Abstract: This disclosure provides a method for substantially increasing the concentration of cfDNA in a patient. By injecting a patient with lipid and/or polymer nanoparticles, agents that bind cfDNA, or inhibit deoxyribonucleases prior to collection of a sample of cfDNA, e.g., by way of a liquid biopsy, major pathways for the degradation of cfDNA are temporarily blocked, permitting transient accumulation of cfDNA. This strategy has the potential to dramatically enhance the quality of detection achieved by downstream cfDNA e analytical applications, such as sequencing applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding. The method includes initiating induction welding by operating an induction coil along a weld interface of a first composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, in order to join the first composite part to a second composite part, determining a measured magnetic field strength at a location distinct from the induction coil, and determining a welding temperature at the weld interface of the first composite part based on the measured magnetic field strength.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to wheel-based human-powered spinning system comprising: a chassis configured to secure a user; a track surrounding said chassis; and at least one omni wheels attached to said chassis, wherein said chassis spins with unlimited range of motion, along pitch, yaw and roll axes, inside the track while supported by said at least one omni wheels, said track being independent of contact from said chassis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding of a composite part. The method includes locating a linear fiber optic sensor along a composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, measuring temperatures along the weld line via the linear fiber optic sensor, performing induction welding at the composite part along the weld line, determining a continuum of weld temperatures along the weld line, and controlling the induction welding based on the continuum of weld temperatures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding of a composite part. The method includes locating a linear fiber optic sensor along a composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, measuring temperatures along the weld line via the linear fiber optic sensor, performing induction welding at the composite part along the weld line, determining a continuum of weld temperatures along the weld line, and controlling the induction welding based on the continuum of weld temperatures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding. The method includes initiating induction welding by operating an induction coil along a weld interface of a first composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, in order to join the first composite part to a second composite part, determining a measured magnetic field strength at a location distinct from the induction coil, and determining a welding temperature at the weld interface of the first composite part based on the measured magnetic field strength.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for making an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) mixing SiO2, H2O and a metallic hydroxide for generating an alkaline aqueous solution with pH from 10 to 14 comprising a metallic silicate, wherein said metallic hydroxide generates a first metallic oxide in the aqueous solution, (b) adding aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2) to the alkaline aqueous solution comprising a metallic silicate generated in step (a) and (c) adding halloysite nanotubes (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) to the solution generated in step (b). The present disclosure further provides an inorganic thermoset resin obtainable by the method as defined in the first aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to wheel-based human-powered spinning system comprising: a chassis configured to secure a user; a track surrounding said chassis; and at least one omni wheels attached to said chassis, wherein said chassis spins with unlimited range of motion, along pitch, yaw and roll axes, inside the track while supported by said at least one omni wheels, said track being independent of contact from said chassis.

Abstract: A method for a curing cycle of an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) adding a hardener in a concentration from 18 to 30% by weight of the resin to said inorganic thermoset resin and (b) curing the resin at a temperature from 110 to 120° C. An inorganic thermoset resin, comprising a hardener in a concentration from 18 to 30% by weight of the resin. A vehicle interior panel, comprising a composite comprising a composite matrix of a natural fibre set within an inorganic thermoset resin.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for making an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) mixing SiO2, H2O and a metallic hydroxide for generating an alkaline aqueous solution with pH from 10 to 14 comprising a metallic silicate, wherein said metallic hydroxide generates a first metallic oxide in the aqueous solution, (b) adding aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2) to the alkaline aqueous solution comprising a metallic silicate generated in step (a) and (c) adding halloysite nanotubes (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) to the solution generated in step (b). The present disclosure further provides an inorganic thermoset resin obtainable by the method as defined in the first aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for making an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) mixing SiO2, H2O and a metallic hydroxide for generating an alkaline aqueous solution with pH from 10 to 14 comprising a metallic silicate, wherein said metallic hydroxide generates a first metallic oxide in the aqueous solution, (b) adding aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2) to the alkaline aqueous solution comprising a metallic silicate generated in step (a) and (c) adding halloysite nanotubes (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) to the solution generated in step (b). The present disclosure further provides an inorganic thermoset resin obtainable by the method as defined in the first aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: Described is a method to make linear alpha olefins. The method includes the steps of contacting a feedstock having a lactone and/or an unsaturated carboxylic acid with a solid acid catalyst having acidic catalytic sites including Lewis acid catalytic sites, for a time and a temperature wherein at least a fraction of the lactone and/or unsaturated carboxylic acid present in the feedstock is converted into a linear alpha olefin. The method may optionally take place in the presence of water. The solid acid catalyst should preferably have at least 50% Lewis acid catalytic sites.

Abstract: A method for a curing cycle of an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) adding a hardener in a concentration from 18 to 30% by weight of the resin to said inorganic thermoset resin and (b) curing the resin at a temperature from 110 to 120° C. An inorganic thermoset resin, comprising a hardener in a concentration from 18 to 30% by weight of the resin. A vehicle interior panel, comprising a composite comprising a composite matrix of a natural fibre set within an inorganic thermoset resin.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of biomass refining and cellulose production. More particularly, it concerns high purity cellulose production using a process that employs a water/organic co-solvent mixture with reduced use of chemicals.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lightweight two-stage pressure regulator for controlling the flow of gas from a high pressure source. The two stage pressure regulator comprises a gas inlet, a first piston pressure regulator stage, a second piston pressure regulator stage and a gas outlet. The first piston pressure regulator stage and the second piston pressure regulator stage are arranged to be coaxial such that the gas flow path is substantially along the axis of the first and second piston regulator stages.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for making an inorganic thermoset resin, the method comprising: (a) mixing SiO2, H2O and a metallic hydroxide for generating an alkaline aqueous solution with pH from 10 to 14 comprising a metallic silicate, wherein said metallic hydroxide generates a first metallic oxide in the aqueous solution, (b) adding aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2) to the alkaline aqueous solution comprising a metallic silicate generated in step (a) and (c) adding halloysite nanotubes (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) to the solution generated in step (b). The present disclosure further provides an inorganic thermoset resin obtainable by the method as defined in the first aspect of the disclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lightweight two-stage pressure regulator for controlling the flow of gas from a high pressure source. The two stage pressure regulator comprises a gas inlet, a first piston pressure regulator stage, a second piston pressure regulator stage and a gas outlet. The first piston pressure regulator stage and the second piston pressure regulator stage are arranged to be coaxial such that the gas flow path is substantially along the axis of the first and second piston regulator stages.

Abstract: A method to produce levulinic acid (LA) and gamma-valerolactone (GVL) from biomass-derived cellulose or lignocellulose by selective extraction of LA using GVL and optionally converting the LA so isolated into GVL, with no purifications steps required to yield the GVL.

Abstract: Described is a method of processing biomass to separate it into a liquid fraction enriched in solubilized C5-sugar-containing oligomers and C-5 sugar monomers and a solid fraction enriched in substantially insoluble cellulose and C6-sugar-containing oligomers. The method includes the steps of reacting biomass with a solvent system comprising water, at least one lactone, or at least one furan, or at least one cyclic ether, and at least one acid, for a time and at a temperature to yield the liquid and solid fractions. The liquid and solid fractions may then be separated. Gamma-valeroloactone is a preferred lactone for use in the solvent system. Tetrahydrofuran is a preferred furan species for use in the solvent system.

Abstract: A method to produce levulinic acid (LA) and gamma-valerolactone (GVL) from biomass-derived cellulose or lignocellulose by selective extraction of LA using GVL and optionally converting the LA so isolated into GVL, with no purifications steps required to yield the GVL.