Abstract: A high temperature and high salinity-resistant complementarily rigid-flexible plugging agent, a method for preparing the same, and a water-based drilling fluid and a use thereof.

Abstract: A device for forming one or more wellbore sealants in a wellbore can include a wellbore barrier and a cured polymer. The wellbore barrier can be positioned in the wellbore. The cured polymer can be positioned with respect to the wellbore barrier for swelling the device from a compressed configuration to a swelled configuration for forming one or more wellbore sealants in the wellbore.

Abstract: A scale inhibitor squeeze treatment is enhanced by injecting a pre-flush solution into a wellbore, where the pre-flush solution includes at least one organic carbonate solvent, such as a dialkyl carbonate and/or a cyclic carbonate. The use of an organic carbonate solvent can help prevent the pre-flush solution emulsion formation, help avoid water-blocking, and enhance scale inhibitor adsorption. The use of an organic carbonate solvent also permits the pre-flush solution to be free of water, in one non-limiting embodiment.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for use in the inhibition of the formation of gas hydrate agglomerates are provided. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: providing an emulsion drilling fluid including: a continuous phase including a non-oleaginous fluid; an internal phase including an oleaginous fluid; and a thermodynamic hydrate inhibitor; and drilling at least a portion of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods for treating a formation may include introducing components of a treatment solution into a wellbore such that the treatment solution contacts the formation to be treated, where the treatment solution may include urea, urease, a calcium ion source, one or more polysaccharides, a casein protein, a protease, an ionic compound, and a sugar, where the formation may have an amount of sand production before treatment and may be in fluid contact with the wellbore, and where an amount of sand production after treatment may be less than the amount of sand production before treatment. Consolidated sand structure compositions may include previously unconsolidated sand interlinked by inter-particle cementitious bonds comprising deposited calcium carbonate crystals, where the consolidated sand has a structural strength and the consolidated sand structure is porous to permit fluid flow through the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chemical composition produced from mixtures of organic chemical compounds, alcohols, inorganic compounds and oxidizing compounds, by combining controlled strong acids, organic bases, oxidizing compounds, alcohols and a mixture of distilled and double-distilled fatty acids, which mixture, through the use of specific controlled pressures and temperatures, can be used for the production, improved recovery and processing of light, medium, heavy and extra-heavy hydrocarbons and bituminous sands at the surface or from a deposit.

Abstract: A combined catalytic viscosity reducing system includes a catalyst slug, a heat generating system slug, a gas injection slug, and a water-soluble viscosity reducing system slug. The catalyst slug includes 10%-15% of azacarbene iron, 15%-30% of tert-butyl hydroperoxide, 2%-5% of phosphoric acid, 2%-5% of hydrogen donor, and 0.5%-1% of emulsifier agent, and the others are solvent. The heat generating system slug includes 10%-30% of NaNO2, 8%-25% of NH4Cl, and 3%-10% of acid initiator, and the others are water, totaling 100%. The water-soluble viscosity reducing system slug, according to mass percentage, includes 0.2%-0.5% of surfactant and 2%-10% of alkali, and the others are water. The combined catalytic viscosity reducing system can effectively reduce viscosity without injecting steam, and the viscosity reduction rate can reach 96.5%.

Abstract: An electrochromic element including: a first electrode; a second electrode disposed to face the first electrode with a gap between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first electrochromic layer disposed on or above the first electrode, including conductor or semiconductor nano-structures and an electrochromic compound; and an electrolyte layer including an electrolyte, disposed between the first electrochromic layer and the second electrode, wherein the electrochromic compound is a compound represented by General Formula 1, and an anion of the electrolyte is a monovalent anion having oxidation potential higher than reduction potential of a dication of General Formula 1 by 3.1 V or greater, where X? is a monovalent anion having oxidation potential higher than reduction potential of the dication of General Formula 1 by 3.

