Abstract: This invention relates to cast films prepared from interpolymer compositions comprising; (A) a substantially linear ethylene/&agr;-olefin interpolymer present in the composition in an amount of from about 10 to about 100% by weight based on the combined weight of Components A and B; and (B) a heterogeneous interpolymer present in the composition in an amount of from about 0 to about 90% by weight based on the combined weight of Components A and B; and wherein said interpolymer composition has an I10/I2 value of < about 10.0 and is characterized as having a viscosity at 100 rad/s and a relaxation time (&tgr;) which satisfies either of the following relationships; Log(viscosity at 100 rad/s)≦4.43−0.8 log(I2) or log(&tgr;)>−1.2−1.3* log(I2) The interpolymer compositions are useful in cast stretch film manufacture with the resulting cast films having an excellent balance of strength and processability.

Abstract: A polyarylene copolymer which comprises (A) aromatic compound units having a main chain containing one or more electron-withdrawing groups therein and (B) aromatic compound units having a main chain containing no electron-withdrawing groups therein, and a proton-conductive membrane comprising the polyarylene copolymer having sulfonic acid groups.

Abstract: Chain end functionalized block copolymers having low polydispersity index are produced via controlled free radial polymerization of dithiocarbamates.

Abstract: A polypropylene/ethylene block copolymer, which has a poly(ethylene-co-propylene) segment content of 5 to 100 wt. %, excluding 100 wt. %, and a total ethylene content of 2 to 95 wt. %. (a) The block polymer comprises polypropylene segments and poly(ethylene-co-propylene) segments chemically bonded thereto, and (b) the polypropylene segments and the poly(ethylene-co-propylene) segments have been synthesized in the presence of an olefin polymerization catalyst comprising an organometallic compound and a solid catalyst component comprising either titanium and a halogen, or titanium, magnesium, and a halogen. The block copolymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 100,000 or higher, is suitable for producing general-purpose molded articles, and has an excellent balance among mechanical properties, impact resistance, thermal properties, transparency, moldability, and other properties.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a redispersible material, particularly in powder form, which comprises a polymer containing silanol groups, the latter being provided with a protective group. The redispersible material can be in the form of a redispersible powder, an aqueous dispersion or an aqueous solution. The invention also makes available a process for the preparation of a redispersible material by reacting a silanol group-containing polymer with a compound having a protective function for the silanol groups, optionally with the subsequent recovery of a redispersible, pulverulent material from the polymer provided with the protective groups. The invention also relates to the use of the redispersible material in adhesives, plastic-containing, cement-bound systems, plastic-bound, cement-free binders, wallpaper pastes, disperse dyes, glass fibre composite systems, etc.

Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention relates to a solventless liquid nitrile compound. The compound includes a liquid nitrile rubber. The compound also includes a curing agent selected from sulfur and/or sulfur donors. The curing agent is present in an amount of at least about 3% by weight of the compound. The compound contains substantially no solvent. In another embodiment, this invention relates to a solventless liquid nitrile compound. The compound includes a liquid nitrile rubber. The compound also includes a nonsulfur curing agent. The curing agent is present in an amount of at least about 5% by weight of the compound. The compound contains substantially no solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides functionalized electrophiles, their analogous initiators, and processes for preparing these compounds. The present invention also relates to homotelechelic, heteroelechelic, and radial functional polydiene polymers, polyarylene polymers and polydiene/polyarylene copolymers, their optionally hydrogenated analogues, their optionally deprotected analogs, and process for preparing these functionalized polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for removing water from a sealant composition. This includes the addition of a particularly selected anhydride to a sealant composition and further addition of an acrylic acid, in order to remove water from a sealant composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a crosslinker for organic coatings having an amino resin core with substituents including more than one olefin functional group, a silicon-containing group, and at least one alkoxyalkyl or alkylol group. Coating compositions containing the crosslinker can be cured with radiation, especially ultraviolet radiation. The crosslinker can be included in a coating composition with one or more curable resins, applied onto a substrate and cured to form the cured coating of the invention.

