Abstract: A process for the welding of two polyamide parts, both made of a polyamide composition comprising a polyamide and optionally additives, the polyamide of one part (part L) having a lower softening temperature than the polyamide of the other part (part H), and wherein the polyamide composition of part L comprises one or more viscosity increasing additives increasing the melt shear viscosity of the polyamide composition at least by 30% compared to melt shear viscosity of the polyamide (measured according to ISO 11443 (A1) standard at a shear rate of 100 s?1 in a capillary rheometer with I/d =30 mm/1 mm). A good weld strength is obtained and parts with different properties can be combined. Polyamide welded objects such as corrugated tubes, bellows, containers, fuel inlet systems, air inlet manifolds and airducts, may be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of variant polynucleotides using a combination of mutagenesis of a starting population of polynucleotides and recombination of the mutated polynucleotides. The process comprises the steps of subjecting a population of polynucleotides to (a series of) two (or more) separate PCR's comprising a first PCR with a forward mutation-specific primer for a position to be mutated and a reverse universal primer and a second PCR with a forward universal primer and a reverse mutation-specific primer for a position to be mutated. The products of the (series of) two (or more) PCR's are assembled by a polymerase, preferably in one tube.

Abstract: A method for producing aqueous ortho-phthalaldehyde solutions which comprises introducing an acetal of the o-phthalaldehyde into water and subsequently setting a pH <7 by adding an acid, whereupon, then at a temperature between 10° C. and 90° C., the acetal is converted into the o-phthalaldehyde by eliminating the corresponding alcohol, and also use of OPA acetals for producing these solutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a diastereomerically enriched compound, wherein a first compound according to formula (I), is contacted with a second compound according to formula (II), to form a third compound according to formula (III), whereby the compound according to formula (III) is subsequently reduced and thereby converted into a compound according to formula (IV), in which formulas: R1=a cycloalkyl group whereby R1 # R2, R2=a substituted or unsubstituted: (cyclo)alkyl group, (cyclo)alkenyl group, aryl group, cyclic or acyclic heteroalkyl group or heteroaryl group, R3=an alkyl group, R4=a substituted or unsubstituted: phenyl- or naphthyl-group, *=a chiral center. The invention furthermore relates to a diastereomerically enriched compound according to formula (IV) and its use in the preparation of pharmaceutical and agrochemically active compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides with a method for producing compositions with a chicken flavour. The compositions of the invention can be obtained by applying the following method: (a) preparing a mixture comprising at least one reducing carbohydrate and at least one amino acid; (b) keeping the mixture at a temperature sufficient for the reducing carbohydrate and amino acid to react with each other; (c) adding to the mixture a composition comprising arachidonic acid, whereby said arachidonic acid is esterified for at least 50% w/w, preferably at least 65% w/w, more preferably at least 80% w/w, most preferably at least 90% w/w to the glycerol moiety of a triglyceride; and (d) keeping the mixture at a temperature sufficient for the chicken flavour to develop; and possibly: (e) drying the composition under mild conditions. The use of an oil rich in arachidonic acid, whereby said arachidonic acid is esterified to the glycerol moiety of a triglyceride, confers an enhanced stability to the compositions obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental floss product comprising a unitary tape of ultra-high molar mass polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 5 dl/g, as measured in decalin at 135?C, the tape having a thickness of about 0.02-0.1 mm and a width of about 0.25-6 mm, and a tensile strength of at least 1.8 GPa. The dental floss product has very high mechanical, especially tensile strength, shows high resistance to tearing and has a low coefficient of friction. The tape can be inserted between teeth tightly together without breaking. A further advantage of the dental tape is that it retains most of its initial strength during flossing, even if the tape separates into filaments. The invention further relates to a process of making a unitary tape suitable for use in a dental floss product.

Abstract: A weather-resistant electrical connector having an environmental seal and including a locking assembly made from a high impact strength thermoplastic. A method is disclosed for overmolding the connectors in one step. A locking yoke latches the connectors together. Locking tabs secure the connectors to mounting plates. The locking tabs have steps to retain the connectors upon compression of a seal. An insulated mounting post supports the contact and is of sufficient length to seal and contain any arcs from live connections.

Abstract: The present invention provides with a method for producing compositions with a chicken flavour. The compositions of the invention can be obtained by applying the following method: (a) preparing a mixture comprising at least one reducing carbohydrate and at least one amino acid; (b) keeping the mixture at a temperature sufficient for the reducing carbohydrate and amino acid to react with each other; (c) adding to the mixture a composition comprising arachidonic acid, whereby said arachidonic acid is esterified for at least 50% w/w, preferably at least 65% w/w, more preferably at least 80% w/w, most preferably at least 90% w/w to the glycerol moiety of a triglyceride; and (d) keeping the mixture at a temperature sufficient for the chicken flavour to develop; and possibly: (e) drying the composition under mild conditions. The use of an oil rich in arachidonic acid, whereby said arachidonic acid is esterified to the glycerol moiety of a triglyceride, confers an enhanced stability to the compositions obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing chiral ?-hydroxycarboxylic crystalline acids consisting in transforming cyanhydrins (R) or (S) into ?-hydroxycarboxylic acids (R) or (S), respectively by enzymatic hydrolysis in the presence of Rhodococcus erythropolis NCIMB 11540.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to separate butadiene dimers from a mixture comprising butadiene dimers and alkyl-3-pentenoate and/or isomers thereof wherein the butadiene dimers are separated from said mixture by distillation in the presence of an alcohol and in that the distillation is effected at a bottom temperature of between 80 and 200° C. Examples of frequent occurring butadiene dimers are 4-vinylcyclohexene and 1,3,7-octatriene. Examples of the alcohol are monohydroxy aliphatic alcohols.

