Abstract: This disclosure relates to binding agents with specificity for programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and to methods for using the same to treat, prevent and/or ameliorate an infectious disease (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)), cancer and/or autoimmunity. In addition, this disclosure identifies a novel binding patch (“P2”) on PD-1 that is linked with a previously unidentified functional activity of PD-1 that is distinct from the interaction site involved with either the PD-L1 or PD-L2 ligands. Furthermore, we demonstrate that antibodies that interact with this region of PD-1 are able to act as antagonists of PD-1 and that this antagonism is further enhanced with the addition of antibodies that act through the blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1/L2 interaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bispecific antibody construct comprising a first binding domain which binds to human DLL3 on the surface of a target cell and a second binding domain which binds to human CD3 on the surface of a T cell. Moreover, the invention provides a polynucleotide encoding the antibody construct, a vector comprising said polynucleotide and a host cell transformed or transfected with said polynucleotide or vector. Furthermore, the invention provides a process for the production of the antibody construct of the invention, a medical use of said antibody construct and a kit comprising said antibody construct.

Abstract: [Problem] Provided is an anti-human BDCA-2 antibody for preventing or treating an autoimmune disease by binding to a human BDCA-2 to control the function of a plasmacytoid dendritic cell through human BDCA-2.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a new therapeutic method and a new therapeutic agent that are different from known therapeutic medicines for human T cell leukemia virus type-1 (also known as human T lymphotropic virus type-1) associated myelopathy (HAM) patients and asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers. The present invention relates to a therapeutic method and a therapeutic agent for human T cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) associated myelopathy (HAM) patients and asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers (ACs), which is characterized by reducing HTLV-1 virus-infected cells using an anti-human CC-chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) antibody.

Abstract: Methods of treating metabolic diseases and disorders using an antigen binding protein specific for the GIPR polypeptide are provided. In various embodiments the metabolic disease or disorder is type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, elevated glucose levels, elevated insulin levels and diabetic nephropathy. In certain embodiments the antigen binding protein is administered in combination with a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Abstract: The invention provides CARs (CARs) that specifically bind to BCMA (B-Cell Maturation Antigen). The invention further relates to engineered immune cells comprising such CARs, CAR-encoding nucleic acids, and methods of making such CARs, engineered immune cells, and nucleic acids. The invention further relates to therapeutic methods for use of these CARs and engineered immune cells for the treatment of a condition associated with malignant cells expressing BCMA (e.g., cancer).

Abstract: Preparations and methods for treating a GD2 positive cancer by administering a preparation comprising an anti-GD2 antibody to a patient, wherein the patient is not concomitantly treated with Interleukin-2 (IL-2), and wherein one or more treatment periods with the antibody may be preceded, accompanied, and/or followed by one or more treatment periods with a retinoid.

Abstract: Affinity ligands useful for mild elution affinity chromatography, including affinity ligands specific for immunoglobulins M, A, and E, are disclosed as are method of identifying and using such affinity ligands.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing Fabs and bi-specific antibodies comprising designed residues in the interfaces of the heavy chain-light chain variable (VH/VL) domain and the heavy chain-light chain constant (CH1/CL] domain, Fabs and bi-specific antibodies produced according to said processes and host cells encoding the same.

Abstract: A process for the isolation of modified polysaccharide product from potato, in particular a polysaccharide product that can be used as an immunomodulatory is described. More particularly, the extraction and modification of a rhamnogalacturonan I(RG-1) fragment product from a potato using a defined process, and the use of this product to provide immunomodulatory activity to a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting high-quality polyisoprene by grinding plants via rotary shearing using a device comprising at least one rotor and at least one stator, into particles of size smaller than 1 mm, or grinding at a pH higher than 3 and lower than 8. This method is implemented in aqueous phase and allows the preparation of a dispersion of polyisoprene in water having a weight average molecular weight (MW) higher than 800 000 g/mol. The polyisoprene is extracted from plants and in particular from guayule (Parthenium argentatum). It is a method that is particularly heedful of the environment.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a photocurable composition from which a cured product having high concealing property is obtained by irradiation with an active energy ray such as ultraviolet ray, and which inhibits color fading of the cured product in a high temperature and high humidity (85 C and 85% RH) environment or a high temperature (100 C) environment. A photocurable composition including the following components (A) to (D): component (A): a leuco dye; component (B): a salt having an anion selected from the group consisting of [P(Rf)aF6-a]?, [Sb(Rf)bF6-b]? and [B(Rf)cF4-c]? (in the formulae, Rf represents a fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a and b each independently represent an integer of from 1 to 5, and c represents an integer of from 1 to 3); component (C): a radical polymerizable compound; and component (D): a photoradical initiator.

