Abstract: The invention discloses identification and therapeutic use of matrix metalloproteinase oligopeptides, SEQ ID NO: wherein the matrix metalloproteinase oligopeptide is at least one of SEQ ID NO: 7, 11, 12, 18 and 19 and combination thereof. These oligopeptides are bound to antibodies to create an immune response in the subject mammal against the matrix metalloproteinases of various diseases. The instance method is a means of therapeutic intervention against the disease spread created by the matrix metalloproteinases. Further use of these oligopeptide-antibody responses can be extended to any and all diseases that use the matrix metalloproteinases to aid in their pathogenicity.

Abstract: Chimeric clotting factors which localize the therapeutic to sites of coagulation (e.g., by being targeted to platelets or being activatable at sites of coagulation), have reduced clearance rates, have improved manufacturability, have reduced thrombogenicity, have enhanced activity, or have more than one of these characteristics are described as are methods for making chimeric clotting factors and methods for improving hemostasis using these clotting factors.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for isolating nucleic acids from a biological fluid. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method for isolating RNA. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method for isolating DNA. In one aspect, the methods described herein utilize a protocol that combines a detergent-based initial denaturation, protease digestion, and organic extraction followed by column purification that maximizes RNA/DNA yield and preserves RNA/DNA integrity. In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a kit for isolating RNA and/or DNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a modular scaffold that can bind to a target antigen and a method for engineering a bispecific functional agent consisting of an existing polypeptide binder fused at its C-terminus with said modular scaffold.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides machine learning techniques for computationally predicting the phenotypic performance of combinations of genetic variations and for designing new improved host cells. The machine learning models and methods described herein are host agnostic and therefore can be implemented across taxa. Furthermore, the disclosed platform can be implemented to modulate or improve any host cell parameter of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and products for generating diverse libraries of genetic material. The products include libraries and constructed nucleic acids as well as kits and databases and systems thereof.

Abstract: High-fidelity, high-throughput nucleic acid sequencing enables healthcare practitioners and patients to gain insight into genetic variants and potential health risks. However, previous methods of nucleic acid sequencing often introduces sequencing errors (for example, mutations that arise during the preparation of a nucleic acid library, during amplification, or sequencing). Provided herein are methods and compositions for sequencing nucleic acids. Further provided are methods of identifying an error in a nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein relate to methods and compositions for next generation sequencing. Some embodiments include the preparation of a template library from a target nucleic acid using one-sided transposition, sequencing the template library, and capturing the contiguity information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of controlling insect pests, in particular Leptinotarsa spp. which infest crop plants, and methods of providing plants resistant to such pests. Also disclosed are polynucleotides and recombinant DNA molecules and constructs useful in such methods, insecticidal compositions such as topical sprays containing insecticidal double-stranded RNAs, and solanaceous plants with improved resistance to infestation by Leptinotarsa spp. Further disclosed are methods of selecting target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing and control of Leptinotarsa spp.

Abstract: An antisense molecule capable of binding to a selected target site to induce exon skipping in the dystrophin gene, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 214.