Abstract: Hyperbranched polymers are prepared by a process in which a monomer having the form Ax is reacted with another monomer of the form By, where A and B are functional groups that do not react with themselves, but do react with each other. The process allows synthesis of hyperbranched polymers having a single type of terminal functional group from comonomers, each of which has a single type of functional group. The invention allows greater flexibility in the preparation of a larger variety of different hyperbranched polymers and enables hyperbranched polymers to be prepared at a lower cost as compared with conventional processes using monomers having two types of functional groups that react during polymerization.

Abstract: The thermosetting resin composition which is valuable for an undercoat of a printed wiring board, and does not leave an air bubble in a cured film, and makes the surface polishing easy and can form a smooth printed wiring board comprises (I) an adduct of epoxy resin with unsaturated aliphatic acid, (II) a (meth) arcylate, (III) a radical polymerization initiator, (IV) a crystallizable epoxy resin, and (V) a latent curing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making multifunctional materials, especially materials comprising at least one primary carbamate group and a grafting moiety (cii). The method of the invention requires the successive or simultaneous reactions of a material P with a grafting material (c) and ammonia. Material P comprises two or more cyclic carbonate groups (bi). Grafting material (c) comprises at least one amine group (ci) and a grafting moiety (cii). The amine group (ci) is selected from primary amines, secondary amines, and mixtures thereof. The resulting multifunctional materials are useful in a variety of curable coating compositions, including solventborne, waterborne, electrodeposition, liquid solvent free coatings, powder, and powder slurry.

Abstract: For producing homopolymers or copolymers of propylene in the gas phase, gaseous or liquid monomers are introduced into a polymerization zone; the pressure and temperature in the polymerization zone are kept within a range that corresponds to the gaseous state of the monomers; gaseous monomers not consumed by polymerization are discharged from the polymerization zone and liquefied and re-introduced in liquid form into the polymerization zone. The temperature regulation in the polymerization zone is done by means of continuous measurement of the temperature and a change, tripped upon a change in temperature, in the quantity of liquid monomers introduced per unit of time into the reaction zone. To that end, the temperature is measured at a plurality of points vertically offset from one another, and from the respective measured values a respective mean value is formed.

Abstract: A process for preparing a liquid rubber composition comprises: (a) Forming a reaction mixture of (i) from 1.0 to 99.999 weight percent of the reaction mixture of at least one C1-C20 alkyl acrylate monomer; and (ii) from 0.001 to 20 weight percent of the reaction mixture of at least one aromatic-containing initiator; (b) charging the reaction mixture into a reactor maintained at a reaction temperature of up to 400° C.; and (c) polymerizing said monomer with said aromatic-containing initiator to form a liquid rubber with polymer chains having at least one non-functional aromatic end-group.

Abstract: A novel olefin polymerization catalyst comprising: (A) a transition metal compound comprising a transition metal having &eegr;-bonded thereto a cyclic anionic ligand; (B) a mixture of (B-1) an activator compound capable of forming, together with component (A), a metal complex having a catalytic activity and (B-2) an organometal compound, the activator compound (B-1) comprising a cation and a noncoordinating, compatible anion; (C) a solid component; and optionally (D) an organoaluminum compound, wherein the catalyst is obtained by contacting components (A) to (C) and optionally component (D).

Abstract: A process for preparing premixed supported boraaryl catalysts having improved shelf life is provided. The process comprises supporting an organometallic compound comprising a group 3-10 transition metal or lanthanide metal and at least one boraaryl ligand an inorganic support which has been chemically and thermally dehydroxylated to remove all hydroxyl from the surface of the support; contacting with an organoaluminum compound utilizing an incipient wetness procedure wherein 90 to 150 percent of the catalyst pore volume is filled with a hydrocarbon solution containing the organoaluminum and provide a molar ratio of aluminum to transition/lanthanide metal of 0.5:1 to 50:1; and recovering the premixed catalyst powder.

Abstract: A catalyst system for the polymerization of olefins is prepared by initially charging one or more compounds of the formula I a or I b, subsequently adding a molecularly defined activator of the formulae II a to c [(L—H)]+[(M′)Q1Q2Q3Q4]−  II a [(CAr3)]+[(M′)Q1Q2Q3Q4]−  II b [(M′)Q1Q2Q3]  II c and finally adding an alkylating agent selected from among LiR11, MgR11R12 and AlR12R13R14.

