Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and kits for diagnosing the nutritional state of selenium, using six proteins as biomarkers for which the expression increases when the metabolic state is supra-nutritional.

Abstract: To provide a charging member that can have a uniform electrical resistance, can not easily change in electrical resistance even by any long-term continuous electrification and, as a result thereof, may cause less change in its charging performance with time. A charging member having a conductive support and an elastic-material layer; the elastic-material layer comprising a vulcanized rubber; the vulcanized rubber being a vulcanized product of a composition which comprises i) a binder polymer comprising a polymer having a butadiene skeleton and ii) carbon black as electrically conductive particles; and the polymer having a butadiene skeleton has a molecular terminal modified with an atomic group having a specific structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a fluorinated copolymer, comprising a step of copolymerization of a fluorinated monomer (of the vinylidene fluoride type) with an ?-trifluoromethacrylic acid monomer or derivative of ?-trifluoromethacrylic acid, in the presence of a xanthate or trithiocarbonate compound. The invention also relates to copolymers obtained by this method as well as block copolymers comprising a copolymer block prepared according to this method.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a non-aqueous solution process for making cross-linked polymers. The cross-linked polymers are characterized by a repeat unit that includes at least one amino group. Amino groups can be part of the polymer backbone (e.g., polyethyleneimine), pendant from the polymer backbone (e.g., polyallylamine), or both types of amino groups can exist within the same repeat unit and/or polymer. The present invention discloses more specifically non-aqueous solution cross-linking to prepare Sevelamer and its salts, Colesevelam and its salts.

Abstract: Unsaturated organic compounds are brominated with a quaternary ammonium tribromide or a quaternary phosphonium tribromide, especially when the bromination is conducted in a chlorinated solvent. A quaternary ammonium or quaternary phosphonium monobromide salt is produced in the reaction, together with some amount of quaternary ammonium or quaternary phosphonium monochloride salt. The monochloride salt is converted to the corresponding quaternary ammonium monobromide salt by reacting it with a source of bromide ions. The monobromide salt is then reacted with bromine to regenerate the quaternary ammonium or phosphonium tribromide, which is recycled into the bromination reaction. This process reduces the amount of chlorine that is incorporated into the brominated product.

Abstract: There is provided a novel production method of a chlorinated hyperbranched polymer that is optically stable and is capable of derivatizing the chlorinated hyperbranched polymer into various compounds. A production method of a chlorinated hyperbranched polymer for producing a chlorinated hyperbranched polymer of Formula (1): {where X is a chlorine atom; R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and A1 is a phenylene-alkylene group, n is the number of repeating unit structures and is an integer of 2 to 100,000}, comprising the step of substituting a dithiocarbamate group of a hyperbranched polymer of Formula (3): (where R1, A1, and n are the same as defined in Formula (1); and each of R2 and R3 is a C1-5 alkyl group, a C1-5 hydroxyalkyl group, or a C7-12 arylalkyl group, or R2 and R3 optionally form a ring together with a nitrogen atom bonded to R2 and R3) with a chlorine atom using sulfuryl chloride.

Abstract: A homogeneously surface cross-linked water absorbent resin and a method for the production thereof are provided. The water absorbent material is formed of a surface cross-linked water absorbent resin resulting from granular irregularly pulverized shaped surface cross-linking the product of partial neutralization or whole neutralization of a water absorbent resin having acrylic acid or a metal salt thereof as a main component, which water absorbent material shows a metal atom concentration on the surface of the water absorbent material in the range of 0-10% within 0 second of polishing and 2-35% at 10 seconds value of polishing as determined by subjecting the water absorbent material to Ar ion discharge polishing under a voltage of 500 ?. The surface cross-linked water absorbent resin to be used herein can be produced by surface cross-linking a water absorbent resin having a specific particle diameter with a surface cross-linking agent having a water concentration in a specific range.

