Abstract: The invention relates to cancer therapeutics, in particular, the system of making cancer cells more susceptible to effector cells by introduction of cellular therapy targets into the cancer cells.

Abstract: A method of generating an antibody which inhibits a metalloenzyme is disclosed. The method comprises immunizing a subject with: (i) a synthetic zinc mimicry compound having structural and electronic properties similar to a catalytic domain of the metalloenzyme; and (ii) the metalloenzyme, Antibodies generated by this method are also disclosed as well as uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to the discovery that renalase, and fragments thereof, are useful for the treatment or prevention of cardiac and renal diseases or disorders. Thus, the invention relates to compositions comprising renalase, or fragments thereof, and methods for treating and preventing cardiac and renal disease or disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric chemical compounds which are used to recruit antibodies to cancer cells, in particular, prostate cancer cells or metastasized prostate cancer cells. The compounds according to the present invention comprise an antibody binding terminus (ABT) moiety covalently bonded to a cell binding terminus (CBT) through a linker and optionally, a connector molecule.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a protein purification system and methods of using the system. In particular, disclosed is a split intein comprising an N-terminal intein segment, which can be immobilized, and a C-terminal intein segment, which has the property of being self-cleaving, and which can be attached to a protein of interest. Through the self-cleaving mechanism of the intein, the protein of interest can be purified.

Abstract: The method of fabricating biocompatible cellulose nanofibrils produces cellulose nanofibrils from used agro-waste Borassus flabellifer leaf stalks. The method uses a three-step process, including alkali treatment, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis to produce cellulose nanofibrils, which may be converted to pellets for storage. The pellets may be converted to a transparent film for cell attachment by dispersion in water and heating in a hot air oven. Testing shows that cellulose nanofibrils made by the method easily attract human mesenchymal stem cells and will be applicable for skin tissue engineering applications.

Abstract: A composition derived from the acid treatment of ashes obtained after heat treatment of selected plants or plant material is provided. The selected plants accumulate metal from the platinum group (platinoids). The compositions can be used to produce catalysts for performing various organic synthesis reactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the polymerization of olefins comprising the comprising the steps of a. Polymerizing olefins in a reaction mixture comprising monomers, diluent, processing aids to prepare a product stream comprising polyolefins, monomers and diluent; b. Removing the polyolefins from the product stream to obtain a purge stream; c. Removing gaseous components from the purge stream to obtain a liquid fraction; d. Treating the liquid fraction with at least one ionic liquid to obtain a fraction containing unsaturated hydrocarbons; e. Recycling the fraction containing unsaturated hydrocarbons to the reaction mixture, optionally after purification of said fraction containing unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of separating an ethylene oligomerization effluent, in which, during the separation and purification of a product obtained through ethylene oligomerization, the temperature of the reaction product is adjusted and used, thus improving energy efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for producing treated filler that includes (a) treating a slurry that includes untreated filler where the untreated filler has not been previously dried, with a treating composition that includes a treating agent, thereby forming a treated filler slurry, and (b) drying the treated filler slurry to produce treated filler. The treating agent can include an unsaturated fatty acid, derivative of an unsaturated fatty acid, or salt thereof. The present invention also is directed to treated filler prepared by the process, as well as rubber compounding compositions and tires including the treated filler.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of making an article comprising PTFE, methods of making expanded articles comprising PTFE, articles comprising PTFE, and expanded articles comprising PTFE having improved mechanical and electrical performance and particularly reduced variability in mechanical, electrical and dimensional properties, particularly over long lengths.

