Abstract: The present invention relates to amino acid sequences that are directed against/and or that can specifically bind Interleukin-6 Receptor (IL-6R) with improved affinity and/or avidity, and/or that have an improved efficacy and/or potency, and which are capable of (partially, or preferably totally) blocking the IL-6/IL-6R interaction and/or inhibit signalization through IL-6, IL-6R and/or the IL-6/IL-6R complex. The invention further relates to compounds or constructs, and in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise or essentially consist of one or more such amino acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conjugate that specifically targets a calcineurin inhibitor to T cells, such as Th17 cells, for use in a method for the treatment of an inflammatory disease. The invention also relates to a method for treating an inflammatory disease by administering a conjugate that specifically targets a calcineurin inhibitor to T cells, such as Th17 cells. In addition, the invention relates to a method for identifying a subject likely to be resistant to steroid treatment, as well as a subject likely to benefit from treatment with a calcineurin inhibitor.

Abstract: An anti-human RANKL antibody, a humanized antibody for the anti-human RANKL antibody, a pharmaceutical composition and a use thereof are provided. The anti-human RANKL antibody is capable of bonding specifically with an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.1, a heavy chain of the anti-human RANKL antibody includes a variable region in one of amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO.2-9, and a light chain of the anti-human RANKL antibody includes a variable region in one of amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO.10-17. The humanized antibody is capable of bonding specifically with human RANKL, a variable region in a heavy chain of the humanized antibody is selected from amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO.6, NO.23, NO.25, NO.27 or NO.29, and a variable region in a light chain of the humanized antibody is selected from amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO.14, NO.31, NO.33, NO.35, NO.37 or NO.39.

Abstract: Improved anti-CD154 antibodies are provided herein which have ablated FcR binding and/or complement binding/activation. The use of these antibodies for inducing tolerance and treating immune diseases including autoimmunity, inflammation and allergic disorders is disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide antagonists that bind with high specificity and affinity to B-Lymphocyte stimulator (“BAFF”), thereby antagonizing BAFF receptor (“BAFF-R”) signaling. The invention more specifically relates to VNAR single chain antibodies derived from nurse shark that bind to BAFF, BAFF antagonist compounds and compositions comprising a BAFF specific VNAR binding moiety, methods for preparing them, diagnostic and therapeutic methods of use relating to in vitro or in vivo B cell depletion, e.g., to treat and/or prevent a pathological condition, disorder or disease in which it is beneficial to kill or deplete B cells, such as in autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or multiple sclerosis (MS), and in certain hematological cancers, including lymphomas, leukemias and myelomas.

Abstract: The disclosure provides TNF-like ligand 1a (TL1a)-binding proteins comprising an antigen binding domain of an antibody which binds specifically to TL1a and inhibits interaction of TL1a and Death Receptor 3 (DR3) and which does not inhibit the interaction of TL1a and Decoy Receptor 3 (DcR3). The disclosure also provides uses of the TL1a-binding proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multivalent antibody or a heavy/light chain component thereof comprising: a heavy chain comprising a constant region fragment, said constant region fragment located between two variable domains which are not a cognate pair, the heavy chain further comprising an Fc region with at least one domain selected from CH2, CH3 and combinations thereof, with the proviso that the heavy chain contains no more than one CH1 domain and only contains two variable domains, and a light chain comprising a constant region fragment located between two variable domains which are not a cognate pair, wherein said heavy and light chains are aligned to provide a first binding site formed by a first cognate pair of variable domains and a second binding site formed by a second cognate pair of variable domains.

Abstract: New combined therapeutic regimens for treatment of B-cell lymphomas are disclosed which comprise, in particular, administration of anti-CD20 antibodies to patients having low-, intermediate- or high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to anti-FZD10 antibodies and to methods of using anti-FZD10 antibodies. In particular, the anti-FZD10 antibodies described herein are useful for altering one or more of survival, replication, differentiation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition of embryonic stem cells and/or for the treatment of diseases, such as a variety of cancers, associated with expression of FZD10, including as stand-alone therapies and in combination therapies with other agents.

Abstract: Adoptive immunotherapy using T cells genetically redirected via expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is a promising approach for cancer treatment. However, this immunotherapy is dependent in part on the optimal molecular design of the CAR, which involves an extracellular ligand-binding domain connected to an intracellular signaling domain by spacer and/or transmembrane sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies directed against an epitope located within the C-terminal portion of CLDN18.2 which are useful, for example, in diagnosing cancer and/or in determining whether cancer cells express CLDN18.2.

