Abstract: The invention relates to humanized anti-human Factor D monoclonal antibodies, their nucleic acid and amino acid sequences, the cells and vectors that harbor these antibodies and their use in the preparation of compositions and medicaments for treatment of diseases and disorders associated with excessive or uncontrolled complement activation. These antibodies are useful for diagnostics, prophylaxis and treatment of disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides immunoresponsive cells, including T cells, cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, and Natural Killer (NK) cells, expressing an antigen recognizing receptor and an inhibitory chimeric antigen receptor (iCAR). Methods of using the immunoresponsive cell include those for the treatment of neoplasia and other pathologies where an increase in an antigen-specific immune response is desired.

Abstract: A method for refolding an antibody, a process for producing a refolded antibody, a refolded antibody, and uses thereof are provided. A method for refolding an antibody in a liquid phase comprises the steps of denaturing an inactive antibody binding directly or through a linker to a peptide, the peptide having an isoelectric point lower than the isoelectric point of the inactive antibody, and dispersing in a liquid phase the peptide-binding inactive antibody denatured in the step above. Also provided is a process for producing a refolded antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel modified nanocellulose suitable for surface modification of nanocellulose or introduction of functional groups into nanocellulose, and a resin composition comprising the modified nanocellulose. More specifically, the present invention provides a modified nanocellulose in which a portion of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose constituting nanocellulose is substituted with at least one substituent represented by formula (1), and a resin composition comprising the modified nanocellulose and a resin.

Abstract: An esterified cellulose ether which comprises (i) aliphatic monovalent acyl groups or (ii) groups of the formula —C(O)—R—COOA, wherein R is a divalent aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon group and A is hydrogen or a cation, or (iii) a combination of aliphatic monovalent acyl groups and groups of the formula —C(O)—R—COOA, and which has a) a viscosity of from 1.2 to 1.8 mPaos, measured as a 2.0 wt % solution of the esterified cellulose ether in 0.43 wt % aqueous NaOH at 20° C., or b) a viscosity of up to 5 mPa·s, measured as a 10 wt % solution of the esterified cellulose ether in acetone at 20° C., or c) a combination of the viscosities of a) and b), is useful for preparing solid dispersions comprising drugs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to natural polymer-based biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogels and to methods for making them. These hydrogels can be employed in hygienic-health products, in the sector of food product packaging and in medical products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a fibre-containing pectin product from a plant material. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a plant material comprising pectin, where said pectin is having a degree of esterification of 55% or less, (ii) adding an acidic aqueous solution to the pectin containing plant material obtained in step (i) and providing a suspension of the plant material, where the suspended plant material provides an in situ system by swelling the plant material under conditions where the pectin is kept within the plant material, and (iii) obtaining the fibre-containing pectin product from the suspension provided in step (ii), wherein the plant material is substantially depleted from divalent cations.

Abstract: To provide a terminal group conversion method and a terminal stabilizing method, which are capable of converting unstable terminal groups in a fluorinated polymer to carboxylic acid fluoride groups at a high conversion rate. A fluorinated polymer is heated at from 200 to 400° C. for at least one hour in the presence of at least 50 mol of molecular oxygen per 1 mol of unstable terminal groups in the fluorinated polymer, to convert from 50 to 100 mol % of the unstable terminal groups to carboxylic acid fluoride groups.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of ethylene polymers comprising polymerizing ethylene, optionally with one or more ?-olefin comonomers, in the presence of: (i) a solid catalyst component comprising titanium, magnesium, halogen and optionally an internal electron-donor compound, (ii) an aluminum alkyl compound, and (iii) an antistatic compound selected among the hydroxyesters with at least two free hydroxyl groups, wherein the weight ratio of aluminum alkyl compound to solid catalyst component is higher than 0.80 and the weight ratio of antistatic compound to aluminum alkyl compound is higher than 0.10.

