Abstract: A two-part urethane adhesive composition that provides excellent initial adhesiveness and excellent long-term adhesiveness. An embodiment of the present invention is a two-part urethane adhesive composition including a main agent containing a urethane prepolymer having an isocyanate group, and a curing agent containing a compound (A) having two or more active hydrogen-containing groups per molecule, the compound (A) including a polyol compound (a1), the polyol compound (a1) having three active hydrogen-containing groups per molecule, having ethylene oxide at a terminal, having a number average molecular weight of greater than 1000 and 20000 or less, having a degree of unsaturation of 0.01 meq/g or less, and having molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 1.05 or less, and a molar ratio of a total amount of active hydrogen in the compound (A) with respect to an amount of the isocyanate group being 0.2 or greater and less than 0.8.

Abstract: A vinyl alcohol-based polymer according to one embodiment of the present invention has an integral value (e) of 0.8 to 20 in the case when a sum of the following integral value (a) to (e) is 100 in a 1H-NMR spectrum (a) integral value of peak confirmed at 5.70 to 5.96 ppm (b) integral value of peak confirmed at 5.97 to 6.63 ppm (c) integral value of peak confirmed at 6.64 to 7.55 ppm (d) integral value of peak confirmed at 7.56 to 7.81 ppm (e) integral value of peak confirmed at 7.82 to 8.04 ppm.

Abstract: In an absorbent article a three-dimensional opening hole mesh sheet, having a face which faces skin of a wearer of the absorbent article and a reverse or opposite side face within the absorbent article, is combined with an absorber which includes an air-laid pulp non-woven fabric. The mesh sheet has an array of mechanically embossed concave portions forming protrusions on the skin-facing face of the mesh sheet and recesses on the reverse or opposite face, i.e., the unexposed face inside the absorbent article.

Abstract: Cathode binder composition having excellent binding properties and oxidation resistance. Also, cathode slurry, cathode, and lithium ion secondary battery produced using the cathode binder composition. The cathode binder composition contains a graft copolymer in which a monomer containing acrylonitrile as the main component is grafted onto polyvinyl alcohol having an average degree of polymerization of 300 to 3000 and a degree of saponification of 70 to 100% by mol. The cathode slurry contains the cathode binder composition, a cathode active material, and a conductive auxiliary. The cathode is produced using the cathode slurry. The lithium ion secondary battery contains a cathode prepared in this manner.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a completely biocompatible and reabsorbable hydrogel, through the use of alkoxides of polymers and/or resins containing hydroxyl functions. The invention also relates to the hydrogel obtainable with the method and uses thereof. In particular, the invention relates to the use of the hydrogel for the preparation of an injectable filler for correcting and/or treating different types of tissue deficits.

Abstract: Cathode binder composition having excellent binding properties and oxidation resistance. Also, cathode slurry, cathode, and lithium ion secondary battery produced using the cathode binder composition. The cathode binder composition contains a graft copolymer in which a monomer containing acrylonitrile as the main component is grafted onto polyvinyl alcohol having an average degree of polymerization of 300 to 3000 and a degree of saponification of 70 to 100% by mol. The cathode slurry contains the cathode binder composition, a cathode active material, and a conductive auxiliary. The cathode is produced using the cathode slurry. The lithium ion secondary battery contains a cathode prepared in this manner.

Abstract: Acetoacetyl group-containing polyvinyl alcohol resin powder composition containing a C1 to C3 alcohol in an amount of 0.5 to 4 wt % is produced by allowing a powdery polyvinyl alcohol resin to react with diketene, washing the resulting acetoacetyl group-containing polyvinyl alcohol resin particles with the C1 to C3 alcohol to remove an unreacted portion of the diketene, and drying the intermediate acetoacetyl group-containing polyvinyl alcohol resin particles composition at a temperature of 40° C. to 120° C. at a pressure of not higher than 20 kPa after the washing. The acetoacetyl group-containing polyvinyl alcohol resin powder composition thus produced is highly soluble in water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a polymer based on N-vinyl lactam monomer units, which comprises a step (E) for controlled radical polymerization of a composition comprising: monomers containing (and most often consisting of) N-vinyl lactam monomers, either identical or different (and generally identical); an agent for controlling the radical polymerization, for example comprising a thiocarbonylthio group —S(C?S)—; and a radical polymerization initiator which is a redox system comprising a reducing agent (Red) and an oxidizing agent (Ox).