Abstract: The present invention provides: an antibody which specifically reacts with hTROP-2 and has anti-tumor activity in vivo (particularly, a humanized antibody); a hybridoma which produces the aforementioned antibody; a conjugate of the aforementioned antibody and a drug; a pharmaceutical composition for diagnosing or treating a tumor; a method for detecting a tumor; and a kit for detecting or diagnosing a tumor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polypeptide (for example, an antigen-binding molecule) that comprises a polypeptide portion of a deimmunized serum-binding protein capable of binding to said serum protein. The presence of the serum-binding protein extends the serum half-life of the polypeptide, relative to the serum half-life of the polypeptide if lacking the polypeptide portion of the deimmunized serum-binding protein. The invention also pertains to methods and uses that employ such molecules.

Abstract: As an antitumor drug which is excellent in terms of antitumor effect and safety and has an excellent therapeutic effect, there is provided an antibody-drug conjugate in which an antitumor compound represented by the following formula is conjugated to an anti-HER2 antibody via a linker having a structure represented by the following formula: -L1-L2-LP-NH—(CH2)n1-La-(CH2)n2—C(?O)— wherein the anti-HER2 antibody is connected to the terminal L1, and the antitumor compound is connected to the carbonyl group of the —(CH2)n2—C(?O)— moiety with the nitrogen atom of the amino group at position 1 as the connecting position.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies against human and mouse tissue factor, and fragments thereof, are disclosed, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and compositions for drug delivery containing the same. Therapeutic methods using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions which exhibit novel diagnostic capabilities and allow to rapidly add functionality to adoptive immunotherapy. The compositions include isolated nucleic acids encoding proteins including antibody regions capable of binding compounds including a peptidyl moiety (e.g., a meditope). The recombinant proteins provided herein are useful, inter alia, for a broad variety of therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. For example, the recombinant proteins provided herein including embodiments thereof may be used as non-invasive means to characterize chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells before and/or during treatment of diseases (e.g., cancer).

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods for the preparation of peptide/protein conjugates, said method comprising a step of reacting a compound (2) represented by the formula (2) with a compound (3) represented by the formula (3) to obtain compound (1) represented by the formula (1), wherein R? represents substituent, and R represents H or at least one substituents. Also disclosed is a kit comprising the compound.

Abstract: Dry solids of anionically modified cellulose nanofibers with good redispersion are provided by incorporating 5 to 300% by mass of a water-soluble polymer relative to the anionically modified cellulose nanofibers during the preparation of the dry solids of anionically modified cellulose nanofibers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a process for making a gelled network of poly alpha-1,3-glucan formate by addition of water and films made thereof. These films can be translucent or transparent and used in packaging applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to an iron oligosaccharide compound with improved stability comprising a hydrogenated oligosaccharide in stable association with ferric oxyhydroxide, the content of dimer saccharide in said hydrogenated oligosaccharide being 2.9% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated oligosaccharide. In further aspects is provided a process for preparing said compound as well as the use of said compound for preparation of a composition for treatment of iron deficiency anaemia.

Abstract: Provided is a hyaluronic acid and/or a salt thereof having an average molecular weight of 3,500 or less, a proportion of disaccharide of 1 mass % or more and 30 mass % or less, a content of chlorine of 1 mass % or less, a content of sulfur of 1 mass % or less, and a bulk density of more than 0.25 g/cm3.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic model having at least 5,000,000 cells of the portion of a gas phase reactor from the exit of the condenser to a half a reactor diameter above the bed plate is useful in determining the design of the bottom surface or support structure for a bed plate to minimize liquid pooling below and above the bed plate when operating in condensing mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a catalyst system suitable for olefin polymerization wherein the external electron donor is n-propyltriethoxysilane, and a catalyst system obtained or obtainable by said process. The invention also relates to a process for preparing a polyolefin using said catalyst system. The invention further relates to a polyolefin, in particular polyprolyene, obtainable by such a process, and shaped articles manufactured from such a polymer. The polymers produced using the catalyst system exhibit low volatiles and therefore have a reduced environmental and health impact.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing a coupled polymer by anionic polymerization wherein the coupled polymer is a conjugated diene polymer comprising the following reaction steps: a) polymerizing a monomer or a mixture of monomers comprising at least one conjugated diene optionally one or more monoalkenyl arene compounds in the presence of an anionic initiator to form a living polymer arm or mixture of arms with an average apparent molecular weight greater than 2000; b) reacting the living polymer arm or arms with a polyalkenyl coupling agent; c) terminating the polymerization if any living polymers remain after step b); and d) optionally functionalizing and/or hydrogenating the coupled polymer so produced, wherein the polyalkenyl coupling agent is an alpha,omega-bis(vinylphenyl)alkane. Also provided is the polymer so prepared and its use in concentrates, aqueous emulsions and products made from aqueous emulsions.

