Abstract: The invention provides an anticancer agent adsorbing sheet body that exhibits a sufficient effect of adsorbing and retaining highly toxic chemical agents such as anticancer agents, and that further improves safety for health care professionals in medical environments.

Abstract: Method of reducing the arsenic concentration in an aqueous solution comprising undesired arsenic, which method comprises contacting the aqueous solution with a complex of Formula (I), (Formula (I)) wherein M1 and M2 are the same or different and are independently selected from V, Mn, Ga, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe or Zn; wherein a is 0, or 1, and b is 0, or 1, provided that a+b together must be at least 1; Q is a negatively charged counter ion; n is from 1 to 5; X1 is OH, O, SH or S; L1 is a group selected from —La1-C(O)NR—, —La2-C(O)OR—, —La3-NRC(O)—, La4-OC(O)—, La5-O— or La6-NRO—, wherein La1, La2, La3, La4, La5 and La6 are each C1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted, R is H or C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted; Linker is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain with from 1 to 10 repeating units, a C1-16 polyamine chain or a C1-16 alkyl chain; Z is a solid support; L2 to L7 are independently C1-3 alkyl, optionally substituted; and Het1 to Het4 are independently 5 to 14 membered heteroaryl group having at least one N atom and opt

Abstract: An adsorbent is provided to adsorb ruthenium from aqueous solution for recovery and/or reuse or removal of said ruthenium, and a method for purifying, for example, sea water and/or water containing sodium ions, magnesium ions, calcium ions, chlorine ions or other ions, polluted with a radioactive element, using said adsorbent. The ruthenium adsorbent includes manganese in the form of oxides thereof. The adsorbent can further include at least one additional transition metal element other than manganese, such as copper. The adsorbent soaked in water removes radioactive ruthenium or the like through adsorption, and thereby can purify, for example, sea water and/or water containing sodium ions, magnesium ions, calcium ions, chlorine ions or other ions.

Abstract: A method of storing gas comprises providing a recipient for receiving the gas and providing a porous gas storage material. The gas storage material comprises a cross-linked polymeric framework and a plurality of pores for gas sorption. The cross-linked polymeric framework comprises aromatic ring-containing monomeric units comprising at least two aromatic rings. The aromatic ring-containing monomeric units are linked by covalent cross-linking between aromatic rings to form a stable, rigid nanoporous material for storing the gas at pressures significantly greater than the atmospheric pressure, for example in excess of 100 bar. A possible application is the storage and transportation of compressed natural gas.

Abstract: Bio-based glacial acrylic acid, produced from hydroxypropionic acid, hydroxypropionic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof and having impurities of hydroxypropionic acid, hydroxypropionic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof, is polymerized to poly(acrylic acid) or superabsorbent polymer using the same processes as petroleum-derived glacial acrylic acid.

Abstract: A sol-gel sorbent or chromatography stationary phase is a particulate metal oxide gel containing polymeric segments uniformly distributed throughout the metal oxide gel. The metal oxide gel is an oxide from silicone or other metal oxide that can have one of the valence bonds attached to an organic group and the remainder occupied by oxygens that can be provided as an oxide or an alkoxide or aryl oxide of the polymeric segments. The particles are used for an SPE sorbent or as a packing for a reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), a normal phase high-performance liquid chromatography (NP-HPLC) column or a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cation-exchange chromatographic support, comprising a membrane matrix and a copolymer immobilized on the surface of the membrane matrix, wherein the copolymer comprises a (meth)acrylamide-based compound and/or a (meth)acrylate-based compound as monomer units, and the support has one or more species of cation-exchange groups including at least a weak cation-exchange group at a density higher than 30 mmol/L per volume of the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-absorbing polymer and to a process for preparation, including finishing the water-absorbing polymer, with 0.0001 to 3% by weight, of a peroxo compound, based on the acrylic acid, after the polymerization is treated, and to a process for producing a hydrogel polymer, to the product of the process and to use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel stationary phase support for liquid chromatographic chiral separations. The specific combination of the special underlying support material and certain classes of known chiral selectors according to the invention produces far superior chiral (enantiomeric) separations than those obtained on any conventionally known supports. These chiral (enantiomeric) separations are enhanced in terms of significantly higher efficiencies (theoretical plate numbers), higher resolutions (Rs), shorter retention times and either equivalent or slightly higher selectivities than those obtained on conventional supports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to superficially porous particles (SPPs), also called core-shell, porous shell or fused core particles, which are state-of-the-art support materials used in the production of HPLC columns. Hydrolytically stable, highly selective superficially porous particle (SPP) hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic (HILIC) stationary phases having higher efficiencies and shorter retention times than analogous stationary phases on fully porous particles (FPP) is provided.