Abstract: Polymeric compositions obtainable by free-radical polymerization of at least two different alkyl (meth)acrylates in the presence of at least one ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer, the alkyl (meth)acrylates used being a mixture comprising alkyl (meth)acrylates having linear C12- to C60-alkyl radicals and different alkyl (meth)acrylates having linear C1- to C11-alkyl radicals and/or branched C4- to C60-alkyl radicals and/or cyclic C5- to C20-alkyl radicals. The use of such polymeric compositions as pour point depressants for crude oils, mineral oils or mineral oil products.

Abstract: A method includes providing a container, introducing a substance into the container, and introducing a readily dissolvable film into the container such that the dissolvable film overlies the substance within the container. An alternative method includes providing a container, providing a readily dissolvable film, the film comprising a substance carried by the film, and introducing the film into the container.

Abstract: Semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks are described. More specifically, the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks include at least two polymers that are closely associated. The first polymer is an ionic polymer that is not crosslinked. The second polymer is a cross-linked polymer that can be either another ionic polymer or a non-ionic polymer. Methods of making the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks, articles containing the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks, and methods of using the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks are also described. The semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks can function as ion exchange resins.

Abstract: A photosensitive compound represented by formula (1) or formula (2). (Chemical formula 1) (In formula (1) and formula (2), n is an integer of 1-3; R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms or an alkylene group having 2-6 carbon atoms formed from two R1 together; R2 is —NR3R4; R3 and R4 are each independently a linear or branched alkyl group or alkenyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkylene group having 2-6 carbon atoms formed by R3 and R4 together, or a linear or branched alkylene group or alkenylene group having 3-8 carbon atoms optionally containing an oxygen atom or nitrogen atom.

Abstract: A method for producing a solution containing at least an unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified vinyl alcohol polymer is characterized by reacting a vinyl alcohol polymer and an unsaturated carboxylic acid compound in the presence of an acid catalyst soluble in the reaction system or a solid acid catalyst, and a gas barrier film is obtained by using the same. An example thereof is a method for producing a solution (A) containing an unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified vinyl alcohol polymer (b), the method comprising following two steps of: (1) a reaction step in which the unsaturated carboxylic acid-modified vinyl alcohol polymer (b) is formed by reacting a vinyl alcohol polymer and an unsaturated carboxylic acid compound (a) in the presence of an acid catalyst soluble in the reaction system; and (2) an ion exchange step in which at least the acid catalyst of acidic compounds is removed by an anion exchange resin.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a 2-cyanoethyl group-containing organic compound having a high ratio of replacement by cyanoethyl groups and a high dielectric constant. More specifically, provided is a method for producing a 2-cyanoethyl group-containing organic compound comprising a step of reacting acrylonitrile with a hydroxyl group-containing organic compound in the presence of a quaternary ammonium salt as a catalyst through a Michael addition.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a new acetoacetic ester group-containing polyvinyl alcohol-based resin that contains less amount of water-insoluble matter and is excellent in transparency and viscosity stability when converted into an aqueous solution, and that realizes excellent water resistance by combined use of a crosslinking agent. The invention provides an acetoacetic ester group-containing polyvinyl alcohol-based resin containing a structural unit represented by the general formula (1): wherein at least one of R1 and R2 represents an acetoacetyl group, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 each independently represents an arbitrary substituent, and X represents a single bond or an arbitrary bonding chain.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polyvinyl copolymer in which one or more side-chain sulfonic acids are attached on the hydroxy group of polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl phenol and a preparation method thereof, a dopant including the same, a conductive polymer composite including the dopant with a conductive polymer and a preparation method thereof, wherein the electrical conductivity, dispersibility, solubility, heat-resistance and environment-resistance of the conductive polymer composite can be enhanced by using the dopant including the copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable, external surfactant free, cationic, water based jet ink polymer which when formulated into an ink jet ink results in a printing that has an excellent adhesion to metal or plastic substrates. Such a jet ink polymer is suitable performance replacement of solvent soluble polymers currently in commercial use. The hybridized copolymer comprises a hydrophobic functional polymeric backbone comprised of a polysiloxane polymer, a polyolefin polymer, or a functional polyvinyl polymer. The hybridized copolymer also comprises a plurality of copolymeric side chains attached to the backbone, comprising a polymerizable amine-containing unsaturated monomer, and a polymerizable unsaturated monomer. The use of the inks of the present invention enhances performance criteria such as print-head open time, ink stability, and resistance to typical water based cleaners.