Abstract: A method for producing highly reactive olefin polymers wherein at least 50 mol. % of the polymer chains have terminal double bonds, and a novel polymerization initiating system for accomplishing same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ethylene-alpha olefin copolymer having excellent processability. The copolymer according to the present invention has a high molecular weight and a broad molecular weight distribution and exhibits an excellent processability and an improved mechanical physical property, and thus can be effectively used for the application in need thereof.

Abstract: The polypropylene copolymer according to the present invention has a low melting point and also is excellent in the low temperature heat sealing effect, transparency and strength, and the film prepared therefrom can be effectively used as a sealing layer of the non-stretched polypropylene-based film.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is a method, comprising: a) mixing at least one polymerizable acrylic compound, a thermal initiator, a photoinitiator, and a peroxide to form a mixture, wherein the peroxide has a decomposition temperature; b) exposing the mixture to light for a sufficient first time to generate a first curing agent; and c) after exposing the mixture to light, exposing the mixture to a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the peroxide for a sufficient second time to generate a second curing agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for the emulsion polymerization of itaconic acid containing ester functionality, for example, the alkyl esters of itaconic acid known as alkylitaconate. More specifically, an ester of polyitaconic acid polymer is produced via emulsion polymerization and contains greater than 50% by weight of an ester of itaconic acid along with a selected particle size and levels of molecular weight and syndiotactacticity.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing a branched conjugated diene polymer with a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of at least 1.1, by anionic polymerization, comprising the following reaction steps: a) polymerizing a mixture of monomers comprising at least one conjugated diene and optionally one or more monoalkenyl arene compounds in the presence of an anionic initiator to form a living polymer; b) terminating the polymerization; and c) optionally functionalizing and/or hydrogenating the polymer so produced, wherein the mixture of monomers comprises an alpha,omega-bis(vinylphenyl)alkane as comonomer. The invention further relates to the polymer so obtained, a latex prepared therefrom, the latex, and articles made from the latex.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymer polyols comprising the free-radical polymerization product of a base polyol, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and, optionally, a preformed stabilizer, in the presence of at least one free-radical polymerization initiator and at least one chain transfer agent, in which the base polyol is a polyether carbonate polyol. A process for preparing these polymer polyols is also described. This invention also relates to a polyurethane foam prepared from these polymer polyols and to process for the preparation of these polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A graft copolymer capable of providing impact resistance, flame retardance, and color rendering properties to a thermoplastic resin is described. The graft copolymer contains a polyorganosiloxane, and is obtained by graft-polymerizing vinyl monomers including a (meth)acrylate ester (b1) having an alkyl group or an aromatic group and an aromatic vinyl monomer (b2) on a polyorganosiloxane-based rubber. The graft copolymer has a volume average particle diameter of 200-2000 nm, and contains 0.1-69 mass % of polyorganosiloxane. A thermoplastic resin composition is also described, containing a thermoplastic resin (A), the graft copolymer, a fluorine resin (C) and a flame retardant (D). A molded article is also described, which is obtained by molding the thermoplastic resin composition.

Abstract: Provided are an active energy ray-curable composition fox flooring materials, which is unlikely to cause a curing defect between a cured portion and an uncured portion even when a movable curing device having a light source is used is unlikely to cause yellowing attributable to exposure to natural light for a long period of time, and exhibits a high re-coatability, while exhibiting conventional physical performance, and a construction method therefor. Further, also provided are an active energy ray-curable composition for antibacterial flooring materials, which has antibacterial properties, and a construction method therefor. The active energy ray-curable composition for flooring materials is formed by appropriately applying a specific carboxyl group-containing active energy ray-polymerizable compound, a specific urethane oligomer, a specific hyperbranched oligomer, specific polyfunctional acrylate, and a specific photopolymerization initiator in combination.

