Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a saponified vinyl acetate polymer (a saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer in particular) which features a minimum of coloration of molding pellets, a well-inhibited emanation of an odor in melt-molding, a high transparency of the product film and a low incidence of fish-eyes in the film, and a process for producing a vinyl acetate polymer (particularly an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) for use as the starting material for said saponified vinyl acetate polymer having said favorable properties. In accordance with the invention, either vinyl acetate alone or vinyl acetate and one or more other monomers are polymerized in the presence of a hydroxylactone compound and a polymerization catalyst. The resulting vinyl acetate polymer (particularly the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) is then saponified.

Abstract: Nitroxides having an alpha-carbon atom with a destabilizing moiety are effective control agents for emulsion and water-based polymerizations, including the formation of block copolymers from a wide range of monomers. The nitroxide radicals may be used as a free radical or as an adduct with a residue from the initiator. The emulsions have living characteristics, including the re-initiation of polymer chains. Also, a seeded process for emulsions, which includes the step-wise addition of monomer is disclosed, providing access to a wide range of initiator types.

Abstract: Optical devices fabricated from solvent processible polymers suffer from susceptibility to solvents and morphological changes. A semiconductive polymer capable of luminescence in an optical device is provided. The polymer comprises a luminescent film-forming solvent processible polymer which contains cross-linking so as to increase its molar mass and to resist solvent dissolution, the cross-linking being such that the polymer retains semiconductive and luminescent properties.

Abstract: An adhesive composition that includes a free radical-polymerizable monomer component that includes a reaction product of a (hydroxy)acrylate with an anhydride and is substantially free of at least methyl methacrylate or methacrylic acid. The adhesive composition exhibits substantially reduced objectionable odor.

Abstract: A water-soluble polymer which has higher sensitivity and is responsive to the chirality of a wide range of optically active isomers. It is a poly(phosphonoarylacetylene) represented by the following formula (I) or a salt thereof, (Wherein Ar represents an aryl group substituted by a phosphono group; and n is an integer of 5 or larger). Also provided is a chiral sensor or optical resolving reagent each comprising the poly(phosphonoarylacetylene) or its salt.

Abstract: A water-soluble, crosslinkable protective colloid is provided having a molecular weight of least than 500,000 comprising: a) 20 to 959 by weight of monomer units containing sulphonic acid or sulphonate groups, b) 4 to 800 by weight of monomer units containing N-methylol or N-alkoxymethyl groups, and c) 0.1 to 20% by weight of hydrophobic monomer units such as water insoluble ethylenically unsaturated compounds and the hydrophobic end groups of initiator radicals or regulator molecules. Optionally, up to 50% by weight of the monomer units containing sulphonic acid or sulphonate groups can be replaced by monomer units containing carboxyl groups or monomer units containing amide groups.

Abstract: The present invention is for a new class of allyl urethane resin which can be cured with peroxide at high temperature alone or in combination with some accelerators. These allyl urethane resins can be sued alone or in combination with other free radically polymerizable materials such as allyl monomers and ligomers or (meth)acrylate monomers and oligomers. These new allyl urethane resins contain at least two allyl functional groups.

Abstract: A method for producing a polymeric material, said method comprising subjecting a starting material which includes two multiple bonds which are activated so that they will take part in a polymerisation reaction and wherein the multiple bonds are sufficiently close togeter to ensure that cyclopolymerisation will preferentially occur; to suitable conditions under which said polymerisation reaction will occur, provided that the starting marerial is other than triallyamine hydrochloride. The method can be used to produce polymers for various processes including adhesives, network polymers, liquid crystal polymers etc.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to low ethylene insertions into I-olefin polymers and processes for production of such polymers using unbridged fluxional metallocenes, primarily substituted aryl indenyl metallocenes, and more particularly to use of unbridged, fluxional, cyclopentadienyl or indenyl metallocene catalyst systems in methods of production of high melting point I-olefin homo- and co-polymers, particularly elastomeric crystalline and amorphous block homo- and co-polymers of I-olefins. The activity of fluxional unbridged metallocene polymerization catalysts containing at least one 2-arylindene ligand is increased 10× or more by the addition of small (typically 0.1-10 wt. %) amounts of ethylene to the polymerization system, which increase is termed the Polymerization Rate-Enhancement effect (PRE), which is measured in terms of an Ethylene Enhancement Factor (EEF) as a dimensionless ratio in the range of from about 1.1 to about 10 or above.