Abstract: In one aspect, a binder for an electrode of a lithium rechargeable battery, which increases adhesion between the electrode and an active material by saving characteristics of two monomers by grafting an acryl group to a vinyl alcohol group, and an electrode for a rechargeable battery comprising the same are provided. The electrode can improve charge and discharge cycle life characteristics of the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: In one aspect, a binder for an electrode of a lithium rechargeable battery, which increases adhesion between the electrode and an active material by saving characteristics of two monomers by grafting an acryl group to a vinyl alcohol group, and an electrode for a rechargeable battery comprising the same are provided. The electrode can improve charge and discharge cycle life characteristics of the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: Providing a crosslinkable composition and a crosslinking agent is objected to, which are capable forming a crosslinked product that is superior in retort resistance, with suppressed bleeding out from the crosslinked product, and that has favorable interlayer adhesiveness when formed into a multilayered structure crosslinked product. The present invention provides a crosslinkable composition containing (A) a polymer having an SP value of no less than 9.5 (cal/cm3)1/2 and no greater than 16.5 (cal/cm3)1/2, and (B) a crosslinking agent having one or more polar groups that include an oxygen atom and a nitrogen atom not constituting an aromatic ring, and two or more polymerizable groups. The difference between the SP value of the polymer (A) and the SP value of the crosslinking agent (B) is preferably no greater than 2 (cal/cm3)1/2, and more preferably no greater than 1 (cal/cm3)1/2. A decomposition temperature of the crosslinking agent (B) is preferably no less than 240° C.

Abstract: A composition for treating or preventing inflammatory-related conditions includes as an active principle a carrier which exhibits a plurality of a scavenger structure capable of mitigating the activity of a mediator of inflammatory-related conditions. The scavenger structure includes a nucleophilic centre complying with the formula X1(—R?—)(—R?)mHnwhere: a) X1 is a single-bonded heteroatom selected amongst N, O and S and exhibits a free electron pair; b) m is 0 or 1 and n is 1 or 2; c) —R?— is a bivalent organic group providing attachment to the carrier via one of its free valences and to X1 at the other free valence; and d) R?— is a monovalent organic group attached to the X1 via its free valence. A method for treating or preventing inflammatory-related conditions in an individual suffering from such conditions includes: providing the composition; and contacting the mediator within or separate from the individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a polymeric substrate comprising at least one volume excluding polymer. In one embodiment, the present invention provides polymeric articles that are capable of acting as osmotic drivers. The articles are capable of maintaining a desired water balance by moving water in or out of a substrate to maintain cation concentration equilibrium between the substrate and its environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel resin composition useful as a coating agent or a binder for medicines, drugs for animals, agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, foods or the like, which contains a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer as a main component. More particularly, the present invention relates to a resin composition, characterized in that the composition is obtained by copolymerizing a polyvinyl alcohol having an average polymerization degree of 1300 or less, and at least one polymerizable vinyl monomer in a weight ratio of 6:4 to 9:1.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a novel alkyl-modified PVA capable of exerting superior thickening properties while maintaining high water solubility, and also capable of having high water resistance in a state being hardened without using an especial crosslinking agent. In addition, another object is to provide a composition, a thickener, a coating material for papers, a coated paper, an adhesive and a film containing the alkyl-modified PVA. Provided is an alkyl-modified vinyl alcohol polymer containing (a) a monomer unit represented by the following general formula (I): wherein, R1 represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 to 29 carbon atoms; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and has a viscosity average degree of polymerization of no less than 200 and no greater than 5,000, a degree of saponification of no less than 20 mol % and no greater than 99.99 mol %, and a content of the monomer unit (a) of no less than 0.

