Abstract: The invention is based on the finding of specific surface markers for M1-like (classically activated) and M2-like (alternatively activated) macrophages and provides for a method for the identification, characterization and isolation of M1-like and M2-like macrophages based on the abundance of said surface markers and for means for performing such method.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include novel marker genes for the identification, isolation, and characterization of activated suppressive and/or regulatory T cells. Use of the isolated activated suppressive and/or regulatory T cells as well as screening assays to identify agents that inhibit or activate suppressive and/or regulatory T cells are also provided.

Abstract: We teach a strategy to obtain large quantities of desired APCs, activated B cells, which are superior in their capacity to present tumor protein antigen in a multiadministration protocol. Human B cells can be obtained from peripheral blood in large numbers. These cells can be activated in vitro by coculture with CD40L (CD40-B cells) and an immunosuppressive agent such as cyclosporin A. They can expanded up to 1×103 to 1×104 fold in 2 weeks or 1×105 to 1×106 fold in 2 months. We demonstrate these cells are most efficient APCs comparable to DCs in stimulating allogeneic CD4+ CD45RA+, CD4+ CD45RO+, and CD8+ T cells. In contrast to DCs, CD40-B cells are fully functional even in the presence of immunosuppressive cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF?.

Abstract: A starch fiber produced by a spinning process and comprising:A A first amount of 1 to 100 parts of a starch melt-spinnable composition comprising1. a second amount of 56 to 96 parts of at least one modified and/or unmodified starch,2. a third amount of 4 to 40 parts of at least one destructuring agent,3. a fourth amount of 0 to 4 parts of at least one additive, selected from urea, urea derivatives, emulsifiers, lubricants, and proteins and their alkali salts,components 1, 2 and 3 totaling 100 parts; andB a fifth amount of 99 to 0 parts of at least one melt-spinnable polymer,ingredients A and B totaling 100 parts.In addition, there may also be included 0 to 20 parts of conventional additives for melt spinning compositions.The invention further relates to a process for the production of these starch fibers from this melt spinning composition, and to uses for fibers which, by modification with the starch melt-spinnable composition, have special properties.

Abstract: A starch composition including destructurized starch, an acrylate copolymer having a molecular weight of more than 400,000, water, and additives such as plasticizers, lubricants, fillers, reinforcing agents, stabilizers, impact modifiers, and flame retardants. Also disclosed are a method of preparation thereof and articles produced therefrom. The compositions are readily usable on existing devices and can be thermoplastically processed substantially in accordance with methods currently in use.

Abstract: A highly transparent, single-phase biodegradable starch mixture comprising 90 to 1 parts of at least one polyamide and 10 to 99 parts of a starch molding composition, which composition comprises 96 to 46 parts of at least one chemically modified starch and 4 to 40 parts of at least one plasticizer. Preferably, up to 4 parts by weight of at least one additive such as urea, urea derivatives, and emulsifiers are also included; in addition, the starch mixture may contain up to 20 parts by weight of known additives. The invention also relates to a process for producing the highly transparent starch mixture and, in particular, to the use of the starch mixture in thermoplastically shaped parts.

Abstract: A biodegradable, single-phase starch/polymer mixture comprising(a) 10 to 99 parts of a starch molding composition comprising(i) 95 to 45 parts of at least one chemically modified starch, and(ii) 5 to 55 parts of at least one emulsifier, plasticizer or destructurizing agent, the parts of (i) and (ii) adding up to 100; and(b) 90 to 1 parts of at least one linear polymer, the parts by weight of components (a) and (b) adding up to 100. In addition, 0 to 20 parts of additives which are customary in this area are included. A method of preparation, and the use thereof for thermoplastically molded parts, in particular films, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the production of a homogeneous, thermoplastically processible melt. The process includes a. introduction of chemically modified starch into an intake zone of an extruder and conveyance thereof to a receiving zone, b. addition of a prehomogenized liquid mixture of plasticizer, emulsifier, and additives, followed by mixing and further conveyance of the starch liquid mixture through the receiving zone at elevated temperature, c. destructurization of the modified starch without adding any water and conveyance of the starch and mixture at elevated temperature to form a homogeneous, thermoplastically processible melt, d. degassing of the melt at elevated temperature and under reduced pressure, and e. extrusion thereof through a die at elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A composition having at least 50% by weight polyamide and a liquid crystalline polymer capable of forming an optically anisotropic melt above 200.degree. C. Such compositions are transformed by deformation at temperatures below the melting point and above the glass transition temperature of the polyamide. Shaped bodies made thereby have excellent tensile strength and elongation at break characteristics.

Abstract: Heat-resistant, polymer-containing, solvent-free adhesive compositions are prepared by reacting a novel mixture of saturated polyester or copolyester with capped isocyanate under the influence of temperature and, if necessary, catalysts, with evident viscosity increase, with cross-linking as appropriate.The adhesive compositions combine the process-technical properties of low-viscosity melt-adhesives and the strength, tenacity and stability of cross-linked duroplasts or high-viscosity thermoplasts. Subsequent working and protection from explosion are not necessary. Use is possible in each known art for melt-adhesives, e.g. as paste, powder, melt, textiles, or flat structures. In addition, the compositions are suitable as melt coatings or for injection moulding reactions.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of block polyurethane amides in a melt by the reaction of(a) a linear polyamide having terminal carboxylic acid ester groups and which melts at not more than 210.degree. C.; and(b) a polyurethane having hydroxyl groups at its chain ends;at a temperature of 160.degree. C. to 240.degree. C., and in the presence of a trans-esterification accelerator.