Abstract: A polymer having a crosslinked structure made from a polyol and an isocyanate where the crosslinks contain urethane and/or ester bonds made from the reaction of a benzylic hydroxyl group and an isocyanate group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to blocked polyisocyanate crosslinking agents, to the production thereof and to the use thereof in single-component stoving lacquers, particularly OEM clear lacquers (original equipment material, initial lacquer coating).

Abstract: A polyurethane material, the coatings prepared therefrom, and methods of making the same are provided. A polyurethane material may be formed from components comprising at least one polyisocyanate, at least one active hydrogen-containing material, at least one material having at least one primary or secondary amino group and at least one hydroxyl group, and at least one acid functional material or anhydride having a functional group reactive with isocyanate or hydroxyl groups of other components from which the polyurethane material is formed. The polyurethane can provide improved physical properties, such as chip resistance, when incorporated into a coating composition.

Abstract: A molding composition comprising thermoplastic polyurethane is disclosed. The polyurethane is characterized in having ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation at break (EAB) values after hot storage which are, each, at least 60% of the corresponding value before hot storage, glass transition temperature equal to or lower than −50° C., UTS and EAB values after hydrolytic storage which are, each, at least 80% of the corresponding value before hydrolytic storage, and Shore A hardness of 70 to 95. The polyurethane is a product of a reaction comprising an aliphatic diisocyanate, a mixture of polyols and a chain extender and contains a UV stabilizer, an antioxidant and an optional anti-hydrolysis agent.

Abstract: A moulded article comprising thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that exhibits reduced fogging is disclosed. Characterized in having condensate value of <2 mg/10 g of TPU in accordance with the fogging test of DIN 75201B, the TPU is the product of reacting A) an organic diisocyanate, with B) polyester polyol that contains less than 0.2% of 1:1 ring esters of dicarboxylic acid and diol and C) a chain extender. The moulded article is particularly suitable for use in the automotive sector.

Abstract: A perfluoro group-containing compound are represented by the following formula (I): —Rf— is a perfluoro group; and —A represents —OH or a group: or —CyF2y+1 or —CzF2z−1 and a perfluoro group-containing polymerizable compound represented by the following formula (II): R1—O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—O—Rf—B  (II) In Formula (II), —Rf— is a perfluoro group; —B is —OH or —O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—O—R2, or —CyF2y+1 or —CzF2z−1; and R1 and R2 each is a dehydroxyl residue of a (meth)acryloyl group-containing compound or a vinyl group-containing compound. The hardened polymer from the compound has water-repellency, oil-repellency and adhering ability.

Abstract: A curable resin composition which has excellent curability and storage stability, and in particular, which has improved storage stability under the condition where the resin composition only contains the resin component and the latent curing agent. A curable resin composition having a resin component having oxirane ring and thiirane ring at a ratio (oxirane ring/thiirane ring) of 95/5 to 1/100; and an oxazolidine compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1 represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and R2 and R3 independently represent hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, or together form an alicyclic ring or an aromatic ring.