Abstract: A process may include contacting ethylene monomer with Ziegler-Natta catalyst to form polyethylene. The Ziegler-Natta catalyst may be formed by contacting an alkyl magnesium compound with an alcohol and a metal reagent to form a blend, and contacting the blend with a first agent to form a solution of reaction product “A”. The solution of reaction product “A” may be contacted with a second agent to form a solid reaction product “B”, and the solid reaction product “B” may be contacted with a third agent to form a solid reaction product “C”. The solid reaction product “C” may be contacted with a fourth agent to form a solid reaction product “D”, and the solid reaction product “D” may be contacted with a fifth agent to form a catalyst component.

Abstract: A catalyst system comprising a combination of: 1) an activator; 2) one or more metallocene catalyst compounds; 3) a support comprising an organosilica material, which may be a mesoporous organosilica material. The organosilica material may be a polymer of at least one monomer of Formula [Z1OZ2SiCH2]3 (I), where Z1 represents a hydrogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group, or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer and Z2 represents a hydroxyl group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group, a C1-C6 alkyl group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer. This invention further relates to processes to polymerize olefins comprising contacting one or more olefins with the above catalyst system.

Abstract: Aminomethylated bead polymers for use as ion exchangers, especially as anion exchangers, or for the preparation of chelate resins, are prepared in the presence of 1,3-dichloropropane as solvent and swelling agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastomeric polymer composition and its preparation. The polymer composition includes, in combination, a single terminally modified conjugated diene (co)polymer and a dual terminally modified conjugated diene (co)polymer. The polymer composition is useful in the preparation of a vulcanized and, thus, crosslinked elastomeric composition having relatively low hysteresis loss, good grip and low heat build-up properties.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyacrylic acid (salt)-based water absorbent resin, sequentially including the steps of: storing or producing acrylic acid; mixing acrylic acid containing a polymerization inhibitor with water, a crosslinking agent, and optionally, a basic composition, and/or neutralizing them, to prepare an aqueous monomer solution; polymerizing the aqueous monomer solution; drying an obtained water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer; and optionally carrying out surface crosslinking, wherein the acrylic acid containing the polymerization inhibitor has a water content of not higher than 1,000 ppm (by mass; the same applies hereinafter), and/or the aqueous monomer solution has a formic acid content of 1 to 700 ppm, relative to the monomer.

Abstract: Olefin polymerization catalyst systems having high aluminoxane loading and methods for making and using them are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A silicone pressure sensitive adhesive with amphiphilic copolymers for maintaining adhesion in a moist environment. The amphiphilic copolymers for silicone adhesives include at least one silicone moiety and at least one hydrophilic segment. Such adhesives are applicable to securing medical devices to human skin.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition includes at least one first monomer and at least one second monomer, wherein the at least one first monomer includes an isohexide bis(allyl carbonate) monomer, and wherein the at least one second monomer includes one or more ethylenic unsaturations. Another polymerizable composition includes the reaction product of an isohexide bischloroformate; at least one polyol; allyl alcohol; and, optionally, at least one polychloroformate. An exemplary polymerizable composition includes the transesterification reaction product of an isohexide; diallyl carbonate; and at least one polyol. A polymerizate including the polymerizable composition and an optical article including the polymerizable composition are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a triacrylate compound represented by the following formula (1). In the formula, each R is independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a halogen atom, R1 and R2 are each independently a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and R3 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a hydroxymethyl group.

Abstract: A latex particle comprises an interior core and an outer shell. The core comprises an acrylic or vinyl polymer, and the shell comprises a water soluble alkyd polymer and at least one surfactant. Substantially all or all of the alkyd polymer is present in the shell of the latex particle and substantially none or none or the alkyd polymer is present in the core of the latex particle. Also described is a process for making the latex particle wherein the water soluble alkyd polymer is present as a co-surfactant during polymerization.

