Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improved liquefaction of a lignocellulosic biomass. The methods include reacting a lignocellulosic biomass slurry at mild conditions for a short period to produce a first reaction mixture having a reduced viscosity as compared to the lignocellulosic biomass slurry and that is substantially free of levulinic acid and hydroxymethylfurfural. The methods further include separating the first reaction mixture into a solid fraction and a liquid fraction, the solid fraction having a majority of lignin from the lignocellulosic biomass slurry and the liquid fraction having a majority of hemicellulose and greater than about 30% by weight of cellulose from the lignocellulosic biomass slurry. The method advantageously prevents or eliminates the formation of tar and/or char.

Abstract: At least one method to efficiently produce alkylene oxide from partial oxidation of hydrocarbons using a high efficiency heterogeneous catalyst in a fixed bed enclosed within a reaction vessel, and a reaction vessel constructed to facilitate the same.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improved liquefaction of a lignocellulosic biomass. The methods include reacting a lignocellulosic biomass slurry at mild conditions for a short period to produce a first reaction mixture having a reduced viscosity as compared to the lignocellulosic biomass slurry and that is substantially free of levulinic acid and hydroxymethylfurfural. The methods further include separating the first reaction mixture into a solid fraction and a liquid fraction, the solid fraction having a majority of lignin from the lignocellulosic biomass slurry and the liquid fraction having a majority of hemicellulose and greater than about 30% by weight of cellulose from the lignocellulosic biomass slurry. The method advantageously prevents or eliminates the formation of tar and/or char.

Abstract: At least one method to efficiently produce alkylene oxide from partial oxidation of hydrocarbons using a high efficiency heterogeneous catalyst in a fixed bed enclosed within a reaction vessel, and a reaction vessel constructed to facilitate the same.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reuse of a sludge from a waste fiber supply including an organic fraction and an inorganic fraction. Generally, methods include converting the sludge by burning the sludge to remove a majority of the organic fraction and produce an ash with inorganic materials in an amount of at least about 80% by weight of the ash and adding the ash to a plastic pyrolysis system in an effective amount to remove at least a portion of one or more contaminants from a plastic feed stream of the plastic pyrolysis system. Integrated recycling systems also are provided and include a fiber recovery system; a means for at least partially dewatering a sludge; a burner; and a pyrolyzer.

Abstract: A bitumen transport composition is provided comprising bitumen, a diluent in an amount of 24 weight percent or less and an additive wherein the additive is a mono-alcohol, a mono-nitrile, an amine or mixtures thereof. Also provided is a method to make the bitumen transport composition. Also provided is a method to transport the bitumen transport composition.

Abstract: At least one method to efficiently produce alkylene oxide from partial oxidation of hydrocarbons using a high efficiency heterogeneous catalyst in a fixed bed enclosed within a reaction vessel, and a reaction vessel constructed to facilitate the same.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis and/or monitoring of pancreatic cancer by detection of micro-RNAs (miRNA) are provided. In certain embodiments, detection of miR-21, miR-210, miR-155, and/or miR-196a in the plasma, blood, or pancreatic juice of a subject, such as a human patient, may be used to detect, diagnose, or monitor a pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: At least one method to efficiently produce alkylene oxide from partial oxidation of hydrocarbons using a high efficiency heterogeneous catalyst in a fixed bed enclosed within a reaction vessel, and a reaction vessel constructed to facilitate the same.

Abstract: A method of preparing a recombinant polypeptide of interest includes fermenting a host cell being transformed with a recombinant expression system capable of bringing about secretion of a polypeptide of interest into the periplasm of said host cell. The polypeptide of interest is extracted from the periplasm by applying a continuous osmotic shock to the host cells contained in a fermentation medium. An apparatus for osmotically shocking cells includes a first reservoir containing cells in a first solution and a second reservoir containing a second solution, the first solution having a higher osmolarity than the second solution. A method for osmotically shocking cells using the first and second solutions is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of isolating a recombinant polypeptide of interest from a cell.

Abstract: A method of preparing a recombinant polypeptide of interest includes fermenting a host cell being transformed with a recombinant expression system capable of bringing about secretion of a polypeptide of interest into the periplasm of said host cell. The polypeptide of interest is extracted from the periplasm by applying a continuous osmotic shock to the host cells contained in a fermentation medium. An apparatus for osmotically shocking cells includes a first reservoir containing cells in a first solution and a second reservoir containing a second solution, the first solution having a higher osmolarity than the second solution. A method for osmotically shocking cells using the first and second solutions is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of isolating a recombinant polypeptide of interest from a cell.