Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one layer which includes a polymer composition containing at least 50 wt % of an acid polymer and at least 0.5 wt % of a polyhydric alcohol, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total polymeric weight of the polymer composition. At least 70% of the acid groups of the acid polymer are neutralized by a cation source or a metal salt thereof.

Abstract: A powder system for use in solid freeform fabrication. The powder system includes at least one polymer having reactive properties and fusible properties. The at least one polymer is reactive with a liquid binder and is fusible at a temperature above the melting point or glass transition temperature of the at least one polymer. The at least one polymer may be a single co-polymer having at least one reactive portion and at least one fusible portion or may be a mixture of polymers including at least one reactive polymer and at least one fusible polymer. A method of forming an object by solid freeform fabrication is also disclosed.

Abstract: Cycloolefinic polymer compositions exhibiting an advantageous balance of dimensional stability, improved impact resistance and superior optical properties are provided. The cycloolefinic polymer compositions of the invention generally include at least one cycloolefinic polymer and an effective amount of an elastomeric copolymer having an aromatic vinyl content of from 14 to 39 weight percent. The cycloolefinic polymer compositions may be incorporated into a variety of products, including multilayer films.

Abstract: A thermoplastic vulcanizate composition comprised of (a) thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of polyphenylene ether, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene, (b) at least one elastomer selected from the group consisting of butadiene-isoprene copolymer rubbers, copolymers of a conjugated diolefin monomer and an acrylate monomer, copolymers of a conjugated diolefin monomer and an methacrylate monomer, copolymers of a conjugated diolefin monomer and a vinyl aromatic monomer, copolymers of a conjugated diolefin monomer and an acrylonitrile monomer, blends of polyisoprene rubber with styrene-butadiene rubber, wherein the elastomer is at least partially crosslinked, wherein the repeat units in the elastomer are distributed throughout the elastomer in an essentially random manner, and (c) oil.

Abstract: A polymer support is provided which comprises protected hydroxypolyC2-4 alkyleneoxy chains attached to a cross-linked polymer wherein the protected hydroxypolyC2-4 alkyleneoxy chain contains from 2 to 10 C2-4 alkyleneoxy groups and wherein the hydroxypolyC2-4 alkyleneoxy chains are protected with an acid labile group. The acid labile protecting group is preferably a poly-aryl methane protecting group. A monomer and process for the preparation of said support are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a poly(ester amide) (PEA) polymer blend and coatings and medical devices formed of the blend.

Abstract: Compounds that include silicon-containing groups, and optionally urethane groups, urea groups, or combinations thereof (i.e., polyurethanes, polyureas, or polyurethane-ureas), as well as materials and methods for making such compounds.

Abstract: The method of the present invention includes grafting a glycidyl alkylene trialkoxy silane to a novolac phenolic resin in an organic solvent to form a modified novolac phenolic resin; mixing a tetralkoxy silane, an acid and water with the resulting organic solution containing the modified novolac phenolic resin, wherein hydrolysis and condensation reactions are carried out to form a —Si—O—Si— bonding; adding a curing agent for novolac phenolic resin to the resulting reaction mixture; evaporating the organic solvent and acid from the resulting mixture and heating the resulting mixture to form a novolac phenolic resin/silica hybrid organic-inorganic nanocomposite.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a high melt strength propylene polymer or copolymer suitable for manufacturing foams and thermoformed product exhibiting a melt strength of at least 3 g and comprising a high molar mass portion and a low or medium molar mass portion. The polymers are produced by subjecting propylene and optionally other olefins to polymerization in a plurality of polymerization reactors connected in series, employing different amounts of hydrogen as a molar mass modifier in at least two of the reactors, and carrying out the polymerization reaction in the presence of a catalyst system capable of catalyzing the formation of a high molar mass polymerization product having a MFR2 of less than 0.1 g/10 min and a low or medium molar mass polymerization product having a MFR2 of more than 0.5 g/10 min.

Abstract: A multistep process for the polymerization of one or more olefins comprising a first step of polymerizing one or more of said olefins in the presence of a catalyst of the Ziegler-Natta type, a step wherein the polymer obtained in the first step is contacted with a catalyst system comprising an half-sandwich metallocene compound, followed by a second polymerization step. The amount of homo- or copolymer of olefins produced in the first polymerization step is between 10% to 90% by weight of the total amount of polymer produced.

