Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to produce para-xylene, toluene, and other compounds from renewable sources (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose) and ethylene in the presence of an acid, such as a Lewis acid. For example, cellulose and/or hemicellulose may be converted into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) and 2-methylfuran, which may be converted into para-xylene and toluene, respectively. In particular, para-xylene can then be oxidized to form terephthalic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to produce para-xylene, toluene, and other compounds from renewable sources (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, sugar) and ethylene in the presence of a catalyst. For example, cellulose and/or hemicellulose may be converted into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), which may be converted into para-xylene by cycloaddition of ethylene to DMF. Para-xylene can then be oxidized to form terephthalic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to isolated bacterial strains producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), microbial consortia including such strains, and cultures of such strains and microbial consortia. In particular, the present disclosure relates to compositions including such strains, microbial consortia, and cultures and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to produce substituted furans (e.g., halomethylfurfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and furfural), by acid-catalyzed conversion of biomass using a gaseous acid in a multiphase reactor, such as a fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to produce para-xylene, toluene, and other compounds from renewable sources (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, sugar) and ethylene in the presence of a catalyst. For example, cellulose and/or hemicellulose may be converted into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), which may be converted into para-xylene by cycloaddition of ethylene to DMF. Para-xylene can then be oxidized to form terephthalic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to isolated bacterial strains producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), microbial consortia including such strains, and cultures of such strains and microbial consortia. In particular, the present disclosure relates to compositions including such strains, microbial consortia, and cultures and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A computer program and a computer-implemented system and method for generating a two-dimensional image of a volume data set representing an object volume from a selectable viewpoint. An object volume data set includes voxel values ordered by voxels along a row that extends in a first direction, rows across a plane that extends in the first direction and a second direction, and planes through an object volume that extend in the first and second directions and a third direction. In response to the definition of a view vector defining a view direction with respect to a viewpoint, shear and warp mappings are determined, as is which of the first, second and third directions is closest to the view vector. Pixels of a two-dimensional sheared image having a plurality of lines of pixels are then determined from voxel values of the object volume data set identified by the shear mapping.

Abstract: A computer automated method for setting visualization parameter boundaries in a preset for displaying an image from a 3D data set applicable to magnetic resonance (MR) data, computer tomography (CT) data and other 3D data sets obtained in medical imaging is described. In one example the visualization parameter boundaries are color boundaries. A histogram of data values of voxels within a user-selected volume of interest (VOI) is generated and an analysis of a convex hull spanning the histogram is made to provide one or more visualization thresholds which divide the histogram into sub-regions. The sub-regions relate to different tissue types within the VOI and color boundaries are set based on the visualization thresholds for displaying the different tissue types in different colors. The method allows color boundaries in a preset to be set objectively and automatically so that images can be displayed consistently and with less user manipulation.

Abstract: A computer automated method for setting visualization parameter boundaries in a preset for displaying an image from a 3D data set applicable to magnetic resonance (MR) data, computer tomography (CT) data and other 3D data sets obtained in medical imaging is described. In one example the visualization parameter boundaries are color boundaries. A histogram of data values of voxels within a user-selected volume of interest (VOI) is generated and an analysis of a convex hull spanning the histogram is made to provide one or more visualization thresholds which divide the histogram into sub-regions. The sub-regions relate to different tissue types within the VOI and color boundaries are set based on the visualization thresholds for displaying the different tissue types in different colors. The method allows color boundaries in a preset to be set objectively and automatically so that images can be displayed consistently and with less user manipulation.

Abstract: A computer program and a computer-implemented system and method for generating a two-dimensional image of a volume data set representing an object volume from a selectable viewpoint. An object volume data set includes voxel values ordered by voxels along a row that extends in a first direction, rows across a plane that extends in the first direction and a second direction, and planes through an object volume that extend in the first and second directions and a third direction. In response to the definition of a view vector defining a view direction with respect to a viewpoint, shear and warp mappings are determined, as is which of the first, second and third directions is closest to the view vector. Pixels of a two-dimensional sheared image having a plurality of lines of pixels are then determined from voxel values of the object volume data set identified by the shear mapping.

Abstract: A guide tool assembly is provided for use with a tape measuring device to measure, scribe or cut drywall or the like. The guide tool assembly consists of two parts, one a slidable guide element including a mounting slot for enabling the slidable guide element to be slidably mounted on the measuring tape of the tape measuring device and a knife guide element adapted to be affixed to the measuring tape at the free end thereof. The knife guide includes a transverse opening therein for, in one application, receiving a cutting blade. In this application, the slidable element is set at the desired measuring point along the tape and with the slidable element in engagement with the edge of the drywall panel to be cut, the slidable element and the cutting blade are moved in parallel to provide a cut of the desired width. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly is used for making arcuate cuts or inscriptions.