Abstract: Improved Ziegler-Natta catalysts and methods of making the improved catalyst are described. The Ziegler-Natta catalyst is formed using a spherical MgCl2-xROH support, where R is a linear, cyclic or branched hydrocarbon unit with 1-10 carbon atoms and where ROH is an alcohol or a mixture of at least two different alcohols and where x has a range of about 1.5 to 6.0, preferably about 2.5 to 4, more preferably about 2.9 to 3.4, and even more preferably 2.95 to 3.35. The Ziegler-Natta catalyst includes a Group 4-8 transition metal and an internal donor comprising a diether compound. The catalyst has improved activity in olefin polymerization reactions as well as good stereoregularity and hydrogen sensitivity, and may be useful in the production of phthalate-free propylene polymers having a molecular weight distribution (PI(GPC)) in the range from about 5.75 to about 9.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods of producing 1,4-polybutadiene comprise polymerizing a solution comprising conjugated diene monomer and organic solvent to yield 1,4-polybutadiene having a cis content of between about 92% to about 98%, a vinyl content of about 1% to about 5%, a trans content of about 1 to about 3%, a molecular weight distribution (MWD) of about 3 to about 5, and a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4) at 100° C. of less than 60. The polymerization achieves over an 80% conversion of the conjugated diene monomer when catalyzed with a catalyst comprising at least one nickel compound, at least one aluminum activator compound, and a mixture of BF3.hexanol and BF3.H2O. For the catalyst, the molar ratio of Ni/H2O is from about 0.05 to about 20 and the molar ratio of BF3/H2O is from about 1.8 to about 500.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer that is highly effective in improving the molding properties of polyolefin resins, improving the balance between impact strength and stiffness, and improving transparency. [Solution] Provided is an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer having a specific MFR, a specific density, and a specific molecular weight distribution, containing a suitable amount of a long-chain branching structure characterized by a branching index, and having a specific composition distribution structure characterized by solvent fractionation behavior.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer that is highly effective in improving the molding properties of polyolefin resins and at the same time highly effective improving the balance between impact strength and stiffness. [Solution] Provided is an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer having a specific MFR, a specific density, and a specific molecular weight distribution, containing a suitable amount of a long-chain branching structure characterized by a branching index, and having a specific composition distribution structure characterized by solvent fractionation behavior.

Abstract: Disclosed are a thermoplastic resin composition which, through combination of certain compatibilizers, satisfies high-gloss and high-impact properties, does not generate weld lines and flow marks, and furthermore, has appropriate impact strength and can sufficiently satisfy scratch resistance required for adoption in actual products, and a product using the same. The present invention provides a polycarbonate-based thermoplastic resin composition including 5-28 wt % of a polycarbonate thermoplastic resin; 55-80 wt % of a polymethylmethacrylate copolymer; 1-20 wt % of a styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer; and 1-20 wt % of a styrene-methylmethacrylate-butyl-acrylate copolymer, and a product using the same.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens material comprises a hydrophilic monomer, a clay, a cross-linking agent, an initiator, and a solvent. The hydrophilic monomer has a mass percentage of about 40% to about 65% of a total mass of the ophthalmic lens material. The clay has a mass percentage of about 0.1% to about 3% of the total mass of the ophthalmic lens material. The cross-linking agent has a mass percentage of about 0.15% to about 2% of the total mass of the ophthalmic lens material. The initiator has a mass percentage of about 0.11% to about 1.05% of the total mass of the ophthalmic lens material. The solvent has a mass percentage of about 30% to about 58% of the total mass of the ophthalmic lens material. The disclosure also provides an ophthalmic lens made of the ophthalmic lens material.

Abstract: A film layer comprising a high-chi (?) block copolymer for self-assembly and a surface active polymer (SAP) was prepared on a substrate surface that was neutral wetting to the domains of the self-assembled block copolymer. The block copolymer comprises at least one polycarbonate block and at least one other block (e.g., a styrene-based block). The SAP comprises a hydrophobic fluorinated first repeat unit and a non-fluorinated second repeat unit bearing at least one pendent OH group present as an alcohol or acid (e.g., carboxylic acid). The film layer, whose top surface has contact with an atmosphere, self-assembles to form a lamellar or cylindrical domain pattern having perpendicular orientation with respect to the underlying surface. Other morphologies (e.g., islands and holes of height 1.0Lo) were obtained with films lacking the SAP. The SAP is preferentially miscible with, and lowers the surface energy of, the domain comprising the polycarbonate block.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin, a method of preparing the same, and a thermoplastic resin composition including the same. A thermoplastic resin having superior latex stability and thermal stability and generating a small amount of gas during processing, and a method of preparing the thermoplastic resin are provided. In addition, a thermoplastic resin composition having superior mechanical properties, surface gloss, whiteness, gloss after retention, and heat discoloration after retention and a small content of residual total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), due to inclusion of the thermoplastic resin, is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a photocurable resin composition that has a low viscosity and is capable of yielding a high refractive index. Specifically, a urethane (meth)acrylate resin (A) obtained by a reaction of an aromatic diisocyanate compound (a), a polyol compound (b), and a hydroxyl-group-containing (meth)acrylate compound (c) as essential raw material components is used. The urethane (meth)acrylate resin (A) contains a structural moiety (a-1) represented by structural formula (1) below: (where R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group) and a structural moiety (a-2) represented by structural formula (2) below: (where R1, R2, R3, X1, and X2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a methyl group) at a (a-1)/(a-2) molar ratio of 45/55 to 60/40. The polyol compound (b) has an aromatic hydrocarbon skeleton.

Abstract: Polymeric compounds having spatially controlled bioconjugation sites are described. Functionalization is achieved by selective ?-terminal chain extension of polymer chains by radical polymerization, such as reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization.