Abstract: Metal compounds of the formula I, where M is selected from among Ni and Pd in the oxidation state +II can be used for the polymerization or copolymerization of olefins. Supported catalysts for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins can be obtained by application of one or more of the above-described ionic metal compounds to a support.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected finding that random copolymers of 1,3-butadiene monomer and 3-(2-pyrrolidinoethyl) styrene and/or 4-(2-pyrrolidinoethyl) styrene having a low vinyl content can be synthesized by anionic polymerization at normal polymerization temperatures without the need for a conventional polar modifier. The subject invention more specifically discloses a process for synthesizing a rubbery polymer that comprises copolymerizing at least one conjugated diolefin monomer and at least one functionalized monomer in an organic solvent at a temperature which is within the range of 20° C. to about 100° C., wherein the polymerization is initiated with an anionic initiator, wherein the functionalized monomer is of the structural formula: wherein n represents an integer from 4 to about 10, and wherein the polymerization is conducted in the absence of conventional polar modifiers.

Abstract: Initiator systems of the present invention include both a complexed initiator and a carboxylic acid decomplexer. For example, dicarboxylic acid decomplexer, carboxylic acid ester decomplexers, and monocarboxylic acid decomplexers (preferably those comprising an alkyl group having at least nine carbon atoms for low odor compositions) are useful in the present invention.

Abstract: A method for encoding a polymer. The method comprises incorporating, into a polymer formed by polymerizing at least one bulk monomer, from 0.1 ppm to 1% each of at least two additional monomer residues.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer having a reduced amount of polar end groups. The fluoropolymer is produced by free radical polymerization of fluorinated monomers and the initiation of the polymerization is carried out in the presence of a chloride salt. Polar end groups include hydroxy groups and ionized or ionizable end groups. Examples of ionized or ionizable end groups include acid groups and salts thereof such as sulfonic acid and salts thereof, —CH2—OSO3H groups, sulfates and carbonyl containing end groups such as carboxylic and carboxylate groups. Due to the presence of chloride salt at the initiation of the free radical polymerization, CF2Cl end groups are formed instead of the polar end groups. As a result, a fluoropolymer is obtained that has improved processibility and heat resistance.

Abstract: A method of producing a highly stable packaging substrate in which are provided a first precursor having a first backbone and a first ethynyl group, and a second precursor having a second backbone and a second ethynyl group. Furthermore provided is a crosslinker having a first and a second reactive group. The first precursor, the second precursor, the crosslinker, and a solvent are applied onto a surface to form an electrically insulating layer. The first ethynyl group is reacted with the first reactive group in a first carbon-carbon bond formation reaction and the second ethynyl group is reacted with the second reactive group in a second carbon-carbon bond formation reaction to crosslink the first backbone with the second backbone, thereby forming the packaging substrate. The solvent is removed in a further step.

Abstract: A nitrile group-containing highly saturated copolymer rubber comprising (a) 0 to 20% by weight of 1,3-butadiene units, (b) 0 to 50% by weight of saturated 1,3-butadiene units, (c) 40 to 50% by weight of &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated nitrile monomer units, and (d) 10 to 35% by weight and at least 8% by mol of other monomer units, wherein the sum of 1,3-butadiene units (a) and saturated 1,3-butadiene units (b) is in the range of 20 to 50% by weight. A rubber composition comprising this copolymer rubber and a crosslinking agent gives a crosslinked product exhibiting good oil resistance, namely, good resistance to rancid gasoline and not hardening even when it is placed in contact with oil containing condensed aromatics.