Abstract: A process for extracting fuel products from waste rubber, comprising the steps of subjecting the waste rubber to pyrolysis to produce a pyrolysis vapour, subjecting the pyrolysis vapour to a condensation step to produce a pyrolytic oil having a boiling point range of 45-400° C. and a flash point below 25° C., and then subjecting the pyrolytic oil to a vacuum steam stripping step so as to recover a fraction having a first composition having a flash point above 55° C., a boiling point range starting at 140° C. or higher, a density at 15° C. of less than 990 kg/m3, a total acid number TAN of up to 12, a styrene content of less than 3000 ppm, and an organic halogen (as Cl) content of less than 50 ppm, and a second composition having an initial boiling point not exceeding 75° C. under atmospheric pressure, a density at 15° C. of greater than 790 kg/m3, a benzene content of at least 1.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing the processing of hydrocarbons in a FCC unit by introduction of the coked FCC catalyst from the FCC reactor and a renewable feedstock to the FCC regenerator to facilitate regeneration of the coked FCC catalyst. The renewable feedstock can contain biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. The biomass-derived pyrolysis oil and coke from the coked FCC catalyst are oxidized by oxygen to provide a regenerated catalyst that is recycled to the FCC reactor.

Abstract: Carbon nanofiber doped alumina (Al—CNF) supported MoCo catalysts in hydrodesulfurization (HDS), and/or boron doping, e.g., up to 5 wt % of total catalyst weight, can improve catalytic efficiency. Al—CNF-supported MoCo catalysts, (Al—CNF—MoCo), can reduce the sulfur concentration in fuel, esp. liquid fuel, to below the required limit in a 6 h reaction time. Thus, Al—CNF—MoCo has a higher catalytic activity than Al-MoCo, which may be explained by higher mesoporous surface area and better dispersion of MoCo metals on the AlCNF support relative to alumina support. The BET surface area of Al-MoCo may be 75% less than Al—CNF—MoCo, e.g., 166 vs. 200 m2/g. SEM images indicate that the catalyst nanoparticles can be evenly distributed on the surface of the CNF. The surface area of the AlMoCoB5% may be 206 m2/g, which is higher than AlMoCoB0% and AlMoCoB2%, and AlMoCoB5% has the highest HDS activity, removing more than 98% sulfur and below allowed levels.

Abstract: A process for preparing hydrocarbons from an oxygenated hydrocarbon feedstock, such as animal fat, having a high nitrogen impurity is described. Hydrotreatment of the oxygenated feedstock occurs in a first hydrotreating bed arranged downstream of a polishing bed. A gaseous phase is removed and the liquid hydrotreated phase is fed to the polishing bed arranged upstream of the first hydrotreating bed together with fresh hydrogen. The process effectively removes nitrogen impurities from the resultant hydrocarbon product causing an improved cloud point after isomerisation, and the arrangement makes efficient use of fresh hydrogen for polishing, providing a polished hydrocarbon product rich in dissolved hydrogen. Part of the product can be used as hydrocarbon diluent in the downstream hydrotreating bed, and/or withdrawn between the polishing and hydrotreating bed and isomerised in an isomerisation reactor.

Abstract: A fuel production system 1 for producing a liquid fuel from biomass feedstock includes a gasification furnace 30 that gasifies biomass feedstock to produce a syngas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide; a liquid fuel production unit 4 that produces a liquid fuel from the syngas produced by the gasification furnace 30; an electrolysis unit 60 that produces hydrogen from water using electric power generated using renewable energy; a hydrogen tank 62 that stores the hydrogen produced by the electrolysis unit 60; and a hydrogen supply pump 64 that supplies the hydrogen from the hydrogen tank 62into the gasification furnace 30 or a biomass feedstock supply channel 20 extending from a biomass feedstock supply unit 2 to the gasification furnace 30.

Abstract: Provided herein are heat activated fuel detergents, liquid fuel compositions including such heat activated fuel detergents and methods for improving intake valve and injector cleanliness of an engine for a vehicle utilizing such liquid fuel composition.

