Abstract: A method and system for continuous production of contaminant free and size specific biochar using downdraft gasification of variable quality feedstock. The system and process of the present invention includes the transfer of biochar from a gasifier after gasification to a temperature-controlled cooling screw conveyor, into a drum magnet for ferrous metal removal into multiple diverters to separate and remove ungasified materials and non-ferrous metal contaminants, then transferred into a granulator for grinding and screening the biochar to a pre-selected size. By directly attaching a novel and continuous product treatment process to the biochar stream as it exits the gasifier, the particle size, moisture content, carbon content and yield of a contaminant free biochar product can be narrowly controlled and improved to meet strict product quality specifications required by specialty applications.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process to prepare a char product and a syngas mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide from a solid torrefied biomass feed comprising the following steps: (i) subjecting the solid biomass feed to a pyrolysis reaction thereby obtaining a gaseous fraction comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and a mixture of gaseous organic compounds and a solid fraction comprising of char particles; (ii) separating the char particles as the char product from the gaseous fraction; (iii) subjecting the gaseous fraction obtained in step (ii) to a continuously operated partial oxidation to obtain a syngas mixture further comprising water and having an elevated temperature and (iv) contacting the syngas mixture with a carbonaceous compound to chemically quench the syngas mixture. The temperature of the syngas is reduced in step (iv) from between 1000 and 1600° C. to a temperature of between 800 and 1200° C.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of an improved diesel fuel, having enhanced ignition characteristics, more particularly with a greater electric conductivity, enhanced cetane numbers and lubricity and with greater percentage of complete combustion, resulting in less soot production and NOx reduction at the same time in an internal combustion diesel engine, breaking the tradeoff in the emission of those two pollutants from an internal combustion diesel engine.

Abstract: Estolide esters obtainable by esterification of—hydroxycarboxylic acids having 12 to 24 carbon atoms, the hydroxycarboxylic acids comprising unsaturated hydroxycarboxylic acids having a)—monocarboxylic acids with 6 to 22 carbon atoms and—polyols with at least two hydroxy groups or b)—monoalcohols having 8 to 22 carbon atoms and—linear carboxylic acids having at least two carboxyl groups or c)—monocarboxylic acids having 6 to 22 carbon atoms and—monoalcohols having 8 to 22 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A lubricant that enables to improve control stability of an automobile or the like having a vehicle body charged by driving. A lubricant for improving control stability of an automobile includes a base oil and an additive containing a carbon black. A kit for improving control stability of an automobile includes a discharging member including a protrusion that performs a self-discharging by air-ionizing and the lubricant. A method also improves control stability of an automobile.

Abstract: A lubricating composition which, when used with a device for clamping an article, such as a chuck, produces excellent lubricating properties whilst remaining strongly adhered to metal parts in a clamping mechanism of the device and showing enhanced chemical and physical resistance to fluids such as cutting fluids.

Abstract: A method of forming a textile treatment agent may include emulsifying at least one cationically modified prepolymer into an aqueous phase, and cross-linking the emulsified prepolymer to form the dispersion having the at least one cationically modified polyurethane. The cationically modified polyurethane dispersions may be used as textile softeners, as textile treatment agents, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to the dissolution of amorphous dithiazine (a-DTZ) or polythioformaldehyde or other polymeric by-products of the treatment of hydrocarbon products (a-DZT) to remove them from surfaces. These are solids that build up on surfaces of processing plant and are resistant to most chemical treatment. The treatment requires treating the surface with an effective amount of a mercaptan or an amine. Surfactants to keep the dissolved a-DTZ or other components from redepositing elsewhere are also described, as is the use of hydrogen sulfide to add in removal by mercaptans.

