Abstract: The present invention relates to new proteins that bind to MMP9 and comprise at least one fragment of a heavy chain variable region and/or at least one fragment of a light chain variable region of an antibody. In particular, the MMP9 binding proteins according to the invention are able to neutralize MMP9 activity and are useful in the prevention and/or treatment of inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases or cancers. In particular, the MMP9 binding proteins according to the invention are useful in diagnosis of MMP9-related disorders.

Abstract: In general, the invention features a novel CBM32-derived affinity scaffold. In certain embodiments, the scaffold comprises two types of regions: constant regions (CRs) and variable loop regions (VLRs) as depicted in the structure in FIG. 1. We have discovered that the CRs provide structural features that enable overall conformational stability while the intervening sequences corresponding to VLRs tolerate amino acid sequence randomization.

Abstract: Novel heterodimeric antibody-Fc-containing proteins, such as bispecific antibodies, and novel methods for producing such proteins

Abstract: The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17A and IL-17F. IL-17A and IL-17F are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. The present invention includes antibodies that bind both IL-17A and IL-17F, as well as methods of using the same in inflammation.

Abstract: A method for producing membrane polysaccharides from an organism selected from micro-organisms, unicellular organisms and filamentous fungi, the method including at least one step of extracting the membrane polysaccharides as well as a smaller-scale extraction of the soluble proteins, by mechanical treatment of the organism in a ball mill or by physical treatment of the organism by means of ultrasounds.

Abstract: The present inventions relates to a method for the production of gellan gum, under mixing conditions, the method comprising a) providing a fermentation broth or other liquid medium containing gellan gum, b) if necessary adjusting the temperature and the pH of the fermentation broth/liquid medium to allow or facilitate enzymatic treatment in step c, c) adding one or more enzymes capable of reducing or abolishing the enzymatic activity of S. elodea derived arylsulfatase and/or ?-glucuronidase, said one or more enzymes being added in an amount sufficient to reduce or abolish the enzymatic activity of S. elodea derived arylsulfatase and/or ?-glucuronidase in the broth/liquid medium, and/or treating the broth/liquid medium at a temperature between 90° C. and 125° C. for a period of time sufficient to reduce or abolish the enzymatic activity of S.

Abstract: The invention relates to glucosaminoglycan derivatives, endowed with heparanase inhibitory activity and antitumor activity, bearing carboxylate groups in positions 2 and 3 of at least part of the glucosaminoglycan residues, and to the process for preparing the same. The glucosaminoglycan derivatives of the present invention are generated starting from natural or synthetic glucosaminoglycans, preferably heparin or low molecular weight heparin, optionally 2-O- and 2N-desulfated by two steps of oxidation. By the first oxidation, adjacent diols and optionally adjacent OH/NH2 of the glucosaminoglycan residues are converted to aldehydes and by the second oxidation said dialdehydes are converted to carboxylate groups. The first oxidation preferably leads to the cleavage of C2-C3 linkage of the ring of oxidable residues. The invention further relates to a process for the preparation of said glucosaminoglycan derivatives and further to their use as active ingredients of medicaments.

Abstract: To provide a novel compound having both a surface-activating ability and a polymerization controlling ability. A compound represented by the following general formula (1) or (2): wherein, R1 and R3 are an organic group having the hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) determined by Griffin's method of 3 or more. The definitions of R1, R2, R3, R4, Z, p and q are described in the Description.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming a polymer, comprising (a) providing a reaction mixture comprising (i) one or more vinyl monomers, (ii) one or more pH-sensitive inhibition systems, (iii) one or more initiators, and (iv) water; (b) establishing conditions in said reaction mixture such that a free radical polymerization of said vinyl monomer occurs at a location, and (c) after steps (a) and (b) and prior to completion of said free radical polymerization, changing the pH of said reaction mixture to increase the rate of generation of said free radical polymerization at the location of said free radical polymerization.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a conjugated diene polymer that can increase the robustness of a polymerization reaction system is provided. Also, a conjugated diene polymer, with a high cis-1,4-bond content, that is manufactured by this method for manufacturing is provided. A method for manufacturing a conjugated diene polymer includes polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer using a polymerization catalyst composition including a rare earth element compound and a compound having a cyclopentadiene skeleton, and a conjugated diene polymer manufactured with this method for manufacturing has a cis-1,4-bond content of 95% or greater.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for the preparation of polyethylene by polymerizing in a slurry ethylene and optionally one or more C3 to C10 alpha-olefins. In some embodiments, the polymerization is carried out in a cylindrical polymerization reactor equipped with an agitator for mixing the contents of the reactor and inducing a flow of the slurry, the ethylene is fed into the reactor by an ethylene injection system comprising one or more injection nozzles which project through the bottom reactor head or through the reactor wall and extend from 0.02-0.5 times the inner diameter D into the reactor, and the ethylene exits the injection nozzle with an exit velocity from 10-200 m/s.