Abstract: A water-absorbent carrier for moist heat sterilization can be used in a narrow space and does not have a risk of generating foreign matter. The water-absorbent carrier is obtained by embedding a water-absorbent substance in a synthetic resin. The water-absorbent carrier can be manufactured by impregnating the water-absorbent substance with a water-soluble substance, drying the water-absorbent substance, embedding the water-absorbent substance in a thermoplastic synthetic resin, and washing the water-absorbent substance to remove the water-soluble substance. Alternatively, the water-absorbent carrier can be manufactured by dispersing a water-insoluble synthetic resin in a dispersion medium, mixing the water-absorbent substance in the dispersion medium, pouring the mixture into a mold, and volatilizing the dispersion medium. A medical article to be sterilized includes the water-absorbent carrier packaged in a closed space.

Abstract: Self-supporting or supported porous carbon films, including nanoporous carbon films, are provided. The porous carbon films comprise an open network of interconnected pores. Methods for making porous carbon films are also provided. One synthesis method includes formation of a synthesis mixture comprising particles of an inorganic material, a carbon precursor material and water, forming a layer of the synthesis mixture on a substrate and heat treating the film to convert the carbon precursor to carbon.

Abstract: A low cost, a disposable diaper is provided that presents no difficulties in disposable diaper manufacture in humid climates, and that has a minimal amount of flowback, and rapid absorption time. A particulate water-absorbing agent is provided having as the principal component a poly (meth)acrylic acid (salt)-based water absorbing resin, wherein the water-absorbing agent has a particle size distribution of a weight average particle diameter of 300 to 500 ?m, a blocking ratio after moisture absorption when left for one hour at 25° C. and 90% relative humidity of 20% or less, a surface tension of 60 mN/m or more, and a gel capillary absorption (GCA) of 28.0 g/g or more.