Abstract: An automatic dishwashing composition is provided, comprising: a dispersant polymer blend, comprising an acrylic acid homopolymer; and a copolymer of acrylic acid and a sulfonated monomer; wherein the dispersant polymer blend has a blend ratio of the acrylic acid homopolymer to the copolymer of 3:1 to 1:3; a surfactant; a builder; and optionally, an additive.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a composition and method for treating stains and odors using an oxidizing agent and Bacillus spores. The composition preferably comprises a two part formula, a first part comprising the oxidizing agent and water and optionally an ionic surfactant and fragrance, and a second part comprising a liquid Bacillus spores composition or a dry Bacillus spores powder composition. The preferred Bacillus can include B. licheniformis, B. subtilis, B. pumilus, and B. megaterium spores. The preferred oxidizer is hydrogen peroxide. The parts of the treatment composition are mixed together in-situ at the site of treatment to maintain the viability of the Bacillus spores. The preferred composition and method allow for the combined treatment of stains and odors with an oxidizer and Bacillus spores.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions having fatty acid alpha-dioxygenases and methods of using said compositions to provide a benefit by converting long chain fatty acids present in soils into 2-hydroperoxy fatty acids or terminal aldehydes.

Abstract: Processes related to rotationally mixing a liquid composition that includes a consumer product adjunct ingredient, for example by subjecting the composition to multiple rotation cycles that include horizontally rotating the composition in a first direction and in a second direction that is counter to the first direction. Related systems and apparatuses. Processes for making consumer products from compositions thusly mixed.

Abstract: A composition, kit and method useful in a multi-stage washing method for cleaning an aluminum or aluminum alloy containers while reducing hazardous exposure of workers to toxic levels of hydrogen fluoride or ammonium bifluoride employs a stable, neutralized ammonium bifluoride-containing accelerator solution for addition to an acidic wash solution.

Abstract: A dissolvable solid article which can include multiple layers of flexible, dissolvable, porous sheets, in which a coating composition including solid particles is present on at least one internal surface of at least one sheet in said solid articles and a process for making such solid articles.

Abstract: A method of processing thin stillage in an ethanol refining operation is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises treating stillage with an inverse emulsion comprising at least one anionic flocculant and an emulsifying agent selected from a sorbitan ester of a fatty acid, an ethoxylated sorbitan ester of a fatty acid, and combinations thereof, thereby forming treated stillage; clarifying the treated stillage via at least one of dissolved air flotation and induced air flotation, thereby forming clarified thin stillage and a float layer comprising oil and solids; separating the oil from the solids of the float layer; and recovering the oil.

Abstract: Materials and methods for producing bourbon-like alcoholic beverages from individual components are provided herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides instruments, modules and methods for improved detection of edited cells following nucleic acid-guided nuclease genome editing. The disclosure provides improved automated instruments that perform methods—including high throughput methods—for screening cells that have been subjected to editing and identifying cells that have been properly edited.

Abstract: Examples herein involve cell lysis with a microbead and thermal resistor. An example apparatus includes a microfluidic channel to pass a volume including a microbead and a biologic sample having nucleic acids enclosed within a cellular membrane. A first thermal resistor may be disposed within the microfluidic channel to move the biologic sample through the microfluidic channel and lyse the cellular membranes in the biologic sample to release the nucleic acids. A microfilter disposed within the microfluidic channel may filter the microbead from the biologic sample and permit the nucleic acids to pass through the filter.

