Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the presence of at least one variance in the kinase domain of the erbB1 gene confers sensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Thus, a diagnostic assay for these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug.

Abstract: A mineral slurry comprises mineral particles in an amount equal to or greater than about 60 percent by total weight of the slurry, wherein 85 percent of the mineral particles have an average particle size equal to or less than 2 micrometers; a polyelectrolyte dispersant derived from an acrylate polymer formed by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, wherein the polyelectrolyte dispersant comprises endgroups comprising thio-containing residues derived from a trithiocarbonate chain transfer agent, wherein the polyelectrolyte dispersant is in an amount less than about 35 pounds of the dispersant per ton of dry mineral particles, and wherein the polyelectrolyte dispersant has a molecular weight of 3000 to 10,000 Daltons and a polydispersity of at least 1.0 and less than 1.5; and the remainder water.

Abstract: A mineral slurry comprises mineral particles in an amount equal to or greater than about 60 percent by total weight of the slurry, wherein 85 percent of the mineral particles have an average particle size equal to or less than 2 micrometers; a polyelectrolyte dispersant derived from an acrylate polymer formed by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, wherein the polyelectrolyte dispersant comprises endgroups comprising thio-containing residues derived from a trithiocarbonate chain transfer agent, wherein the polyelectrolyte dispersant is in an amount less than about 35 pounds of the dispersant per ton of dry mineral particles, and wherein the polyelectrolyte dispersant has a molecular weight of 3000 to 10,000 Daltons and a polydispersity of at least 1.0 and less than 1.5; and the remainder water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the presence of at least one variance in the kinase domain of the erbB1 gene confers sensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Thus, a diagnostic assay for these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the presence of at least one variance in the kinase domain of the erbB1 gene confers sensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Thus, a diagnostic assay for these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the presence of at least one variance in the kinase domain of the erbB1 gene confers sensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. Thus, a diagnostic assay for these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug.

Abstract: Disclosed is a silica substrate treated with a polysiloxane, and an organosilane, wherein the organosilane is described by the formula: RSi(R?)x(OR?)3-x; wherein R is a long-chain hydrocarbon group having between about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, which may also contain organofunctional groups such as vinyl, methacryl, amino, sulfur, and epoxy groups; R? and R? are independently selected from a methyl and ethyl group; and X is either 0 or 1. The optimal use for the treated silica substrate is as a rheology modifier in epoxy polymer materials, however, the silica substrate could also be used in other chemical compositions such as polyurethanes, polyesters, silicones, and hydrocarbon oils.

Abstract: Disclosed is a silica substrate treated with a polysiloxane, and an organosilane, wherein the organosilane is described by the formula: RSi(R?)x(OR?)3-x; wherein R is a long-chain hydrocarbon group having between about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms, which may also contain organofunctional groups such as vinyl, methacryl, amino, sulfur, and epoxy groups; R? and R? are independently selected from a methyl and ethyl group; and X is either 0 or 1. The optimal use for the treated silica substrate is as a rheology modifier in epoxy polymer materials, however, the silica substrate could also be used in other chemical compositions such as polyurethanes, polyesters, silicones, and hydrocarbon oils.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising, in admixture, a resin and aminosilane surface-treated barium sulfate particles, and methods of using it as a film forming coating. Low blistering, highly corrosion resistant and low viscosity coating compositions are provided.

Abstract: A butadiene-type polymer suitable for use as a processing aid in a rubber composition is formed by polymerizing butadiene or other conjugated diene monomers in a solvent, such as hexane, to form a polymer of relatively low molecular weight (around 30-40,000 g/mole). The polymer is coupled with a coupling agent, such as tin tetrachloride, to increase its molecular weight to a level at which conventional desolventizing processes may be used to remove the solvent from the mix. After desolventizing, the polymer is decoupled, by heating, to return the polymer to its original molecular weight.

Abstract: Vulcanizable elastomeric compositions having enhanced dampening properties, among other things, in which the elastomeric composition contains surface-treated barium sulfate particles formed of a plurality of barium sulfate particles and a reaction product of the barium sulfate and silicon-hydride containing polysiloxane integrally located on the surfaces of the barium sulfate particles. Vulcanized products thereof are also encompassed. The elastomeric compositions of this invention can be vulcanized to retain appropriate shapes to provide tire parts (e.g., treads), v-belts, conveyor belts, sealants, shoe parts, and so forth, having enhanced vibration and noise dampening attributes, but without adversely impacting other performance-related properties of the rubber products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of a gel-free hydrocarbon solution containing a lanthanide rare earth series compound by dissolving or synthesizing a lanthanide compound in an inert hydrocarbon solvent with a Lewis acid in an amount sufficient to prevent formation of highly viscous solutions. The present invention is also directed to the use of the gel-free Ln solutions formed by the recited process as co-catalysts for the polymerization of dienes. The Lewis acid is a group 2, 12, 13, 14 or 15 halide or organohalide, or a transition metal halide, excluding aluminum trialkyls.