Abstract: Block copolyestercarbonates may be prepared by first conducting a reaction between at least one of resorcinol or an alkyl- or haloresorcinol and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid dichloride, preferably isophthaloyl dichloride, terephthaloyl dichloride or a mixture thereof, to produce a hydroxy-terminated polyester intermediate, and then conducting a reaction of the intermediate with a carbonate precursor, preferably in the presence of a dihydroxy compound such as bisphenol A. The products have excellent physical properties, including a high degree of weatherability. They may be blended with other polymers such as polycarbonates, poly(alkylene carboxylates), polyarylates, polyetherimides, and addition polymers to improve the weatherability thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing polyesters with a reduced content of free acetaldehyde from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol via a catalyzed polycondensation in the melt and also the use of this method. The method is based thereby on the usage of highly active polycondensation catalysts, on the deactivation of these catalysts by the addition of phosphorous-containing inhibitors and the addition of acetaldehyde-bonding substances. The entire polycondensation is thereby implemented at temperatures beneath 280° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing polyester resins copolymerized with glycol for modification such as 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, in which the content of said glycol ingredient for modification ranges from 20 to 80 mol % of the total glycol content. Dicarboxylic acid such as terephthalic acid is esterified with ethylene glycol and said glycol for modification. The esterification product is subjected to polycondensation in the presence of a titanium dioxide/silicon dioxide coprecipitate catalyst, said catalyst being in the form of 4% or less strength by weight suspension in glycol. The copolyester prepared as above shows excellent transparency and color properties in addition to being produced at high efficiency.

Abstract: In the process of the present invention, a recovered polyamide is used as a part of the raw materials for producing polyamide. By carrying out the polycondensation under a condition such that the recovered polyamide is dissolved in the reaction system during the polycondensation, the properties of the polyamide being produced are not deteriorated as compared with those of polyamide which is produced without using the recovered polyamide. By changing the addition amount of the recovered polyamide, the crystallization speed of the resultant polyamide is controlled or increased as compared when produced without using the recovered polyamide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising monoaspartic acid esters and polyaspartic acid esters as well as an addition product prepared from an unsaturated dicarboxilic acid compound and a thiol, a process for their production, and their use as reactive component for polyisocyanates in two-component polyurethane systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an aliphatic polyester, utilizing starch as a raw material. The invention produces an aliphatic polyester by the steps of hydrolyzing starch to obtain glucose, oxidizing the glucose to obtain gluconolactone or gluconic acid, reducing the gluconolactone or the gluconic acid to obtain caproic acid, chlorinating the caproic acid to obtain 6-chlorocaproic acid, cyclizing the 6-chlorocaproic acid to obtain &egr;-caprolactone, and executing ring-opening polymerization of the &egr;-caprolactone.

Abstract: Asymmetric disulfide compounds and methods for their preparation are described. An optical product can be made of a polymer that is obtained by using at least one asymmetric disulfide compound as an essential monomer component. These polymers can be used to form an optical product having a high refractive index and a high Abbe's number and having superior heat resistance, superior weather resistance and superior transparency.

Abstract: Soluble poly(bis-9,9′-fluorenes) comprise identical or different structural repeating units of the formula I, where the two R1s are, independently of one another, H, C1-C18alkyl, C8-C14aryl, C7-C15aralkyl, C1-C18alkoxy, R2—(O—CnH2n)m—O—, C1-C18alkylthio, C1-C18dialkylamino, —C(O)OH, —C(O)O—C1-C18alkyl, —C(O)—N(C1-C18alkyl)2, —SO3H, —SO3—C1-C18alkyl, —SO2—N(C1-C18alkyl)2, C1-C17-alkyl-C(O)—O— or C1-C17alkyl-C(O)—, R2 is H or C1-C12alkyl, n is from 2 to 6 m is from 1 to 12. The polymers can be used either alone or in admixture with at least one additional fluorophore whose absorption band overlaps the emission band (fluorescent emission) of the polymer of the formula I as active radiative layer for light-emitting diodes, VDUs and display elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuously or discontinuously producing tetrahydrofuran polymers by homopolymerization of tetrahydrofuran, alkyl-substituted tetrahydrofurans and/or alkylene oxides in the presence of carboxylic acid anhydrides or compounds containing reactive hydrogen using an optionally non-acidified or acid-activated calcined and granular natural amorphous aluminum silicate catalyst. The inventive method provides a means for substantially suppressing the formation of cyclic ethers and for obtaining a polymer with a narrow molecular weight distribution by keeping the concentration of carboxylic acid anhydrides or alkylene oxide constantly below 1 wt. % during polymerization. The catalysts have a long life span and lead to polymers that are characterized by highly uniform properties and a narrow molecular weight distribution even if a fairly impure monomer is used.

