Abstract: There is described a method of processing biomass which comprises the steps of: (i) processing biomass material in an aqueous system in the presence of an oxalic acid catalyst to produce a slurry; (ii) subjecting the slurry to an acidified organosolv liquor and optionally de-aerating the resulting mixture before exposing the mixture to ultrasound in a pretreatment step; and (iii) completing the fractionation process using thermal digestion, followed by separation of the constituents into lignin, hemi-cellulose (monosaccharides) and cellulose with the addition of water.

Abstract: There is described a method of fractionating a biomass material comprising: (i) blending the biomass material with an acid catalyst to form a slurry; (ii) mixing the slurry with an organosolv reagent optionally under an inert atmosphere to form a pre-treatment mix; (iii) subjecting the pre-treatment mix to sonication; (iv) optionally heating the product of step (iii) in an autoclave under pressure; (v) separating the solid and liquid components of the fractionation mix; (vi) optionally washing the solid; (vii) optionally drying the solid component; (viii) separating the liquid component into organic and aqueous components; and (ix) isolating lignin from the organic component and/or isolating hemi-cellulose from the aqueous component.

Abstract: There is described a method of fractionating a biomass material comprising: (i) blending the biomass material with an acid catalyst to form a slurry; (ii) mixing the slurry with an organosolv reagent optionally under an inert atmosphere to form a pre-treatment mix; (iii) subjecting the pre-treatment mix to sonication; (iv) optionally heating the product of step (iii) in an autoclave under pressure; (v) separating the solid and liquid components of the fractionation mix; (vi) optionally washing the solid; (vii) optionally drying the solid component; (viii) separating the liquid component into organic and aqueous components; and (ix) isolating lignin from the organic component and/or isolating hemi-cellulose from the aqueous component.

Abstract: There is described a method of processing biomass which comprises the steps of: (i) processing biomass material in an aqueous system in the presence of an oxalic acid catalyst to produce a slurry; (ii) subjecting the slurry to an acidified organosolv liquor and optionally de-aerating the resulting mixture before exposing the mixture to ultrasound in a pretreatment step; and (iii) completing the fractionation process using thermal digestion, followed by separation of the constituents into lignin, hemi-cellulose (monosaccharides) and cellulose with the addition of water.

Abstract: A new and distinct Rhodanthemum cultivar named ‘CASABLANCA’ is disclosed, characterized by compact plant growth, large flowers produced over a long period of time. Plants have a good tolerance for drought. The new variety is a Rhodanthemum, normally produced as an outdoor ornamental plant for containers or gardens.

Abstract: There is provided a method for detecting cathepsin K activity in bone, cartilage and/or connective tissue, the method comprising providing a biological sample, contacting the sample with an antibody having binding specificity for a neoepitope comprising EAGKPG (SEQ ID NO: 9), and detecting an immunocomplex formed between the antibody and the neoepitope, wherein presence of the immunocomplex is indicative of cathepsin K activity in bone, cartilage and/or connective tissue. There is also provided a kit for detecting cathepsin K activity in bone, cartilage and/or connective tissue.

Abstract: A new Helleborus plant particularly distinguished by abundant, pink inflorescences, a compact and mounded plant habit and a vigorous growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A light therapy system provides for self-alignment or positioning with respect to a joint of a subject. The light therapy system can provide light therapy to a body part of a subject. The therapy system has a main body configured to be placed adjacent a target site and an activatable light emitting system is coupled to the main body. The light emitting system is capable of delivering a therapeutic amount of light energy to the target site when the main body is placed adjacent the target site.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Epimedium plant named ‘FIRE DRAGON’ that is charaterized by clumping habit, yellow-green and grey-brown leaflets, with large red and yellow, spurred flowers that are held above two distinct layers of foliage. In combination these traits set ‘FIRE DRAGON’ apart from all other existing varieties of Epimedium known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Epimedium plant named ‘AMBER QUEEN’ that is characterized by clumping habit, spiny holly-like leaflets that are green and russet in color, and amber-orange spurred flowers that are held above two distinct layers of foliage. In combination these traits set ‘AMBER QUEEN’ apart from all other existing varieties of Epimedium known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Epimedium plant named ‘PINK ELF’ that is characterized by clumping habit, leaflets that are green and russet in color, and purple-pink spurred flowers that are held above two distinct layers of foliage. In combination these traits set ‘PINK ELF’ apart from all other existing varieties of Epimedium known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Phygelius plant named ‘Blacher’, characterized by its upright plant habit; freely flowering habit; and large red-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Daphne plant named ‘BLAFRA’ that is characterized by open-branched habit, semi-glossy dark-green foliage, and intensely fragrant white flowers with an orange-yellow “eye” comprised of orange-yellow anthers. In combination these traits set ‘BLAFRA’ apart from all other existing varieties of Daphne known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Euphorbia named ‘Blue Haze’ that is distinguished by a clumping, bushy habit, powder blue foliage and yellow flowers. In combination these traits set ‘Blue Haze’ apart from all other existing varieties of Euphorbia known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Clematis named ‘Snow Valley’ that is characterized by a compact habit, fernlike foliage and a profuse display of cream-white female flowers in spring. In combination these traits set ‘Snow Valley’ apart from all other existing varieties of Clematis known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Bergenia plant named ‘Apple Blossom’ that is characterized by a mounding habit, large glossy green leaves and abundant clusters of pale pink flowers in early spring. In combination these traits set ‘Apple Blossom’ apart from all other existing varieties of Bergenia known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Clematis named ‘White Abundance’ that is characterized by short internodes, green fern-like foliage and a profuse display of fragrant cream-white male flowers in spring. In combination these traits set ‘White Abundance’ apart from all other existing varieties of Clematis known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new Helleborus plant particularly distinguished by abundant, pink inflorescences, a compact and mounded plant habit and a vigorous growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct Rhodanthemum cultivar named ‘CASABLANCA’ is disclosed, characterized by compact plant growth, large flowers produced over a long period of time. Plants have a good tolerance for drought. The new variety is a Rhodanthemum, normally produced as an outdoor ornamental plant for containers or gardens.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Daphne named ‘Blacir’ that is characterized by its bushy growth habit with natural branching (not requiring pinching), its height of 45 to 60 cm, its bright green and glossy foliage, its fragrant flowers that are deep pink in color, and its long blooming habit.