Abstract: Butadiene polymers are brominated using tetraethylammonium tribromide as the brominating agent. The bromination is performed in a solvent for the starting polymer and for the tetraethylammonium bromide that is formed as a reaction byproduct. The process proceeds easily under mild conditions. In some cases, a solution of the brominated polymer and the tetraethylammonium monobromide is produced; this solution separates into a layer that contains the brominated polymer and another layer that contains most or all of the tetraethylammonium monobromide salt. In other cases, the brominated polymer precipitates from the reaction mixture and is separated from the tetraethylammonium monobromide salt in that manner. This process therefore permits the tetraethylammonium monobromide reaction by-product to be separated easily from the brominated product, and allows aqueous washing steps to be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: The invention discloses improved processes to halogenate polymers. In particular, the invention discloses to improved processes to halogenate polymers made from C4-1012 isoolefins.

Abstract: Aromatic hydrogenated polymers comprising perfluoropolyether (PFPE) chains bonded to the aromatic rings to form sequences randomly distributed in the polymer structure, having the formula (I): (T1-CF2O—Rf—CF2)n-T3 in which: n is an integer from 1 to 10; T1 is an aromatic group of the backbone of the hydrogenated polymer, or alternatively condensed aromatic groups; T3 may be equal to T1, or alternatively a functional group —COOH or —COF; Rf is a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene chain, in which the starting hydrogenated aromatic polymers are obtained by polycondensation, stepwise polyaddition or polyaddition of cyclic monomers in which the ring is formed by at least 3 atoms.

Abstract: Butadiene copolymers are brominated using certain quaternary ammonium tribromides as the brominating agent. The bromination process proceeds easily under mild conditions, and produces a brominated product that has excellent thermal stability. A quaternary ammonium monobromide salt is produced as a reaction by-product. A solvent for the monobromide salt is added to the reaction after 25-90% bromination of the aliphatic carbon-carbon double bonds. This provides for significantly shorter reaction times while providing a product with few impurities.

Abstract: Preparing brominated styrenic polymer by maintaining a mixture formed from (i) brominating agent, (ii) a solvent solution of styrenic polymer, and (iii) aluminum halide catalyst, at ?20 to +20° C., and terminating bromination in 20 minutes or less. New brominated anionic styrenic polymers have better melt flow and/or lower initial ?E values than the best previously-known brominated anionic styrenic polymers. Other features of such new polymers include high thermal stabilities at 320° C. and/or very low initial color values. Brominated styrenic polymers, especially brominated anionic styrenic polymers, are useful as flame retardants for thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: Concurrently fed into a reaction zone held at about 10° C. or less are brominating agent, aluminum halide catalyst, and a solution of anionic styrenic polymer having a GPC Mn about 2000-30,000. The components are in at least two separate feed streams. The feeds are proportioned to maintain (a) the amount of aluminum halide being fed at about 0.8 mole percent or less based on the amount of aromatic monomeric units in the polymer being fed, and (b) amounts of brominating agent and unbrominated polymer in the reaction zone that produce a final washed and dried polymer product containing about 60-71 wt % bromine. The catalyst is deactivated, bromide ions and catalyst residues are washed away from the reaction mixture, and the brominated anionic styrenic polymer is recovered and dried. The dried polymer has a volatile bromobenzene content of about 600 ppm (wt/wt) or less as well as other beneficial properties.

Abstract: Provided is a method comprising reacting the anionic living end of a polymer with a compound selected from the group consisting of tin halides and silicon halides to produced a polymer with a homolytically cleavable group containing a Sn—C bond or a Si—C bond. An engineered plastic may then be produced by adding the polymer containing a homolytically cleavable group containing a Sn—C bond or a Si—C bond to a solvent comprising at least one vinyl monomer; (b) optionally adding at least one additional inert solvent; (c) optionally adding additives selected from the group consisting of extender oils, modifiers, and antioxidants; and (d) initiating polymerization of the at least one vinyl monomer by the use of an initiator and/or heat, wherein a free radical is produced from the polymer containing a homolytically cleavable group containing a Sn—C bond or a Si—C bond.

Abstract: A coating for an implantable medical device comprising modified poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol).

Abstract: Butadiene copolymers are brominated using certain quaternary ammonium tribromides as the brominating agent. The bromination process proceeds easily under mild conditions, and produces a brominated product that has excellent thermal stability.