Abstract: Catalyst systems and methods for making and using the same. A method for making a catalyst support includes forming a mixture of a support material and a fluoride donor. The mixture is added to a fluidized bed reactor. The mixture is fluidized to form a fluidized bed with a height to diameter ratio of at least about 2.3. The mixture is calcined to decompose the fluoride donor, forming a fluorinated support.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyethylene polymers with good melt strength that can provide enhanced properties for compositions including such polyethylene polymers and films made therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crosslinked polymer composition comprising a crosslinked polyolefin, wherein the polymer composition comprises, prior to crosslinking, a polyolefin and peroxide which is in an amount of less than 35 mmol —O—O-/kg polymer composition, characterized in that the crosslinked polymer composition has been in a direct contact with a semiconductive composition for 24 h at 70° C., and that the crosslinked polymer composition thereafter has an electrical DC-conductivity of 150 fS/m or less, wherein the electrical DC-conductivity is measured in accordance with “DC conductivity method”, as described under “Determination methods”, on a plaque of the crosslinked polymer composition at 70° C. and 30 kV/mm mean electric field from a non-degassed and 1 mm thick plaque sample of the crosslinked polymer composition; a layered structure, cable, e.g. a power cable, use of the crosslinked polymer composition and the structured layer, both, for producing a crosslinked power cable, e.g.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a luminescent ethylene-based copolymer which causes no problem of the shift or bleeding-out of a fluorescent body, which has a high workability, desired optical properties and a good light stability and which is easily handled in a kneading step; and a encapsulant composition for a solar cell, using this copolymer. Another object of the invention is to provide a encapsulant layer, for a solar cell, which is formed using the photovoltaic encapsulant composition to cause no problem of the shift or bleeding-out of a fluorescent body in this layer and to have desired optical properties and a good light stability; and a photoelectromotive module having this layer. The copolymer is a luminescent ethylene-based copolymer including, as a monomer component, a fluorescent dye compound having an unsaturated bond.

Abstract: Silica-coated alumina activator-supports, and catalyst compositions containing these activator-supports, are disclosed. Methods also are provided for preparing silica-coated alumina activator-supports, for preparing catalyst compositions, and for using the catalyst compositions to polymerize olefins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer having excellent processability. The ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer according to the present invention has excellent processability and is therefore suitable for producing products by an injection molding method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to a polyethylene polymer composition suitable for use in the manufacture of packaging articles, flexible films and/or sheets. In one embodiment, the copolymer comprises a polyethylene resin with density 0.918 g/cm3 to about 0.935 g/cm3, G? at G?(500 Pa) value, as determined from Dynamic Mechanical Analysis at 190° C., of less than 40 Pa, Mz/Mw of greater than 2, CDBI50 of greater than 60. Other embodiments relate to polymer compositions with defined molecular characteristics and formulations suitable for use in the manufacture of articles including films, sheets, bags and pouches with improved creep resistance and high toughness and a good balance of film stiffness and processability in monolayer and/or multi-layer film structures.

Abstract: A propylene-ethylene-diene terpolymer and method of making such comprising from 2% to 25% wt % by weight of ethylene, from 98% to 75% wt % by weight propylene and from 1% to 21% wt % by weight of a diene, wherein the terpolymer has a crystallinity of less than 3%, a melt flow rate (MFR) of less than 10 and a Tg by DSC of from ?2° C. to ?25° C. and methods to prepare the terpolymer are depicted.

Abstract: Provided are: a heavy release additive for a release sheet, for imparting an excellent release coating whereby heavy release force is obtained curability is not reduced, low-temperature curing is possible, and there is also minimal reduction in residual adhesion rate of a released adhesive sheet; an addition-reaction-type organopolysiloxane composition; and a release sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of quasicrystalline structures. In preferred embodiments, the stopgap structure is more spherically symmetric than periodic structures facilitating the formation of stopgaps in nearly all directions because of higher rotational symmetries. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of quasicrystalline structures for optical, mechanical, electrical and magnetic purposes. In some embodiments, the invention relates to manipulating, controlling, modulating and directing waves including electromagnetic, sound, spin, and surface waves, for pre-selected range of wavelengths propagating in multiple directions.

