Abstract: This invention generally relates to the field of somatic gene therapy. The invention provides a nucleic acid construct comprising a transgene encoding a therapeutic protein, a tetracycline-responsive aptazyme sequence, and inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). The nucleic acid construct can be transferred to a subject in need thereof in the form of a viral vector, in particular an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. The Tet-responsive aptazyme sequence allows for a tightly controlled expression of the transgene in the subject, thereby avoiding toxic side effects. The nucleic acid construct and the viral vectors comprising same are particularly useful in the treatment of proliferative diseases like cancer.

Abstract: Segmented, melt-processible, semicrystalline copolyimides are disclosed herein. These polymers are comprised of an amorphous or semicrystalline A segment (soft segment) and a semicrystalline B segment (hard segment), wherein the level of semicrystallinity in the A segment is less than that in the B segment. These copolyimides are semicrystalline and exhibit melting points in the range from about 330-395° C. In preferred embodiments, these copolyimides are end-capped and are crystallizable from their melts (i.e., they exhibit recoverable semicrystallinity). These copolyimides either inherently have suitably low melt visocosities to be melt-processible or can be made to have suitably low melt viscosities to be melt-processible by addition of certain additives. Tailoring of the melting points and glass transition temperatures of these copolyimides can be effected by changing their molecular architecture.

Abstract: A process of making flexible multilayer polyimide metal-clad laminates, and their preparation, having at least one layer of aromatic polyimide bonded to at least one layer of a metallic substrate using a heat-sealable copolyimide adhesive containing repeating imide units derived from 4,4'-oxydiphthalic dianhydride and an aromatic ether diamine. The laminates are used in flexible printed circuits and tape automated bonding applications. Additionally, the metallic substrate may be directly coated with the copolyimide adhesive and used as a single-clad laminate for flexible printed circuits.

Abstract: Flexible multilayer polyimide metal-clad laminates, and their preparation, having at least one layer of aromatic polyimide bonded to at least one layer of a metallic substrate using a heat-sealable copolyimide adhesive containing repeating imide units derived from 4,4'-oxydiphthalic dianhydride and an aromatic ether diamine. The laminates are used in flexible printed circuits and tape automated bonding applications. Additionally, the metallic substrate may be directly coated with the copolyimide adhesive and used as a single-clad laminate for flexible printed circuits.

Abstract: Tetrapolyimide films derived from oxydiphthalic dianhydride, pyromellitic acid dianhydride, p-phenylene diamine and 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, and their preparation are described. The tetrapolymer films have low water absorption, low coefficients of thermal and hygroscopic expansion, high modulus and are caustic etchable and can be used in flexible printed circuit and tape automated bonding applications.

Abstract: Tetrapolyimide films derived from 3,3',4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, pyromellitic acid dianhydride, p-phenylene diamine and 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, and their preparation, are described. The tetrapolymer films have low water absorption, low coefficients of thermal and hygroscopic expansion, high modulus and are caustic etachable and can be used in flexible printed circuit and tape automated bonding applications.

Abstract: Aromatic homopolyimide and copolyimide films derived from an aromatic dianhydride and a chlorinated aromatic diamine such as 2-chloro-p-phenylene diamine and 2,2'-dichloro-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether are described. The films have low water absorption, high elastic modulus and elongation and can be heat-processed without embrittlement.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aromatic copolyimide film prepared by chemical conversion of a copolyamide acid solution obtained by copolymerization of an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid component comprising from 30 to 50 mole % of biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride, 50 to 70 mole % of pyromellitic acid dianhydride, 60 to 80 mole % of p-phenylenediamine and 20 to 40 mole % of 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether. The aromatic copolyimide film has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, low water absorption, a low coefficient of hygroscopic expansion, high mechanical strength and is readily etchable making it suitable for use an advanced electronic substrate.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of ethyl or propyl alcohol containing a basic compound such as KOH is shown to etch the surface of polyimide material up to 400 times faster than conventional aqueous KOH etching solutions.