Abstract: Providing a crosslinkable composition and a crosslinking agent is objected to, which are capable forming a crosslinked product that is superior in retort resistance, with suppressed bleeding out from the crosslinked product, and that has favorable interlayer adhesiveness when formed into a multilayered structure crosslinked product. The present invention provides a crosslinkable composition containing (A) a polymer having an SP value of no less than 9.5 (cal/cm3)1/2 and no greater than 16.5 (cal/cm3)1/2, and (B) a crosslinking agent having one or more polar groups that include an oxygen atom and a nitrogen atom not constituting an aromatic ring, and two or more polymerizable groups. The difference between the SP value of the polymer (A) and the SP value of the crosslinking agent (B) is preferably no greater than 2 (cal/cm3)1/2, and more preferably no greater than 1 (cal/cm3)1/2. A decomposition temperature of the crosslinking agent (B) is preferably no less than 240° C.

Abstract: The flexographic printing plate precursor for laser engraving of the present invention includes, above a support, a crosslinked relief-forming layer formed by subjecting a resin composition containing a chain-polymerizable monomer (A), a crosslinking agent (B) that crosslinks in a step-growth reaction, and a crosslinkable polymer (C) having a crosslinkable group that reacts with the crosslinking agent (B) to chain polymerization and step-growth crosslinking reactions, the crosslinked relief-forming layer having a storage modulus E? (MPa) at a frequency of 100 Hz and 25° C. satisfying the relationship (a) below and having a maximum tensile elongation L (%) at break at 25° C. satisfying the relationship (b) below.

Abstract: A repellent composition including an aqueous continuous phase and a graft copolymer dispersed in the aqueous continuous phase. The graft copolymer has a water soluble polymer trunk having hydroxyl groups and a branch having a C6-perfluoroalkyl group bonded to the polymer trunk at a carbon atom substituted with the hydroxyl group. Also disclosed is a method of making the graft copolymer and a substrate treated with the repellent composition.

Abstract: The present invention is a compound for counteracting thiol- and amine-based malodors in consumer, industrial and textile products.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a 2-cyanoethyl group-containing organic compound having a high ratio of replacement by cyanoethyl groups and a high dielectric constant. More specifically, provided is a method for producing a 2-cyanoethyl group-containing organic compound comprising a step of reacting acrylonitrile with a hydroxyl group-containing organic compound in the presence of a quaternary ammonium salt as a catalyst through a Michael addition.

Abstract: Polymers useful as in non-enzymatic saccharification processes are provided. Provided are also methods for hydrolyzing cellulosic materials into monosaccharides and/or oligosaccharides using these polymeric acid catalysts.