Abstract: A process for making a branched cyclic olefin copolymer (bCOC), and the bCOC therefrom, comprising combining at a temperature within a range from 60° C. to 140° C. a catalyst precursor and an activator with a feed comprising ethylene and at least one cyclic olefin; where the catalyst precursor is selected from the group consisting of CS-symmetric Group 4 metallocenes comprising any two ligands selected from cyclopentadienyl and ligands isolobal to the cyclopentadienyl group. The resulting bCOC is desirably semi-crystalline and useful in such articles as tubing, thermoformed and foamed articles.

Abstract: A novel amphiphilic graft copolymer is described. A process to make amphiphilic graft copolymers via grafting either poly(ethylene oxide) or polylactide side chains onto an EVA platform using oxo-anion ring-opening polymerization chemistry is also described. Polyethylene or polypropylene based graft copolymers are prepared starting from poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) or maleic anhydride grafted isotactic polypropylene respectively. The amphiphilic character will result from the incorporation of hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) side-chains. Various applications of the novel amphiphilic graft copolymer are also described including, but not limited to, thermoplastic elastomer, films, fibers, fabrics, gels, breathable packaging materials, additive for biodegradable system, surfactant, antistatic additives, polymer compatibilizers, phase transfer catalysts, solid polymer electrolytes, biocompatible polymers, or incorporation into the materials listed above.

Abstract: A process for forming voided latex particles is improved by combining swelling and polymerization of an outer shell into a single step. The process includes contacting multi-stage emulsion polymer particles comprising a core, at least one intermediate shell, with a swelling agent, and polymerizing an outer shell after said contacting with swelling agent wherein the core and the at least one intermediate shell are contacted with swelling agent in the presence of less than 0.5% monomer based on the weight of the multi-stage emulsion polymer particles, and substantially all of the swelling occurs during polymerization of the outer shell.

Abstract: An impact protection foam includes the reaction product of an isocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component. The isocyanate component includes at least one isocyanate. The isocyanate-reactive component includes from 20 wt % to 80 wt % of a hydrophobic polyol component and from 20 wt % to 80 wt % of a hydrophilic polyol component, based on the total weight of the isocyanate reactive component. The hydrophobic polyol component includes at least one natural oil hydrophobic polyol, and the hydrophilic polyol component includes at least a polyether polyol having a number average molecular weight from 3,000 g/mol to 10,000 g/mol and a primary hydroxyl content of at least 50 wt %. The isocyanate index is from 50-120. The foam article has a rate of energy dissipation less than 35 KN over the temperature range from 10 C to 40 C and a Shore A hardness of less than 55 at both 23° C. and ?10° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic polyurethane obtainable or obtained by the conversion of at least a polyisocyanate composition, propane-1,3-diol as chain extender and a polyol composition, wherein no further chain extender is used aside from propane-1,3-diol, to a process for preparing such a thermoplastic polyurethane, and to the use of such a polyurethane for production of injection molded products, extrusion products, films and shaped bodies.

Abstract: A two-component curable epoxy resin system having an epoxy component containing a unique combination of two or more epoxy resins with at least one of the epoxy resins being an epoxy novolac type resin. The composite made from such resin system exhibits high glass transition temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods of making phenolic compounds, and resins comprising these phenolic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing transparent polybutylene naphthalate polyester, for improving barrier performance of polyesters used in making of monolayer or multilayer containers, comprising steps of: a) mixing butane diol with polymerization catalysts, monoethylene glycol, color toner, and at least one crystallization suppressing agent, wherein said crystallization suppressing agent controls the rate of crystallization so as to control size and shape of crystals to ensure transparency; b) reacting said mixture with naphthalene dicarboxylic acid or ester thereof to obtain oligomerized product via esterification or ester interchange; c) polymerizing said oligomer using at least one polymerization catalyst to obtain amorphous polybutylene naphthalate polyester chips; d) crystallizing said polybutylene naphthalate polyester chips; and e) subjecting said polyester chips to solid state polymerization to upgrade the intrinsic viscosity (I.V.) up to more than 0.40 dl/gm.