Abstract: Polyester compositions and methods to prepare and use such compositions are provided. The polyester compositions include a polybutylene terephthalate resin (PBT) and at least one additive, and have a cyclic dimer content of less than 0.35 wt. % relative to the weight of the PBT. Molded parts prepared from such polyester compositions, and mirror optic systems such as headlights for motor vehicles or garden reflector lights which include the molded parts are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to organosilicone derivatives of amino hydroxybenzophenones, a process for their preparation thereof, a cosmetic compositions comprising the organosilicone derivative and the use thereof for protecting hair and/or skin from damage caused by UV-A irradiation.

Abstract: Saturated aliphatic ketones, e.g. hexahydropseudoionone, may be prepared by hydrogenating an olefinically unsaturated ketone, e.g. pseudoionone in a continuous fixed-bed mode in the absence of a solvent in the presence of a catalyst comprising a noble metal deposited on a carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an astaxanthin pigment product obtained by semi-synthesis from marigold extract to substantially enhance the feeding and growth rates of commercially cultivated aquatic species when added to the feed mixture in concentrations useful in producing fish and shrimp coloration. More particularly, this product induces growth rates substantially greater than any currently available feed additive for salmon, trout and shrimp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for size classifying ammonium sulfate crystals using a screen, said process comprising feeding a feed suspension to the screen, said feed suspension comprising said ammonium sulfate crystals in an ammonium sulfate solution, size classifying the ammonium sulfate crystals, and keeping both sides of the screen immersed in liquid during said size classifying.

Abstract: Thermally curate resin composition, having shrink-controlled properties and being suitable for use in sheet moulding compounds and bulk moulding compounds (SMCs and BMCs) comprising, inter alia (a) an unsaturated polyester; (b) an alkenyl aromatic monomer; (c) a low profile additive; (d) a peroxide initiator; (e) a thickening agent; (f) fibrous reinforcement material; and optionally one or more components selected from the group of (g) mould release agents; (h) wetting and viscosity reducing agents; and (i) fillers, wherein the composition also comprises a uret dione diisocyanate, in an amount of at least 0.2-1.0% by weight relative to the total weight of components (a), (b) and (c) of the resin composition. The resin compositions according to the invention in particular have a low emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC). More particularly, the resin compositions have excellent Class A properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated polypeptides having ?-H-?-amino acid amide racemase activity and nucleic acids encoding the same. The invention also relates to vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acids according to the invention. The invention also relates to methods of producing and using the polypeptides according to the invention. The invention also relates to a method for isolating polypeptides having ?-H-?-amino acid amide racemase activity, for isolating nucleic acids encoding the same and for isolating microorganisms comprising polypeptides having ?-H-?-amino acid amide racemase activity. The invention also relates to new microorganisms comprising polypeptides having ?-H-?-amino acid amide racemase activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing succinonitrile by contacting acrylonitrile (ACN) with hydrocyanic acid (HCN) in a reactor in the presence of a tertiary amine. The invention also relates to the use of succinonitrile prepared according to the process of the invention, for preparing diaminobutane. Succinonitrile is prepared by contacting ACN with HCN in the presence of a tertiary amine and a compound chosen from the group consisting of water, aliphatic alcohols, aromatic alcohols, carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for catalytically oxidizing alkylaromatic compounds of the formula (I) Ar—CH2—R where Ar is an optionally substituted, aromatic or heteroaromatic 5-membered or 6-membered ring or a ring system having up to 20 carbon atoms where Ar may optionally be fused to a C1-C6-alkyl group in which up to 2 carbon atoms may be replaced by a heteroatom, and R is hydrogen, phenyl, benzyl or heteroaryl, where the phenyl, benzyl or heteroaryl radicals may also be joined to Ar by a bridge, or R together with Ar forms an optionally substituted ring system which may contain one or more optionally substituted heteroatoms, to the corresponding aromatic or heteroaromatic carboxylic acids in a solvent with ozone in the presence of a transition metal catalyst and optionally in the presence of an acid at a temperature between ?70° C. and 110° C. to the corresponding carboxylic acid.

Abstract: We describe a process for the monitoring of contaminant removal during the purification process of a pharmaceutical product produced by a host cell, wherein at least two different samples taken during the purification process of the pharmaceutical product are incubated with at least one protein biochip array and contaminants in the samples bound to the protein biochip array are subsequently detected. Preferably samples are taken before the first purification step and after each subsequent purification step.