Abstract: Entomopathogenic fungal strains, compositions, and methods and compositions of producing and using the strains for reducing overall insect damage.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides recombinant Staphylococcus bacterium (e.g. S. epidermidis) that are dependent on D-alanine for growth. In one aspect, the disclosure features a recombinant Staphylococcus bacterium comprising two inactivated alanine racemase genes (?alr1?alr2); and an inactivated D-alanine aminotransferase (dat) gene. In another aspect, the disclosure features a method of making the recombinant Staphylococcus bacterium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for acoustically assisted droplet generation with or without cell encapsulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing neural cells or a neural tissue, including the following steps (1)-(3): (1) a first step of culturing pluripotent stem cells in the absence of feeder cells and in a medium containing 1) a TGF? family signal transduction pathway inhibiting substance and/or a Sonic hedgehog signal transduction pathway activating substance, and 2) a factor for maintaining undifferentiated state, (2) a second step of culturing the cells obtained in the first step in suspension to form a cell aggregate, and (3) a third step of culturing the aggregate obtained in the second step in suspension in the presence or absence of a differentiation-inducing factor to obtain an aggregate containing neural cells or a neural tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides NRP1 as a cell surface marker for isolating human cardiomyogenic ventricular progenitor cells (HVPs), in particular progenitor cells that preferentially differentiate into cardiac ventricular muscle cells. Additional HVP cell surface markers identified by single cell sequencing are also provided. The invention provides in vitro methods of the separation of NRP1+ ventricular progenitor cells, and the large scale expansion and propagation thereof. Large clonal populations of isolated NRP1+ ventricular progenitor cells are also provided. Methods of in vivo use of NRP1+ ventricular progenitor cells for cardiac repair or to improve cardiac function are also provided. Methods of using the NRP1+ ventricular progenitor cells for cardiac toxicity screening of test compounds are also provided.

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: The present invention relates to a nanocoil-substrate complex for controlling adhesion and differentiation of stem cells, a manufacturing method thereof, and a method of controlling adhesion and differentiation of stem cells by using the nanocoil-substrate complex, and the method of controlling adhesion and differentiation of stem cells may temporally and reversibly control adhesion and phenotypic differentiation of stem cells in vivo and ex vivo by controlling application/non-application of a magnetic field to the nanocoil-substrate complex.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for culturing, activating, transducing and expanding immune cells in shaker flasks with agitation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing immuno-stimulatory autologous dendritic cells. The present invention further relates to the use of such cells for treating patients suffering from hyper-proliferative disease such as cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing red blood cells by using peripheral blood as well as the produced red blood cells.

Abstract: A method for producing a functional, vascularized organoid or spheroid is provided, the method including: (a) mixing a suspension of stromal cells with microvessel (MV) fragments isolated from adipose tissue to provide an MV/stromal cell suspension; and (b) culturing the MV/stromal cell suspension in an angiogenic medium to provide the functional, vascularized organoid or spheroid. Also provided is a method for producing a functional, vascularized adipocyte organoid or spheroid and a method of screening compounds for pharmacological or toxicological activity, using the vascularized organoids and/or spheroids provided herein.

Abstract: Provided are a method of preparing synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells using a synovial tissue and a hydrogel, synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells prepared by the method, a pharmaceutical composition for treating bone or cartilage damage, the pharmaceutical composition including the synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and a composition and kit for culturing mesenchymal stem cells, the composition and kit including a synovial tissue and a hydrogel. When the preparation method of the present invention is used, stem cells may be effectively extracted and obtained from synovium, and the obtained synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells may effectively treat bone or cartilage damage, and therefore, it will be able to greatly contribute to the development of a method of treating bone or cartilage damage.

Abstract: Stromal stem cells are prospectively isolated from human bone marrow then expanded into clonal populations and cultured and used, the isolation being on the basis of expression of a cell surface marker, wherein the cell surface marker binds an antibody and wherein said antibody cross reacts with a cell surface marker found on mouse stromal stem cells or rat stromal stem cells, and optionally also on a cell of at least one other mammalian species selected from mouse, rat, horse, rabbit and pig cells. Useful stromal stem cell populations are positive for SDC2.