Abstract: Methods of adjusting the mechanical properties of a polymeric material may include forming a polymer network having a plurality of permanent cross-links and coupled to a plurality of reversible cross-links, wherein the polymer network has a shear storage modulus of greater than about 4×104 Pa; and heating the polymer network using a heat source to dissociate the reversible cross-links, wherein heating the polymer network reduces the shear storage modulus to less than about 4×104 Pa. In some embodiments, a polymeric material may include a polymer network comprising a plurality of permanent cross-links and coupled to a plurality of reversible cross-links that are dissociable with the application of a stimulus and associable with the removal of the stimulus, wherein the shear storage modulus of the polymer network is less than about 4×104 Pa in the presence of the stimulus and greater than about 4×104 Pa in the absence of the stimulus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optically transparent peroxide cured article made from a peroxide curable butyl rubber ionomer comprising repeating units derived from the reaction product of one or more multiolefin monomers and at least one nitrogen or phosphorous based nucleophile comprising a pendant vinyl group. A process is also disclosed for making the optically transparent article.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a solid polyaluminoxane composition suitably used as a cocatalyst and a catalyst carrier in combination with an olefin oligomerization or polymerization catalyst, without the use of solid inorganic carriers such as silica. The solid polyaluminoxane composition of the invention includes a polyalkylaluminoxane and a trialkylaluminum, and has a solubility in n-hexane at 25° C. of less than 0.50 mol % as measured by a specific method (i), a solubility in toluene at 25° C. of less than 1.0 mol % as measured by a specific method (ii), and a 13 mol % or more molar fraction of alkyl groups derived from the trialkylaluminum moieties relative to the total number of moles of alkyl groups derived from the polyalkylaluminoxane moieties and the alkyl groups derived from the trialkylaluminum moieties as measured with respect to tetrahydrofuran-d8 soluble components by a specific method (iii).

Abstract: Propylene homopolymers having a melt flow index in the range from 3.0 dg/min to 8.0 dg/min can be particularly suited for high-tenacity fibers and yarns and nonwovens. The propylene homopolymers can be produced by a process that can include polymerizing propylene in presence of a Ziegler-Natta polymerization catalyst, an aluminium alkyl, hydrogen and an optional external donor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optically active poly(diphenylacetylene) compound represented by the following formula (I): [wherein each symbol is as described in the DESCRIPTION], and a production method thereof, an optical isomer separating agent containing the poly(diphenylacetylene) compound, and a packing material for a chiral column, containing the optical isomer separating agent coated on a carrier. According to the present invention, a practical optical isomer separation agent having a high optical resolution ability for a wide variety of racemic compounds and an optical isomer separation method can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical isomer separating agent and a production method thereof. That is, the present invention provides a one-handed helical poly(diphenylacetylene) compound represented by the following formula (I) [wherein each symbol is as described in the DESCRIPTION], and a production method thereof, an optical isomer separating agent containing the poly(diphenylacetylene) compound, and a packing material for a chiral column, containing the optical isomer separating agent coated on a carrier. Since these have a superior separation ability for a wide variety of compounds, a practical optical resolution method can be provided.

Abstract: Provided are novel ethylene acid copolymers, their ionomers and their use in various articles, including packaging films and injection molded articles. The ethylene acid copolymers comprise copolymerized units of ethylene, about 10 to about 30 wt % of copolymerized units of a first ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 10 carbon atoms; and about 5 to about 15 wt % of copolymerized units of a derivative of a second ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 10 carbon atoms. Preferred derivatives include esters, and in particular alkyl esters. These ethylene acid copolymers and ionomers have improved optical properties when compared to conventional ethylene acrylic or methacrylic acid copolymers and their ionomers.

Abstract: A linear low density polyethylene composition suitable for injection molding applications comprising less than or equal to 100 percent by weight of the units derived from ethylene, less than 35 percent by weight of units derived from one or more ?-olefin comonomers, and characterized by its density, molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn), a melt index (I2), a molecular weight distribution (Mz/Mw), vinyl unsaturation, and zero shear viscosity ratio (ZSVR). The linear low density polyethylene composition exhibits low hexane extractable levels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polymerization processes for the production of olefin polymers. These polymerization processes can employ a catalyst system containing two or three metallocene components, resulting in ethylene-based copolymers that can have a medium density and improved stress crack resistance.

