Abstract: Compositions and processes for the preparation of printed circuits from epoxy compositions are provided. The epoxy compositions exhibit low viscosity in the uncured state and low coefficient of thermal expansion in the cured state. The low dielectric constant compositions of the invention are well-suited for use in multi-layer printed circuit boards.

Abstract: An extensible bar comprises a bar and a sleeve that slide over each other and are kept together by a pin. The extensible bar includes a locking system made up of a latch connected by a wire spring to the sleeve, the latch preventing sliding movement between the sleeve and the bar when the latch is positioned within respective recesses formed in the bar and in the sleeve when the recesses are aligned. The wire spring urges the latch into the recesses. Unlocking of the assembly entails pulling the latch out of the recesses by grasping and pulling a handle attached to the latch. The locking system can be blocked by turning the latch about the wire spring into an orientation that prevents the latch from entering the recesses. The locking, unlocking, and blocking functions are performed by an assembly of only three parts; the latch, the wire spring, and the handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fungal ?-15 fatty acid desaturases that are able to catalyze the conversion of linoleic acid (18:2, LA) to alpha-linolenic acid (18:3, ALA). Nucleic acid sequences encoding the desaturases, nucleic acid sequences which hybridize thereto, DNA constructs comprising the desaturase genes, and recombinant host plants and microorganisms expressing increased levels of the desaturases are described. Methods of increasing production of specific omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids by over-expression of the ?-15 fatty acid desaturases are also described herein.

Abstract: A diffuse reflective article is provided including a diffuse reflector of light positioned within a structure defining an optical cavity. The diffuse reflector is a nonwoven sheet containing a plurality of inter-fiber and intra-fiber pores of optimal light scattering dimension. Also provided is an optical display, including: (i) a structure defining an optical cavity; (ii) a light source positioned within the optical cavity; (iii) a display panel through which light from the light source passes; and (iv) a diffuse reflector positioned within the optical cavity for reflecting light from the light source toward the display panel, wherein the diffuse reflector is a nonwoven sheet containing a plurality of inter-fiber and intra-fiber pores of optimal light scattering dimension.

Abstract: An improved mattress pad for providing support to a body with varying filled quilted cushioning in horizontal sections comprising a top section with small filled quilted cushioning providing firm support for a head; a middle section with large filled quilted cushioning providing moderate support for the upper legs and a torso; and a bottom section with channeled filled quilting providing moderate support for lower legs and a recessed portion for feet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of butenes and derivatives thereof from dry ethanol, optionally obtained from a fermentation broth. The butenes thus produced find use as intermediates for the production of polyethylenes and other materials.

Abstract: This invention provides compounds of Formula I, methods for their preparation and use for preparing compounds of Formula II wherein R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, X and n are as defined in the disclosure. This invention also discloses preparation of compounds of Formula III wherein R1, R2, R7, R8, R9 and n are as defined in the disclosure. This invention also pertains to certain compounds of Formula 4 and 6 used to prepare compounds of Formula I. wherein R1, R2, R5, X and n are as defined in the disclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molded or extruded thermoplastic article having high heat stability over at least 500 hours at least 170° C. including a thermoplastic composition including a thermoplastic resin; one or more polyhydric alcohols having more than two hydroxyl groups and a having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of less than 2000; one or more reinforcement agents; and optionally, a polymeric toughener; wherein 4 mm test bars prepared from said thermoplastic composition, and exposed at a test temperature at 170° C. for a test period of 500 hours, have, on average, a retention of tensile strength of at least 50 percent, as compared with that of an unexposed control of identical composition and shape. Further disclosed is a molded or extruded thermoplastic article, including a thermoplastic polyamide composition, wherein 4 mm test bars of said thermoplastic polyamide composition, when exposed at 210° C. for a test period of 500 hours, have a retention of tensile strength of at least 70 percent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for treating biomass to produce sugars. The process is directed to decrystallizing cellulose by contacting biomass with an acid mixture comprising sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid at particular molar ratios. Following decrystallization, the biomass may be hydrolyzed with the acid mixture to produce a saccharification product comprising sugars.

Abstract: Transition metal complexes of selected monoanionic phosphine ligands, which also contain a selected Group 15 or 16 (IUPAC) element and which are coordinated to a Group 3 to 11 (IUPAC) transition metal or a lanthanide metal, are polymerization catalysts for the (co)polymerization of olefins such as ethylene and ?-olefins, and the copolymerization of such olefins with polar group-containing olefins. These and other nickel complexes of neutral and monoanionic bidentate ligands copolymerize ethylene and polar comonomers, especially acrylates, at relatively high ethylene pressures and surprisingly high temperatures, and give good incorporation of the polar comonomers and good polymer productivity. These copolymers are often unique structures, which are described.