Abstract: A closed-system (i.e., hermetically sealed) methods, and kits for isolating Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) from lipoaspirate, that utilizes specific hermetically-sealed, disposable assemblies and containers that are aseptically interconnected, are disclosed. Contemplated methods require lipoaspirate as a starting material, and provide for obtaining isolated, purified MSCs at the end of the process. Kits are contemplated to contain disposable assemblies, composed by sterile components such as modified syringes, tubing, centrifuge tubes, filtering units, that can be aseptically connected while maintaining sterility thereby keeping the system closed (i.e., hermetically sealed) with respect to the external environment. As a result, contamination during the isolation process can be avoided. The MSCs that are obtained at the end of the processing are thus ready to be further manipulated in subsequent operations (in example, expansion) also for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of reprogramming a somatic cell comprising culturing the somatic cell in the presence of one or more Yamanaka factors and further culturing said somatic cell in the absence of said one or more Yamanaka factors. The invention further relates to a reprogrammed somatic cell produced according to the methods as defined herein. Also provided are cosmetic methods, cosmetic compositions, a reprogrammed somatic cell and compositions for use in treatment or rejuvenation, as well as methods for screening age modulating agents, factors and/or cellular processes, comprising the methods and a reprogrammed somatic cell as defined herein.

Abstract: Novel chimeric proteins may be used to inhibit transcriptional A activities that are mediated by transcription factor interactions with P-TEFb. The chimeras contain elements that recruit the target transcription factor, maintain CDK9 in an inactive state, and competitively inhibit P-TEFb binding to the transcription factor. The chimeras may be configured for inhibition of HIV Tat mediated transcription and thus provide a novel means of preventing reactivation of integrated HIV, providing a new tool for emerging “block and lock” HIV cure strategies.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides high-throughput assays, e.g., yeast three-hybrid assays, for detecting the presence of a molecule, e.g., therapeutic molecule. In certain embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides genetically-engineered cells and assays for detecting tetracycline or derivatives thereof and kits for performing such assays.

Abstract: Disclosed is an NADH-dependent amino acid dehydrogenase and an application thereof in increasing lysine yield. The amino acid dehydrogenases are aspartate dehydrogenase derived from Pseudomonas aeruginos, aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase derived from Tistrella mobilis, dihydropyridine dicarboxylic acid reductase derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and diaminopimelate dehydrogenase derived from Tepidanaerobacter acetatoxydans. The amino acid sequences thereof are as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, and 7, respectively. NADH or both NADH and NADPH can be used as co-factors of the amino acid dehydrogenase to synthesize lysine, thereby reducing the demand for NADPH in the cell, and significantly increasing the production of lysine or pentanediamine.

Abstract: This disclosure provides various TcBuster transposases and transposons, systems, and methods of use.

Abstract: Described herein are engineered proteins and methods of use of such proteins. Also described herein are complexes, compositions, and systems including engineered proteins of the present invention, each of which may be used for modifying or editing a target nucleic acid. An engineered protein of the present invention may be an enzyme and/or may be an RNA-guided DNA-binding protein.

Abstract: The invention provides for optimized binuclease fusion proteins with increased pharmacokinetic properties. The optimized binuclease fusion proteins of the invention two or more nuclease domains (e.g., RNase and DNase domain) operably coupled to an Fc domain. The invention also provides methods of treating or preventing a condition associated with an abnormal immune response.

Abstract: Fabry disease is a rare (incidence approximately 1 in 20,000) X-linked inborn error of glycolipid metabolism caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme, ?-galactosidase A, that leads to early death in affected males due to occlusive disease of the heart, kidney, and brain. The present invention provides a method to treat Fabry disease with a modified alpha-Galactosidase A enzyme derivative with improved stability and catalytic properties. As a result of the present invention, an effective therapeutic effect is achieved with a lower dose of enzyme infused to the patients.

Abstract: Provided are subtilase variants having improved stability, detergent compositions comprising the variants, use of the variants and detergent compositions in a cleaning process such as laundry or hard surface cleaning such as dishwashing, and methods of producing the variants.