Abstract: A method of preparing a surface treated barium sulfate product is disclosed which has improved dispersibility in end use applications such as polymeric formulations. The method includes mixing a silicon-hydride containing polysiloxane, in neat or in aqueous emulsion form, with a quantity of barium sulfate particles and then optionally drying the resultant mixture. The silicon-hydride containing polysiloxane is deposited on and chemically bonded to the surface of the barium sulfate particles.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst composition, comprising: (a) an organolithium compound; and, (b) an organic acid salt of lanthanide series element; wherein: (1) only components (a) and (b) are required to promote the synthesis of 1,4-trans-polybutadiene; (2) the ratio of component (a) to component (b) is selected to maximize formation of the trans structure of said 1,4-trans-polybutadiene; and, (3) components (a) and (b) are selected for enabling further diblock synthesis. The invention further contemplates a process for using the catalyst to synthesize 1,4-trans-polybutadiene and other polymers and copolymers having trans configuration in the conjugated diene monomer contributed units.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a process for substantially reducing the polymer cement viscosity or reducing the molecular weight distribution of the a conjugated diene polymer synthesized by using a charge of catalytically effective amounts of a rare earth catalyst and an organo magnesium component by adding an organo zinc component to the charge in an amount and under conditions sufficient to reduce the polymer cement viscosity. The invention also contemplates a catalyst compostion for substantially reducing the polymer cement viscosity of a polymer product as well the resultant polymer product.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst composition, comprising: (a) an organolithium compound; and, (b) an organic acid salt of lanthanide series element; wherein: (1) only components (a) and (b) are required to promote the synthesis of 1,4-trans-polybutadiene; (2) the ratio of component (a) to component (b) is selected to maximize formation of the trans structure of said 1,4-trans-polybutadiene; and, (3) components (a) and (b) are selected for enabling further diblock synthesis. The invention further contemplates a process for using the catalyst to synthesize 1,4-trans-polybutadiene and other polymers and copolymers having trans configuration in the conjugated diene monomer contributed units.

Abstract: Modified mineral fillers, derived from either a coarse particle kaolin clay or a coarse particle ATH, having excellent utility in thermoset polymers as low paste viscosity fillers are disclosed. The method of treatment involves the use of specific weight ratio combinations of a silane and a long chain aliphatic alcohol. The treatment of clay can also involve the auxiliary use of a surfactant in small amounts, which is utilized to emulsify the silane and aliphatic alcohol treatment components in water either individually or as a co-emulsion blend prior to their addition to the clay. The surfactant, which is preferably a nonionic surfactant having a HLB value of 12-18, aides in uniformly treating all the clay particle surfaces with the silane/alcohol treatment combination. Coarse particle clays having general utility in the invention are those having an average Stokes equivalent particle diameter of at least 3.

Abstract: The reduction of hysteresis in a silica-filled, vulcanized elastomeric compound is produced by mixing diene monomer and optionally monovinyl aromatic monomer with a lithium amine initiator and, optionally, a modifier; effecting polymerization conditions; terminating polymerization with an amino group producing terminator to form an amine functionalized diene elastomer; compounding the amine functionalized diene elastomer with an amorphous silica filler and a vulcanization agent; and, effecting vulcanization. A pneumatic tire tread stock incorporating the vulcanized elastomer compound exhibits decreased rolling resistance in the tire.

Abstract: The reduction of hysteresis in a silica-filled, vulcanized elastomeric compound is produced by mixing diene monomer and optionally monovinyl aromatic monomer with a lithium amine initiator and, optionally, a modifier; effecting polymerization conditions; terminating polymerization with an amino group producing terminator to form an amine functionalized diene elastomer; compounding the amine functionalized diene elastomer with an amorphous silica filler and a vulcanization agent; and, effecting vulcanization. A pneumatic tire tread stock incorporating the vulcanized elastomer compound exhibits improved reduced hysteresis, or highly balanced wet traction, rolling resistance, snow/ice traction, and mechanical strength when compounded with silica filler and vulcanized, in the tire.

Abstract: An improved finely divided rubber-reinforcing clay mineral composition can be produced by employing a hydrous kaolin clay surface treated with a functional silane, a methylene donor compound such as hexamethylenetetramine, and a multifunctional methylene acceptor such as resorcinol. A novel process of preparation is provided. The improved reinforcing, treated clay filler can be combined with natural or synthetic elastomer compositions which can be cured to elastomer products which have improved physical properties, such as modulus, tensile, tear, wear resistance and/or resistance to heat build-up.