Abstract: Composite materials including cellulose nanocrystals incorporated into a polymer aerogel scaffold, wherein the cellulose nanocrystals serve as a reinforcement agent to result in the formation of less dense aerogels, improve the tensile mechanical properties of aerogel films, and reduce aerogel shrinkage upon thermal exposure. After gelation, the gel is dried via a suitable method such as supercritical CO2 extraction, freeze drying or other method, to produce the CNC/polymer composite aerogel. Properties of the composite aerogel can be tailored via surface modification of the cellulose nanocrystals as well as through the backbone structure of the polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a granular super absorbent polymer, including particles (A) having an average diameter of 150 to 850 ?m, wherein the particles (A) includes particles (a1) having an average diameter of 500 to 850 ?m; and particles (a2) having an average diameter of 150 to 250 ?m, and the particles (a1 and a2) have a water-solubility index of 0.08 to 2.0 (represented by Equation 1), thereby it is possible to maintain a proper amount of extractables in a resin, and to exhibit excellent flow conductivity and water absorption ability in a case of being actually applied to products, without inducing any skin problem when, as well as a preparation method thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent core (28), for use in an absorbent article, comprising a core wrap (16, 16?) enclosing an absorbent material (60) comprising superabsorbent polymer particles. The core wrap comprises a top side (16) and a bottom side (16?), and the absorbent core comprises one or more area(s) (26) substantially free of absorbent material through which the top side of the core wrap is attached to the bottom side of the core wrap, so that when the absorbent material swells the core wrap forms one or more channel(s) (26?) along the area(s) (26) substantially free of absorbent material. The superabsorbent polymer particles have a time to reach an uptake of 20 g/g (T20) of less than 240 s as measured according to the K(t) test method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous manufacturing process for a rubber masterbatch and a rubber masterbatch prepared therefrom. The manufacturing process comprises the following steps: step 1): a filler is added to a rubber solution, forming a rubber/filler/solvent mixture by stirring; and step 2): the solvent is removed and the mixture is dried, resulting in a rubber/filler masterbatch. The present invention also relates to a masterbatch prepared by the above-mentioned process and a rubber article prepared using the masterbatch. Compared to the wet mixing technologies in the prior art, the present invention has no specific requirements of rubber and filler, with a wider scope of usage. In addition, the filler has a high dispersion in rubber compounds, the production process thereof is continuous, highly efficient, low in energy consumption and labour, and thus low in cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a water-absorbent resin, characterized in that a reverse-phase suspension polymerization of a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer is carried out in a hydrocarbon dispersion medium comprising a dispersion stabilizer while an azo-based compound and a peroxide are combined in the presence of an internal-crosslinking agent, in that the following formulae are satisfied, 0.10?B/(A+B)??(1), and 0.055?B+9×C?0.120??(2), wherein A mol, B mol and C mol represent used amounts of the azo-based compound, the peroxide and the internal-crosslinking agent, respectively, relative to 100 mol of the water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer used in the polymerization, and in that a post-crosslinking reaction is carried out by adding a post-crosslinking agent after the polymerization. The present invention also relates to a water-absorbent resin having specific performance and produced by the process.

Abstract: Disclosed are a surface-modified superabsorbent polymer and a method of preparing the same, wherein a superabsorbent polymer is surface-modified with the addition of a water-soluble salt having a multivalent cation and superhydrophobic microparticles, thereby improving attrition resistance, permeability and absorption speed without significantly deteriorating the other properties thereof.

Abstract: A method of preparing absorbent polymer granules is provided. The method of preparing fine particle granules according to the present disclosure may provide granules of which re-breaking is minimized due to a superior binding force between fine particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a superabsorbent polymer, including adding a superabsorbent polymer with a water dispersion solution containing particles having i) a BET specific surface area of 300 to 1500 m2/g and ii) a porosity of 50% or more, and a superabsorbent polymer prepared by the method.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage composition, a hydrogen storage container and a method for producing the hydrogen storage container are provided. The hydrogen storage composition includes a thermally-conductive material, a hydrogen storage material, and optionally an elastic material. The hydrogen storage container includes a canister body and the hydrogen storage composition. After the hydrogen storage composition is placed into a canister body, a vacuum environment within the canister body is created, and a first weight of the canister body is recorded. Then, hydrogen gas is activated and charged into the canister body, and a second weight of the canister body is recorded. Then, a hydrogen storage amount is calculated according to the first weight and the second weight. If the hydrogen storage amount reaches the predetermined value, the hydrogen storage container is produced.

Abstract: A multi-ply absorbent sheet includes a first absorbent ply of cellulosic sheet; a second absorbent ply of cellulosic sheet; and a ply bonding adhesive interposed between the first absorbent ply and the second absorbent ply, the ply-bonding adhesive thereby adhering said absorbent plies together. The ply-bonding adhesive comprises polyvinyl alcohol and nanofibrillated cellulose. In a particularly preferred embodiment the adhesive is applied as a dilute aqueous composition to tissue plies and the nanofibrillated cellulose has a Characteristic Breaking Length of 6.5 km or above.

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) adding particles having properties of the following i) and ii) to the hydrogel phase polymer, i) BET specific surface area of 300 m2/g to 1500 m2/g and ii) porosity of 50% or greater; c) chopping the particle-added hydrogel phase polymer; d) drying the hydrogel phase polymer; e) milling the dried hydrogel phase polymer; f) adding a surface crosslinking agent to the milled hydrogel phase polymer; and g) carrying out a surface crosslinking reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed are a surface-modified superabsorbent polymer and a method of preparing the same, wherein a superabsorbent polymer is surface-modified with the addition of a water-soluble salt having a multivalent cation and superhydrophobic microparticles, thereby improving attrition resistance, permeability and absorption speed without significantly deteriorating the other properties thereof.