Abstract: Resins suitable for rotomolded articles comprise a bimodal polyethylene copolymer comprising from 0.1 to 5 weight % of one or more C6-8 alpha olefins and the balance ethylene, comprising from 20 to 50 weight % of a higher molecular weight polymer component having an Mw greater than 120,000 and correspondingly from 80 to 50 weight % of a lower molecular weight polymer component having an Mw less than 100,000 having a density greater than 0.942 g/cc [but less than 0.965 g/cc] and a bent strip ESCR as determined by ASTM D 1693 in 100% Igepal® CO-630 (ethoxylated nonylphenols) for conditions A and B of greater than 1000 hours. The resulting articles have a very good balance of properties and significant ESCR.

Abstract: A copolymer includes (A) an aromatic vinyl-based monomer, (B) an unsaturated nitrile-based monomer, (C) a cross-linkable siloxane compound, and (D) an N-substituted maleimide-based monomer to realize a synergistic effect of matting characteristics and heat resistance properties. A thermoplastic resin composition including the copolymer, and a molded article including the thermoplastic resin composition are provided.

Abstract: A copolymer capable of realizing a synergistic effect of matting characteristics and heat resistance properties includes two or more types of compounds including at least two unsaturated reactive groups. A thermoplastic resin composition including the copolymer is also provided.

Abstract: A method for preparing a tetrapolymer includes preparing a suspension including an aromatic vinyl-based monomer, an unsaturated nitrile-based monomer, an N-substituted maleimide-based monomer, an ?-alkyl styrene-based monomer, and an inorganic dispersing agent, and polymerizing the suspension. The method for preparing a tetrapolymer can be useful in lowering a reaction temperature using suspension polymerization, and reducing a reaction time, thereby maximizing productivity. A tetrapolymer prepared by the method is also provided.

Abstract: New molecularly imprinted polymers are described, and a method for their production using novel particle technology based on multifunctional placeholder templates.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles having high free swell rate and high centrifuge retention capacity with simultaneously high permeability of the swollen gel bed by polymerization of an aqueous monomer solution in a polymerization reactor having at least two shafts (kneaders) which rotate in an axially parallel manner, subsequent extrusion at high temperatures and thermal surface postcrosslinking.

Abstract: This invention relates to lactam/vinyl alcohol copolymers, and more specifically, to hydrophobic cross-linkable acetoacetylated lactam/vinyl alcohol copolymers suitable for use in a variety of applications including printing, inks, membranes, coatings, adhesives, oil treatment chemicals (such as gas and kinetic hydrate inhibitors), and fiber/textile treatments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the functionalization of butyl rubber ionomer and optionally the grafting of polyamide to halobutyl rubber ionomers. Specifically, disclosed are methods and products resulting therefrom for creating functionalized ionomers and grafting polyamide to halobutyl ionomers via reactive extrusion. The process comprises reacting a halobutyl polymer with at least one nitrogen and/or phosphorous based nucleophile to provide a halobutyl ionomer comprising conjugated diene units; grafting of an amine-reactive dienophile to said ionomer to form a functionalized ionomer; and optionally blending the resulting functionalized ionomer with polyamide.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for preparing a conjugated diene polymer including synthesizing an initiator having an anionic end containing an amine and a cationic end containing an alkali metal, polymerizing a combination of an aromatic vinyl monomer using the initiator to synthesize a polymer having a modified end, coupling or reacting the polymer with a compound having at least one silyl group substituted by an alkoxy group and a nitrogen atom to prepare a modified conjugated diene polymer having one end containing amine and the other end containing silyl group substituted by one or more alkoxy group and a nitrogen atom, and a rubber composition comprising the conjugated diene polymer and silica as a reinforcing agent and thus exhibiting superior heat generation, tensile strength, abrasion resistance and wet skid resistance.