Abstract: A higher olefin polymer having a polar group which is produced by subjecting to an incorporation reaction of a polar compound or halogen compound into a higher ?-olefin polymer satisfying the requirements of the following (1) and (2), which is obtained by polymerizing one or more higher ?-olefins having 10 or more carbon atoms or copolymerizing one or more higher ?-olefins having 10 or more carbon atoms with one or more other olefins and a method for producing a higher olefin polymer having a polar group which is obtained by polymerizing one or more higher ?-olefins having 10 or more carbon atoms or copolymerizing one or more higher ?-olefins having 10 or more carbon atoms with one or more other olefins to form a higher ?-olefins polymer satisfying the requirements of the following (1) and (2) and subsequently subjecting to an incorporation reaction of a polar compound or halogen compound into the higher ?-olefin polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a halogen gas-resistant perfluoro elastomer molded article obtained by molding and crosslinking a composition comprising: (A) 100 parts by mass of a perfluoro elastomer comprising copolymerization units comprising (A1) a perfluoro olefin; (A2) a perfluorovinyl ether; and (A3) a curing site monomer selected from the group consisting of an olefin fluoride having a nitrile group, a vinyl fluoride ether having a nitrile group and a mixture thereof, the curing site monomer (A3) being contained in an amount of 1.0 to 8.0 mol %; and (B) 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of a specific crosslinking agent represented by the following formula (a).

Abstract: This invention is directed to processes of making polymer in the presence of a fluorinated hydrocarbon and recovering the polymer. The processes provided enable polymerization processes to be practiced with minimal fouling in the reaction system, and allows for the recovery of the fluorinated hydrocarbon and other hydrocarbons such as hydrocarbons for re-use in the process or hydrocarbon by-products from the polymerization process. The invention is particularly beneficial in the production of propylene polymers and copolymes using bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst systems.

Abstract: Bromination of styrenic polymer is carried out in a closed reaction system to retain HX coproduct (where HX is HBr or HCl, or both) in the bromination reaction mixture at superatmospheric pressure. Preferably, the reaction mixture which includes the brominated styrenic polymer and substantially all of the HX coproduct formed is discharged into an aqueous quenching medium. By operating in this manner, the reaction is terminated and the brominated styrenic polymer of desired bromine content and substantially all HX coproduct are captured in the same operation, process equipment costs are reduced, and processing of the reaction mixture is facilitated.

Abstract: A curative composition comprising a cation and an anion of the formula Anq?Qpm+, wherein m, n, p, and q are positive integers, wherein m*p=n*q, wherein Qm+ is an organo onium, and Aq? is an anion, provided that at least one Aq? is selected from the formula: wherein each R independently is H, halo, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or cycloalkyl, and which also may be halogenated, fluorinated, or perfluorinated, wherein two or more of R and R? groups may together form a ring, wherein each R group independently may contain one or more heteroatom(s), wherein R? can be the same as R, with the proviso that R? cannot be halo. Also provided are a fluoropolymer composition including this curative, a method of making a fluoropolymer, and fluoropolymer articles containing curable or cured fluoropolymer compositions.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for making a block or gradient final (co)polymer comprising a step of radically polymerizing a mixture of ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of a) a radical precursor and b) an iodine atom-containing intermediate polymer or a mixture of iodine atom-containing intermediate polymers, wherein the iodine atom-containing intermediate polymer comprises at least 50 mole % of methacrylate monomers and is obtainable from a polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer composite containing at least one carboxylated nitrile rubber polymer, that is optionally hydrogenated, at least one basic compound, at least one polyhalogenated hydrocarbon, optionally at least one filler and optionally at least one cross-linking agent, a process for preparing said polymer composite wherein at least one carboxylated nitrile rubber polymer, that is optionally hydrogenated, at least one basic compound, at least one polyhalogenated hydrocarbon, optionally at least one filler and optionally at least one cross-linking agent are mixed and a shaped article containing diester bridges formed by reaction of at least one carboxylated nitrile rubber polymer, that is optionally hydrogenated, at least one basic compound and at least one polyhalogenated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: Process for the production of statistic elastomeric conjugated diene-vinyl arene copolymers having a branched structure which comprises: (1) anionic copolymerization in solution of the conjugated diene and vinyl arene monomers, in the presence of randomizing agents and an initiator selected from the group of Lithium alkyls, the copolymerization being carried out until the almost total disappearance of the monomers; (2) addition to the solution of step (1) of a quantity of Lithium alkyl from 1 to 4 times the molar quantity of the Lithium alkyl of step (1); (3) addition to the polymeric solution of step (2) of a compound having the general formula R—Br, the molar ratio between R—Br and the total Lithium alkyl ranging from 0.6/1 to 1/1, preferably from 0.7/1 to 0.9/1, thus obtaining an elastomeric branched copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing bile salts from a patient in need thereof and compositions useful in the method. The method comprises administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a salt of an alkylated and crosslinked polymer. The alkylated and crosslinked polymer salt comprises the reaction product of crosslinked polymers, or salts and copolymers thereof having amine containing repeat units, with at least one aliphatic alkylating agent.