Abstract: Membranes, methods of making membranes, and methods of separating gases using membranes are provided. The membranes can include at least one hydrophilic polymer, at least one cross-linking agent, at least one base, and at least one amino compound. The methods of separating gases using membranes can include contacting a gas stream containing at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl with one side of a nonporous and at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl selectively permeable membrane such that at least one of CO2, H2S, and HCl is selectively transported through the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel resin composition useful as a coating agent or a binder for medicines, drugs for animals, agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, foods or the like, which contains a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer as a main component. More particularly, the present invention relates to a resin composition, characterized in that the composition is obtained by copolymerizing a polyvinyl alcohol having an average polymerization degree of 1300 or less, and at least one polymerizable vinyl monomer in a weight ratio of 6:4 to 9:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible thermoplastic composition resistant to the ageing effects of oil, said composition comprising a grafted copolymer containing polyamide blocks and consisting of a polyolefin backbone and at least one polyamide graft. According to the invention, the grafts are attached to the core by the residues of an unsaturated monomer (X) having a function that can react with a polyamide comprising an amine end or a carboxylic acid end; the residues of the unsaturated monomer (X) are attached to the backbone by grafting or copolymerization from the double bond thereof; and the composition comprises between 40 to 90 wt % of the polyolefin core comprising the unsaturated monomer (X); between 5 to 40 wt % of polyamide grafts; and between 5 to 40% of at least one polymer selected from a saponified ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer and a polyamide.

Abstract: There are provided poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers and copolymers containing vinyl alcohol or vinyl acetate and derivatives thereof such as poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers or polyether-grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers. These polymers can contain various functional groups. Such polymers can be use as polymer matrix or solid support for various chemical substrates such as organic substrates and reagents. Cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers and copolymers are also provided. Methods for preparing such polymers as well as several of their uses are also included.

Abstract: An environmentally safe additive and vehicle system are provided for water-based and oil-based printing inks, paints, coatings and adhesives which can be rapidly transferred, dispersed, dispensed, spread, dried and cured. The low cost, stable additive and vehicle system enhance multiple color, high speed printing with sharp, highly defined images and superior quality, and can be used on many different types of substrates, such as paper, paperboard, cardboard, clay coated board, foil, plastic, glass, metal, wood and composites. The additive may be formed by the reaction product of a photoinitiator, such as an UV-activated polyelectrolyte, and a monomer, such as an acrylate or a methacrylate in an aqueous solution. In other embodiments, the additive is formed from a carboxylic acid or anhydride and alkylalkanolamine monomer or a dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate or methacrylate monomer in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided, which contain one or more polymeric regions. These polymeric regions, in turn, contain one or more polymers, at least one of which is a copolymer that includes the following: (a) one or more unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer species and (b) one or more heteroatom-containing monomer species.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel graft polymer that has excellent proton conductivity, is capable of regulating hydrogen permeability, methanol permeability, and the like, and can serve as a starting material for a polymer electrolyte membrane, which facilitates moisture balance control and efficient operation of a fuel cell. A polymer electrolyte membrane composed of such graft polymer is also provided. This graft polymer comprises a main chain comprising a hydroxyl group-containing polymer and a graft chain comprising a polymer containing a sulfonic acid group-containing monomer.

Abstract: A hydrophilizing agent that maintains a favorable wettability for dew condensation even after a long-term use; a hydrophilizing method; and an aluminum-containing metal material treated by the hydrophilizing method and having excellent wettability for dew condensation are provided. The hydrophilizing agent contains a modified polyvinyl alcohol obtained by graft polymerization of at least one type of N-vinyl lactam onto polyvinyl alcohol, thereby having a polymer and/or copolymer of the N-vinyl lactam in a side chain and a water-soluble cross-linking agent which can bind to a lactam moiety and/or a hydroxyl group of the modified polyvinyl alcohol. By applying and drying the hydrophilizing agent, a hydrophilic film having excellent wettability for dew condensation is formed.

Abstract: A composition includes a first cylcoolefin substituted with at least one epoxy group and an aromatic amine. The composition is capable of bonding to a filler having a corresponding binding site. The composition is compatible with a metathesis catalyst capable of catalyzing a ring-opening metathesis polymerization reaction when contacted with the first cycloolefin. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A composition includes a first cylcoolefin substituted with at least one epoxy group and an aromatic amine. The composition is capable of bonding to a filler having a corresponding binding site. The composition is compatible with a metathesis catalyst capable of catalyzing a ring-opening metathesis polymerization reaction when contacted with the first cycloolefin. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biomedical molding, in particular a contact lens, which is obtainable by crosslinking, in a mold, an aqueous solution of a crosslinkable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) prepolymer comprising at least 0.5 weight-%, based on the entire formulation, of a non-reactive PVA, wherein the number-average molecular weight of the non-reactive PVA is higher than that of the crosslinkable PVA. A contact lens of the invention has an improved wearing comfort.