Abstract: Provided is a carboxy-modified synthetic isoprene polymer latex for dip molding use, which is produced by the graft polymerization of a synthetic isoprene polymer with a monomer having a carboxyl group in an aqueous phase and contains at least one anionic surfactant, wherein a carboxy-modified synthetic isoprene polymer that constitutes the carboxy-modified synthetic isoprene polymer latex has a tetrahydrofuran-insoluble content of 30 wt % or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multi-arm salt-tolerant star macromolecules, and methods of preparing and using the same. In one aspect of the invention, a salt-tolerant star macromolecule is capable of providing salt-tolerance to an aqueous composition.

Abstract: Polyurethane foam is formed by foaming raw materials that includes either an aliphatic isocyanate or a melamine derivative, a urethane emulsion, and an anionic foam stabilizer. The compression set (JIS K6401) of the polyurethane foam, specifically, the compression set (JIS K6401) after the polyurethane foam being allowed to stand for 22 hours in a state of 50% compression under condition of 70° C., is 40% or less. By this, it is possible to obtain polyurethane foam that is low density, pliable and resistant to collapse, i.e., polyurethane foam having high recovery properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymers made from low molecular weight polyamide oligomers and telechelic polyamides (including copolymers) containing N-alkylated amide groups in the backbone structure. The described telechelic polyamides are used as the soft segment in the described TPU. These telechelic polyamides are unique in that they have an unexpectedly low glass-transition (desirably 30 degrees C. or lower) which makes them suitable for further reaction and polymerization, allowing for the formation of the described TPU. The resulting TPU can provide improved hydrolytic, oxidative and/or thermal stability as well as improved adhesion to other materials, especially polar materials.

Abstract: Polyisocyanate-based polymers are formed by curing a reaction mixture containing at least one polyisocyanate and at least one isocyanate-reactive compound having at least two isocyanate-reactive groups in the presence of a zinc catalyst that contains at least one zinc atom associated with a polydentate ligand that contains at least one nitrogen-containing complexing site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curable or hardened composition comprising at least one epoxy resin, one open-chain polyamine and one compound of the formula (I) where the moieties R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19 and R20 respectively and mutually independently are selected from the group comprising hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl and amine, with the proviso that at least one moiety from the group comprising R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 is amine and at least one moiety from the group comprising R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19 and R20 is amine; to use of a hardener combination comprising an aliphatic diamine and a compound of the formula (I) for the curing of epoxy resin; to a process for the coating of a surface or for the impregnation of a textile sheet, comprising the steps of (a) application and (b) hardening of the curable composition, and also to a surface, fibre composite material, coating or adhesive compri

Abstract: Provided is a novel lactone polymer containing a tertiary nitrogen atom and a polymerizable group. The lactone polymer is useful as a material monomer for various functional polymeric materials. The lactone polymer containing a tertiary nitrogen atom and a polymerizable group according to the present invention is obtained by allowing a compound (A) represented by Formula (1) to react with a polyisocyanate compound (B) and a hydroxy-containing (meth)acrylate compound (C), where Formula (1) is expressed as follows: wherein R1 typically represents a divalent hydrocarbon group; R2 is selected typically from hydrogen and a hydrocarbon group; A1 is selected from a nitrogen-containing heteroaromatic group and a group represented by one of Formulae (2) and (3): wherein R3 and R4 typically represent a hydrocarbon group; and R5 typically represents a hydrocarbon group; A2 represents a C2-C9 straight or branched chain alkylene group; and n represents an integer of 1 to 50.

Abstract: Provided is a novel aromatic polyester-based polymer. The aromatic polyester-based polymer includes the repeating unit represented by the following Chemical Formula I and contains at least one aromatic diol monomer. The aromatic polyester-based polymer has a high glass transition temperature and excellent heat resistance, mechanical properties and transparency, as well as shows excellent formability and processability into films or the like, and thus solves the problems occurring in the conventional crystalline or amorphous engineering plastic materials. In addition, the aromatic polyester-based polymer may be applied to next-generation engineering plastic composite materials, such as matrix resins of composite materials for cars and airplanes. The aromatic polyester-based polymer may also he applied to flexible substrates for next-generation flexible displays, solar cells or electronic paper requiring transparency and high heal resistance at the same time.

