Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the detection in body fluids of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV), also known as a non-A non-B hepatitis (NANBH) virus and to the diagnosis of NANBH by the use of a composition of synthetic peptides. Each of these peptides has an amino acid sequence corresponding to immunodominant regions of a fusion protein and a non-structural polypeptide of HCV, SOD/HCV C100 and a postulated HCV structural (core) protein. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the use of a group of synthetic peptides in a prescribed sequence or their analogues for the detection of antibodies to HCV in body fluids. The detection method includes an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and other forms of immunoassay procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the detection and diagonosis of ATL (adult T cell leukemia/lypmphoma) condition by the use of chemically synthesized peptide composition. The peptide composition comprises peptides having amino acid sequences corresponding to segments of the envelope protein, p21, of HTLV-I and mixtures thereof. The peptide composition is highly immunoreactive with antibodies in sera of patients with ATL.The detection method includes an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assey (ELISA), an immunoradiometric assay (IRMA), and other forms of immunoassay procedures such as enzyme immuno blotting assay on nitrocellulose paper and hemagglutination assay using the peptide composition as the antigen. The preferred detection method is ELISA.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyester composition comprising a thermoplastic polyester resin containing a moiety derived from an aromatic dibasic acid, as a predominant acid moiety and a hydantoin compound in an amount sufficient to substantially retard evolution of aromatic dibasic acid vapor during melt processing of the composition. A method of preventing mold deposits during a molding operation of a thermoplastic polyester resin containing an aromatic dibasic acid as a predominant acid moiety comprising the addition of 0.01 to 10 parts by weight of a hydantoin compound per 100 parts by weight of the polyester resin. The aromatic dibasic acid is preferably terephthalic acid and the thermoplastic polyester resin is preferably selected from the group of polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polytetramethylene terephthalate and blends thereof.

Abstract: An oxymethylene polymer which is modified with 1,2-polybutadiene is provided which exhibits enhanced physical properties, including tensile impact, elongation, and work to break. The oxymethylene polymer may be a homopolymer, consisting essentially of recurring oxymethylene groups, or a copolymer (as described).

Abstract: In an article molded from a non-burning, non-dripping filled polyester composition having a high level of arc resistance and tracking resistance, decay in the arc resistance with time is substantially decreased or prevented by incorporating a minor but critical amount of polyethylene terephthalate. Typical compositions comprise (a) approximately 30 to 60 percent by weight, based on the composition, of a mixture of polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate wherein polyethylene terephthalate comprises approximately 3 to 20 percent by weight; (b) approximately 30 to 60 percent by weight of the composition of a mixture of fiber glass and talc wherein talc comprises approximately 15 to 35 percent by weight of the composition; and (c) an effective amount, up to 20 percent by weight of the composition of a flame retardant additive or a mixture thereof. Typical compositions possess superior electrical properties, comparable to those of thermosetting molding resins.

Abstract: Improved polyoxymethylene molding compositions comprising fiber reinforcement such as glass, wherein the fiber reinforcement is surface treated with a vinyl polymer, such as polyvinylacetate.

Abstract: A continuous polymerization method to obtain polymer production in the form of fine particles from a liquid polymerization medium; the reaction being conducted in a polymerization reactor wherein mixing is effected by the action of a plurality of elliptical paddles mounted on each of dual rotating shafts, characterised in that the dual shafts are rotated in reverse directions to each other, and the paddles being enclosed by walls of the reactor with the inside surface of the walls closely defining the surface generated by the rotation of the ends of both sets of paddles; and with the ends of major axes of the elliptical paddles on one rotating shaft periodically approaching the ends of minor axes of the corresponding elliptical paddles on the other rotating shaft to effect a mixing action as well as a longitudinal shearing action across a notional interface between the two shafts. The method is particularly useful for the polymerization of trioxane.

Abstract: A polyacetal resin molded article having reduced water contamination is disclosed. The water contamination reduction feature is provided by the inclusion of a substantially water insoluble substance which forms a hydrophobic film on the molded article. It is furthermore required that the water insoluble substance-included polyacetal molded article be heat treated in air or in an inert gas to provide reduced water contamination.