Abstract: An engineered microbe that contains a designed platform for the conversion of one-carbon substrates to chemical products is described. The designed platform embodies a new metabolic architecture that consolidates carbon fixation, central metabolism, and product synthesis into a single pathway. This is made possible by the key finding that 2-hydroxyacyl-CoA lyase, an enzyme in the ?-oxidation pathway, is capable of catalyzing the C—C bond formation between formyl-CoA and aldehydes of different chain lengths, allowing for the elongation of the carbon backbone of said aldehyde by one-carbon units. These novel microbes present an opportunity for the production of chemicals from single-carbon feedstocks such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formate, formaldehyde, methanol or methane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means and methods for optimizing expression of a heterologous polypeptide of interest in Gram-positive host cells by co-expression with a foldase that is cognate to the heterologous polypeptide of interest.

Abstract: Described herein is an enzyme preparation including Component (a): at least one compound according to general formula (I) wherein R1 is H; R2, R3, R4 are independently from each other selected from the group consisting of H, linear C1-C8 alkyl, and branched C3-C8 alkyl, C6-C10-aryl, non-substituted or substituted with one or more carboxylate or hydroxyl groups, and C6-C10-aryl-alkyl, wherein an alkyl of the C6-C10-aryl-alkyl is selected from the group consisting of linear C1-C8 alkyl and branched C3-C8 alkyl, wherein at least one of R2, R3, and R4 is not H, component (b): at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of hydrolases (EC 3) and proteases component (c): at least one compound selected from the group consisting of solvents, enzyme stabilizers different from component (a), and compounds stabilizing the enzyme preparation.

Abstract: At least one embodiment is directed to a method reducing the growth of a pathogen by targeting the pathogen by a vibrational wave at an integer fraction of its fundamental frequency, at low amplitudes so as to not harm healthy tissue, for a minimal exposure time determined by wave amplitude and damping.

Abstract: An ultrasound-based handheld animal and plant tissue ablation instrument includes a housing internally provided with a control board and a drive board, and an ultrasonic vibrator fixedly connected to a front end of the housing. The ultrasonic vibrator includes an ultrasonic transducer and an amplitude transformer. The amplitude transformer is fixedly connected to a front end of the ultrasonic transducer, changes an amplitude of vibration input by the ultrasonic transducer and transmits out the vibration. The control board is provided with a power supply, a DCDC conversion unit, a main control unit, a DCDC power adjustment unit and a sampling unit. The drive board is provided with a drive unit, a transformer unit and a resonance unit. The housing includes a first section and a second section. The end of the first section away from the second section is the front end of the housing.

Abstract: Methods of extracting ribonucleic acid from plant tissue involve treating multiple groups of plant seeds with different plant growth regulators. Each group of plant seeds can be treated with a different plant growth regulator. Methods further involve germinating the plant seeds to form seedlings, harvesting tissue samples from subgroups within each group of plant seeds and seedlings at different timepoints, and extracting total RNA from each harvested tissue sample. Methods can also involve sequencing the extracted RNA, determining an expression level of a plurality of genes relative to a negative control, and identifying a subset of differentially expressed genes at each distinct timepoint.

Abstract: A discontinuous wall magnet having an opening or channel is provided. A bead separation magnet having a discontinuous or segmented wall is also provided. The segmented wall causes bead formation to form in a segmented or gapped ring to allow for easier manual pipetting. Also provided are systems and kits having the inventive magnets. Methods of purifying a macromolecule using the inventive magnets are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are methods for isolating biomolecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, from a sample using a silica-containing surface and/or a high salt, low pH buffer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions and methods for selection functional aptamers. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods of using aptamer cluster-containing particles to identify functional aptamers from an aptamer library. In certain embodiments, provided herein are functionally enriched populations of aptamers. In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for selecting an aptamer for use in personalized cancer treatment and methods for preparing a tumor delivery system. In certain embodiments, provide herein are compositions comprise the aptamer cluster-containing particles, target cells (e.g., cancer cells, immune cells, etc.) and/or a detectable indicator of cellular function (e.g., a fluorescent indicator of apoptosis, cell proliferation, gene or protein expression, etc.).