Abstract: Stereoregular diblock polybutadiene composed of a polybutadiene block having a 1,4-cis structure and a polybutadiene block having a syndiotactic 1,2 structure. Said stereoregular diblock polybutadiene can be advantageously used in both the footwear industry (for example, in the production of soles for shoes) and in the production of tires for motor vehicles and/or trucks.

Abstract: To provide a resin composition containing a block copolymer of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diene, from which a formed product such as a sheet or a film, having excellent transparency and impact resistance, can be obtained. A resin composition containing a block copolymer of a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a conjugated diene, which satisfies the following (A) to (D): (A) the content ratio (mass) of the conjugated diene is from 22 to 32%, (B) the block ratio of the vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon is from 90 to 98%, (C) Mw/Mn (wherein Mw is the weight average molecular weight and Mn is the number average molecular weight) is from 1.1 to 1.6 obtained by GPC by differential refractive index method, (D) the loss tangent (tan ?) obtained by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement has one local maximum value (tan ? (max)) within a temperature range of from ?90 to ?30° C., and tan ? (tan ? (max+30° C.)) at a temperature higher by 30° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crosslinkable one-component laminating adhesive containing 25 to 80 wt. % of polyester prepolymers, polyether prepolymers and/or polyurethane prepolymers, which have at least two cross-linkable alkoxysilane groups and have a molecular weight of 2000 to 30,000 g/mol, 75 to 19 wt. % of organic solvent having a boiling point up to 130° C., 1 to 20 wt. % of polymers which contain anhydride groups, and 0 to 15 wt. % of additives, wherein the viscosity of the adhesive is between 50 and 20,000 mPas (according to DIN ISO 2555), measured at 15 to 45° C.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyurethane foams which exhibit decreased aldehyde emission, to a process of preparing these polyurethane foams, and to a method of decreasing aldehyde emissions in foams. The polyurethane foams herein additionally comprise a small quantity of a polyhydrazodicarbonamide dispersion polyol to the isocyanate-reactive component, or a trimerized hexamethylene diisocyanate to the polyisocyanate component.

Abstract: Provided are a self-crosslinking polyhydroxy polyurethane resin derived from a reaction of a 5-membered cyclic carbonate compound and an amine compound and having masked isocyanate groups in its structure; a process for producing the resin; an imitation leather composed of a base fabric and a resin composition composed of the resin as its principal component and impregnated in or laminated on the base fabric; as kin material made of a thermoplastic polyolefin resin, said skin material including a thermoplastic polyolefin resin sheet and a top coat layer formed directly or via a primer layer on the sheet, wherein the top coat layer has been formed with a resin composition composed of the resin as its principal component; and a weather strip material composed, as its principal components, of the resin and a specific diorganopolysiloxane and/or a silicone oil.

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: A process for producing polymer-supported metal nanoparticles involves confinement of metal nanoparticles in polymeric nanotubes or nanosheets in an aqueous environment using hydrophobic reactants. Metal nanoparticles supported in the polymeric nanotubes or nanosheets are substantially monodisperse and have an average particle size of 4 nm or less. The polymer-supported metal nanoparticles are useful in fuel cells, sensors, bioanalysis, biological labeling or semi-conductors, especially as catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic copolymer, block copolymer, and statistical copolymer comprising plural acrylated polyol monomeric units having different degrees of acrylation of hydroxyl groups. The acrylated polyol monomeric units have an average degree of acrylation greater than 1 and less than the number of the hydroxyl groups of the polyol. The present invention also relates to a method of making the thermoplastic copolymer, block copolymer, and statistical copolymer, and using them in various applications, such as asphalt rubber modifiers, adhesives, or an additive in a fracking fluid for oil fracking.