Abstract: A polymer comprises polymer chains having a glass transition temperature of less than 25° C. and a weight average molecular weight of less than 20,000 wherein the polymer chains contain at least one non-functional aromatic end-group. The polymer is miscible in the uncured state of said thermoset resins and immiscible in the cured state of the thermoset resins.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to branched polyolefin materials that exhibit temperature-sensitive permeability. The subject invention also concerns a package including a polymer material that exhibits temperature-sensitive permeability and separates a respiring article from the surrounding atmosphere. Methods of the subject invention involve placing a respiring article within a container comprising a polymer material exhibiting temperature-sensitive permeability.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oxazolidine compound represented by the following formula (1). [R1 represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 and R3 independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, or R2 and R3 combine to form an alicyclic ring or an aromatic ring; R4 and R5 independently represent a methyl group or an ethyl group; R6 represents a single bond or —(R7—NHCOO—R8—OCONH)p—, R7 and R8 independently represent a divalent organic group, and p represents an integer of 1 to 15; m represents 2 or 3; n represents an integer of 1 to 3]. A curable resin composition using the oxazolidine compound as a latent curing agent have excellent curability and excellent storage stability, in particular, excellent storage stability in a state where the resin composition contains only the curable ingredient(s) and the latent curing agent.

Abstract: The curable coating compositions of the invention comprise a particulate component having at least one binder component (a) which is a solid at 75° F./24° C., and an additive component (b). The curable coating compositions further comprise a crosslinking component (c) reactive with the at least one binder component (a). Additive component (b) has from 12 to 72 carbon atoms, is substantially free of any heteroatoms, is not a crystalline solid at 75° F./24° C. and comprises a mixture of two or more structures selected from the group consisting of aliphatic structures for additive component (b), aromatic-containing structures for additive component (b), cycloaliphatic-containing structures for additive component (b), and mixtures thereof, wherein at least one of the two or more structures is either a cycloaliphatic-containing structure or an aromatic-containing structure.

Abstract: A golf ball and a method of making a golf ball that includes a center formed from a material including polybutadiene and having a high resilience, at least one cover layer formed of a material including polyurethane, and at least one wound layer of a tensioned material windings between the center and the cover. The polyurethane composition is formed from the reaction product of at least a prepolymer of a polyisocyanate and a polyol, and a diamine curing agent. The polybutadiene composition includes a butadiene polymer with a resilience index greater than about 40 and a weight average molecular weight greater than about 200,000. Such golf balls can have a coefficient of restitution that is optimized for low swing speed players. The wound layer of the present invention may be applied to golf balls having liquid or solid centers to achieve desired golf ball characteristics.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an epoxy resin and epoxy resin composition having a low viscosity which can afford a cured product having an excellent heat resistance. The present invention is characterized by using an epoxy resin which is obtained by reacting 5-methylresorcin with epihalohydrin in the presence of alkali metal hydroxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wholly aromatic polyester carbonate and a process for its production. An aromatic dicarboxylic acid, an aromatic diol, and a diaryl carbonate are used as starting materials in specific molar ratios, a prepolymerization step, a crystallization step, and a solid-phase polymerization step are essential steps, and a compression molding step is an optional step. This makes it possible to produce with good productivity a wholly aromatic polyester carbonate that has low coloration and a high degree of polymerization.

Abstract: Thermally stable block copolyestercarbonates comprising chain members derived from at least one dihydroxy-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon moiety and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid moiety, said polymer being substantially free of anhydride linkages linking at least two mers of the polyester chain segments, are prepared by a method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a hydroxy-terminated polyester intermediate comprising structural units derived from at least one dihydroxy-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon moiety and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid moiety; and (b) conducting a reaction of the polyester intermediate with phosgene in a reaction mixture comprising water, a substantially water-immiscible organic solvent, and a base, wherein base and phosgene are added simultaneously to the reaction mixture at a substantially constant molar ratio of base to phosgene for a time period of at least about 60% of the total amount of phosgene added.

Abstract: In a process for the continuous preparation of polybutylene terephthalate from terephthalic acid and 1,4-butanediol comprising: a) direct esterification of terephthalic acid with 1,4-butanediol in a reactor cascade comprising at least two reactors, b) precondensation of the esterification product obtained in stage a), and c) polycondensation of the precondensate obtained in stage b), the reaction pressure decreases and the temperature does not increase along the reactor cascade in stage a).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of novel polyamides, the use of such polyamides for the production of fibers, sheets and moldings, and fibers, sheets and moldings obtainable from such polyamides, are provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyamides comprises polymerizing starting monomers or starting oligomers in the presence of at least one compound of the formula (I) where R is a functional group R8 which bears 1-4 identical or different amide-forming groups R7, R1 is H, C1-C20-alkyl, cycloalkyl, benzyl or OR6, where R6 is H, C1-C20-alkyl, cycloalkyl or benzyl, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are independently C1-C10-alkyl, n is a natural number greater than 1, and the piperidine derivatives attached to R are identical or different with regard to the substituents, meaning R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5. The polyamides are useful for preparing filaments, fibers, films, sheetlike structures and moldings.

