Abstract: The invention relates to a cross-linked polyvinyl acetal which is characterized in that it can be obtained from at least one polyvinylacetal (1) which is obtained by reacting at least one polymer (A), which contains a) 1,0 to 99.9 wt. % structural units of formula (1), b.) 0 to 99.0 wt. % structural units of formula (2), c.) 0 to 70.0 wt. % structural formula (3), d.) 0.0001 to 30.0 wt. % structural units of formula (4) respectively in relation to the overall weight of the polymer (A), with at least one compound (B) of formula (5). Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods for the production of the polyvinyl acetal according to the invention as well as its use.

Abstract: A resin composition for coating a metal sheet comprising a polyester resin (A) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.5-2.0 dl/g, an elastomer resin (B) and a vinyl polymer (C) containing at least 1 wt % of a unit with a polar group, and having a structure wherein the elastomer resin (B) is finely dispersed in the polyester resin (A) and at least a portion of the elastomer resin (B) is capsulated by the vinyl polymer (C). Also, metal-sheet-coating resin films using the resin composition, resin-coated metal sheets coated with the resin film, and resin-coated metal containers made by molding the resin-coated metal sheets are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mass polymerized rubber-modified monovinylidene aromatic copolymer composition with an excellent balance of physical and mechanical properties especially low temperature impact, and methods for preparing such a composition.

Abstract: There is provided: a production process for a water-absorbing agent having stable properties in a short time; and a water-absorbing agent. The production process comprises the step of blending an acid-group-containing water-absorbent resin powder with a noncrosslinkable water-soluble inorganic base and/or an irreducible alkaline-metal-salt pH buffer and further with a dehydratable crosslinking agent reactable with the acid group, thereby subjecting the resin powder to crosslinking treatment, or comprises the step of blending an acid-group-containing water-absorbent resin powder with the above base and/or pH buffer and further with a crosslinking agent reactable with the acid group, thereby subjecting the resin powder to crosslinking treatment, wherein the resin powder has a weight-average particle diameter of 300 to 600 ?m wherein the ratio of fine powders having particle diameters of not larger than 150 ?m in the resin powder is not more than 10 weight %.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various compositions, including a high density polyethylene composition, comprising: (a) a bimodal polyethylene component that includes a high molecular weight polyethylene component having a high average molecular weight (MWHMW) and a low molecular weight polyethylene component having a low average molecular weight (MWLMW), wherein the ratio of the high average molecular weight to the low average molecular weight (MWHMW:MWLMW) is 20 or more; and (b) a unimodal polyethylene component that occupies more than 15 wt % of the composition; wherein: (c) the composition has a density of 0.935 g/cc or more, and a Maximum Line Speed of 170 feet per minute or more.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing a modified ethylene-vinylcyclohexane copolymer resin, which comprises the steps of: (1) blending at least the following components (A) to (C) to produce a blend; (A) 100 parts by weight of an ethylene-vinylcyclohexane copolymer resin, (B) from 0.1 to 20 parts by weight of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: (B1) a compound having in its molecule (i) at least one carbon-carbon double or triple bond and (ii) at least one polar group, and (B2) a compound having in its molecule (iii) an OR group and (iv) at least two same or different functional groups selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid group, an acid halide group, an acid anhydride group, an acid halide anhydride group, an acid ester group, an acid amide group, an imide group, an imido group, an amino group and a salt of an amino group, wherein the R is hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, an acyl group or a carbonyldioxy group, and (C) from 0.

Abstract: An anhydrous, liquid phase process for preparing hydroxyl containing polymers of enhanced purity comprising the steps of polymerization, purification, transesterification, purification, catalyst removal, and solvent exchange. The resultant polymer in solution can be used directly, without further processing steps, to prepare a photoresist composition.