Abstract: The present application provides a composite material that comprises a solid and solid-supported non-polymeric switchable moiety, wherein the switchable moiety comprises a functional group that is switchable between a first form and a second form, said first form being neutral and hydrophobic, and said second form being ionized and hydrophilic. The composite material converts to, or is maintained in, said second form when the switchable moiety is exposed to CO2 at amounts sufficient to maintain the ionized form. The composite material converts to, or is maintained in, said first form when CO2 is removed or reduced to an amount insufficient to maintain the ionized form. CO2 is removed or reduced by exposing the composite material to heat and/or a flushing inert gas such as N2, Ar, or air. Envisioned uses of these composite materials includes removing water from non-aqueous solvents, removing water vapor from gaseous mixtures, and cleaning industrial reaction vessels and/or pipelines.

Abstract: The instant invention provides an isocyanate trimerization catalyst system, a precursor formulation, a process for trimerizing isocyanates, rigid foams made therefrom, and a process for making such foams. The trimerization catalyst system comprises: (a) a phosphatrane cation; and (b) an isocyanate-trimer inducing anion; wherein said trimerization catalyst system has a trimerization activation temperature in the range of equal to or less than 73° C. The precursor formulation comprises (1) at least 25 percent by weight of polyol, based on the weight of the precursor formulation; (2) less than 15 percent by weight of a trimerization catalyst system, based on the weight of the precursor formulation, comprising; (a) a phosphatrane cation; and (c) an isocyanate-trimer inducing anion; wherein said trimerization catalyst system has a trimerization activation temperature in the range of equal to or less than 73° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) that contain alkylene substituted spirocyclic compounds. The present invention provides for TPU which exhibit high temperature resistance.

Abstract: There is provided a resin composition which has long-term heat resistance, rapid curing properties, high adhesive strength during heating, a low change ratio of adhesive strength, and a low normal temperature elastic modulus. The resin composition includes (A) a compound having in its molecule an OH group and any one of primary to tertiary amines, (B) dicyandiamide and/or imidazoles, (C) bismaleimides, and (D) a compound having in its molecule one or more epoxy groups, or cyanate ester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functionalized polymers including a poly(phenylene) structure having modifications suitable for an anion exchange membrane. Exemplary modifications include use of a cationic moiety and a halo moiety. Methods and uses of such structures and polymers are also described herein.

Abstract: Copolymers including dioxythiophene repeating units and no acceptor units allow the formation of electrochromic polymers (ECPs) with vivid neutral state colors and very colorless oxidized states that can be switched rapidly. The dioxythiophene repeating units can included in sequences where all of one type of dioxythiophene is included exclusively as isolated dyads or triads within the copolymer, or the copolymer can be an alternating copolymer with propylenedioxythiophene units. Other non-acceptor units can be included in the copolymers. The copolymers are rendered organic solvent soluble by alkyl substituents on repeating units. The inclusion of sterically encumbered acyclic dioxythiophene (AcDOT) units promotes red color while unsubstituted ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) units promote blue colors, and their respective content can be manipulated to achieve a desired neutral state color. Soluble copolymers comprising at least 50% EDOT repeating units can be used in supercapacitor applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of polyesters comprising an esterification/transesterification stage and a polycondensation stage, characterized in that the said polycondensation stage is carried out in the presence of a catalyst comprising a mixture of at least one Titanium-based compound and at least one Zirconium-based compound in which the Ti/(Ti+Zr) ratio by weight is equal to or greater than 0.01 and equal to or less than 0.40.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transesterified polylactic acid product which has been transesterified with a diol and at least one natural oil. The transesterified polylactic acid product has surprisingly improved properties compared to unmodified polylactic acid including: a liquid state at room temperature, a reduced melting temperature and increased solubility in a variety of solvents. Also disclosed is a method for producing the transesterified polylactic acid product. The transesterified polylactic acid product is economical to produce and includes a high content of renewable resources. In addition, the product is biodegradable.

Abstract: A polyimide-forming composition includes a particulate polyimide precursor composition having an average particle size of 0.1 to 100 micrometers wherein the polyimide precursor composition comprises a substituted or unsubstituted C4-40 bisanhydride, and a substituted or unsubstituted divalent C1-20 diamine; an aqueous carrier; and a surfactant. A method of manufacturing an article including a polyimide includes the steps of forming a preform comprising the polyimide-forming composition; and heating the preform at a temperature and for a period of time effective to imidize the polyimide precursor composition and form the polyimide. An article prepared by the method, and a layer or coating including a polyimide and a surfactant are also described.