Abstract: The polymer according to the present invention is a polymer containing a conjugated diene monomer unit and a vinyl aromatic monomer unit, wherein the polymer has a polymer block (A) containing the vinyl aromatic monomer unit as a main component and a polymer block (B) containing the conjugated diene monomer unit and the vinyl aromatic monomer unit, a content of the polymer block (A) is 10% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less, a bulk density of the polymer is 0.05 g/mL or more and 0.45 g/mL or less, and a specific surface area of the polymer is 0.10 m2/g or more and 0.60 m2/g or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyurethanes including a reaction product of components including: (a) at least one isocyanate functional prepolymer including a reaction product of: (1) about 1 equivalent of at least one polyisocyanate; and (2) about 0.01 to about 0.5 equivalent of at least one polycarbonate polyol; and (b) about 0.01 to about 1 equivalent of at least one branched polyol having at least 3 hydroxyl groups; compositions, coatings and articles made therefrom and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyurethane is obtained via reaction of isocyanates (a) with a polyol component (b) having at least one polyesterdiol (b1), at least one polyetherdiol (b2) and at least one polycarbonatediol (b3), in each case with a molar mass of from 500 to 5000 g/mol, and also with at least one diol with a molar mass of from 62 to 500 g/mol. The thermoplastic polyurethane can be used for producing moldings, more particularly seals, coupling stars, valves, and profiles. The polyurethane has exceptional mechanical and chemical properties.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a heat-curable composition that is capable of providing a cured product having low vapor permeability, a low linear expansion coefficient, and a low refractive index. The present invention relates to a curable composition including a fluorine-containing polymer having a hydroxyl value of 100 mgKOH/g or higher and a refractive index of 1.42 or lower and an epoxy compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pyridinium-based compound of chemical formula 1, an epoxy resin composition comprising the same, and an apparatus manufactured by using the same.

Abstract: The present invention discloses flame retardant compounds, hardeners and polyphenol-based epoxy resins. In the molecular structure, such flame retardant compounds contain phenolic hydroxyl groups, and groups M of nitrogen phosphorus skeleton consisting of unsaturated phosphorous and nitrogen atoms, wherein M contains at least 50 wt % of cyclotriphosphazene groups M1, at most 48 wt % of M2, which is a cyclic ring consisting of four or more phosphazene groups, and at most 48 wt % of non-cyclic polyphosphazene groups M3. Therefore, such flame retardant compounds have better flame retardancy, and the cured products thereof have better heat resistance, water resistance, cohesiveness, mechanical property and electrical property. Additionally, such compounds can improve flame retardancy, economy and environmental friendly protection when applied in composite metal laminates and circuit boards.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition excellent in storage stability and curability is provided. Particularly, a compound of general formula (I) and an epoxy resin composition containing the compound as a curing agent are provided. In formula (I), R1 is a hydrocarbon group optionally containing a nitrogen atom and capable of forming a cyclic structure optionally having a substituent; R2 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group or is taken together with R1 to form an unsaturated bond; R3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group; and X is a dicyanamide ion or a thiocyanate ion.

Abstract: Provided herein are the polymers shown below. The value n is a positive integer. R1 is an organic group, and each R2 is H or a chemisorbed group, with at least one R2 being a chemisorbed group. The polymer may be a nanostructured film. Also provided herein is a method of: converting a di-p-xylylene paracyclophane dimer to a reactive vapor of monomers; depositing the reactive vapor onto a substrate held at an angle relative to the vapor flux to form nanostructured poly(p-xylylene) film; reacting the film with an agent to form hydrogen atoms that are reactive with a precursor of a chemisorbed group, if the film does not contain the hydrogen atoms; and reacting the hydrogen atoms with the precursor. Also provided herein is a device having a nanostructured poly(p-xylylene) film on a pivotable substrate. The film has directional hydrophobic or oleophobic properties and directional adhesive properties.