Abstract: A process for preparing a copolymer comprising subjecting a first cyclic ester having a ring size from 4 to 11 atoms and a second cyclic ester having a ring size from 12 to 40 atoms to ring-opening copolymerization using as catalyst a compound of formula I, wherein M is trivalent Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, yttrium, Sc or lanthanides; X and X? are both a heteroatom; Y and Y? are O, N, S or P; Z is a substituent as described herein; L1 is an organic moiety linking X and Y; L2 is an organic moiety linking X? and Y?; L3 is an organic moiety linking Y and Y? and has a chain length between Y and Y? of at least 2 atoms. The copolymer has a randomness of at least 0.5 and a number average molecular weight of at least 15000 g/mol.

Abstract: Polymers, co-polymers, and monomers using CO2 as a reagent and methods of production thereof are described. Polymerization methods include converting CO2 into a polymerizable monomer by exciting the CO2 with a light source.

Abstract: Copolymers of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide have an inner block that contains from 65-90 weight percent oxyethylene units and from 10 to 35 weight percent oxypropylene units. This block has a molecular weight of from 150 to 350. The copolymer has an outer block which contains at least 95 weight % oxypropylene units and from 0 to 5% oxyethylene units. The equivalent weight of the copolymer is from 800 to 2000. The copolymers are useful in making polyurethane foams that have unexpectedly high tensile and/or tear strengths.

Abstract: A process includes: (a) providing a powder containing hydrophilic particulates and hydrocarbon liquid; (b) providing polyolefin beads; and (c) forming a combination by combining the polyolefin beads with the powder.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing, selecting, characterizing or classifying compositions of a co-polymer, e.g., glatiramer acetate are described. The methods entail analysis of pyro-glutamate in the composition, and, in some methods, comparing the amount of pyro-glutamate present in a composition to a reference standard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoplastic structure comprising at least one layer consisting of a composition comprising a copolyamide of formula X/10.T/Y, wherein: X represents either the residues of an aliphatic amino acid comprising between 8 and 18 carbon atoms, or a lactam, or the unit X1.X2 representing the residues resulting from the condensation of an aliphatic diamine comprising between 6 and 18 carbon atoms and a (cyclo)aliphatic diacid comprising between 6 and 18 carbon atoms; 10.T represents the residues resulting from the condensation of a decanediamine and terephthalic acid; and Y represents the residues resulting from the condensation of an aliphatic diamine comprising between 9 and 14 carbon atoms and an aromatic diacid, Y being different from the unit 10.T; the molar proportion of 10.T units in the copolyamide being higher than 0%; the molar proportion of Y units in relation to the group of 10.T and Y units being between 0 and 30%; and the proportion of X units being between 0.4 and 0.

Abstract: A method to prepare a borate complexed polyalkylguanidinium polymer, the method including heating bis(hexamethylene triamine and guanidine chloride to prepare a polyalkylguanidinium chloride, reacting the polyalkylguanidinium chloride with glycidol in an equimolar amount of glycidol and secondary amine functionalities present in the polyalkylguanidinium chloride to prepare a N-2,3-dihydroxypropyl polyalkylguanidinium chloride polymer, and reacting the N-2,3-dihydroxypropyl polyalkylguanidinium chloride polymer with a boron-oxide material to prepare the borate complexed polyalkylguanidinium polymer.

Abstract: Metallopolymers of formula (I) where R1 and R1?; and R2 and R2? are independently of each other, a C2-C10 alkyl group; X is CR3R3? or NR4; R3 and R3? are, independently of each other, as is R4, a C2-C10alkyl group; L is a C4-C10 alkylene group; Ln1 and Ln2 are, independently of each other, chosen from the lanthanide cations; L1 and L2 are, independently of each other, chosen from the ?-diketonate ligands; T is a neutral bidentate Lewis base including two coordinating nitrogen atoms; ? represents a coordination of group T via the two nitrogen atoms of T to Ln1 and Ln2 respectively; Ln1 and Ln2 are, independently of each other, chosen from the lanthanide cations; L1 and L2 are, independently of each other, chosen from the ?-diketonate, picolinate or dipicolinate monoanionic ligands; 0.01<x<0.50; 0<y<0.49, with x+y=0.50.