Abstract: A polyphenylene sulfide resin composition includes a polyphenylene sulfide resin (a) of 90 to 50% by weight and a polyphenylene sulfide resin (b) and/or a polyphenylene sulfide resin (c) of the total of 10 to 50% by weight blended with the polyphenylene sulfide resin (a), relative to the total of the polyphenylene sulfide resins (a) to (c) as 100% by weight, in which the polyphenylene sulfide resin composition has a change rate of viscosity of 1.5 times or less when the composition is heated at 320° C. for 5 hours.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an active energy ray-curable composition which provides a cured product having excellent transparency as well as superior shock absorption and vibration absorption, and a cured product, a shock-absorbing material, a vibration-absorbing material and a sheet material in which said active energy ray-curable composition is used. [Solution] An active energy ray-curable composition containing (A) diallyl 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylate, (B) a compound having two or more mercapto groups, and (C) a polymerization initiator.

Abstract: A functionalized siloxane network. The functionalized network comprises a ligand attached to the network. The ligand includes a pyridine-containing compound, and in one embodiment, the ligand includes a terpyridine compound. The functionalized siloxane network can be siloxane particles. The functionalized siloxane network can coordinate metal ions and can be used in luminescent articles.

Abstract: Siloxane-based gel compositions are prepared from room temperature condensation curable mixtures that include 0.5-45% by weight silicone resin with at least two hydroxyl groups, 99.5-55% by weight of at least one silanol-terminated siloxane fluid, and a co-curable compound with an amino group. The siloxane-based gel compositions can be used as adhesives or sealants in medical articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a superabsorbent polymer including a) preparing a hydrogel phase polymer by thermopolymerizing or photopolymerizing a monomer composition including a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a polymerization initiator; b) chopping the hydrogel phase polymer; c) adding particles having properties of the following i) and ii) to the chopped hydrogel phase polymer; d) chopping the particle-added hydrogel phase polymer again; e) drying the hydrogel phase polymer; f) milling the dried hydrogel phase polymer; g) adding a surface crosslinking agent to the milled hydrogel phase polymer; and h) carrying out a surface crosslinking reaction. i) BET specific surface area of 300 m2/g to 1500 m2/g, ii) Porosity of 50% or greater.

Abstract: A method for preparing non-free radical photo-crosslinked hydrogels includes: dissolving component A that is a polymer derivative modified with o-nitrobenzyl phototrigger in a biocompatible medium to obtain solution A; dissolving component B that is a polymer derivative containing hydrazide, hydroxylamine or primary amine in a biocompatible medium to obtain solution B; mixing solution A and solution B to obtain a precursor solution of hydrogel; under light irradiation, crosslinking aldehyde generated from the o-nitrobenzyl with the hydrazine, hydroxylamine or primary amine to obtain a hydrogel by forming hydrazone, oxime or schiff base, respectively. A kit for preparation and application of the hydrogel in tissue repair, beauty therapy, and cells, proteins or drugs carriers is also described. The method or kit can achieve in situ photo-gelling on tissue surface or in situ forming thin gel on wounds in clinical treatment of wounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of polymer polyols in unsaturated polyols as liquid phase, polymer polyols and their use.

Abstract: A process for preparing poly(lactide-co-glycolide) copolymer particles with an average particle size in the range of 50-800 nm includes transferring a mixture of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) copolymer, ethanol and carbon dioxide from a first reactor into a second reactor under rapid reduction of the pressure and expansion with phase separation into a gas phase, an ethanol aerosol and an ethanolic suspension containing poly(lactide-co-glycolide) copolymer particles, removing the carbon dioxide gas and the ethanol aerosol from the second reactor, and obtaining the poly(glycolide-co-lactide) copolymer particles in the form of an ethanolic suspension or in dry form from the second reactor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for making thermoplastic vulcanizates comprising dynamically vulcanizing an elastomer in an extrusion reactor with a curative in the presence of a thermoplastic resin to form a thermoplastic vulcanizate. Process oil is added to the extrusion reactor at a first, second, and third location, where the amount of process oil introduced at the first oil injection location is less than that introduced at the second oil injection location, where the third oil injection location is downstream of where the curative is introduced to the extrusion reactor, and where the thermoplastic vulcanizate comprises at least 25 wt % of oil based on the weight of the thermoplastic vulcanizate.

Abstract: A method for producing a modified molded article which includes molding a fluororesin to provide a molded article and irradiating the molded article with radiation at an irradiation dose of lower than 100 kGy at 50° C. to 200° C. to provide a modified molded article.