Abstract: Processes for preparing block copolymers and the block copolymers prepared therefrom comprising at least two types of homoblock, all belonging to the polysulfone family, wherein each of the said homoblocks has an identical or different molecular weight of at least 1000 and comprises at least 5% of the overall weight of the block copolymer, and wherein the block copolymer has a molecular weight of at least 2000, the process steps comprising preparing each of the aforesaid homoblocks by reacting at least one aromatic diol with at least one aromatic dihalo compound, one of which contains at least one sulfone group, in at least one aprotic solvent in the presence of at least one alkali, optionally in the presence of an azeotropic agent and then reacting the aforesaid homoblocks together in at least an aprotic solvent, optionally followed by end-capping said block copolymer.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions comprising a first metallocene compound, a second metallocene compound, an activator-support, and an organoaluminum compound are provided. Methods for preparing and using such catalysts to produce polyolefins are also provided. The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide ethylene polymers having a HLMI of from about 0.5 to about 25, a polymer density of from about 0.920 to about 0.965, and a polydispersity of from about 3.0 to about 30.

Abstract: A process for producing a polar olefin copolymer comprises copolymerizing a non-polar olefin and a polar olefin in the presence of a transition metal compound selected from Groups 4, 5, 6 and 11 of the periodic table, which is represented by the following formula (IV): wherein M? is a transition metal atom selected from Groups 4, 5, 6 and 11 of the periodic table, m is an integer of 1 to 6, A is —O—, —Si—, —Se—, —N(R6)—, n is a number satisfying a valence of M?, R1 to R4 and R6 are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydrocarbon group and the like, and X is a halogen atom, an oxygen atom, a hydrocarbon group and the like, and at least one compound (B) selected from the group consisting of an organometallic compound (B-1), an organoaluminum oxy-compound (B-2) and an ionic ionizing compound (B-3). Therefore, the process is capable of obtaining a polar olefin copolymer having excellent properties under mild polymerization conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a cyclic olefin polymer by addition polymerization, and more particularly to a method for preparing a norbornene-based addition polymer, which comprises a step of contacting a norbornene-based monomer having an ester or acetyl group with a catalyst system comprising: a Group X transition metal compound; a compound comprising a neutral Group XV electron donor ligand having a cone angle of at least 160°; and a salt capable of offering an anion that can be weakly coordinated to the transition metal, in solvent. The norbornene-based addition polymer having an ester or acetyl group according to the present invention is transparent, has superior adhesivity and a low dielectric constant, and it generates no byproducts when attached to metal. Therefore, it can be used as an optical film, a retardation film, a protection film for a polarizer, POFs (plastic optical fiber), PCBs (printed circuit board), or insulators of electronic devices.

Abstract: A flexible superabsorbent binder polymer composition including a monoethylenically unsaturated polymer, such as carboxylic acid, sulphonic acid, or phosphoric acid, or salts thereof, and an acrylate or methacrylate ester that contains an alkoxysilane functionality, or a monomer capable of co-polymerization with a compound containing a trialkoxysilane functional group and subsequent reaction with water to form a silanol group wherein the flexible superabsorbent binder polymer composition has a residual monoethylenically unsaturated monomer of less than about 1000 ppm. The flexible superabsorbent binder polymer composition is particularly suitable for use in manufacturing absorbent articles. A method of making the flexible superabsorbent binder polymer composition includes preparing a monomer solution, adding the monomer solution to an initiator system, and activating a polymerization initiator within the initiator system.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluorine-containing copolymer having a repeat unit derived from at least one fluorinated olefin and a repeat unit derived from at least one polycyclic ethylenically unsaturated monomer having pendant hydroxyl or esterified hydroxyl groups, and optionally other repeat units, typically derived from an acrylate. These polymers have high transparency at short wavelengths such as 193 nm and 157 nm, and provide good plasma etch resistance and adhesive properties. Also provided are photoresist compositions and substrates coated therewith.

Abstract: Polymerizable fluorinated ester compounds having formulae (1) and (2) are novel wherein R1 is H, methyl or trifluoromethyl, R2 and R3 are H or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, R2 and R3 may form a ring, R4 is H, OH or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, and R5 is an acid labile group.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing elastomer having a copolymer composition, which comprises 50-85% by mole of (a) vinylidene fluoride, 0-25% by mole of (b) tetrafluoroethylene, 7-20% by mole of (c) perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), 3-15% by mole of (d) CF2?CFO[CF2CF(CF3)O]nCF3 and 0.1-2% by mole of (e) RfX, where Rf is an unsaturated fluorohydrocarbon group having 2-8 carbon atoms and X is a bromine or iodine atom, can give curing products with distinguished low-temperature characteristics and solvent resistance without deteriorating the distinguished moldability and compression set characteristics proper to the fluorine-containing elastomer, and a fluorine-containing elastomer composition, which comprises 100 parts by weight of the present fluorine-containing elastomer, 0.1-10 parts by weight of an organic peroxide, 0.