Abstract: Provided is a (meth)acrylic resin emulsion comprising, as a dispersant, a vinyl alcohol polymer having a degree of saponification of from 80 to 95 mol % and a degree of polymerization of from 400 to 2000 and, as a dispersoid, a polymer comprising at least one type of monomer units selected from acrylate monomer units and methacrylate monomer units, which has a “factor a” of at least 0.3 that indicates the particle size distribution width of the emulsion and of which the film formed at 20° C. to have a thickness of 500 ?m has a tensile strength of at least 100 kg/cm2. The emulsion is excellent in all its film strength, film transparency and mechanical stability and further in its alkali resistance.

Abstract: There is provided a method of making a polymer solution comprising polymerizing one or more monomer in a solvent, wherein said monomer comprises one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomer that is a multi-functional Michael donor, and wherein said solvent comprises 40% or more by weight, based on the weight of said solvent, one or more multi-functional Michael donor.

Abstract: Battery separators are disclosed which include an ion selective polymeric film, composite film, or multi-layer containing an immobilized chelating agent.

Abstract: A shaped article including a modified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C), wherein the modified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C) is a product obtained by modifying an unmodified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) with an epoxy compound (B) having a double bond and has a degree of modification with the epoxy compound (B) of 0.1 to 10 mol % based on the monomer units of the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A), and at least a part of the modified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (C) is crosslinked, and the gel fraction of the shaped article is 3% by weight or more. Thereby, a shaped article which contains almost no harmful crosslinking agent and which is excellent in hot water resistance, heat resistance and a gas barrier property is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomaterial for cell or tissue culture, based on a polymeric carrier, which contains at least one crosslinkable hydrophilic polymer. The polymer is functionalized with groups that are selected from maleimide, vinylsulfonic, acrylate, alkyl halide, azirine, pyridyl, thionitrobenzene acid groups, or arylating groups. The invention relates further to a method of production of said biomaterial, and the use of particular functionalizing groups for the production of a biomaterial for the cultivation of tissue and/or cells. The biomaterial can have biofactors that exert a particular action on cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acrylic acid ester copolymer emulsion composition, and redispersible powders made therefrom. The acrylic acid ester copolymer emulsion composition comprises polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of saponification of 85 mol % or more, and an average degree of polymerization of 300 to 1400; hydrophilic ethylenic unsaturated monomers having a water solubility of 1% or more; hydrophobic ethylenic unsaturated monomers having a water solubility of less than 1%; and a lipophilic initiator. The acrylic acid ester copolymer composition according to the present invention has excellent polymerization stability, and improved water resistance, alkali resistance, and fluidity, and the redispersible powders prepared by a spray-dry of the acrylic acid ester copolymer composition have improved water redispersibility, and thus, can be used in various fields such as an additive to a hydraulic material, a powder paint, and an adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to water-soluble polymers reduced in molecular weight, a process for production of the same, and usage thereof.

Abstract: Silane-modified polyvinyl alcohols are obtained by treating vinyl alcohol polymers with one or more ethylenically unsaturated, silane-containing monomers at elevated temperature.

Abstract: PEG-IFN-? conjugates, where a PEG moiety is covalently bound to Cys17 of human IFN-?, are produced by a process of site specific PEGylation with a thiol reactive PEGylating agent. A pharmaceutical composition and a method for treating infections, tumors and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are also provided. The invention further relates to a method for the stepwise attachment of PEG moieties in series to a polypeptide, and more particularly to IFN-?.