Abstract: This invention relates to the restoration of adipose tissue inpatients with lipodystrophy characterised by a defective gene. A heterologous nucleic acid that encodes a therapeutic gene product is administered to the patient. The therapeutic gene product may be functional version of the protein encoded by the defective gene or an RNA molecule that inhibits expression from the defective gene. Methods for the treatment of lipodystrophy and the amelioration of metabolic dysfunction associated with lipodystrophy are provided, along with agents and compositions for use in such methods.

Abstract: A polyamide composition is provided and comprises at least one polyamide characterized by high glass transition temperature (Tg), at least one fibrous filler and at least one additive, wherein the composition can be used to manufacture articles, and in electrostatic painting applications.

Abstract: Described herein are polymer compositions (PC) including a polyamide (PA) and a reactive impact modifier. As explained in detail below, the polyamide (PA) is a semi-aromatic polyamide derived from the polycondensation of an aliphatic diamine, a bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane, terephthalic acid, and, optionally, a cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid. It was surprisingly discovered that semi-aromatic polyamides derived from the cycloaliphatic diamine bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane or the specific combination of the cycloaliphatic diamine bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane and the cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid provided for polymer compositions (PC) having improved retention of mechanical properties (e.g. tensile strength and flexural strength) after aging in aqueous solutions, relative to analogous polyamides free of the bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane and the cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: Described herein are electrical articles comprising a polyamide (PA). As explained in detail below, the polyamide (PA) is a semi-aromatic polyamide derived from the polycondensation of an aliphatic diamine, terephthalic acid, and a bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane or a cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid. It was surprisingly discovered that incorporation of the cycloaliphatic diamine bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane or the cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid into the polyamide provided for polymer compositions (PC) having significantly improved comparative tracking index (“CTI”) retention after heat aging, relative to analogous polyamides derived from only the aliphatic diamine and terephthalic acid. Due at least in part to the improved CTI retention, the polyamides (PA) can be desirably incorporated into articles that, during use, are exposed to elevated temperatures and benefit from high CTI performance.

Abstract: Described herein are polymer compositions (PC) including a polyamide and carbon fiber. As explained in detail below, the polyamide (PA) is a semi-aromatic polyamide derived from the polycondensation of an aliphatic diamine, terephthalic acid, and a bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane or a cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid. It was surprisingly discovered that incorporation of the cycloaliphatic diamine bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane or the specific combination of the cycloaliphatic diamine bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane and the cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid into the polyamide provided for carbon fiber filled polymer compositions (PC) having significantly improved mechanical properties (e.g. tensile modulus and strength) at elevated temperatures, as well as significantly improved retention of mechanical properties after heat aging, relative to analogous polyamides free of the bis(aminoalkyl)cyclohexane and the cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: Described herein are polymer compositions including (i) a polymer blend containing an amorphous polyester copolymer and a semi-crystalline polyamide polymer (“polyester/polyamide blend”), (ii) 1 weight percent (wt. %) to 5 wt. % of an epoxy functionalized impact modifier and optionally (iii) one or more additives. It was surprisingly found that incorporation of a specific amount of an epoxy functionalized impact modifier into polymer compositions including a polyester/polyamide blend provided for significantly improved impact performance, relative to corresponding polymer compositions incorporating non-epoxy functionalized impact modifiers or corresponding polymer compositions free of impact modifiers. Due at least in part to the significantly improved impact performance and outstanding chemical resistance, the polymer compositions described herein can be incorporated in a wide variety of application settings, including but not limited to mobile electronic application settings.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a fluoropolymer composition based on a combination of a thermoplastic fluoropolymer and a fluorinated thermoplastic elastomer, possessing improved impact resistance and outstanding flammability behaviour, to a method of making the same, and to a method of manufacturing shaped parts using the same, and to a method of manufacturing a mobile electronic device using said parts.

Abstract: A monofilament fiber as described made from a polyoxymethylene polymer. Polyoxymethylene polymer can be blended with an abrasion additive in order to improve abrasion resistance. The polyoxymethylene polymer may be combined with a thermoplastic elastomer and a coupling agent. The fiber can be used as fishing line, as bristles for a brushing device, or the like.