Abstract: Curable formulations comprising: (a) at least one multifunctional acrylate having a functionality of at least two, (b) at least one mono-acrylate monomer, (c) at least one heteroatom-containing diacrylate, wherein the heteroatom is sulfur or selenium; and (d) a curing agent, have been discovered. The curable formulations show promise as precursors to high refractive index materials suitable for use in light management devices and other optical devices. In addition the novel curable formulations are useful for producing coatings, which may be useful in forming display films, in particular brightness enhancing display films.

Abstract: A new family of concrete admixture additives can be derived from reacting a mixture of olefins/cyclic olefins-maleic anhydride copolymers and methoxy polyethylene glycol amines and/or polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers, or a mixture of styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers and methoxy polyethylene glycol amines and/or polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers, or a mixture of styrene-olefins/cyclic olefins-maleic anhydride terpolymers and methoxy polyethylene glycol amines and/or polyethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers. These reactions lead to formation of a kind of carboxylic salt containing polymer, which can be used alone in concrete. Only a small amount of this substance is needed to provide excellent water reduction, high concrete flowability and high early strength.

Abstract: A polymer comprising polycyclic repeating units having recurring ion conducting groups and optional crosslinkable groups is disclosed. The present invention provides the capability of tailoring polymers to impart unique properties to membranes fabricated from the polymers. Membranes comprising the polymers and methods for preparing the membranes and their use in ion conducting membranes, particularly in fuel cells, are also provided.

Abstract: An acrylic resin type release agent composition comprising (A) a polymer which comprises a (meth)acrylate containing a constituent unit represented by the following formula (1) and (B) a crosslinking agent which comprises an amino resin, wherein a weight ratio (A)/(B) is in the range of 99.99/0.1 to 30/70: wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R2 is a long-chain alkyl group of 12 to 28 carbon atoms. Also described herein is a release liner having a release layer made of the release agent composition. The acrylic resin type release agent composition exhibits excellent solvent resistance, heat resistance and adhesion to substrate without exerting evil influence on electronic parts and the like, and is capable of controlling peel strength.

Abstract: A norbornane lactone (meth)acrylate represented by the following general formula (1): where R1 denotes an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, n denotes an integer of 1 to 3, and R2 denotes a hydrogen atom or methyl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a copolymer comprising units derived from ethylene and 1-heptene, to a composition comprising such a copolymer, and to an article prepared from or containing such a copolymer.

Abstract: A silicone adhesive having (A) an organopolysiloxane partial condensate of (i) a diorganopolysiloxane end-capped with a hydroxyl radical and (ii) an organopolysiloxane copolymer having hydroxyl radicals and having R33SiO1/2 units and SiO4/2 units wherein R3 is hydroxyl or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical, (B) a silane or siloxane compound having a silicon atom-bonded alkoxy radical and/or an epoxy radical, and (C) a crosslinking agent exhibits pressure-sensitive adhesion and permanent adhesion.

Abstract: A treatment composition for making acquisition fluff pulp in sheet form, having a cross-linking agent and an anti-hydrogen-bonding agent. The cross-linking agent may be a polycarboxylic acid, aldehyde, urea-based derivatives or a mixture thereof. The anti-hydrogen-bonding agent may be a silicon polymer terminated with at least one quaternary amine functional group. A method of making acquisition fluff pulp using the treatment composition involves treating a cellulosic base fiber with a treatment composition solution to impregnate the fiber with the treatment composition, and then drying and curing the impregnated fiber. The resultant acquisition fluff pulp may be utilized in an acquisition layer and/or an absorbent core of an absorbent article intended for body waste management.