Abstract: A film layer and a method of forming a film layer are provided herein. The film layer includes a first polymer and a second polymer. The first polymer includes the reaction product of chlorotrifluoroethene and vinylidene fluoride utilized in the first polymer in an amount of at least 4 wt. %. The second polymer includes the reaction product of chlorotrifluoroethene and optionally, vinylidene fluoride utilized in the second polymer in an amount of less than 4 wt. %. A multilayer film and a method of forming a multilayer film are also provided herein. In an embodiment, a multilayer film includes a first film layer and a second film layer adjacent and sealed to the first film layer. At least one of the first film layer or the second film layer includes the first polymer and the second polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermosetting resin composition for a semiconductor package and a prepreg using the same. Specifically, a thermosetting resin composition for a semiconductor package which exhibits a low curing shrinkage ratio and has a high glass transition temperature and greatly improved flowability by introducing acrylic rubber and mixing two specific inorganic fillers surface-treated with a binder of a specific composition at a certain ratio, and a prepreg using the same, are provided.

Abstract: A film includes: a coating layer made of a fluorine-containing acrylic resin; and a base film, on which the coating layer is laminated. The fluorine-containing acrylic resin is obtained by copolymerizing 50 to 99 parts by weight of a monomer represented by a general formula (1) with 50 to 1 parts by weight of a methacrylate-based monomer, and a melt viscosity of the fluorine-containing acrylic resin is less than 300 Pa·s under conditions of a die temperature of 220° C., a shear rate of 122 sec?1, and a capillary die diameter of 1 mm based on JIS K7199. In the general formula (1), R1 is a direct bond or a straight-chain or branched-chain alkylene group containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R2 is methyl.

Abstract: The present invention is based on a surprising discovery of new packaging materials used to package substances, such as foods, preventing the photo-oxidation of entities found in these substances. Specifically, these new packaging materials include a mixture of polymer resins having novel and specific ratios of filler, preferably calcium carbonate, and titanium dioxide resulting in the material having unexpected properties.

Abstract: Described herein is a component for contacting ammonia and/or urea having a surface that in use will come into contact with urea and/or ammonia. The component comprises fluoroelastomer composition comprising fluoropolymer and a hydrotalcite compound.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an ethylene-acrylic rubber composition that is excellent in the compression set and also in the crosslinking bonding even when no secondary crosslinking is caused therein, an ethylene-acrylic rubber produced by causing primary crosslinking in the composition, a rubber metal composite formed by bonding the ethylene-acrylic rubber and a metal with each other, and a bonded piston sealing including the rubber metal composite.

Abstract: An organic modified silicone resin composition includes: (A) an addition reaction product having two addition reactive carbon-carbon double bonds in one molecule, being a product of an addition reaction of (a) a compound shown by the general formula (1) having SiH groups and (b) a polycyclic hydrocarbon having addition reactive carbon-carbon double bonds; (B) a siloxane having an SiH group and an organic group substituted with an alkoxysilyl group and/or a siloxane having an SiH group and an organic group substituted with an epoxy group; (C) a compound having three or more SiH groups in one molecule; (D) a catalyst; and (E) fumed inorganic oxide. The formulation amount of the component (E) is 1 to 10 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the components (A), (B), and (C); and having a viscosity of 10 to 100 Pa·s at 25° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to [1] a plasticizer for a halogen-based resin including a condensate obtainable by an esterification reaction between a furan dicarboxylic acid compound and an aliphatic alcohol having 4 to 22 carbon atoms, in which the aliphatic alcohol includes a saturated aliphatic alcohol and an unsaturated aliphatic alcohol, and a content of the unsaturated aliphatic alcohol in the aliphatic alcohol is not more than 25% by mass; and [2] a halogen-based resin composition including the aforementioned plasticizer. The plasticizer has a plasticization performance for a halogen-based resin at a level identical to or higher than that of a phthalate-based plasticizer, and exhibits excellent effects of improving compatibility, heat resistance and cold resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoplastic molding composition containing: a) from 3 to 94.6% by weight of one or more styrene copolymers as component A, b) from 5 to 95.2% by weight of one or more impact-modifying graft rubbers having no olefinic double bond in the rubber phase as component B c) from 0.2 to 0.9% by weight of a compound of the formula (I) as component C: The invention also relates to a process for producing the thermoplastic molding composition and a process for producing a molding, foil, or fiber which utilizing the thermoplastic molding composition. The invention further relates to a molding, fiber, or foil made of the thermoplastic molding composition.