Abstract: Methods of preparing peptide linked oligomeric compounds are provided. The method is useful for preparing larger scale amounts of peptide linked oligomeric compounds. More particularly, the synthesis of peptide linked oligomeric compounds is performed without the problems of aggregation associated with electrostatic interactions. The present method describes using equimolar amounts of oligomeric compounds and peptide reagents providing for an increase in overall efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel compounds comprising a ubiquitination recognition element and a protein binding element. The invention also relates to the use of said compounds for modulating the level and/or activity of a target protein. The compounds are useful for the treatment of disease such as infections, inflammatory conditions, cancer and genetic diseases. The compounds are also useful as insecticides and herbicides.

Abstract: Non-naturally occurring lytic peptides which contain a phenylalanine residue and one or more alanine, valine and lysine residues, and optionally contain chemically masked cysteine or serine residues possess an amphipathic structure which allows them to promote cell lysis in certain pathologic organisms, and particularly in prokaryotes. Peptides having a beta-pleated sheet secondary structure and lacking cysteine residues form one embodiment of these lytic peptides.

Abstract: The present invnetion is directed to novel peptide immunogens for eliciting antibodies to LHRH comprising artificial T helper cell epitopes (Th epitopes) designed to provide optimum immunogenicity. The artificial Th epitopes are covalently linked to LHRH and optionally an immunostimulatory seqence.

Abstract: Poly-&bgr;-amino acids and their use in catalytic organic reactions, especially in epoxidation procedures, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for use in purification of apolipoprotein A (ApoA) or apolipoprotein E (ApoE), said composition comprising a first and a second polymeric material, wherein the first and second polymeric material are immiscible in the primary aqueous solution, and wherein the second polymeric material is amphiphilic and water soluble. The invention further relates to a process for purifying ApoA or ApoE, or variants or mixtures thereof, by first mixing ApoA or ApoE, the composition containing a first and second polymeric material and water. The resulting primary aqueous solution is maintained for a period of time sufficient for essentially separating the phases formed, and removing the phase containing the second polymeric material and the main portion of ApoA or ApoE. Subsequently, the second polymeric material is separated from ApoA or ApoE.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tumor suppressor gene, termed large tumor suppressor (lats), and methods for identifying tumor suppressor genes. The method provides nucleotide sequences of lats genes, and amino acid sequences of their encoded proteins, as well as derivatives (e.g., fragments) and analogs thereof. In a specific embodiment, the lats protein is a human protein. The invention further relates to fragments (and derivatives and analogs thereof) of lats which comprise one or more domains of a lats protein. Antibodies to lats, its derivatives and analogs, are additionally provided. Methods of production of the lats proteins, derivatives and analogs, e.g., by recombinant means, are also provided. Therapeutic and diagnostic methods and pharmaceutical compositions are provided. The invention also relates to recombinant plants and animals and methods of increasing the growth of edible plants and animals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses antibodies that bind to mammalian occludin proteins which are transmembrane adhesion molecules of the tight junction. Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences encoding human, mammalian, and murine occludin are utilized to prepare and isolate occludin-specific antibodies. These antibodies may be used to elucidate and regulate the activities of tight junctions.