Abstract: A method of curing a thermosetting resin composition according to the present invention includes mixing a thermosetting resin containing a benzoxazine compound and a curing accelerator containing a triazine thiol compound to prepare a thermosetting resin composition, and heating this thermosetting resin composition to be cured.

Abstract: A process comprising (a) reacting a sulfur source and a dihaloaromatic compound in the presence of a polar organic compound to form a reaction mixture, (b) quenching the reaction mixture by adding a quench liquid thereto to form a quenched mixture, wherein the quench liquid comprises a particle size modifying additive, and (c) cooling the quenched mixture to yield poly(arylene sulfide) polymer particles.

Abstract: Disclosed are block copolymers of the formula A-B-A (I) or A-B (II), comprising blocks A and B, wherein block A is a hydrophilic polymeric segment comprising polyglycerol and block B is an aromatic hydrophobic polymeric segment. The block copolymers find use as wetting agents in the preparation of porous membranes from aromatic hydrophobic polymers such as polyethersulfone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a block copolymer of the formula: A-B-A (I) or A-B (II), wherein block A is: (i) a polymer of allyl glycidyl ether or (ii) a polymer of allyl glycidyl ether wherein one more of the allyl groups have been replaced with 1,2-dihydroxypropyl group or a group of the formula: —(CH2)a—S—(CH2)b—X, wherein a, b, and X are defined herein. The block copolymers find use as wetting agents in the preparation of porous membranes from aromatic hydrophobic polymers such as polyethersulfone. Also disclosed are methods of preparing such block copolymers and porous membranes therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed are block copolymers suitable for preparing hydrophilic porous membranes, wherein the block copolymers are of the formula: A-B-A (I) and A-B (II), wherein block A is (i) a copolymer of glycidol and allyl glycidyl ether, the copolymer having one or more allyl groups; or (ii) a copolymer of glycidol and allyl glycidyl ether, wherein one or more of the allyl groups of the copolymer have been replaced with 1,2-dihydroxypropyl group or a group of the formula: —(CH2)a—S—(CH2)b—X, wherein a, b, and X are as defined herein, and block B is an aromatic hydrophobic polymeric segment, for example, polyethersulfone. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such block copolymers.

Abstract: The present invention achieves increased filler interaction by incorporating a small amount (a few units per chain of rubbery polymer) of a conjugated triene monomer, such as alloocimene, randomly throughout the polymer chain of a rubbery polymer or at the chain ends of the rubbery polymer. The incorporation of the conjugated triene monomer leads to the formation of a polymer containing highly reactive conjugated diene units. These conjugated diene units can chemically react with carbon black leading to superior reinforcement. Alternatively, these conjugated diene units can be used for functionalization of the polymer with silica interactive/reactive groups using Diels Alder reactions. This functionalization of the rubbery polymer can conveniently be conducted in a mixer, such as a Banbury mixer, a mill mixer, or the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a curable silicone composition comprising: (A) a straight-chain organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups in a molecule; (B) an organopolysiloxane represented by the following average unit formula: (R1SiO3/2)a (R12SiO2/2)b(R13SiO1/2)c(SiO4/2)d(XO1/2)e wherein, R1 each independently represent an alkyl group having from 1 to 12 carbons, an alkenyl group having from 2 to 12 carbons, an aryl group having from 6 to 20 carbons, an aralkyl group having from 7 to 20 carbons, or a group in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of these groups are substituted with halogen atoms, with the proviso that at least two R1 in a molecule are the alkenyl groups, X is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, a is a number from 0 to 0.3, b is 0 or a positive number, c is a positive number, d is a positive number, e is a number from 0 to 0.4, a+b+c+d=1, c/d is a number from 0 to 10, and b/d is a number from 0 to 0.