Abstract: A golf ball is disclosed, comprising: a core, the core having a diameter of 1.5 inches to 1.65 inches and a first coefficient of restitution of 0.8 or greater at 125 ft/s; an intermediate layer disposed about the core, the intermediate layer having a first Shore D hardness of 20 to 80 and comprising a blend of two or more ionomers; and an outer cover layer disposed about the intermediate layer; the outer cover layer having a thickness of 0.005 inches to 0.05 inches and a second Shore D hardness of 30 to 70, the outer cover layer being composed of a castable material formed from reactants comprising at least one fluorinated polyfunctional compound, wherein the golf ball has a second coefficient of restitution of 0.8 or greater at 125 ft/s and a compression of 50 to 120.

Abstract: This disclosure covers polymers, some of which are useful in medical device applications. Some of these medical devices are implantable within a mammalian body, such as in a body lumen. The copolymers comprise at least one alcoholic moiety derived from a diol, triol, or polyol. Additionally, the copolymers comprise an acidic moiety, derived from a polycarboxylic acid, and a biobeneficial moiety. Some of these copolymers are biodegradable or bioerodable. Medical devices comprising these polymers and methods of making these polymers are within the scope of this disclosure.

Abstract: A method for producing polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) polymer, including polymerizing reactants in a reaction mixture in a vessel to form PPS polymer in the vessel, measuring values of operating variables of the vessel and/or PPS process, and determining the amount of quench fluid to add to the vessel based on the values of the operating variables. The technique may rely on the vapor liquid equilibrium (VLE) of the mixture to calculate the concentration of water existing in the reactor prior to quench, and accounts for the effectiveness of the upstream dehydration process and in the amount of water produced during the polymerization. The technique is a striking improvement over the trial-and-error estimation of the amount of quench water based on human operating experience, and avoids direct measurements of the existing water concentration in the reactor. The result is improved control of PPS particle size and other properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides both crosslinked polymer compositions capable of forming hydrogel upon exposure to an aqueous environment and thiosulfonate hydrogel-forming components. The thiosulfonate hydrogel-forming components of the invention are preferably multi-arm thiosulfonate polymer derivatives that form a crosslinked polymer composition when exposed to a base without requiring the presence of a second cross-linking reagent, redox catalyst, or radiation. Methods for forming hydrogel compositions, as well as methods for using the hydrogel, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel reagents whose fluorescence increases in the presence of particular proteases. The reagents comprise a characteristically folded peptide backbone conjugated to two fluorophores such that the fluorophores are located opposite sides of a cleavage site. When the folded peptide is cleaved, as by digestion with a protease, the fluorophores provide a high intensity fluorescent signal at a visible wavelength. Because of their high specificity and their high fluorescence signal in the visible wavelengths, these protease indicators are particularly well suited for detection of protease activity in biological samples, in particular in frozen tissue sections. Thus this invention also provides for methods of detecting protease activity in situ in frozen sections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: Claimed are a series of somatostatin agonists and uses thereof, according to formula (I), A1-cyclo[Cys-A2-D-Trp-A3-A4-Cys]-A5-Y1, ??(I) wherein A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and Y1 are as defined in specification provided that the amine nitrogen of at least one peptide bond is substituted with a methyl group or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means of selectively killing epithelial cell carcinomas by administering a CXCR4-specific sequence of the Gp120 protein or Nef proteins or the proteins themselves (the modulators) such as that found in strains HIV-1, HIV-2, SIV, or FIV CXCR4-specific Gp 120 sequences or Nef proteins or sequences may be delivered to the mucosa or systemically. The mucosal means of application include oral, intranasal, ocular, intravaginal, rectal, and/or intraurethral administration in liquid or particulate form.