Abstract: A method of modifying a Ziegler-Natta type polyolefin catalyst comprises contacting the Ziegler-Natta catalyst with olefin monomer to form a prepolymerized catalyst. The prepolymerized catalyst can comprise a reduced number of catalyst particles having a size of 40 microns or less. The prepolymerized catalyst can be used in a polymerization process to produce polymer fluff particles with a reduced number of polymer fluff fines than the Ziegler-Natta type catalyst.

Abstract: A complex of transition metal Ti, Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, Ta, Rh, Y, Sc, Ru, Pd, Zr, Hf, V or Nb and a mono-, bi-, tri-, or tetra-dentate ligand, wherein at least one of the donor atoms of the ligand is a nitrogen atom N with a 5-membered heterocyclic substituent joined to the N by a carbon atom. The complex is preferably Formula (I) wherein R5—N-G-X1 is a bi-, tri, or tetra-dentate ligand, N is joined to G by an imine linkage; G is a bridging group which can contain a third or fourth donor atom; X1 is —O or —S if the X1-M bond is covalent, or if the X1-M bond is dative X1 is ?S, —PR7R8, —PR8R9, ?NR7, ?NR8, —NR7R8 or —NR8R9; R5 and R7 are 5-membered heterocyclic substituents joined to the nitrogen (or phosphorus) atoms via a carbon atom: R8 and R9 are hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl or aryl substituent; X represents an atom or group covalently or ionically bonded to the transition metal M: L is a group datively bound to M, and n is from 0 to 5; q is 1 or 2.

Abstract: Organometallic complexes suitable as olefin metathesis catalysts are provided. The complexes are Group 8 transition metal carbenes bearing a cationic substituent and having the general structure (I) wherein M is a Group 8 transition metal, L1 and L2 are neutral electron donor ligands, X1 and X2 are anionic ligands, m is zero or 1, n is zero or 1, and R1, W, Y, and Z are as defined herein. Methods for synthesizing the complexes are also provided, as are methods for using the complexes as olefin metathesis catalysts.

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: The present invention is directed to enantioselective polyelectrolyte complex films. Further, said films may be free or isolated membranes, or coatings on substrates such a porous substrates, capillary tubes, chromatographic packing material, and monolithic stationary phases and used to separate chiral compounds. The present invention is also directed to a method for forming such enantioselective polyelectrolyte complex films.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polypropylene composite composition. The polypropylene composite composition comprises 50 to 80% by weight of polypropylene, 6 to 30% by weight of talc, 10 to 30% by weight of a rubber, 3 to 15% by weight of glass bubbles, and 0.5 to 7% by weight of a coupling agent wherein the coupling agent is a compound represented by Formula 1 below: wherein n is an integer from 1 to 500. According to the composition, the compatibility between the glass bubbles and the polypropylene can be improved, thus enabling effective use of the glass bubbles. Therefore, when the composition is used to produce automotive components, such as automotive interior components, the fuel efficiency of automobiles can be improved due to weight reduction effects of polypropylene composites. In addition, since the composition uses colorless and odorless glass bubbles, it can remove an unpleasant smell generated from conventional interior components using talc and is thus environmentally friendly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polypropylene composite composition. The polypropylene composite composition comprises 50 to 80% by weight of polypropylene, 6 to 30% by weight of talc, 10 to 30% by weight of a rubber, 3 to 15% by weight of glass bubbles, and 0.5 to 7% by weight of maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAH-PP). According to the composition, the compatibility between the glass bubbles and the polypropylene can be improved, thus enabling effective use of the glass bubbles. Therefore, when the composition is used to produce automotive components, such as automotive interior components, the fuel efficiency of automobiles can be improved due to weight reduction effects of polypropylene composites. In addition, since the composition uses colorless and odorless glass bubbles, it can remove an unpleasant smell generated from conventional interior components using talc and is thus environmentally friendly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to moisture-curable silylated polymers having unreacted or “free” hydroxyl groups prior to cure with improved physical properties, lower viscosity and lower cost, suitable for preparing coatings, adhesives and sealants.

Abstract: Substituted polyphenylenes and methods for producing such substituted polyphenylenes using supported transition metal catalysis are provided.