Abstract: A process to produce an ionomer comprising reacting alkyl-cis-cyclooctene and cis-cyclooctene in a mole ratio from 1:0 to 0:1, in the presence of a difunctional chain transfer agent under ring opening metathesis polymerization conditions to form an unsaturated polyolefin reactive telechelic pre-polymer; hydrogenating the unsaturated polyolefin reactive telechelic pre-polymer to produce a hydrogenated polyolefin reactive telechelic pre-polymer; reacting the hydrogenated polyolefin reactive telechelic pre-polymer with at least one compound according to the formula aMx·b(R)y, wherein M is a metal, x is a charge of M, R is an alkyl, aryl, oxide, or fatty acid, y is a charge of R, a and b are integers of at least 1, and ax+by=0, to form an ionomer is provided. Further provided are ionomers produced thereby.

Abstract: Provided are graphene nanoribbon precursors comprising repeated units of the general formula (I) in which R1, R2 are each H, halogen, —OH, —NH2, —CN, —NO2 or a hydrocarbyl radical which has 1 to 40 carbon atoms and may be linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated and mono- or poly-substituted by halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), —OH, —NH2, —CN, and/or —NO2, where one or more CH2 groups may also be replaced by —O—, —S—, —C(O)O—, —O—C(O)—, —C(O)—, —NH— or —NR—, in which R is an optionally substituted C1C40-hydrocarbyl radical, or an optionally substituted aryl, alkylaryl or alkoxyaryl radical.

Abstract: The present invention concerns polyester resins of General Formula I (HO—[R1R2C(CH2—)]a[—OCOCxHyCO2—]b[—CpHzO—]c—H) or General Formula II (HO—[R1R2C(CH2—)2]a[—OCOCxHyCO2—]b[—CH2CR3(CO2H)CH2O]d—H), wherein R1, R2, a, b, c, d, x, y, p, and z are as defined herein, for use in inks and coating compositions. The polyester resins of the present invention are particularly, but not exclusively, suitable to enhance the adhesion between a printing ink or coating composition and a substrate, especially a plastic substrate, to which it is applied. The polyester adhesion promoters of the invention are compatible with urethane-based inks and coating compositions.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to polymers and methods of making the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of forming a polymer including subjecting a composition including a carboxylic acid having the structure (Rf—O)z1—Ra to conditions sufficient to form a polymer having the structure Reg—[O—Ra(O—Rb)z1-2—O—C(O)—R?(O—Rd)z2-1—C(O)]n—O—Ra(O—Rb)z1-2—O—Reg or a salt or ester thereof, wherein Ra, R? Rb, Rd, Rf, Reg, z1, z2, and n are as defined herein. In various embodiments, the polymer is a tackifier, a viscosifier, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer fiber made of a polyamide composition comprising a semi-crystalline semi-aromatic polyamide (PPA), wherein the PPA consists of repeat units derived from—aromatic dicarboxylic acid comprising at least 80 mole % of terephthalic acid, relative to the total amount of aromatic dicarboxylic acid and—diamine comprising at least 5 mole % of a first diamine and at least 5 mole % of a second diamine relative to the total amount of diamine; and—0-5 mole % of other monomeric units, relative to the total amount of aromatic dicarboxylic acid, diamine and other monomeric units, wherein the PPA has a melting temperature (Tm) of at least 310° C. measured by the DSC method according to ISO-11357-1/3, 2011 and with a heating rate of 10° C./min.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disintegratable mesoporous silica materials, a method for producing the same, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for separating lignocellulose particle fraction (3) and lignin particle fraction (4), in which crude lignin (1) formed from starting material (6) comprises lignocellulose particles and lignin particles. According to the invention, the method comprises adding stabilizing chemical (11) and/or hydrophobic chemical (12) into the crude lignin (1) in at least one step, and treating the crude lignin by separating the lignin particle fraction (4) and lignocellulose particle fraction (3) from each other in at least one separation step (2,8,9,10). Further, the invention relates to a lignocellulose particle fraction and a lignin particle fraction and their uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer/biological entities alloy, comprising a step of mixing a polymer and biological entities that degrade it, during a heat treatment, said heat treatment being performed at a temperature T above room temperature and said biological entities being resistant to said temperature T, characterized in that said biological entities are chosen from enzymes that degrade said polymer and microorganisms that degrade said polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to reduce or prevent agglomeration of particles of halogenated rubbers in aqueous media by LCST compounds as well as highly pure halogenated rubbers. The invention further relates to halogenated elastomer products comprising the same or derived therefrom.