Abstract: A method for preparing nylon 6 copolymer containing 5-sulfoisophthalate salts comonomer. The method includes the steps of reacting 5-sulfoisophthalate salts ester with aliphatic diamine in a molar ratio of 2˜20 at 160˜200° C., followed by completely removing the unreacted aliphatic diamine, to obtain the intermediate compound with terminal amine, 5-sulfobenzenediamide compound (formula III). Next, caprolactam and aliphatic diacid (formula IV) are reacted at 200˜260° C. to form an oligomer with a low molecular weight. 5-Sulfobenzenediamide (formula III) and catalyst are then added into the oligomer obtained in previous step to cause a polymerization reaction at 200˜280° C. to obtain nylon 6 copolymer containing 5-sulfoisophthalate salt comonomer. The molar ratio of E/C is 0.005˜0.150 and the molar ratio of D/E is 1.05-1.00. Compounds present in the water extract are greatly reduced.

Abstract: A polyamine having the formula: H2N—A[NR—B]aNH2 or salt thereof, wherein A and B, which may be the same or different, are selected from aliphatic or aromatic substituents provided that at least four carbon atoms separate any two nitrogen groups, R is an aliphatic or aromatic group, and a is 2 to 5. In addition, a polymer having the formula: or salt thereof, wherein A, B and Q, which may be the same or different, are selected from aliphatic or aromatic substituents provided that at least four carbon atoms separate any two nitrogen groups, R is an aliphatic or aromatic group, a is greater than 1 to about 5, and n is 3 to about 1,000. The polymers are useful for improving acid-dyeability of polymer compositions, fibers, fabrics, films and other articles.

Abstract: This invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a Tumor necrosis factor Receptor-Associated Factor protein-interacting hereditary multiple extoses (TREX) protein and vectors comprising the isolated nucleic acid encoding TREX. This invention also provides a purified TREX protein and antibodies thereto. This invention further provides oligonucleotides capable of specifically hybridizing with the isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding TREX. This invention further provides an antisense oligonucleotide against a genomic DNA molecule encoding TREX. This invention further provides methods of: (1) inhibiting TREX protein interaction, (2) inhibiting overexpression of TREX protein, and (3) inhibiting growth of a tumor. This invention further provides assays for: (1) screening for compounds that inhibit TREX binding, (2) detecting predispositions to cancer comprising TREX mutations, and (3) diagnosing cancer comprising TREX mutations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel Neutrokine-alpha, and a splice variant thereof designated Neutrokine-alphaSV, polynucleotides and polypeptides which are members of the TNF family. In particular isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human Neutrokine-alpha and/or Neutrokine-alphaSV polypeptides, including soluble forms of the extracellular domain. Neutrokine-alpha and/or Neutrokine-alphaSV agonists and antagonists of Neutrokine-alpha and/or Neutrokine-alphaSV activity. Also producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of Neutrokine-alpha and/or Neutrokine-alphaSV activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting immune system-related disorders and therapeutic methods for treating immune system-related disorders.

Abstract: Non-naturally occurring mutant hemoglobins rHb (&bgr;N108Q) and rHb (&bgr;L105W) are provided that have a lower oxygen affinity than that of native hemoglobin, but high cooperativity in oxygen binding. rHb (&bgr;N108Q) also exhibits enhanced stability against autoxidation. The mutant hemoglobins are preferably produced by recombinant DNA techniques. Such mutant hemoglobins may be used as a component of a blood substitute and hemoglobin therapeutics.