Abstract: In the technical field where a difunctional epoxy resin having increased molecular weight is used to impart flexibility or improving dielectric properties, the present invention has remarkably improved moisture resistance and water resistance when used to produce a cured epoxy resin article. The epoxy resin composition comprises a difunctional epoxy resin (A) having a structure wherein an aromatic hydrocarbon group (a1) having a bonding site in an aromatic nucleus and a hydrocarbon group (a2) having an ether bond or the other hydrocarbon group (a3) are bonded via an acetal bond (a4), and also has a structure wherein a glycidyloxy group is bonded to the aromatic hydrocarbon group (a1); and a curing agent (B) as essential component.

Abstract: A polycarbonate containing an ether diol residue producible from a polysaccharide and expressed by the following formula (1), and a diol residue expressed by the following formula (2) —O—(CmH2m)—O— ??(2) (here, m is an integer of 2 to 12), wherein said ether diol residue amounts to 65-98 wt. % of all the diol residues, and having a glass transition temperature of 90° C. or higher.

Abstract: A surface of a melt polymerization reactor system having residual reaction components of a melt polymerization reaction thereon can be cleaned by introducing a cleaning agent having a phenolic compound to the polymerization reactor system and into contact with the surface of the melt polymerization reactor system having the residual reaction components of a melt polymerization reaction thereon. The residual reaction components of the melt polymerization reaction include polycarbonate oligomers or polymers or their degradation products. Further, the cleaning agent is maintained in contact with the surface for a period of time and at a temperature sufficient to substantially remove the residual reaction components from the surface.

Abstract: A polyester resin for toner which is obtained through polymerization in the presence of a release agent ingredient with a melting point of 60–100° C. or a release agent ingredient comprising an alcohol component, and which has a softening temperature of 100–160° C., an acid value of 0.1–30 mgKOH/g and a glass transition temperature of 40–70° C.; a process for producing a polyester resin for toner which comprises conducting polymerization in the presence of a release agent ingredient with a melting point of 60–100° C. or a release agent ingredient comprising an alcohol component; and toner comprising the polyester resin. Toners with excellent non-offset properties and glosses are obtained.

Abstract: A solvent for polystyrene resin treatment is used for reducing the volume of a polystyrene resin by contacting it with the solvent; and a method of treating polystyrene resins. The solvent is characterized by comprising 20 to 70 wt. % of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether and 30 to 80 wt. % of C9-13 aliphatic hydrocarbon. The method employs the solvent.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing polyisobutene having a low halogen content, in which isobutene is polymerized in the presence of a catalyst which comprises a halogenated Lewis acid, the catalyst is removed and/or deactivated, and the resulting polyisobutene is contacted with a zeolite of an average pore size of from 5 to 15 ?.

Abstract: A peptide having any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 13, preferably a peptide having any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 2 to 9 or a peptide having any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 10 and 15 to 17, is used as an active ingredient of an agent for promoting growth or differentiation of cells such as osteoblasts, chondroblasts, cementoblasts, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and periodontal ligament-derived cells.

Abstract: The invention concerns antagonists of alphav-containing integrins which have therapeutic activity in oncology applications and methods for selecting such antagonists using a peptide which competes for alphaV-integrin binding with a known monoclonal antibody having demonstrated anti-tumor activity. The claimed peptide represents a conformational epitope or mimotope present on the ligand to which the therapeutic antibodies selectively bind.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of immunology, more specifically to the field of immune-mediated disorders such as allergies, auto-immune disease, transplantation-related disease or inflammatory disease. The invention provides among others an immunoregulator (NMPF), use of an NMPF in preparing a pharmaceutical composition for treating an immune-mediated disorder, a pharmaceutical composition and a method for treating an immune-mediated disorder.

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 relates to compositions containing novel proteins and methods of using those compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of immune related diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated PR Family Member (PFM) nucleic acid molecule that contains a PFM PR domain nucleotide sequence, a PFM ZF domain nucleotide sequence, or a modification thereof. The invention also provides an isolated PFM nucleic acid molecule that contains a nucleotide sequence that encodes a PFM PR domain polypeptide, or that encodes a PFM ZF domain polypeptide, or that encodes an immunologically equivalent modification thereof. Also provided are isolated PFM oligonucleotides. The invention also provides methods for detecting a PFM nucleic acid molecule in a sample. Further provided is a method of modulating cell growth by expressing an encoded PFM polypeptide in the cell. Also provided is an isolated PFM polypeptide, containing a PFM PR domain amino acid sequence, or a PFM ZF domain amino acid sequence, or a modification thereof. The invention also provides an isolated PFM peptide, containing at least 8 contiguous amino acids of a PFM polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides plasminogen fragments containing kringle region domains having anti-angiogenic activity and termed angiostatin protein. The plasminogen fragments of the present invention may be used for the treatment of angiogenesis-dependent diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are constitutively active nuclear orphan receptors (CAR), which include one or more mutations which decrease the constitutive nature of CAR in vitro. The resulting non-constitutively active nuclear orphan receptors can be used to screen for agents that metabolize xenochemicals and/or steroids.