Abstract: [Technical Problem] An object is to provide a lubricant capable of forming a stable adsorption film on a sliding surface and stabilizing the sliding characteristics (for example, ensuring the wear resistance, etc.). [Solution to Problem] The present invention provides a lubricant represented by the following chemical structural formula. (R: a hydrocarbon group whose carbon number is 8 to 24, m and n: integers of 2 to 8) [Selected Figure] FIG.

Abstract: A penetrating oil including isoalkane solvent and oil derived from biological sources and a method for producing the same, are disclosed. Use of a composition containing isoalkane solvent and oil derived from biological sources is further disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to lubricating compositions having a stable viscosity upon oxidization through select amounts and relationships of detergent metals and soap contents.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer cleaning composition for used in a semiconductor device manufacturing process and a method of cleaning a semiconductor wafer using the cleaning composition are provided. The cleaning composition includes surfactants represented by Formula 1 and Formula 2, respectively, an organic or inorganic acid, and water occupying for the remaining proportion. The cleaning method is a method of immersing a semiconductor wafer in the cleaning composition for 100 to 500 seconds. The cleaning composition and the cleaning method according to the present disclosure provide an incredibility improved removal rate and an effective cleaning power for contaminants, especially organic wax, during a process of polishing the surface of a wafer used to manufacture semiconductor devices, thereby providing a super-cleaned wafer surface, resulting in production of reliable semiconductor devices.

Abstract: Water-soluble unit dose article and a method of making.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for preparing a non-woven fabric which improves impregnation and release properties of a fabric softener in the non-woven fabric in order to apply the non-woven fabric to a dryer sheet (sheet-type fabric softener). When increasing porosity and specific surface area in a non-woven fabric made of two-component blended polyester long fibers, impregnation and release rate of a fabric softener are improved even when the non-woven fabric is lightened, making it possible to apply the non-woven fabric to a dryer sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for producing broad spectrum disinfectants, sanitizers, cleaner and deodorizers using chlorine dioxide compositions, and more particularly, to methods for producing chlorine dioxide compositions having improved long term stability by the proper choice of pH and through the careful choice of other product formula ingredients.

Abstract: A composition that comprises encapsulates, the encapsulates having a core that includes perfume characterized by an acid value of greater than 5.0 mg KOH/g of perfume, the encapsulates also including a shell that includes a (meth)acrylate material. Methods of making and using such compositions.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses to optimize all stages of sparkling wine production using the ‘Champagne’ method. For instance, there is a specially configured apparatus utilized for a method for producing sparkling wine within the wine bottle through a secondary fermentation. The apparatus is attached to the wine bottle to seal in pressure. Specifically, a neck collar of the apparatus is positioned upon a neck section and a sealing cap is pressed onto a mouth opening wine bottle above the neck collar and coupled to the neck collar of the apparatus. A tensioner of the apparatus induces a clamping force between the neck collar and the sealing cap to seal the pressure generated from fermentation. A pressure indicator measures and displays pressure which is retained and limited to a maximum pressure within the bottle via a Pressure Reduction Valve (PRV) of the apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for rapid aging of distilled ethyl alcohol. The system includes a vessel with at least one aperture for introducing RF energy at a preselected frequency to be absorbed by opaque material in a target area; at least one liquid circulating system; and a platform to substantially contain a plurality of units of wood as the opaque material. Each unit of wood has a plurality of capillaries containing at least wood sugar and resin. The system has a wood agitation system to move the wood through the target area. An RF generator provides constant RF energy at the predetermined frequency to induce oscillation of molecules within the wood. The system has an oxygenator to provide oxygen into the liquid mixture and outgas congeners from the liquid, the vessel further providing at least one vent structured and arranged to vent the outgassed congeners.

