Abstract: A multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer comprising one or more functionalized ethylenically unsaturated monomer into the emulsion polymerization reactor, wherein the functionality is selected from the group consisting of ?-keto esters, ?-keto amides, ?-diketones, cyanoacetic esters, malonates, nitroalkanes, ?-nitro esters, sulfonazides, thiols, thiol-s-triazines, and amine, where the functionality is incorporated into polymers by polymerizing, ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing these functionalities or by post functionalization of a polymer with additional reactions after polymerization in one of the first or second stages. Foamable halogenated polymers comprising the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer is also provided. Also provided are methods for making the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer and foamable halogenated polymers.

Abstract: A multi-stage polymer composition comprising a crosslinked core having a Tg of from ?85 to ?10° C.; an intermediate region which comprises one or more intermediate layers, wherein each of the intermediate layers comprises from 88.5 to 99.9 weight percent of units derived from a one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers, from 0 to 5 weight percent of units derived from a cross-linking monomer, a graft-linking monomer, or a combination of two or more thereof, optionally from 0 to 2 weight percent units derived from one or more chain transfer agents; wherein there is a compositional gradient between the intermediate layers such that the Tg transitions from ?30° C. to 70° C. over the width of the intermediate region, and an outermost layer which has a Tg of from 40° C. to 110° C. is provided.

Abstract: A multi-stage polymer composition comprising a crosslinked core having a Tg of from ?85 to ?10° C.; an intermediate region which comprises one or more intermediate layers, wherein each of the intermediate layers comprises from 88.5 to 99.9 weight percent of units derived from a one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers, from 0 to 5 weight percent of units derived from a cross-linking monomer, a graft-linking monomer, or a combination of two or more thereof, optionally from 0 to 2 weight percent units derived from one or more chain transfer agents; wherein there is a compositional gradient between the intermediate layers such that the Tg transitions from ?30° C. to 70° C. over the width of the intermediate region, and an outermost layer which has a Tg of from 40° C. to 110° C. is provided.

Abstract: A multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer comprising one or more functionalized ethylenically unsaturated monomer into the emulsion polymerization reactor, wherein the functionality is selected from the group consisting of ?-keto esters, ?-keto amides, ?-diketones, cyanoacetic esters, malonates, nitroalkanes, ?-nitro esters, sulfonazides, thiols, thiol-s-triazines, and amine, where the functionality is incorporated into polymers by polymerizing, ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing these functionalities or by post functionalization of a polymer with additional reactions after polymerization in one of the first or second stages. Foamable halogenated polymers comprising the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer is also provided. Also provided are methods for making the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer and foamable halogenated polymers.

Abstract: A multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer comprising one or more functionalized ethylenically unsaturated monomer into the emulsion polymerization reactor, wherein the functionality is selected from the group consisting of ?-keto esters, ?-keto amides, ?-diketones, cyanoacetic esters, malonates, nitroalkanes, ?-nitro esters, sulfonazides, thiols, thiol-s-triazines, and amine, where the functionality is incorporated into polymers by polymerizing, ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing these functionalities or by post functionalization of a polymer with additional reactions after polymerization in one of the first or second stages. Foamable halogenated polymers comprising the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer is also provided. Also provided are methods for making the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer and foamable halogenated polymers.

Abstract: A multi-stage polymer composition comprising a crosslinked core having a Tg of from ?85 to ?10° C.; an intermediate region which comprises one or more intermediate layers, wherein each of the intermediate layers comprises from 88.5 to 99.9 weight percent of units derived from a one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers, from 0 to 5 weight percent of units derived from a cross-linking monomer, a graft-linking monomer, or a combination of two or more thereof, optionally from 0 to 2 weight percent units derived from one or more chain transfer agents; wherein there is a compositional gradient between the intermediate layers such that the Tg transitions from ?30° C. to 70° C. over the width of the intermediate region, and an outermost layer which has a Tg of from 40° C. to 110° C. is provided.

Abstract: A multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer comprising one or more functionalized ethylenically unsaturated monomer into the emulsion polymerization reactor, wherein the functionality is selected from the group consisting of ?-keto esters, ?-keto amides, ?-diketones, cyanoacetic esters, malonates, nitroalkanes, ?-nitro esters, sulfonazides, thiols, thiol-s-triazines, and amine, where the functionality is incorporated into polymers by polymerizing, ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing these functionalities or by post functionalization of a polymer with additional reactions after polymerization in one of the first or second stages. Foamable halogenated polymers comprising the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer is also provided. Also provided are methods for making the multi-stage emulsion processing aid polymer and foamable halogenated polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a highly interactive board game that teaches wealth building principles in the context of business, real estate, and other investments decisions, and that teaches self-improvement through character-strengthening exercises related to integrity, spirituality, cooperation and service to others. The game as disclosed includes four closed loop paths. The first three, inside paths represent the lives of the poor, the middle-class, and the rich. The three inside paths are circumscribed by a fourth closed loop path representing an abundant life of both wealth and happiness. Each of the loops is divided into game spaces which correspond to various game events. The game events include investment opportunities, changes in prevailing market conditions, and events and challenges related to personal growth and character development. Progress between the loops is a function of the player's decisions concerning both character-building and wealth related events.

Abstract: A fistulary catheter for creating a sutureless mucosa-to-mucosa anastomosis. The catheter includes a rigid guide portion having a penetrating point and a fenestrated portion which has at least one fenestration communicating with a hollow interior and terminating in an opening which has an everted rim. The everted rim is desirably provided with a corrugated margin to grip the mucosa without compromising the blood supply. The guide portion may be hook shaped to guide the direction of the catheter or a metal probe may be used to guide a straight catheter. The guide portion may be flattened to minimize leakage around the guide portion. The fenestrated portion of the catheter may be straight or may be provided with varying degrees of tapering. The taper acts to hold the mucosa in place during the formation of the anastomosis. In an alternative embodiment, the fenestrated portion is straight without any taper and is used with spacers with differing diameters.