Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a non-natural polymer comprising a plurality of pendant nucleophilic groups and a crosslinker comprising at least two pendant electrophilic groups. Another aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a non-natural polymer comprising a plurality of pendant electrophilic groups and a crosslinker comprising at least two pendant nucleophilic groups. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method for reducing lung volume in a patient comprising the step of administering a hydrogel composition as described herein. Further, hydrogels of the invention may be used to achieve pleurodesis, seal brochopleural fistulas, seal an air leak in a lung, achieve hemostasis, tissue sealing (e.g., blood vessels, internal organs), or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein are intended for use in the treatment of patients with emphysema.

Abstract: A reaction product is prepared by reacting a first polymer having pendant or terminal carboxyl or anhydride groups with a second polymer (e.g. elastomer) having an amine containing terminal group. The second polymer is anionically polymerized. The second polymer is functionalized by reacting the growing anionic chain end with an imine. Then a protic terminating agent terminates the growing chain end. The first and second polymers are reacted by mixing (desirably above their softening temperatures) and forming a blend with improved physical properties over a blend of similar polymers lacking a reactive amine group.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure A multi-layer nano-particle composition including a polymer core and at least two additional layers is provided. The nano-particles have a mean average diameter less than about 100 nm. The nano-particles can be modified via, for example, hydrogenation or functionalization. The nano-particles can be advantageously incorporated into rubbers, elastomers, and thermoplastics.

Abstract: A reaction product is prepared by reacting a first polymer having pendant or terminal carboxyl or anhydride groups with a second polymer (e.g. elastomer) having an amine containing terminal group. The second polymer is anionically polymerized. The second polymer is functionalized by reacting the growing anionic chain end with an imine. Then a protic terminating agent terminates the growing chain end. The first and second polymers are reacted by mixing (desirably above their softening temperatures) and forming a blend with improved physical properties over a blend of similar polymers lacking a reactive amine group.

Abstract: A polymer nano-particle composition is provided, wherein the nano-particle includes a poly(alkenylbenzene) core and a surface layer including poly(conjugated diene). A method for self-assembly of the nano-particles is also provided. The polymer nano-particles are preferably less than about 100 nm in diameter.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a microsphere, comprising a hydrophilic polymer comprising a plurality of pendant anionic groups; a transition-metal, lanthanide or group 13-14 metal oxide, polyoxometalate or metal hydroxide or combination thereof; and a first radioisotope that emits a therapeutic ?-particle. In certain embodiments, the microsphere further comprsies a second radioisotope that emits a diagnostic ?-ray; wherein the atomic number of the first radioisotope is not the same as the atomic number of the second radioisotope. In certain embodiments, the microsphere is composed of polymer impregnated with zirconia bound to 32p as the source of the therapeutic ?-emissions and 67Ga as the source of the diagnostic ?-emissions.

Abstract: A reaction product is prepared by reacting a first polymer having pendant or terminal carboxyl or anhydride groups with a second polymer (e.g. elastomer) having an amine containing terminal group. The second polymer is anionically polymerized. The second polymer is functionalized by reacting the growing anionic chain end with an imine. Then a protic terminating agent terminates the growing chain end. The first and second polymers are reacted by mixing (desirably above their softening temperatures) and forming a blend with improved physical properties over a blend of similar polymers lacking a reactive amine group.

Abstract: A nano-particle composition including a poly (alkenylbenzene) core and a poly (conjugated diene) or a poly(alkylene) surface layer is provided. The nano-particles have a mean average diameter less than about 100 nm. The nano-particles can be modified via, for example, hydrogenation or functionalization. The nano-particles can advantageously be incorporated into rubbers, elastomers, and thermoplastics.

Abstract: A nano-particle composition including a poly(alkenylbenzene) core and a poly (conjugated diene) or a poly(alkylene) surface layer is provided. The nano-particles have a mean average diameter less than about 100 nm. The nano-particles can be modified via, for example, hydrogenation or functionalization. The nano-particles can advantageously be incorporated into rubbers, elastomers, and thermoplastics.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a microsphere impregnated with a radioisotope that emits therapeutic &bgr;-particles and a radioisotope that emits diagnostic &ggr;-radiation; wherein the atomic number of the first radioisotope is not the same as the atomic number of the second radioisotope. In one preferred embodiment, the microsphere is composed of glass impregnated with 90Y as the source of the therapeutic &bgr;-emissions and 198Au as the source of the diagnostic &ggr;-emissions. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the preparation of a microsphere impregnated with a radioisotope that emits therapeutic &bgr;-particles and a radioisotope that emits diagnostic &ggr;-radiation; wherein the atomic number of the first radioisotope is not the same as the atomic number of the second radioisotope. In one preferred embodiment, a glass microsphere containing 90Y and 198Au is prepared by neutron activation of a glass microsphere comprising glass, 89Y and 197Au.

Abstract: A nano-particle composition including a poly (alkenylbenzene) core and a poly (conjugated diene) or a poly(alkylene) surface layer is provided. The nano-particles have a mean average diameter less than about 100 nm. The nano-particles can be modified via, for example, hydrogenation or functionalization. The nano-particles can advantageously be incorporated into rubbers, elastomers, and thermoplastics.

Abstract: A composition comprising an elastomer, a filler, and a comb-like polymer, the comb-like polymer comprising a backbone and a plurality of side chains, the backbone having a length greater than or equal to the entanglement length, the side chains having a length greater than about 33% of the entanglement length, the backbone including at least one side chain per entanglement length, and the comb-like polymer having a Tg of less than −5° C.

Abstract: A polymer nano-particle composition is provided, wherein the nano-particle includes a poly(alkenylbenzene) core and a surface layer including poly(conjugated diene). The polymer nano-particles are preferably less than about 100 nm in diameter. The nano-particles can be made by a dispersion polymerization process.