Abstract: Novel articifial proteoglycans containing a GAG assembly site and a control sequence required for assembly, method for enhancing the biological activity of a glycosaminoglycan binding protein using artificial proteoglycans, DNA constructs of artificial proteoglycans. The artificial proteoglycans of the present invention are useful for preparations of adjuvants for vaccination, for targeting of chemokines to non-immunogenic tumor cells to enhance cellular anti-tumor response, for preparations designed to help promote wound healing, and for treatment of immunological disorders,including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, Lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, osteoarthritis, and HIV infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel ninjurin proteins, nucleic acids, peptides, antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds selected from GH, analogues thereof, and GH-releasing compounds, optionally in combination with lipid-lowering agents or therapy, for the preparation of a drug for treatment of mammals with familial hypercholesterolemia of homozygous form.

Abstract: An adsorbent for removing a chemokine except interleukin-8 in body fluid, which comprises a solid material having an anionic functional group, a method for efficiently removing a chemokine except interleukin-8 in body fluid, which comprises by bringing the above adsorbent into contact with body fluid containing the chemokine and an adsorber for removing a chemokine except for interleukin-8 using the above adsorbent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of diazonaphthoquinonesulfonylchlorides of the formula 1, 2 and 3 using diphosgene or triphosgene.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula (1) and salts thereof: wherein: A is optionally substituted phenyl; R1 and R2 are each independently optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted alkoxy; and R4 and R5 are each independently H, optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted aryl; provided that (i) at least one of R1 and R2 carries an —OH group; and (ii) A is not of the formula:  wherein m is 1, 2 or 3. The compounds are useful as dyes for ink jet printing inks.

Abstract: The invention encompasses novel salts of topiramate, and pharmaceutically acceptable polymorphs, solvates, hydrates, dehydrates, co-crystals, anhydrous, or amorphous forms thereof, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and pharmaceutical unit dosage forms containing the same. In particular, the invention encompasses pharmaceutically acceptable salts of topiramate, including without limitation topiramate sodium, topiramate lithium, topiramate potassium, or polymorphs, solvates, hydrates, dehydrates, co-crystals, anhydrous, and amorphous forms thereof. The invention further encompasses novel co-crystals or complexes of topiramate, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. The invention also encompasses methods of treating or preventing a variety of diseases and conditions including, but not limited to, seizures, epileptic conditions, tremors, cerebral function disorders, obesity, neuropathic pain, affective disorders, tobacco cessation, migraines, and cluster headache.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is the genomic sequence and the nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides of Chlamydia pneumoniae, such as cellular envelope polypeptides, which are secreted or specific, or which are involved in metabolism, in the replication process or in virulence, polypeptides encoded by such sequences, as well as vectors including the said sequences and cells or animals transformed with these vectors. The invention also relates to transcriptional gene products of the Chlamydia pneumoniae genome, such as, for example, antisense and ribozyme molecules, which can be used to control growth of the microorganism. The invention also relates to methods of detecting these nucleic acids or polypeptides and kits for diagnosing Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. The invention also relates to a method of selecting compounds capable of modulating bacterial infection and a method for the biosynthesis or biodegradation of molecules of interest using the said nucleotide sequences or the said polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to the nucleic acid sequence and amino acid sequence of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from mycobacteria and to expression of recombinant DHFR protein. Utilizing the recombinant protein, novel therapies and diagnostic strategies can be developed and selective antimycobacterial compositions can be designed and utilized to treat mycobacterial infections in patients. This invention includes all or portions of novel recombinant nucleic acids encoding DHFR for mycobacteria such as M. avium, to novel recombinant DHFR peptides produced by such sequences, and to vaccines, diagnostic kits, cells and therapies utilizing these peptides and nucleic acid sequences. The present invention relates to methods for using the sequences of the present invention to develop drugs specific to M. avium and other mycobacteria, to identify and sequence corresponding sequences in species other than M. avium, as well as diagnostic and treatment methods incorporating the disclosed sequences and peptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting nucleic acid molecules such as target DNA molecules and mRNA molecules by using a DNA probe, and provides a DNA capillary, comprising a fluid passageway formed of a cylindrical capillary made of glass, a plurality of independent probe regions formed in the inner wall of the fluid passageway, and DNA probes each immobilized in the probe region, the immobilized DNA probes differing from each other. For performing the measurement, a sample is introduced through an open portion into the capillary so as to perform reaction and, then, fluorimetry.