Abstract: An electrical conduit that contains a jacket that defines a hollow passageway is provided. At least a portion of the jacket is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide and fire-resisting system. Due in part to the specific nature and concentration of these components, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting thermoplastic composition may have a relatively high melting temperature, such as from about 200° C. to about 500° C.

Abstract: The synthesis of nanostructures uses a catalyst that may be in the form of a thin film layer on a substrate. Precursor compounds are selected for low boiling point or already exist in gaseous form. Nanostructures are capable of synthesis with a masked substrate to form patterned nanostructure growth. The techniques further include forming metal nanoparticles with sizes <10 nm and with a narrow size distribution. Metallic nanoparticles have been shown to possess enhanced catalytic properties. The process may include plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition to deposit Ni, Pt, and/or Au nanoparticles onto the surfaces of SiO2, SiC, and GaN nanowires. A nanostructure sample can be coated with metallic nanoparticles in approximately 5-7 minutes. The size of the nanoparticles can be controlled through appropriate control of temperature and pressure during the process. The coated nanowires have application as gas and aqueous sensors and hydrogen storage.

Abstract: A conduit that contains an elongate member that defines a hollow passageway is provided. The conduit may be used to convey electricity (e.g., jacket of a communication cable, raceway for protecting a communication cable, etc.), fluids (e.g., pipes), etc. In one embodiment, for example, the conduit may be a raceway for use in a plenum of a building structure. Regardless of the type of conduit, at least a portion of the elongate member is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide and fire-resisting system. Due in part to the specific nature and concentration of these components, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting thermoplastic composition may have a relatively high melting temperature.

Abstract: An electrical conduit that contains a jacket that defines a hollow passageway is provided. At least a portion of the jacket is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains a polyarylene sulfide and fire-resisting system. Due in part to the specific nature and concentration of these components, the present inventors have discovered that the resulting thermoplastic composition may have a relatively high melting temperature, such as from about 200° C. to about 500° C.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing hydrogen. One embodiment of such a method comprises providing a storage apparatus having a substrate and a nanostructure mat on at least a portion of a side of the substrate. The nanostructure mat comprises a plurality of nanostructures having a surface ionization state which causes more than one layer of hydrogen to adsorb onto the nanostructures. The method can also include exposing the nanostructure mat to hydrogen such that more than one layer of hydrogen adsorbs onto the nanostructures.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing hydrogen. One embodiment of such a method comprises providing a storage apparatus having a substrate and a nanostructure mat on at least a portion of a side of the substrate. The nanostructure mat comprises a plurality of nanostructures having a surface ionization state which causes more than one layer of hydrogen to adsorb onto the nanostructures. The method can also include exposing the nanostructure mat to hydrogen such that more than one layer of hydrogen adsorbs onto the nanostructures.

Abstract: The synthesis of nanostructures uses a catalyst that may be in the form of a thin film layer on a substrate. Precursor compounds are selected for low boiling point or already exist in gaseous form. Nanostructures are capable of synthesis with a masked substrate to form patterned nanostructure growth. The techniques further include forming metal nanoparticles with sizes <10 nm and with a narrow size distribution. Metallic nanoparticles have been shown to possess enhanced catalytic properties. The process may include plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition to deposit Ni, Pt, and/or Au nanoparticles onto the surfaces of SiO2, SiC, and GaN nanowires. A nanostructure sample can be coated with metallic nanoparticles in approximately 5-7 minutes. The size of the nanoparticles can be controlled through appropriate control of temperature and pressure during the process. The coated nanowires have application as gas and aqueous sensors and hydrogen storage.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a process for par-boiling rice, comprising the steps of: (a) treating the rice with water at a temperature up to its boiling point to increase its water content to 17 to 28%; (b) steaming the soaked rice at a temperature from 100.degree. to 125.degree. C. to increase its water content to 19 to 30%; (c) heating the steamed rice, in a sealed vessel, under pressure and using dry heat, to a minimum temperature of approximately t.degree. C., wherein t=195-2.5 M and M is the moisture content of the steamed rice in %, for from 1 to 5 minutes; (d) reducing the pressure on the rice over a period of 1 to 10 minutes to atmospheric pressure, thereby allowing water to evaporate from the heated rice to reduce its temperature to approximately 100.degree. C. and its water content to 17 to 24%; and (e) drying the partially dried rice to microbiological stability. The product of the present invention has better consumer appeal than conventional par-boiled rice.