Abstract: A fiber for protein adsorption has a water absorption percentage of 1 to 50%, and the fiber includes a polymer containing as repeat units an aromatic hydrocarbon or a derivative thereof, wherein part of aromatic rings contained in the repeat units are cross-linked through a structure represented by Formula (I). A column for protein adsorption uses the fibers. A in Formula (I) is selected from an alkyl aliphatic group, phenyl aromatic group and amino group.

Abstract: A method of preparing a superabsorbent polymer is provided. The method of preparing the superabsorbent polymer according to the present disclosure is able to provide the superabsorbent polymer having an improved absorption rate while having superior centrifuge retention capacity (CRC) and absorbency under pressure (AUP).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbent polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution comprising less than 0.3% by weight of persulfate and at least 0.05% by weight of azo initiator and thermal aftertreatment of the formed polymer particles at less than 100° C. in a fluidized bed for 60 to 300 minutes.

Abstract: Articles are provided for absorbing fluids. In embodiments, the articles of the present disclosure are modified to make them hydrophobic, thereby decreasing their affinity for water and similar liquids, while increasing their affinity for other hydrophobic materials, including oil. After use, the articles, in embodiments polyurethane sponges, may have their absorbed materials removed therefrom, and the articles may then be reused to absorb additional materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns polymer systems comprising at least one polymer with a plurality of pores where the polymer is initially functionalized on substantially all surfaces followed by a stepwise surface specific functionalization such that a different functional group resides on the external or internal pore surface of the bead. The invention also concerns use of such polymer systems in blood, blood product, or physiologic fluid purification.

Abstract: Soil adsorbing composites, and more particularly to soil adsorbing composites that exhibit improved (lower values) Backscattering Values as measured according to the Soil Flocculation and Settling Test Method described herein compared to non-soil adsorbing composites (such as particulate materials, for example silica and/or pulp fibers, that are not associated with a soil adsorbing polymer), soil adsorbing compositions containing same, processes for making same, and methods for using same.

Abstract: Hygroscopic particles including a crosslinked polymer containing 6.0 to 12.0 meq/g of carboxyl groups and 0.1 to 2.0 meq/g of sulfonic acid groups and/or sulfonate groups, 80% or more of the carboxyl groups being neutralized to a potassium salt.

Abstract: The deodorizing mask of the present invention has a main body part that includes a deodorizing fiber layer containing a composite fiber having a chemical adsorption type deodorizer bonded to the surface of a fiber with an adhesive composition. The chemical adsorption type deodorizer is a component having at least one type selected from copper and zinc elements. The adhesive composition includes at least one type selected from polyester, poly vinyl alcohol, cellulose, starch, poly acrylamide, poly alkylene oxide and poly vinyl pyrrolidone.

Abstract: To provide a method for producing a water-absorbing resin by which problems caused by addition of a particulate additive or water-absorbing resin fine powder can be prevented and a water-absorbing resin having high physical properties can be stably and efficiently obtained. A method for producing a polyacrylic acid (salt)-based water-absorbing resin, the method including: an aqueous monomer solution preparation step for preparing an aqueous solution containing a monomer having an acrylic acid (salt) as a main component; a polymerization step for polymerizing the monomer to obtain a hydrogel-forming crosslinked polymer; and a drying step for drying the hydrogel-forming crosslinked polymer to obtain a dry polymer, wherein the method further includes an adding step for adding a particulate additive to the aqueous monomer solution and/or the hydrogel-forming crosslinked polymer, and in the adding step, an oxygen concentration in an ambient atmosphere of the particulate additive is set to 5% by volume or less.