Abstract: Time-reducing and flavor-enhancing techniques for alcoholic spirits may be provided as an alternative to conventional barrel-aging. Numerous controllable variables may be accessible for control at one process control panel or unit for a spirit-aging system. Variations in pressure, day/night cycle time, % O2, ratio of exposed wood surface to gallons of spirit, variations in spirit liquid temperature, and the amount of rough and ultrasonic mixing variables may be made to decrease the aging time. The aging process may be monitored for the changing spirit characteristics by drawing periodic samples to compare to spirit-quality target goals. Combinations of the variables may be optimized for these goals. Changes also may be made to the variables to address issues arising for quality control. All or most of the vapor naturally emitted by the spirit may be avoided or captured in a container or vessel with no or substantially reduced volume loss.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a microfluidic platforms or “chips” for testing and understanding cancer, and, more specifically, for understanding the factors that contribute to cancer invading tissues and causing metastases. Tumor cells are grown on microfluidic devices with other non-cancerous tissues under conditions that simulate tumor invasion. The interaction with immune cells can be tested to inhibit this activity by linking a cancer chip to a lymph chip.

Abstract: To provide a plate with which, although the plate has a plurality of microchannels or a microchannel in which a plurality of branch channels are formed, when a sample flowing through a microchannel is observed by a microscope, it is possible to easily identify the position of the microchannel or the branch channel under observation without reducing the magnification of the microscope. A plate having a microchannel therein includes an identification mark for identifying a position of the microchannel in a plane direction of the plate. When the microchannel includes a plurality of mutually independent microchannels, the identification mark is preferably formed for each microchannel. When the microchannel includes a source channel communicating with an injection port through which a sample is injected and a plurality of branch channels communicating with the source channel, the identification mark is preferably formed for each of the source channel and the branch channels.

Abstract: A cell culture vessel includes a base defining a base plane extending in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a plurality of cell culture chambers stacked one atop another, each cell culture chamber having a top, a bottom and sidewalls, each of the top, bottom and sidewalls having an interior surface, wherein at least the bottom surface has an array of microcavities supporting the culture of cells as spheroids and each bottom surface is at an angle with respect to the plane of a table or surface upon which the vessel sits. Further, liquid can flow into each cell culture chamber via an inlet and out of each cell culture chamber via an outlet. The angled cell culture surface allows the cell culture chambers to be perfused or allows media changes without dislodging spheroids from microcavities.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for membrane carbonation for cultivating microalgae and other microorganisms that utilize a gaseous substrate, as well as to upgrade the quality of mixed-gas streams.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to bioreactors, for example for biological treatment and, more specifically to bioreactor insert apparatus including biofilms and related methods. The bioreactor insert apparatus provides a means for circulation of reaction medium within the bioreactor, a biofilm support, and biological treatment of an inlet feed to die reactor/insert apparatus. The bioreactor insert apparatus has a high relative surface area for biofilm attachment and is capable of generating complex flow patterns and increasing treatment efficiency/biological conversion activity in a biologically-active reactor. The high surface area structure incorporates multiple biofilm support structures such as meshes at inlet and outlet portions of the structure. The biofilm support structures and biofilms thereon can increase overall reaction rate of the bioreactor and/or perform some solid/liquid separation in the treatment of the wastewater or other influent.

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: A beverage maker may include a fermentation tank including a space in which a beverage is made, a refrigerant cycle device to cool the fermentation tank, a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the fermentation tank, and a controller to drive the refrigerant cycle device to decrease a temperature of the fermentation tank which accommodates a mixture including an ingredient of the beverage to a fermentation temperature while the beverage is being made, to stop driving of the refrigerant cycle device when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches a first step temperature of a plurality of step temperatures set higher than the fermentation temperature, and to re-drive the refrigerant cycle device after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for treating biological liquid by viral inactivation, comprising a main supply valve (4) for suppling biological liquid to treat, a first line (2) downstream of said valve and provided with a first main tank (7), a second line (3) downstream of said valve and provided with a second main tank (14), said second line being in parallel with said first line, and a third main tank (11) disposed at an outlet both from said first line and said second line and configured to be successively supplied by said first main tank and by said second main tank; said installation being configured such that in each of said first, second and third main treatment tanks, a determined volume of acid and a determined volume of base are introduced at least so as to adjust a pH of said biological liquid and to regulate a rate of drainage flow of said third main treatment tank so as to provide a continuous rate of flow of treated biological liquid at an outlet from said installation.

