Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing the level of C5 monosaccharides produced from lignocellulosic biomass using a multistage fractionation process to handle recalcitrant C5 oligosaccharides without producing unwanted degradation products. Methods for reducing C5 monosaccharides degradation products produced from lignocellulosic biomass are also disclosed. In addition, compositions and products produced by the methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing the level of soluble C5 saccharides produced from lignocellulosic biomass comprising acidifying fractionated lignocellulosic biomass to prevent the recondensation of soluble C5 saccharides, including C5 oligosaccharides and xylose and arabinose monomers, to insoluble higher molecular weight C5 oligosaccharides.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing the level of C5 monosaccharides produced from lignocellulosic biomass using a multistage fractionation process to handle recalcitrant C5 oligosaccharides without producing unwanted degradation products. Methods for reducing C5 monosaccharides degradation products produced from lignocellulosic biomass are also disclosed. In addition, compositions and products produced by the methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing the level of soluble C5 saccharides produced from lignocellulosic biomass comprising acidifying fractionated lignocellulosic biomass to prevent the recondensation of soluble C5 saccharides, including C5 oligosaccharides and xylose and arabinose monomers, to insoluble higher molecular weight C5 oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, circuit and system for phase-sensitive detection and recovery of complex signals of interest using a double reference lock-in detector. A double reference lock-in detector may have two or more reference signal sources whose signals are first combined, producing a composite (e.g., inter-modulation) reference signal. This signal is then mixed with an input signal, yielding the desired selectivity at the frequency(ies) of interest. A second embodiment uses external reference signals, synchronizing internal references to these before combining the reference signals. Such detectors may used in chiral detection systems for recovering predetermined signals of interest associated with chiral properties of a sample being tested.

Abstract: A differential method has been developed which determines displacement from the midpoint of optical transmission (±45°) and utilizes the coupled nature of the two signals for common mode noise rejection to enhance the detection of chiral species. A beam of light is modulated, applied to the chiral mixture, and then split into a first beam and a related orthogonal beam by a polarizer or prism. The first beam and orthogonal beam are converted into electrical signals before a differential comparison of the signals is performed to detect a desired chiral species within the chiral mixture.

Abstract: Relating to chiral detection systems, various improvements are disclosed including an improved apparatus for detecting a chiral property of a sample. It has a rugged and stable optical rail that operates as a heat sink to the systems' elements and comprises a captive guide structure of heat conductive material having an elevated top platform and a dove tailed lip on the sides. The elevated top platform has a substantial width in comparison to a height of the elevated top platform. The apparatus further includes a wide base portion of heat conductive material supportive of the captive guide structure. The base has a width that is at least twice the width of the elevated top platform and a substantial thickness relative to the captive guide structure. Multiple system elements can be securely mounted on the captive guide structure with some elements being in thermal contact with the elevated top platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improved detection of a chiral property of a sample begins with a probe beam of light having a first modulation frequency ? and is further modulated with a second modulation frequency ?. A non-linear photo-detector, which may include multiple detector portions to form a balanced receiver, mixes the first modulation with the second modulation to analyze frequency components at inter-modulated sidebands, where the level of the inter-modulated sidebands are related to the chiroptical property of the sample. The inter-modulated sidebands may be the additive sidebands or the subtractive sidebands. A lock-in detector can be used to receive a signal output from the non-linear photo-detector and generate the modulation signals at the different modulating frequencies. Furthermore, the non-linear photo-detector may analyze a ratio of the inter-modulated sideband levels, such as (?+2?)/(?+?), to yield a signal that is linearly related to the chiral property of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating a sulfur compound from a fossil fuel containing sulfur compounds comprising contacting said fossil fuel with a biosorption agent which binds said sulfur compound, thereby forming a sulfur-biosorption complex and separating said sulfur-biosorption complex. The method can further include introducing said separated sulfur biosorption complex to an aqueous phase having an effective amount of oxygen and water to form a reaction medium, optionally adding a biocatalyst which degrades the sulfur compound; incubating the medium for a sufficient period of time to produce an organic product, an inorganic sulfur and spent biocatalyst; and isolating said biosorption agent and/or biocatalyst from said organic product and said inorganic sulfur. The invention also relates to the preparation of the products of the oxidation reaction of organic sulfur compounds by a biocatalyst, such as 2-hydroxybiphenyl compounds.