Abstract: Crosslinked polymer particles having a) a proportion of particles having a particle size of 150 to 300 ?m of at least 20% by weight, b) a free swell rate of the entirety of the polymer particles FSRoverall of at least 0.25 g/g·s, c) a difference ?FSR of at least 0.15, d) a centrifuge retention capacity CRC of at least 25.0 g/g, and e) a permeability of the swollen gel bed SFC of at least 90×10?7 cm3·s/g are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing polymer composites suitable for absorbing and storing aqueous liquids, to the polymer composites obtainable by this process, and to the use of the polymer composites. The process comprises free-radical polymerization of a monomer composition M comprising 50 to 100% by weight, based on the total amount of monomers A and B, of at least one monomer A having one ethylenic double bond and at least one neutralizable acid group, 0 to 50% by weight of optionally one or more comonomers B which are different than the monomers A and have one ethylenic double bond, and 1 to 10% by weight, based on the total amount of monomers A and B, of at least one crosslinker C.

Abstract: A multi-ply absorbent sheet includes a first absorbent ply of cellulosic sheet; a second absorbent ply of cellulosic sheet; and a ply bonding adhesive interposed between the first absorbent ply and the second absorbent ply, the ply-bonding adhesive thereby adhering said absorbent plies together. The ply-bonding adhesive comprises polyvinyl alcohol and nanofibrillated cellulose. In a particularly preferred embodiment the adhesive is applied as a dilute aqueous composition to tissue plies and the nanofibrillated cellulose has a Characteristic Breaking Length of 6.5 km or above.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of matter and a method of manufacturing that may be used to create animal litter that detects health conditions with feline animals. For example, feline urine detection may be performed by color generation when a feline animal urinates on the litter composition. The color generation properties of the litter may be used to indicate diabetic conditions, and urinary tract infections. The litter may be highly absorbent and efficient for waste removal purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbent polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution comprising less than 0.3% by weight of persulfate and at least 0.05% by weight of azo initiator and thermal aftertreatment of the formed polymer particles at less than 100° C. in a fluidized bed for 60 to 300 minutes.

Abstract: An oxygen-absorbing composition of the present invention contains: a gas barrier resin (A) having an oxygen transmission rate of 500 mL·20 ?m/(m2·day·atm) or less as measured at 20° C. and 65% RH; a thermoplastic resin (B) including repeating units represented by General Formula (I) below (where X is a methylene group or an oxygen atom, R1 is an alkenylene group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, and n is an integer of 5 to 5000); at least one type of metal salt (C) selected from the group consisting of an iron salt, a nickel salt, a copper salt, a manganese salt, and a cobalt salt; and a bifunctional processing stabilizer (D) that is a compound having an acrylate structure and a hindered phenol structure in a same molecule. The oxygen-absorbing resin composition of the present invention performs excellent oxygen-absorbing properties, and enables to reduce generation of an unpleasant odor caused by decomposition of the oxygen-absorbing composition during oxygen absorption.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a treatment agent for treating excrement and the like. The treatment agent is an aggregated treatment agent comprising slaked lime, a water absorptive polymer, a binder, and at least one member selected from the group consisting of a phosphoric acid salt, a carbonic acid salt and a hydroxide at pH 8 to 13.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer that has more improved gel strength and is improved in both water retention capacity (centrifuge retention capacity, CRC) and absorption ability under pressure (AUP) because of an optimized cross-linked structure of a base resin powder inside a cross-linked surface layer, and a preparation method thereof. The superabsorbent polymer includes a base resin powder including a 1st cross-linked polymer of a water-soluble ethylenic unsaturated monomer having acid groups of which at least a part is neutralized, and a cross-linked surface layer that includes a 2nd cross-linked polymer further cross-linked from the 1st cross-linked polymer and is formed on the base resin powder, wherein an inorganic particle is chemically bonded to the 1st cross-linked polymer by the medium of a cross-linking bond, an oxygen-containing bond (—O—), or a nitrogen-containing bond (—NR—, where R is hydrogen or a C1-C3 alkyl or an amide bond).