Abstract: A mutant tyrosine repressor that does not require tyrosine to induce expression of tyrosine phenol-lyase gene is obtained by introducing a mutation into a tyrosine repressor (tyrR), isolated from Pantoea agglomerans, or a tyrosine repressor (tyrR) which is encoded by SEQ ID NO. 1 and its derivative. A microorganism which is able to express large amounts of tyrosine phenol-lyase is obtained by introducing the mutant tyrosine repressor into the microorganism. The microorganism is useful for producing L-DOPA.

Abstract: An intracellular selection system allows screening for peptide bioactivity and stability. Randomized recombinant peptides are screened for bioactivity in a tightly regulated expression system, preferably derived from the wild-type lac operon. Bioactive peptides thus identified are inherently protease- and peptidase-resistant. Also provided are bioactive peptides stabilized by a stabilizing group at the N-terminus, the C-terminus, or both. The stabilizing group can be a small stable protein, such as the Rop protein, glutathione sulfotransferase, thioredoxin, maltose binding protein, or glutathione reductase, an ?-helical moiety, or one or more proline residues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel GABAA receptor ? subunit (GABRE) and an alternative transcript thereof (ET2). More specifically, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding human GABRE and ET2 receptor subunits. ET2 and GABRE polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of ET2 and GABRE activities. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting aberrant GABRE and ET2 expression, as well as therapeutic methods for treating disorders involving ET2 and GABRE.

Abstract: Provided herein are a method for selecting a gene participating in the desired brewing character and compiling a database of the whole genome sequence of industrial yeast; identifying a gene participating in a brewing characteristic from the database; functional analysis of the gene; and a DNA array of the whole genome sequences of an industrial yeast. Also provided are a method for yeast breeding; a method of producing an alcoholic beverage with improved quality; and a screening method to identify genes that increase productivity and/or improve flavor in the production of an alcohol or an alcoholic beverage by (A) analyzing a whole industrial yeast genome sequence, (B) comparing the genome sequence with the genome sequence of S. cerevisiae, (C) selecting a gene of the industrial yeast encoding having 70 to 97% identity to an amino acid sequence of S. cerevisiae; and (D) analyzing the selected gene.

Abstract: Formulations of an interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonist are provided including a pre-lyophilized formulation, a reconstituted lyophilized formulation, and a stable liquid formulation. Preferably, the IL-1 antagonist is an IL-1 trap composed of a dimer of two fusion protein having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26. Most preferably, the fusion protein has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:10.

Abstract: Humanized and variant anti-VEGF antibodies and various uses therefor are disclosed. The anti-VEGF antibodies have strong binding affinities for VEGF; inhibit VEGF-induced proliferation of endothelial cells in vitro; and inhibit tumor growth in vivo.

Abstract: The invention provides a grafted antibody, or functional fragment thereof, comprising one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) having at least one amino acid substitution in one or more CDRs of a heavy chain CDR, where the grafted antibody or functional fragment thereof has specific binding activity for a cryptic collagen epitope. The invention also provides methods of using an antibody having specific binding activity for a cryptic collagen epitope, including methods of inhibiting angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a modified antibody of class IgG, in which at least one amino acid from the heavy chain constant region selected from the group consisting of amino acid residues 250, 314, and 428 is substituted with another amino acid which is different from that present in the unmodified antibody, thereby altering the binding affinity for FcRn and/or the serum half-life in comparison to the unmodified antibody.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding T-bet, and isolated T-bet proteins, are provided. The invention further provides, e.g., anti-T-bet antibodies. Methods of using the T-bet compositions of the invention are also disclosed, including, e.g., methods for detecting T-bet activity in a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and reagents for regulation of metabolic events, such as those mediated by adiponectin and adiponectin agonists. The invention also provides screening assays for identification of biologically active agents, diagnostic and therapeutic agents, and other methods and reagents.