Abstract: Cell monitoring apparatus includes sensing chip and channel module. Sensing chip includes channel region, source and drain regions, and sensing film. The channel region includes first semiconductor material. The source and drain regions are disposed at opposite sides of the channel region, and include a second semiconductor material. Sensing film is disposed on the channel region at a sensing surface of the sensing chip. Channel module is disposed on the sensing surface of sensing chip. A microfluidic channel is formed between the sensing surface of the sensing chip and a proximal surface of the channel module. The microfluidic channel includes a culture chamber and a micro-well. The culture chamber is concave into the proximal surface of the channel module, and overlies the channel region. The micro-well is concave into a side of the culture chamber, and directly faces the sensing film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant cyanobacterial cells for the production of a chemical compound of interest. In particular, the present invention relates to genetic modifications that introduce one or more heterologous phosphopantetheinyl transferases (PPTases) into a cyanobacterial cell. These cells can, optionally, further comprise heterologous carrier protein and nucleic acid constructs that provide the cyanobacterial cells with the capability of producing chemicals of interest or compounds of interest, such secondary metabolites polyketides, nonribosomal peptides and their hybrids, the three major families of bioactive natural products, of cyanobacteria and other bacterial phyla, secondary metabolites analogs, and unnatural compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for cultivating a Bordetella species, comprising: cultivating a Bordetella species under aerobic conditions in a liquid culture medium; and maintaining a pH of the liquid culture medium by using a strong acid, such as nitric acid, or using a first and second acid, wherein the first acid is an inorganic acid that dissociates essentially completely in water, such as nitric acid, hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, and wherein the second acid is an inorganic acid having an acid dissociation constant (pKa) of greater than 1, such as phosphoric acid. Methods for increasing the yield of Bordetella fimbrial agglutinogen 2 and fimbrial agglutinogen 3 (FIM2/3) in a supernatant fraction from a Bordetella culture are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is an immobilized thermostable trehalose synthase including an amino acid sequence of a trehalose synthase domain and an amino acid sequence of a cellulose binding domain. Also provided is a method for converting maltose into trehalose or for converting sucrose into trehalulose by using the immobilized thermostable trehalose synthase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a fixed magnet assembly that can be implemented into automated platforms for performing polynucleotide extraction from biological samples and preparing the polynucleotides into an amplification-ready form. The fixed magnet assembly can be used to provide magnetic energy to a container containing magnetic particles and a reaction mixture of polynucleotides, in order to bring about a separation of the magnetic particles from the reaction mixture. This can prevent or reduce magnetic particle carryover in the prepared amplification-ready sample, thereby improving amplification results.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided herein for selecting an affinity reagent which binds a desired peptide epitope in a plurality of sequence contexts. The method relies on obtaining a peptide library, each peptide having the sequence ?X?, wherein X is the desired peptide epitope, wherein each of ? and ? comprise an amino acid, using the peptide library to select an affinity reagent.

Abstract: Provided are linkers suitable for preparing a conjugate of a nucleic acid and a peptide as a translation product thereof in a reconstituted cell-free translation system in genotype-phenotype mapping (display methods), said linkers comprising a single-stranded structure region having a side chain base pairing with the base at the 3?-end of an mRNA at one end and a peptidyl acceptor region containing an amino acid attached to an oligo RNA consisting of a nucleotide sequence of ACCA via an ester bond at the other end, characterized in that the ester bond is formed by using an artificial RNA catalyst. Also provided are display methods using [mRNA]-[linker]-[peptide] conjugates assembled via such linkers.

Abstract: Presented are methods and compositions for using immobilized transposase and a transposon end for generating an immobilized library of 5?-tagged double-stranded target DNA on a surface. The methods are useful for generating 5?- and 3?-tagged DNA fragments for use in a variety of processes, including massively parallel DNA sequencing.