Abstract: A phosphorus-containing polyester composite and method of manufacturing the same is related to the field of compound formulation. The composite is prepared by condensation under certain conditions of (A) a poly-functional phosphorus-containing aromatic hydroxy compound; (B) a difunctional aromatic acryl chloride compound and (C) a monofunctional aromatic phenol compound used as a blocking agent. The composite is used as a curing agent for epoxy. The phosphorus-containing polyester composite is reacted with the epoxy group of the epoxy to obtain non-halogen and flame-retardant cured composite being environment friendly and having low dielectric, low dielectric loss factor and high heat resistance. It can be used in an integrated circuit board and used as a semiconductor packaging material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a copolyester having intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.50 dL/gm, comprises: terephthalate polyester composition; and a modified transparent polybutylene naphthalate, wherein the modified polybutylene naphthalate comprises naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-butane diol, and isophthalic acid or monoethylene glycol or diethylene glycol or cyclohexane dimethanol or polyethylene naphthalate, nucleating agent, and a modified nanoclay.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyethercarbonate polyols comprises the reaction of a reaction mixture comprising one or more H-functional starter compounds, one or more alkylene oxides, carbon dioxide and a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst. The reaction is conducted in a reactor under stirring with a specific power input into the reaction mixture, expressed as Watts per liter (W/L), of ?0.07 to ?5.00.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable polyesteramides (PEAs) comprising hydrophobic alpha-amino acids, diols, aliphatic dicarboxylic acids and optionally diamines whereby at least one of the dicarboxylic acids, diols or diamines comprises disulphide linkages. The present invention also relates to the use of the polyesteramides in medical applications such as cancer treatment, ophthalmic applications, therapeutic cardiovascular applications, veterinary applications, pain management applications, MSK applications and vaccine delivery compositions. The present invention also relates to a drug delivery composition comprising the PEA's and to a drug delivery system such as micro- or nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, polymerosomes, micro- and nanogels, polymerosomes or nanotubes.

Abstract: A meta-dielectric film usable in a capacitor includes composite molecules with a resistive envelope built with alkyl oligomeric single chain or branched chain oligomers having carbo-hydrogen or carbo-fluoro composition and a polarizable core molecular fragment inside the resistive envelope. The polarizable core has an electronic or ionic type of polarizability provided by electronic conductivity of the core molecular fragment or limited mobility of ionic parts of the core molecular fragment.

Abstract: Bis(azo-benzene) diamine monomers and a method of synthesizing the monomers are provided. The bis(azo-benzene) diamine monomers, in combination with amine reactive monomers, form polymers, such as polyimides and copolyimides, having photomechanical and thermomechanical properties.

Abstract: Provided are a polyamic acid solution that can be formed into a film without peeling even when the film is thick and can be stably stored at room temperature, and a laminate that can be suitably used for production of a flexible device. In the alkoxysilane-modified polyamic acid solution according to the present invention, an additive amount of an alkoxysilane compound that contains an amino group is more than 0.050 parts by weight and less than 0.100 parts by weight.

Abstract: The invention provides for new viscoelastic silicone rubbers and compositions and methods for making and using them. The invention provides for viscoelastic silicone rubbers that are stiffer on short timescales than they are on long timescales. When subjected to brief stresses, they are relatively stiff and elastic, and they resist changing shapes. When subjected to sustain stresses, however, they are relatively soft and accommodating, and they gradually change shapes. When those stresses are removed, they gradually return to their original shapes. These viscoelastic silicone rubbers resist compression set and they are extremely resilient in response to sudden impacts. They can be dense rubbers, foam rubbers, and particles.

Abstract: A high-chi diblock copolymer (BCP) for self-assembly comprises a first block comprising repeat units of trimethylsilyl styrene (TMSS) and styrene, and a second block comprising an aliphatic carbonate repeat unit. The blocks are linked together by a fluorinated junction group L? in which none of the fluorines of L? are covalently bound to an atomic center of the polymer backbone. A top-coat free film layer comprising the BCP, which is disposed on an underlayer and in contact with an atmosphere, is capable of forming a perpendicularly oriented lamellar domain pattern on an underlayer that is preferential or non-preferential to the domains of the block copolymer. The domain pattern can be selectively etched to provide a relief pattern comprising a remaining domain. The relief pattern having good critical dimensional uniformity compared to an otherwise identical polymer lacking the silicon.