Abstract: Articles are provided for absorbing fluids. In embodiments, the articles of the present disclosure are modified to make them hydrophobic, thereby decreasing their affinity for water and similar liquids, while increasing their affinity for other hydrophobic materials, including oil. After use, the articles, in embodiments sponges, may have their absorbed materials removed therefrom, and the articles may then be re-used to absorb additional materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a super absorbent polymer. The method for preparing a super absorbent polymer according to the present invention can provide a super absorbent resin having fast absorption rate and high absorption properties under pressure by using the polycarboxylic acid-based copolymer under pulverization of the hydrous gel phase polymer.

Abstract: The method for making a carbonaceous sponge-like sorbent includes mixing a volume of carbon-rich fly ash with a binder. The carbon-rich fly ash may be air dried prior to mixing with the binder. For example, the volume of fly ash can be placed in a hopper and a binder can be added to the volume of fly ash by spraying or the like. The binder can be a polyvinyl acetate emulsion. The binder and the volume of fly ash can be mixed in the hopper by a mechanical stirrer or the like to form a carbonaceous mixture. A conveyer can transfer the carbonaceous mixture from the hopper to the press for pressing the carbonaceous mixture into a block of carbonaceous sponge-like sorbent. The produced block of carbonaceous sponge-like sorbent can then be transferred to a dryer for drying and curing the binder therein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a superabsorbent polymer resin incorporated with a particles meeting the following properties i) to ii): i) a BET specific surface area of 300 to 1500 m2/g, ii) a porosity of 50% or more, and a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a super absorbent polymer. The method for preparing a super absorbent polymer according to the present invention comprises the steps of: preparing a hydrogel polymer by carrying out a thermal polymerization or a photopolymerization of a monomer composition including a water-soluble ethylene-based unsaturated monomer and a polymerization initiator; drying the hydrogel polymer; pulverizing the dried polymer; mixing the pulverized polymer with a surface crosslinking agent and a polymer particle having a core-shell structure; and carrying out a surface crosslinking reaction. According to the present invention, the super absorbent polymer having improved permeability can be obtained by adding the polymer particle during surface crosslinking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a solid amine gas adsorption material. The method synthesizes a porous solid amine gas adsorption material that loads organic amine evenly. In the method, a certain amount of acidic gas is introduced while organic amine molecules are introduced into a silicate solution as template agents, which not only makes sizes of SiO2 pore channels homogeneous, but also makes organic amine molecules highly evenly distributed on a surface of SiO2. In addition, the acidic gas protects —NH2 groups of organic amine, and avoids —NH2 adhesion inactivation due to hydrogen bonding during the synthesis process of the material. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a solid amine gas adsorption material after obtaining a silicate solution from fly ash. The solid amine gas adsorption material prepared has more stable and effective gas adsorption performance.

Abstract: An absorbent film and a substrate having extremely simple production without having an adhesive layer that can generate volatile components. The absorbent laminate contains a substrate, which has an inorganic material or a low-thermal-contraction organic material, and an absorbent film on the surface of the substrate. The organic material of the substrate has a rate of thermal contraction in the direction of conveyance thereof when performing hot pressing by means of a heating roller under the conditions of 140° C., a roller pressure of 0.1 MPa, and a conveyance speed of 0.4 m/min of less than 0.6%. The absorbent film has an absorbent layer adhered to the surface of the substrate without an adhesive layer therebetween and containing less than 87 vol % and at least 25 vol % of a thermoplastic resin binder and over 13 vol % and no greater than 75 vol % of an inorganic absorption agent.

Abstract: Provided are a method for forming a high-definition metal pattern which including the steps of (1) forming a receiving layer on a substrate by coating the substrate with a resin composition including a urethane resin having a weight-average molecular weight of five thousand or more or a vinyl resin and a medium, (2) forming a plating-core pattern on the receiving layer by printing an ink including a particle that serves as a plating core on the receiving layer by reverse offset printing, and (3) depositing a metal on the plating-core pattern by electroless plating, a high-definition metal pattern formed by the above-described method, and an electronic component including the high-definition metal pattern.