Abstract: Novel synthases and the corresponding nucleic acids encoding such synthases are disclosed herein. Such synthases possess an active site pocket that includes key amino acid residues that are modified to generate desired terpenoid reaction intermediates and products. Synthase modifications are designed based on, e.g., the three-dimensional coordinates of tobacco 5-epi-aristolochene synthase, with or without a substrate bound in the active site.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polypeptide (including that in soluble form) as receptor for a novel cytokine, i.e., interleukin-18, a DNA encoding the polypeptide, and the uses of the polypeptide including pharmaceutical and neutralizer to interleukin-18. Pharmaceuticals with the polypeptide is useful to treat and prevent autoimmune and allergic disease because it suppresses and regulates excessive immunoreaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process to make indolocarbazole glycosides in high purity which inhibit the growth of tumor cells and are therefore useful in the treatment of cancer in mammals, and the like.

Abstract: A water-soluble, biodegradable hydroxyalkyl cellulose-2-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester is disclosed. The hydroxyalkyl cellulose-2-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester has: (i) a molecular degree of substitution of the hydroxyalkyl group of less than 1.5 (MShydroxyalkyl<1.5); and (ii) a molecular degree of substitution of the 2-hydroxycarboxylic acid group of greater than 0.4 and less than 3 (0.4<MS2-hydroxycarboxylic acid<3). Also described is a method of preparing the hydroxyalkyl cellulose-2-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester, and methods of using it, e.g., as a consistency regulator in at least one of foodstuffs, cosmetics, building materials, paints and strippers.

Abstract: Dispersions of pigment, such as calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide and types of clay, can be effectively stabilized by the use of carboxyl-containing fructan in an amount of 0.05-10% by weight, based on the dispersion, which fructan contains 0.5-3 carboxyl groups per mono-saccharide unit. The carboxyalkyl groups are in particular carboxymethyl groups, but the carboxyl groups can also be carboxyl groups obtained entirely or partially by oxidation. The carboxymethylfructan gives results which are comparable to or better than those obtained with the polyacrylates which are less desirable from the standpoint of health and environment.

Abstract: Various polysaccharides are prepared by reacting glucose or glucose-containing materials such as hydrolyzed starch with a polyol such as sorbitol in the presence of mineral acids such as phosphoric, hydrochloric and/or sulfuric acid. In one embodiment, polydextrose is prepared by reacting glucose or glucose-containing materials such as hydrolyzed starch with a polyol such as sorbitol in the presence of low levels, i.e., from about 0.001% to about 0.09%, more narrowly from about 0.01% to about 0.06%, phosphoric acid. In other embodiments, other mineral acids or mixtures thereof may be employed. In alternate embodiments, a combination of mineral and organic carboxylic acids such as citric acid are employed. Because of the low levels of catalyst used in certain preferred embodiments, minimal or no off-flavors and little color are formed during the course of the reaction.

Abstract: Novel macrocyclic compounds are constructed to include large cyclic structures that are interrupted by at least one ring system. Each interrupting ring system includes two bridgehead atoms. Bridgehead atoms are bonded to one or more bridges that interconnect one or more ring systems thereby forming a large cyclic structure. Located in each bridge are two or more nitrogenous moieties that are derivatized with chemical functional groups. The ring systems can include further nitrogenous moieties, either as ring atoms or on pendant groups attached to the ring. These can also be derivatized with chemical functional groups. The totality of the chemical functional groups imparts certain conformational and other properties to the macrocyclic compounds. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, libraries of such macrocyclic compounds are prepared utilizing permutations and combinations of the chemical functional groups and the nitrogenous moieties to build complexity into the library.