Abstract: The invention is directed to substituted heterocyclic acyl-tripeptides useful as thrombin receptor modulators, their use in wound healing and preventing platelet aggregation. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the substituted heterocyclic acyl-tripeptides of the present invention and methods of treating conditions mediated by the thrombin receptor are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptide and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to surface display of proteins on microorganisms via the targeting and anchoring of heterologous proteins to the outer surface of cells such as yeast, fungi, mammalian, plant cells, and bacteria. The invention provides a proteinaceous substance comprising a reactive group and at least one attaching peptide including a stretch of amino acids having a sequence corresponding to at least a part of the consensus amino acid sequence listed in FIG. 10 and further includes a method for attaching a proteinaceous substance to the cell wall of a microorganism comprising the use of the attaching peptide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention provides a receptor having a preference for pyrimidine nucleotides preferably uridine triphosphate over purine nucleotides. A receptor having a preference for pyrimidine nucleotides over purine nucleotides means a receptor for which pyrimidine nucleotides and purine nucleotides are not equally active and equipotent. This means that the receptor according to the invention in presence of these agonists presents a functional response (preferably the accumulation of Inositol triphosphate (IP3), diacylglycerol (DAG), or calcium ions) to lower concentration of pyrimidine nucleotides, preferably uridine triphosphate, than to purine nucleotides or a more important functional response to similar concentration of pyrimidine nucleotide than to purine nucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention provides humanized, chimeric and human anti-CD74 antibodies, CD74 antibody fusion proteins, immunoconjugates, vaccines and bispecific that bind to CD74, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-II invariant chain, Ii, which is useful for the treatment and diagnosis of B-cell disorders, such as B-cell malignancies, other malignancies in which the cells are reactive with CD74, and autoimmune diseases, and methods of treatment and diagnosis.

Abstract: A novel polypeptide, designated neurotrophic factor-4 (NT-4), has been identified by PCR amplification of human genomic DNA. Provided herein is nucleic acid encoding NT-4 useful in diagnostics and in the recombinant preparation of NT-4. Also provided herein are nucleic acids encoding naturally occurring amino acid sequence variants of NT-4, designated NT-4?, NT-4?, and NT-4?. The neurotrophic factors of the invention are useful in the treatment of nerve cells and in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: This invention provides monoclonal antibodies that recognize the Toll-like Receptor 4/MD-2 receptor complex, and monoclonal antibodies that recognize the TLR4/MD2 complex as well as TLR4 when not complexed with MD-2. The invention further provides methods of using the monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics. This invention also provides soluble chimeric proteins, methods of expressing and purifying soluble chimeric proteins, and methods of using soluble chimeric proteins as therapeutics, in screening assays and in the production of antibodies.

Abstract: This invention relates to newly identified polypeptides which have zinc metalloprotease activities and are referred to as IGS5, and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, to their use in therapy and in identifying compounds which may be stimulators and/or inhibitors which are useful in therapy, to antibodies specific to such peptides, and to production of such polypeptides and polynucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides comprising functional steroid hormone and juvenile hormone receptors, in particular isolated nucleic acid molecules which encode polypeptides comprising the Lucilia cuprina and Myzus persicae ecdysone receptors and juvenile hormone receptors. The present invention further provides functional recombinant steroid and juvenile hormone receptors and recombinant polypeptide subunits thereof and derivatives and analogues thereof. The present invention further provides screening systems and methods of identifying insecticidally-active agents which are capable of agonizing or antagonizing insect receptor function, or alternatively or in addition, which modify the affinity of said receptors for their cellular stimuli (eg. insect steroids or juvenile hormones) or analogues thereof, or alternatively or in addition, which act as insecticides by virtue of their ability to agonize or antagonize the activity of insect hormones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional germacrene-D synthase and a polynucleotide encoding it. Included also are genetic constructs, transgenic organisms, plant selection methods and biofermentation methods. The enzyme may be used to prepare germacrene-D and/or other sesquiterpenes such as germacrene-D, delta-cadinene, gamma-cadinene, gamma-muurolene, gamma-elemene, delta-elemene, elemol or germacrene-B.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel combinations of liver specific enhancers and promoter elements for achieving persistent transgene expression in the liver. The liver specific enhancer elements may be derived from either the human serum albumin, prothrombin, ?-1microglobulin or aldolase genes in single copies or in multimerized form linked to elements derived from the cytomegalovirus intermediate early (CMV), ?-1-antitrypsin or albumin promoters. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an adenoviral vector comprising a liver specific enhancer/promoter combination operably linked to a transgene is administered to recipient cells. In other embodiments of the invention, adeno-associated viral vectors, retroviral vectors, lentiviral vectors or a plasmid comprising the liver specific enhancer/promoter combination linked to a transgene is administered to recipient cells. Also within the scope of the invention are promoter elements derived from the human prothrombin gene and the ?-fibrinogen gene.