Abstract: A high yield and high productivity processes for preparing 3-hydroxyglutaronitrile by reacting an epihalohydrin or a 4-halo-3-hydroxy-butanenitrile, or analogous compound containing a different leaving group, with cyanide (CN—) in the presence of water and an ionic liquid. The use of an ionic liquid as a cosolvent with water results in increased productivity and selectivity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molded or extruded thermoplastic article including a polyamide composition including (a) a polyamide resin having a melting point and/or glass transition; (b) 0.1 to 10 weight percent of one or more polyhydric alcohols having more than two hydroxyl groups and having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of less than 2000; (c) 0.1 to 3 weight percent of one or more co-stabilizer(s) selected from the group consisting of secondary aryl amines and hindered amine light stabilizers, and mixtures thereof; (d) 10 to 60 weight percent of one or more reinforcement agents; and (e) 0 to 50 weight percent of a polymeric toughener including a reactive functional group and/or a metal salt of a carboxylic acid; wherein 4 mm test bars prepared from said polyamide composition, exposed at a test temperature at 170° C. for a test period of 500 hours have a retention of tensile strength, on average, of at least 50 percent, as compared with that of unexposed control of identical composition and shape.

Abstract: A liquid-phase process is provided for the manufacture from glutaronitriles and related compounds of 2,6-diaminopyridine and related compounds, which are used industrially as compounds and as components in the synthesis of a variety of useful materials. The synthesis proceeds by means of a dehydrogenative aromatization process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molded or extruded thermoplastic article, including a thermoplastic polyamide composition including (a) a polyamide resin having a melting point and/or glass transition; (b) 0.25 to 20 weight percent of one or more polyhydroxy polymer(s); (c) 0 to 3 weight percent of one or more co-stabilizer(s) selected from the group consisting of secondary aryl amines, hindered amine light stabilizers, hindered phenols, and mixtures thereof; (d) 10 to about 60 weight percent of one or more reinforcement agents; (e) and 0 to 20 weight percent of a polymeric toughener; wherein molded 4 mm test bars prepared from said polyamide composition, and exposed at an test temperature of 170° C. for a test period of 500 hours, in an atmosphere of air, and tested according to ISO 527-2/1A, have, on average, a retention of tensile strength of at least 50 percent, as compared with that of an unexposed control of identical composition and shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of capacitors on metal foil using chemical solution deposition of a barium/titanium precursor formulation. The metal foil substrate is annealed and subsequently polished prior to the precursor formulation deposition in order to obtain a desirable process yield of capacitors without short circuits across the dielectric.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-film structures which are designed for applications where thermal insulation is needed. Disclosed multi-film structures comprise a) at least one flexible baffle film including at least one thermoplastic layer comprising one or more ethylene acid copolymers and/or ionomers thereof, the flexible baffle film further comprising a metal or metal oxide layer deposited onto the at least one thermoplastic layer, and b) at least one external layer, wherein the at least one baffle film and the at least one external layer are bonded together at predetermined and selective locations so to form cells within the multi-film structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising fluorinated olefins or fluorinated ketones, and at least one alcohol, halocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, or fluoroether and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, these compositions are azeotropic or azeotrope-like. In another embodiment, these compositions are useful in cleaning applications as a degreasing agent or defluxing agent for removing oils and/or other residues from a surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molded or extruded thermoplastic article having high heat stability, including a thermoplastic polyamide composition including (a) a polyamide resin; (b) 0.25 to 20 weight percent of one or more polyhydroxy polymer(s) having a number average molecular weight of at least 2000; (c) 0.1 to 3 weight percent of one or more co-stabilizer(s) selected from the group consisting of secondary aryl amines, hindered amine light stabilizers, hindered phenols, and mixtures thereof; (d) 0 to less than 10 weight percent of one or more reinforcement agents; and (f) 0 to 20 weight percent of a polymeric toughener; wherein molded 4 mm test bars prepared from said polyamide composition, and exposed in an oven at an test temperature of at least 150° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition including (A) a polyamide resin selected from the group consisting of Group (III) Polyamides including (a) about 20 to about 35 mole percent semiaromatic repeat units derived from monomers selected from one or more of the group consisting of (i) aromatic dicarboxylic acids; and (b) about 65 to about 80 mole percent aliphatic repeat units; (B) one or more polyhydric alcohols having more than two hydroxyl groups and a having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of less than 2000; and (C) 0 to 60 weight percent of one or more reinforcement agents.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an aqueous-based black inkjet ink comprising a mixture of Direct Black 168, Acid Blue 290 and a certain magenta dye. The ink exhibits good color neutrality and gray scale.