Abstract: Construction and characterization of mouse monoclonal antibodies against western equine encephalitis virus (WEE) for potential use in detection, diagnosis, and immunotherapy are disclosed. Antibodies were prepared from hybridoma cells and further characterized by ELISAs, Western blotting, isotyping, and immunoprecipitation. The antibodies were also tested for cross-reactivity to other alphaviruses, such as Sindbis virus (SIN), Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE), and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). All antibodies bound to WEE antigen in ELISAs, whereas only a subgroup of antibodies was found to be active in Western blotting and immunoprecipitations. A subset of antibodies was found to cross-react with other alphaviruses, such as SIN, VEE, and EEE.

Abstract: Methods are provided for large scale purification of neurotrophins, including mature NGF, suitable for clinical use. The methods provide means to separate neurotrophins from various less desirable misprocessed, misfolded, size, glycosylated, or charge forms. Compositions of neurotrophins, including mature NGF, substantially free of these variants are also provided.

Abstract: A subject of the invention is the compounds of formula (I): R1═H, OH, alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl optionally substituted or alkoxy, R2═H, Hal, R3═H, alkyl, Hal,  Rg and Rh: H, alkyl, aryl heterocycle, R5═H or O-alkyl, R6═alkyl or CH2—O-alkyl, R7═H or alkyl. The compounds of formula (I) have antibiotic properties.

Abstract: The subject invention discloses materials and methods for the design, synthesis, and biochemical evaluation of chromogenic substrate compounds for sialidases of bacterial, viral, protozoa, and vertebrate (including humans) origin. In particular, this invention provides a novel class of effective compounds as chromogenic substrates of these sialidases which yield chromogenic products after reactions catalyzed by sialidase take place. Also provided are methods of making these substrate compounds, methods of diagnosis and prognosis of sialidase related diseases using these substrate compounds.

Abstract: Isolated spastin genes and fragments thereof, as well as Spastin proteins and fragments thereof are disclosed. Also disclosed are altered forms of spastin, as well as methods for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid. The methods comprise contacting the nucleic acid with one or more types of particles having oligonucleotides attached thereto. In one embodiment of the method, the oligonucleotides are attached to nanoparticles and have sequences complementary to portions of the sequence of the nucleic acid. A detectable change (preferably a color change) is brought about as a result of the hybridization of the oligonucleotides on the nanoparticles to the nucleic acid. The invention also provides compositions and kits comprising particles. The invention further provides methods of synthesizing unique nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates, the conjugates produced by the methods, and methods of using the conjugates. In addition, the invention provides nanomaterials and nanostructures comprising nanoparticles and methods of nanofabrication utilizing nanoparticles. Finally, the invention provides a method of separating a selected nucleic acid from other nucleic acids.

Abstract: Human Edg4 and Edg5 polypeptides and their respective amino acid and nucleic acid sequences are provided for use in investigating cytoprotection, apoptosis, cellular proliferation, and other biological pathways in which phospholipid mediators are implicated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially purified nucleic acid molecule encoding p/CIP, which regulates the activity of CBP/p300 dependent transcription factors. The invention also provides substantially purified p/CIP and peptide portions of p/CIP. The invention also provides methods of selectively inhibiting signal transduction pathways using a peptide portion of p/CIP or a nucleic acid molecule encoding such a peptide portion.

Abstract: Presenilin Associated Membrane Protein (PAMP), and nucleic acids encoding this protein, are provided. PAMP and PAMP nucleic acids provide diagnostic and therapeutic tools for evaluating and treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases. In a specific embodiment, mutations in PAMP are diagnostic for Alzheimer's Disease or spina bifida. The invention further relates to screening, particularly using high-throughput screens and transgenic animal models, for compounds that modulate the activity of PAMP and presenilins. Such compounds, or gene therapy with PAMP, can be used in treating neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's Disease. In addition, the invention provides PAMP mutants, nucleic acids encoding for PAMP mutants, and transgenic animals expressing PAMP mutants, which in a preferred aspect result in biochemical changes similar to those induced by mutations in &bgr;APP, PS1, or PS2, associated with familial Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel method to render thermotolerance to a plant. In the concrete, this method provides peroxisomal ascorbate peroxidase gene of barely, a novel gene induced by high temperature stress. Moreover, this invention provides a transgenic plant exhibiting resistance to high-temperature stress, produced by incorporating said gene.