Abstract: Provided is a self-restoring macromolecular material that not only has excellent stress relaxation but that can also be easily restored to its original state, even when damaged or severed. Also provided is a method for producing the self-restoring macromolecular material. The self-restoring macromolecular material contains a crosslinked structure that is formed by crosslinking a polymer containing at least a polyrotaxane molecule. The polyrotaxane molecule is formed so as to include a cyclic molecule 21 and a linear molecule that passes through an opening 21a of the cyclic molecule. The crosslinked structure 1 is crosslinked via a reversible bond between the cyclic molecule of the polyrotaxane molecule and a polymer molecule other than the polyrotaxane molecule.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a superabsorbent polymer, including a) drying and pulverizing a hydrogel polymer, and then classifying into a first fine powder having a particle size of less than 150 ?m and a base polymer having a particle size of 150 to 850 ?m; b) mixing a portion of the first fine powder, water and an additive, thus preparing a first fine-powder regranulate; c) passing the first fine-powder regranulate through a chopper and then performing drying and pulverizing; and d) classifying the pulverized first fine-powder regranulate into a superabsorbent polymer having a particle size of 150 to 850 ?m and a second fine powder having a particle size of less than 150 ?m, thus yielding the superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: A nanocomposite includes a core comprising a first polymer, a shell disposed about the core, the shell comprising a sulfonated polyester, the first polymer and sulfonated polyester are different, and a plurality of silver nanoparticles disposed throughout the shell layer.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for producing a biofabricated material from collagen or collagen-like proteins. The collagen or collagen-like proteins are isolated from animal sources or produced by recombinant DNA techniques or by chemical synthesis. The collagen or collagen-like proteins are fibrillated, crosslinked, dehydrated and lubricated thus forming the biofabricated material having a substantially uniform network of collagen fibrils.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composite material comprising a biofabricated material and a secondary component. The secondary component may be a porous material, such as a sheet of paper, cellulose, or fabric that has been coated or otherwise contacted with the biofabricated material. The biofabricated material comprises a uniform network of crosslinked collagen fibrils and provides strength, elasticity and an aesthetic appearance to the composite material.

Abstract: There is provided a curable composition comprising (A) a cyclic olefin; (B) a metathesis catalyst for polymerizing the cyclic olefin; (C) 0.1-30 wt. % of a compound comprising at least one vinyl group; and (D) 0.1-10 wt. % of a curing agent for compound (C), wherein the wt. % are relative to the total weight of the composition. The composition provides a desirable combination of workability, toughness and heat resistance. Also provided is a molded article comprising the composition and reinforcing fibers, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are water-soluble films including a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) polymer and a combination of at least three plasticizers. The combination of plasticizers includes dipropylene glycol as a first plasticizer, a sugar alcohol such as sorbitol as a second plasticizer, and a polyol such as glycerin as a third plasticizer. When the PVOH polymer and plasticizers are blended in particular proportions and/or selected with regard to various criteria related to physical and chemical film properties, the resulting water-soluble film formed from the PVOH resin blend exhibits beneficial combinations four) of aged tensile strength, aged melting transition delta elevation, aged adhesion value, and/or resistance to seal peeling, which provide strong film seals that retain their water-solubility characteristics.

Abstract: A film for use in architectural applications (e.g. for roofs, walls or windows of buildings) comprises a polymeric material and an additive, wherein said polymeric material is a fluoropolymer and said additive is selected from titaniumnitride and tungsten oxide. Preferred polymeric materials may be ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) or an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE).

Abstract: A primer layer comprising a polyvinyl butyral resin enhances adhesion of silver nanoparticle inks onto plastic substrates. The primer layer comprises a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin having a polyvinyl alcohol content between about 18 wt. % to about 21 wt. %. The PVB resin may also have a glass transition temperature greater than about 70° C. Optionally, the PVB primer layer may further be enhanced by cross-linking using a melamine-formaldehyde resin. Conductive traces formed on plastic substrates having the PVB primer layer exhibit an acceptable cross-hatch adhesion rating with little to no degradation of adhesion being observed after exposure to 4-days salt mist aging or 1-day high humidity aging.

Abstract: A triple shape memory polymeric foam that is open cell in nature and features a two phase, crosslinked SMP with a glass transition temperature of one phase at a temperature lower than a melting transition of the second phase. The resulting soft material features high fidelity, repeatable triple shape behavior, and is useful for complex deployment using a combination of foam compression and bending.

Abstract: A biodegradable material capable of recovery and recycling by dissolution in water at a temperature 40° C. or higher, the material being insoluble in water at 25° C.; wherein the material comprises one or both of: virgin or scrap polyvinyl alcohol material resultant from manufacture of an article composed of polyvinyl alcohol, the material having a degree of hydrolysis of at least 98 mol %, or a waste stream containing polyvinyl alcohol material having a degree of hydrolysis of at least 98 mol %.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of fillers coated with adhesion promoting material alone, or also coated with an additive, processes for producing the coated fillers, the fillers obtained from those processes, and methods of using the coated fillers. The filler particle(s) are surface-treated with a component which assists in the adhesion/adherance of an additive to the filler particles, resulting in the desired additive-coated fillers. The filler, adhesion promoting material and additive can be mixed in slurry and dried, and the resulting filler particles are directly useful in many applications, such as paper coatings, plastic compositions (both foamed and non-foamed), inks, paints, cosmetics, textiles and the like, wherever such fillers now find application. Preferably, the additive is a colorant.