Abstract: A docetaxel nano-polymer micelle lyophilized preparation is disclosed including methoxypolyethylene glycol-polylactic acid block copolymer carrier material and docetaxel, the docetaxel being is encapsulated in the carrier material. A mass ratio of the docetaxel to the carrier material is 0.01-0.15. The methoxypolyethylene glycol-polylactic acid block copolymer is formed by ring opening polymerization of D,L-lactide and methoxypolyethylene glycol. A mass ratio of the methoxypolyethylene glycol to the D,L-lactide is 1:0.55-0.65 or 1:0.73-0.89 or 1:0.91-0.99. The mass ratio of the docetaxel to the carrier is further optimized by adjusting a mass ratio of polyester to polyether in the methoxypolyethylene glycol polylactide block copolymer. The encapsulation efficiency of a docetaxel micelle prepared by the block copolymer after being re-dissolved by water can be greater than 90% at 12 hours.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alkyd resin composition comprising a. 1-60 wt % of an imide compound according to anyone of formulas Ia, Ib, Ic, Id or Ie wherein R1 is H or a C1-C20 optionally substituted hydrocarbon group; R2 and R5 are independently H, or a C1-C20 hydrocarbon group; R3 and R4 are independently H, or a C1-C20 hydrocarbon group; R6 is H or a methyl group; R7 and R8 are independently H, methyl or ethyl; b. 10-40 wt % of an alcohol having a number average hydroxy functionality ?2.0; c. 30-70 wt % of fatty acids or vegetable oils; d. 0-50 wt % of a mono and/or polyfunctional compound capable of esterification, which compound is different from the compounds used in a, b and c; wherein the wt % is determined relative to the total of weight of compounds a, b, c and d.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a polyester from cyclic ester monomer comprises the steps of: a) providing a cyclic ester, b) polymerizing the cyclic ester in the presence of a catalyst and optionally an initiator in a reactor to form a reaction mixture comprising polyester and unreacted cyclic ester, wherein after the polymerization at least one polymerization inhibitor is added to the reaction mixture, wherein the polymerization inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of monoimines, diimines, mono alkyl phosphates according to the formula RPO4H2, wherein R is a C6-16 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group, di alkyl phosphates according to the formula R2PO4H, wherein each R is independently a C6-16 linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group or a combination thereof, and phosphate esters according to the general formula (I) wherein at least one of R?, R? and R?? has the general structure as in general formula (II) wherein n>0 and Q is independently a C1-16 linear, branched or substituted alkyl group, and R

Abstract: A container for precision members is prepared from a polycarbonate resin, wherein a polycarbonate resin solution prepared by immersing the polycarbonate resin in water and leaving the solution has chloride ions (Cl?), fluoride ions (F?) and sulfate ions (SO42?) in a concentration of about 2 ppb or less, independently of each other, as detected by ion chromatography (IC). The container for precision members is capable of preserving and transporting the precision members predisposed to damage by minor amounts of impurities or contaminants without damage.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions having improved flame retardance properties are disclosed. The compositions comprise a cross-linkable polycarbonate resin having a photoactive group derived from a benzophenone, a bromine source, and optionally a non-brominated and non-chlorinated flame retardant. The composition contains a minimum amount of bromine. Articles formed from the compositions have robust flame retardance properties and enhanced chemical resistance.

Abstract: An organic layer composition, an organic layer, and associated methods, the composition including a polymer that includes a moiety represented by Chemical Formula 1, a monomer represented by Chemical Formula 2, and a solvent,

Abstract: A polyimide resin contains repeating structural units represented by formulas (1) and (2), wherein the content of the repeating structural unit represented by formula (2) relative to the total of the repeating structural unit represented by formula (1) and the repeating structural unit represented by formula (2) falls within a specific range and the content of the divalent group represented by the following structural formula (B1) falls within a specific range: X1 represents a tetravalent group containing an alicyclic hydrocarbon structure and having a carbon number of from 4 to 22. X2 represents a tetravalent group containing an aromatic ring and having a carbon number of from 6 to 22.

Abstract: A sealing material composition for LED has excellent heat-resistant transparency, adhesion, and crack resistance, and low sulfur gas permeability. A sealing material composition for LED has the following (A), (B), (C), and (D): (A): polysiloxane containing units (1-1), (1-2), and (1-3): wherein R1 is C1-12 alkyl or C6-20 aryl, R2 is hydrogen, C1-12 alkyl, or Si constituting main chain of polysiloxane as (A); (B): polysiloxane containing units (2-1), (2-2), and (2-3): wherein R3 and R4 are each hydrogen, C1-12 alkyl, or Si constituting main chain of polysiloxane as (B); (C): adhesive; and (D): condensation catalyst for silanol group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a production method for a liquid high-purity organosilicon compound, the method comprising the steps of: adding, to a mixture containing an organosilicon compound selected from a group consisting of organomodified silcones and organomodified silanes and impurities, an organic wax having affinity with the impurities and having a higher melting point than the organosilicon compound, melting and mixing while heating, and introducing the impurities into the melted organic wax; obtaining a solidified product of the organic wax by cooling the organic wax; and performing solid/liquid phase separation on the organosilicon compound and the solidified product of the organic wax. With the present invention, it is possible to provide a useful method for producing a high-purity organosilicon compound stably and on a commercial scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing super absorbent polymer, and the method for preparing super absorbent polymer according to the present invention may reduce the content of non-reacted monomers in the super absorbent polymer, by using three kinds of polymerization initiators.

