Abstract: Fc fusion proteins of human G-CSF with increased biological activities relative to rhG-CSF on a molar basis are disclosed. The hG-CSF-L-vFc fusion protein comprises hG-CSF, a flexible peptide linker of about 20 or fewer amino acids, and a human IgG Fc variant. The Fc variant is of a non-lytic nature and shows minimal undesirable Fc-mediated side effects. A method is also disclosed to make or produce such fusion proteins at high expression levels. Such hG-CSF-L-vFc fusion proteins exhibit extended serum half-life and increased biological activities, leading to improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, thus fewer injections will be needed within a period of time.

Abstract: A process is provided to recover at least one modifier compound and at least one polar organic compound from a poly(arylene sulfide) reaction mixture comprising high molecular weight poly(arylene sulfide), low molecular weight poly(arylene sulfide), cyclic and linear poly(arylene sulfide) oligomers, at least one polar organic compound, at least one modifier compound, and an alkali metal halide by-product.

Abstract: A catalyst composition, a process for producing the composition, and a hydrotreating process for converting a hydrocarbon stream such as, for example, gasoline, to olefins and C6 to C8 aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylenes are disclosed. The catalyst composition comprises a zeolite and a promoter. The process for producing the composition comprises the steps: (1) combining a zeolite with a promoter under a condition sufficient to incorporate the zeolite with the promoter to produce a first promoted zeolite; (2) incorporating the first promoted zeolite with a second promoter to produce a second promoted zeolite; and (3) heating the second promoted zeolite. The hydrotreating process comprises contacting a hydrocarbon stream with the catalyst composition under a condition sufficient to effect the conversion of a hydrocarbon to an olefin and a C6 to C8 aromatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: Novel catalyst systems which comprise pyridine-2-carboxaldimine nickel complexes can be used with methylaluminoxane in slurry polymerization processes to polymerize mono-1-olefins and, optionally a higher alpha-olefin comonomer, to produce low molecular weight polymers.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for cleaning an oligomerization reactor after making a higher olefin in the reactor. An olefin is reacted in the presence of a catalyst comprising an aluminum alkyl to form an olefin reaction product. For example, ethylene can be trimerized in the reaction to produce 1-hexene. The reaction also causes a co-product residue of the catalyst to form on the interior surface of the reactor. The interior surface of the reactor is then contacted with an alcohol under conditions effective to remove at least a substantial amount of the catalyst residue from the interior surface of the reactor. The catalyst-removing step can be carried out by combining an alcohol with the process medium used in the reactor. The combined medium can be used to remove both the accumulated polymer co-product and the accumulated catalyst residue from the reactor.

Abstract: The return bend elbow fittings connecting adjacent tubes in a delayed coker furnace are improved by subjecting the interior surface of the fittings to a diffusion hardfacing process.

Abstract: This invention relates to improving the flow of flowing streams of hydrocarbons, such as petroleum or finished products, in a conduit such as a pipeline. The present invention also relates to a stable, nonagglomerating nonaqueous suspension suitable for improving flow of hydrocarbons in conduits, particularly finished product hydrocarbons in conduits.

Abstract: A water-borne road marking paint is characterized in that incorporated within the paint are particles of a solid polymer or inorganic compound, which are capable of absorbing water. Preferred particles are ion exchange resin beads. Incorporation of such particles either during or immediately after application of the paint results in an accelerated speed of drying of the paint on the road.

Abstract: A water-borne road marking paint composition which includes a chelating agent capable of chelating iron ions to form a substantially colorless complex is provided. A road marking produced from the traffic paint of the present invention substantially reduces or prevents yellowing of white road marking from iron and iron compound debris strewn on the road surfaces. A method of reducing or preventing yellowing of a newly-applied road marking on a road surface of a water-borne road marking paint is also disclosed. The method comprises incorporating in the water-borne road marking paint a chelating agent capable of chelating iron ions to form a substantially colorless complex. Further reduction of yellowing of the road marking is observed when a pigment dispersant is incorporated in the water-borne road marking paint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of water based coating compositions having extended storage stability. The composition includes separately stored polymeric binder component and a crosslinking component.These components are mixed prior to application over surfaces, such as, road surfaces. The polymeric binder component includes an anionically stabilized binder polymer having at least one reactive functional pendent moiety, or a blend of the binder polymer with a polyfunctional amine. The pot mix of the coating composition has extended storage stability. The waterborne road marking paints of the present invention exhibit improved wear resistance on road surfaces in terms of paint remaining on the road longer than waterborne road marking paints based on the storage stable component alone. The present invention provides road marking paints that can be applied by conventional road striping equipment and do not require special two component spray equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to wood coating composition selected to accentuate the color and the natural grain structure of the underlying surface of a wood article, such as, a furniture or carving. The surface of the article is coated with a waterborne system that includes a copolymer copolymerized from at least one first copolymerizable monomer and at least one second copolymerizable monomer containing a conjugate base of a strong acid. The coating enhances the reddish-yellow hues and suppress the bluish hues and grays. Such a coating is aesthetically pleasing and it enhances the natural beauty of high quality wood, such as, rose, cherry, teak, mahogany. The present method can be utilized by furniture manufacturers who plan to replace solvent borne coating compositions, such as nitrocellulose-based lacquers, with waterborne coating compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous coating compositions containing a latex having pendant amine-functional groups, wherein such latex has a Tg greater than about 0 .degree. C. and is capable of film formation at application temperatures, and an amount of base sufficient to raise the pH of the composition to a point where essentially all of the amine functional groups are in a non-ionic state. Also disclosed are methods for producing fast drying coatings on suitable substrates by application of such coatings, where such coatings develop early water-resistance.