Abstract: The present invention provides chemokine-like factor (CKLF) polypeptides with chemotactic and hematopoietic stimulating activities and polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides. Additionally, a method for producing such CKLF polypeptides by recombinant techniques is provided. Also provided are the antibodies and antagonists against such polypeptides. The present invention further disclose a drug compound comprising a therapeutically effective amount of such CKLF polypeptides as well as pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and carriers. Also disclosed are the uses of such CKLF polypeptides and polynucleotides in diagnostics or therapeutics to treat immunodeficiency, hematopoietic diseases and primary tumors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel genus of small peptides, much smaller than human TGF?, was discovered as having TGF? biological activity and therefore are useful as pharmacologic agents for the same indications as full length TGF? polypeptide. There is further disclosed that TGF? and consequently the genus of small peptides disclosed herein, was found to have therapeutic activity to stimulate hematopoiesis in patients undergoing cytotoxic cancer chemotherapy and to act as a cytoprotective agent to protect a patient undergoing cancer cytotoxic therapy from gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, such as mucositis and otherwise support the barrier function of the GI tract when it is harmed by cytotoxic therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying butyrylcholinesterase from various biological fluids. Biological fluids include, e.g., blood, blood fractions, plasma, and bioreactor broths, and other such mixtures containing butyrylcholinesterase. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for the production of purified, virally inactivated butyrylcholinesterase by contacting a biological fluid containing butyrylcholinesterase with a cationic exchange chromatography material, with an affinity chromatography material, and treating the fluid with solvent detergent. The resulting purified butyrylcholinesterase can also be subjected to a pasteurization step, and formulated in a sodium chloride/sodium phosphate solution for storage or lyophilization.

Abstract: Compounds represented by the general formula (1) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, effective in the prevention and/or treatment of infections with microbes: (1) (a) wherein R1 is hydrogen or straight-chain C1-6 alkylcarbonyl; R2 is hydrogen or C1-6 alkylcarbonyl; R3 is hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkylcarbonyl, C1-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkenylcarbonyl, C2-6 alkynyl, or an Ar—B— group (wherein Ar is aryl or a heterocyclic group; and B is C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkylcarbonyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkenylcarbonyl, or C2-6 alkynyl); R5, R6, R7 and R8 are each hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, or an Ar—B?— group (wherein B? is C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, or C2-6 alkynyl); X is oxygen or —NR4— (wherein R4 is hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl or C1-6 alkyl which may be substituted with Ar); and R4? is hydrogen or a group represented by the general formula (a) (wherein R3? and R4? are each hydrogen or straight-chain or branched C1-6 alkylcarbonyl)

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treatment to improve wound healing and to minimize/prevent abnormal scarring caused by tissue contraction and fibrosis formation by providing a specific gene, Wit 3.0 alpha and beta sequences that is differentially expressed in wounded oral mucosa cells, relative to their decreased expression in non-wounded oral mucosa cells. One aspect of the invention is a method to treat soft tissue wound using anti-sense nucleic acid technologies. Another aspect of the present invention is a method to treat soft tissue wound using sense nucleic acid technologies. These methods can employ a complimentary nucleic acid sequence that is greater than 85% identity to Wit 3.0 alpha and/or beta sequences or greater than 90% identity to the deduced amino acids thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to detect EBV in biological samples using real-time PCR. Primers and probes for the detection of EBV are provided by the invention. Articles of manufacture containing such primers and probes for detecting EBV are further provided by the invention.

Abstract: Recombinant plasmids comprising (a) a ubiquitous promoter, (b) one fluorescent gene, the gene being operably liked to and inserted downstream of the ubiquitous promoter, (c) a skin-specific or muscle-specific promoter, and (d) another fluorescent gene, the gene being operably linked to and inserted downstream the skin-specific or muscle specific promoter. The ubiquitous promoter and the skin-specific or muscle promoter have the adverse directional property and the ubiquitous promoter and the skin-specific or muscle-specific promoter are located upstream of the fluorescent gene and the another fluorescent gene respectively so as to have the directional property which permits transcription of the genes. Host cells, transgenic fish harboring the plasmid of the invention and methods of producing a transgenic fish can be made with the plasmids of the invention.