Abstract: A manufacture method for fullerence/PEDOT:PSS mixed solution and a manufacture method for compound transparent conductive film having fullerence/PEDOT:PSS are provided in the present invention: making fullerence/PEDOT:PSS mixed solution to manufacture a transparent conductive film; sources of applicable materials are broad and prices thereof are cheap; the fullerence/PEDOT:PSS mixed solution can be further utilized to manufacture a compound transparent conductive film having fullerence/PEDOT:PSS on substrates or a variety of devices; the present invention discloses a manufacture method for a compound transparent conductive film having fullerence/PEDOT:PSS, and when manufacturing the compound transparent conductive film having fullerence/PEDOT:PSS via wet coating process which is with low cost and high efficiency comparing with manufacture of ITO film, and furthermore expensive PVD equipment can be waived, production cost can be reduced, manufacturing method can be simplified at the same time, production time

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 process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, wherein surface postcrosslinked water-absorbing polymer particles are remoisturized and delivered pneumatically, and wherein the time between remoisturization and pneumatic delivery is less than one hour.

Abstract: A method whereby nanostructures aligned within a matrix material to define an aligned admixture are transferred into a receiving porous medium while substantially maintaining the nanostructure alignment such that the nanostructures may be aligned predominantly in a common direction within receiving porous medium. Resulting composite structures are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer blown film for producing labels, having a layer construction formed by coextrusion. In accordance with the invention, the layer construction comprises two outer layers of polyethylene, a core layer of polyethylene, and, on either side of the core layer, an interlayer of polypropylene with a melt flow index of more than 4.0 g/10 min as measured to ISO 1133 at 230° C. with 2.16 kg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyester sheet comprising a crystallized portion, said crystallized portion being in the form of one or more strip extending along at least a portion of the polyester sheet. The present invention further relates to a method for the manufacture of such sheet and use of such sheet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides polymers comprising at least one repeat unit represented by any one of structural formulas (IA)-(IE) disclosed herein, for example: Values for the variables are as disclosed herein. The polymers provided can be employed as ion conductors, for example in fuel cells, and have improved thermal characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decorative coatings for plastic substrates, the decorative coatings ideally being stable and durable coatings that are spectrally tunable to permit the selection of a variety of appearances, and ideally providing a decorative metal finish. More particularly the present invention provides for a plastic substrate having a decorative coating including a spectrally controlling system and a stress controlling system. The spectrally controlling system includes alternating absorbing layers and transparent layers, and the stress controlling system controls the overall residual stress of the decorative coating to within a desired range. Further provided are methods for applying to a plastic substrate a decorative coating having a spectrally controlling system and a stress controlling system.

Abstract: A coat layer and a substrate layer are combined to prepare a transparent laminate film; the coat layer has a surface with a maximum height of rolling circle waviness profile (WEM) in accordance with JIS B0610 of 5 to 15 ?m and an arithmetic average roughness (Ra) of not less than 0.5 ?m. The transparent laminate film provides a comfortable writing experience and a reduced abrasion of a pen tip. The coat layer may have the surface with the arithmetic average roughness (Ra) of 0.5 to 5 ?m. The coat layer may contain particles and a binder component. The binder component may comprise a polyfunctional (meth)acrylate, and a urethane (meth)acrylate and/or a thermoplastic elastomer. The transparent laminate film may have a total light transmittance of not less than 85%. The transparent laminate film may be disposed on a surface of a display of a pen-input device.

Abstract: The invention provides polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams and methods for the preparation thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams having an open-cell, closed-cell or a combination of open and closed cell structure, and methods for their preparation. The foams are produced with a polyol premix composition which comprises a combination of a hydrohaloolefin blowing agent, a polyol and a catalyst which is an adduct of an amine and an organic acid.

Abstract: Composite resin particles comprising 50 to 800 parts by mass of a polystyrene-based resin with respect to 100 parts by mass of a polyolefin-based resin, wherein: when transmission electron microscope (TEM) images obtained by photographing cross-sections of the composite resin particles using a TEM at a magnification of 1,000 are subjected to a binarization processing and areas in the obtained binarized images which correspond to a cross-sectional area of 437.584 ?m2 of the composite resin particles are subjected to image analysis, the polystyrene-based resin satisfies the following requirements: (1) the number of dispersed particles is 180 or more; (2) the maximum of the areas of dispersed particles is 200 ?m2 or less; and (3) the coefficient of variation in dispersion is 100% or more, and the composite resin particles exhibit an inner morphology that includes a mixture of sea-island structure regions and co-continuous structure regions.