Abstract: Water-soluble polymers including functionalization from the group of amino groups, carboxylic acid groups, phosphonic acid groups, phosphonic ester groups, acylpyrazolone groups, hydroxamic acid groups, aza crown ether groups, oxy crown ethers groups, guanidinium groups, amide groups, ester groups, aminodicarboxylic groups, permethylated polvinylpyridine groups, permethylated amine groups, mercaptosuccinic acid groups, alkyl thiol groups, and N-alkylthiourea groups are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing bile salts from a patient in need thereof and compositions useful in the method. The method comprises administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a salt of an alkylated and crosslinked polymer. The alkylated and crosslinked polymer salt comprises the reaction product of crosslinked polymers, or salts and copolymers thereof having amine containing repeat units, with at least one aliphatic alkylating agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the post-polymerization fluorination methods of polymers produced via ring-opening metathesis polymerization. Unlike prior art methods that result in low product yields and generally involve chemically aggressive reagents, the inventive methods produce fluorinated polymers in quantitative yields and under mild conditions. In preferred embodiments, a source of difluorocarbene is reacted with the desired polydiene to form a fluorinated polymer product. In preferred embodiments, the source of difluorocarbene is hexafluoropropylene oxide and the polydiene is poly-dicyclopentadiene (“poly-DCPD”). Fluorination and the concomitant removal of unsaturated bonds result in polymers having improved physical properties such as improved strength characteristics, enhanced oxidative and chemical stability, and low surface energies.

Abstract: Described are non-swelling, crosslinked, bead forms of ampholytic base polymers that can be utilized in the chromatographic-type separation of acids from other compounds. Preferred polymers are prepared by modifying a poly-2 or poly-4-vinylpyridine resin crosslinked with divinylbenzene.

Abstract: High molecular weight, water-soluble, cross-linked cationic polymers are prepared by reacting amine-functionalized cationic base polymers, in which the monomer units of the base polymer contain from about 0.05 to about 5.0% amine functionalized monomer units and from about 95 to about 99.95% additional monomer units, including cationic monomer units and optional non-cationic monomer units, with an amount of a cross-linking agent, reactive with the amines of the base polymer, providing between about 0.02 to about 3.0 equivalents of cross-linking agent reactive groups per each mole of amine. The polymers are useful as coagulants and as coatings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vulcanizable fluororubber composition comprising (a) a tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer, (b) an organic peroxide, (c) a co-crosslinking agent and (d) hydrotalcite. The copolymer (a) preferably contains an iodine atom or a bromine atom. The vulcanizable fluororubber composition preferably further comprises carbon black or titanium oxide. When the vulcanizable fluororubber composition is vulcanized, the resulting vulcanizate has excellent compression set and is relatively non-toxic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball which attains long flying distance and is superior in hit feeling and durability. The present invention provides a solid golf ball in which at least a portion thereof is made of rubber, wherein the rubber portion is a crosslinked, molded rubber composition comprising a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent and peroxides, the base rubber comprising a polybutadiene modified with a tin compound and having a cis content of 40% or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing bile salts from a patient in need thereof and compositions use full in the method. The method comprises administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a salt of an alkylated and crosslinked polymer. The alkylated and crosslinked polymer salt comprises the reaction product of polymers, or salts and copolymers thereof having amine containing repeat units, with at least one aliphatic alkylating agent and a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are reduced salt polyallylamine polymer compositions, a process for producing a cross-linked polyallylamine polymer from a reduced salt, aqueous solution of a polyallylamine polymer and a multifunctional cross-linking agent and to cross-linked polyallylamine polymer compositions produced thereby.