Abstract: An array-based system of assembled DNA for computer data storage is described. An array surface contains immobilized seed DNA initially having with blunt (or blocked) ends with a photocleavable optical linker at a forward end thereof holding the last few base pairs. A light source is light is applied to break the linker, generating a sticky end which allows for hybridization. Data-bearing DNA cassettes are introduced to the array and attach via their sticky ends to the unblock sites on the array surface. The attachment is made permanent via ligase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions comprising a polymerase and a phosphorylated nucleoside, wherein the polymerase and the nucleoside are covalently linked by a cleavable linker at the terminal phosphate group. Further disclosed herein are enzymatic polynucleotide synthesis using polymerase and nucleotide conjugation strategies.

Abstract: Described are a number of aptamers that are specific to bind with lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and associated methods.

Abstract: Engineered FnCas9 variants are provided that have an enhanced kinetic activity and a broader PAM recognition. The protein engineering methodology introduced specific mutations that stabilized interaction between Cas9 enzyme and target DNA. The enhanced kinetic activity increases NHEJ-mediated editing, owing to more efficient DSB generation potential than WT FnCas9, and the broadened PAM specificity increases the target range of FnCas9 variants. Thus, the scope and accessibility of CRISPR-Cas9 system targets are widened, along with generating robust and highly specific engineered FnCas9 variants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intracellular expression enhancing genetic element, which enhances the intracellular expression of target protein encoded in RNA therapeutics such as mRNA vaccines and RNA medicines. In more detail, the present invention relates to the RNA molecule which has the genetic element capable of enhancing the intracellular expression of target protein encoded in RNA therapeutics delivered into cells; the plasmid used to synthesize the RNA molecule having the genetic element “E3”; the method for synthesizing RNA molecule having the genetic element “E3” using the plasmid and utilizing the synthesized RNA molecule as RNA therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention relates to C. acnes carrying DNA vectors with a C. acnes phage packaging signal and a gene of interest. The invention encompasses a C. acnes producer cell carrying DNA vectors, with a C. acnes phage packaging signal and a gene of interest, for the production of phage-derived particles that can robustly transduce C. acnes receiver cell allowing transgene expression. The invention encompasses C. acnes phage-derived particles carrying these vectors, C. acnes containing these vectors or modified by transduction of these phage-derived particles, and methods of using these phage-derived particles.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and materials involved in producing tobacco plants having reduced levels of conversion of nicotine to nornicotine. In certain embodiments, the invention is directed to mutations in a nicotine demethylase gene, tobacco plants comprising mutations in a nicotine demethylase gene, and tobacco compositions and products thereof. In other embodiments, the invention is directed toward nicotine demethylase RNA interference, tobacco plants comprising a nicotine demethylase RNA interference transgene, and tobacco compositions and products thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safflower plant or part thereof involving the molecular stacking of safflower events IND-1ØØØ3-4 x IND-1ØØ15-7, wherein the plant produces and accumulates chymosin in seed under agricultural conditions. A plant seed involving the molecular stacking of safflower events IND-1ØØØ3-4 x IND-1ØØ15-7. A consumer product produced from the seed, defined as chymosin, and additionally as ground grain, flour, flakes, oil, biodiesel, biogas, or another biomaterial. Also, the present invention include a recombinant DNA molecule involved in the molecular stacking of safflower events IND-1ØØØ3-4 x IND-1ØØ15-7. A DNA polynucleotide primer molecule comprising at least 15 contiguous nucleotides of the DNA molecule involved in the molecular stacking of safflower events IND-1ØØØ3-4 x IND-1ØØ15-7, or its complement which is useful in a DNA amplification method to produce a diagnostic amplicon for the event IND-1ØØØ3-4 and IND-1ØØ15-7, or each of them separately IND-1ØØØ3-4 and IND-1ØØ15-7.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant DNA molecules and constructs, as well as their nucleotide sequences, useful for modulating gene expression in plants. The invention also provides transgenic plants, plant cells, plant parts, and seeds comprising the recombinant DNA molecules operably linked to heterologous transcribable DNA molecules, as are methods of their use.