Abstract: A process for production of a plant-derived component-containing polycarbonate represented by the following formula (3): (wherein R1-R4 each independently represent a group selected from among hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl, and n is the number of repeating units), by melt polycondensation using as the starting materials a specified diol, having a total content of Na, Fe and Ca of no greater than 2 ppm and a purity analysis value of at least 99.7% by gas chromatography, and a specified carbonic acid diester, having a total content of Na, Fe and Ca of no greater than 2 ppm and a purity analysis value of at least 99.7% by gas chromatography.

Abstract: A carbon-based solid acid which has high activity and high thermal stability and is useful as an acid catalyst for various reactions such as hydration of olefins. The carbon-based solid acid for use as a catalyst is obtained by carbonization and sulfonation of an organic substance, which has a reduction rate of 10 mol % or less of acid content as measured by immersing the solid acid in hot water at 120° C. for 2 hours, is used as the acid catalyst. The organic substance to be used as the raw material for preparing the solid acid is preferably a saccharide having ?1-4 glycosidic bond (e.g. cellulose) or lignin. Amylose is also suitable as the raw material. Examples of the reaction for which the solid catalyst can be used include hydration of olefins, etherification of olefins, and acid/alcohol esterification.

Abstract: Disclosed are plasticizer compositions including cyclodextrin derivatives, a flexible PVC composition with suppression of the migration of a plasticizer containing the same, and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of the flexible PVC composition of the present invention includes steps of (S1) preparing cyclodextrin derivatives; (S2) mixing the cyclodextrin derivatives, PVC and a low molecular weight liquid plasticizer to form a plastisol; and (S3) heating the plastisol to form a solution and cooling the solution. The manufacturing method PVC-1 of the present invention may be useful to mass-produce flexible PVC with suppression of the migration of a plasticizer in a simple and economic manner without using solvents since the cyclodextrin derivatives are used as a compound that can suppress the migration of a plasticizer. The flexible PVC has an effect of reducing an amount of the migrated plasticizer without deterioration in its physical properties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of artificial polymers in the mimetization of enzymatic active sites and the carrying-out of catalysis using these artificial enzymes. Further, as used herein, an artificial enzyme refers more generally to a polymer-based scaffold for presenting specific chemically active atoms optimally for reactions, not just those that mimic natural enzymes. Various polymers can be used for this mimetization, including polyimides, polyurea, polyurethane, polyacrylic acid, and polylactic acid, as well as other polymers having properties and functionality that enable integration with natural and artificial amino acids, other molecules having nucleophilic and electrophilic groups (akin to the amine and carboxyl functionalities, respectively, of amino acids), as well as other molecules contributing unique chemical abilities not usually associated with the orthogonal functions inherent in most amino acids, i.e.

Abstract: A starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The starch-polyester graft copolymer can be solvent cast, melt cast and blown into clear transparent film particularly for use in single use disposable applications and can be biodegradable.

Abstract: A material which comprises a polyrotaxane and a polymer and is crosslinked by irradiation with light. In the material, which comprises a first polyrotaxane and a polymer, the first polyrotaxane comprises a first cyclic molecules, a first linear molecule with which the first cyclic molecules are clathrated in a splitted state, and first blocking groups disposed respectively at both ends of the first linear molecule so as to prevent the first cyclic molecules from being released from the first linear molecule. The first polyrotaxane combines with at least part of the polymer through the first cyclic molecules by photocrosslinking reaction.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate resin film which can suppress generation of color nonuniformity even after exposure to high temperature and high humidity when incorporated in a liquid crystal display element can be produced. The cellulose acylate resin film is heat-treated at a temperature of Tg?30° C. to Tg+20° C., Tg representing the glass transition temperature of the cellulose acylate resin, for 10 seconds to 600 seconds while conveying the cellulose acylate resin film at a tension of 2 N/cm2 to 120 N/cm2.

Abstract: Provided is a method for selective extraction of steroid compounds using entrapped ?-cyclodextrin polymers. Particularly, steroid hormones can be effectively selected from a biological sample by selectively extracting steroid compounds using entrapped ?-cyclodextrin polymers, prepared by adding epichlorohydrin to ?-cyclodextrin to prepare a polymer in a gel state, entrapping the polymer and pulverizing the products without using an additional device required in conventional solid-phase extraction.

Abstract: To provide a hydrophobic modified polyrotaxane soluble in an organic solvent, and a crosslinked polyrotaxane using this. A hydrophobic modified polyrotaxane has a cyclic molecule, a linear molecule including the cyclic molecule with piercing through the cyclic molecule, and blocking groups which are placed at both end terminals of the linear molecule to prevent the cyclic molecule from leaving from the linear molecule. The cyclic molecule is cyclodextrin, and each of all or a part of the hydroxyl groups in the cyclodextrin is modified with a hydrophobic modification group. A crosslinked polyrotaxane is formed by combining this hydrophobic modified polyrotaxane and a polymer through the cyclic molecule.

Abstract: An unstretched cellulose acylate film hardly breakable upon stretching can be produced by melt film forming and as a result, a highly oriented stretched cellulose acylate film can be obtained. Using an extruder with a screw compression ratio of 2.5 to 4.5 and an L/D of 20 to 50, a cellulose acylate resin is extruded into a sheet at an extrusion temperature of 190° C. to 240° C. from a die to a cooling drum, and solidified by cooling to prepare an unstretched cellulose acylate film 16, which is then stretched to produce a stretched cellulose acylate film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new (meth)acrylate compositions, their preparation and their use in ultraviolet light curable applications such as coatings, inks and adhesives.

Abstract: An aqueous binder composition is provided that includes a modified starch and a silane coupling agent, and optionally, a crosslinking agent. The starch from which the modified starch is derived is natural in origin, biorenewable, and is derived from plant sources. The modified starch has been chemically modified from its natural form and may have a degree of polymerization from about 20 to about 4000. Additionally, the modified starches have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. Advantageously, the modified starches are water dispersible and have excellent resistance to water after curing. In addition, the binder has a light color after being cured. The crosslinking agent may be any compound suitable for crosslinking the starch based compound. In exemplary embodiments, the silane coupling agent is an aminosilane. The environmentally friendly, biorenewable binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyrotaxane in a high yield and at a satisfactory cost without using a large excess of a pseudopolyrotaxane and/or without using a large excess of an activated reagent. The process for polyrotaxane production comprises: an inclusion step in which a carboxylated polyethylene glycol which is a polyethylene glycol carboxylated at each end is mixed with cyclodextrin molecules to obtain a pseudopolyrotaxane which comprises cyclodextrin molecules which include the carboxylated polyethylene glycol in their cavities as if the cyclodextrin molecules are spitted with the carboxylated polyethylene glycol; and a capping step in which the pseudopolyrotaxane is reacted with capping groups having —NH2 or —OH to obtain a polyrotaxane terminated at each end by a —CO—NH-(capping group) or —CO—O-(capping group).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a selectively-releasable adhesive includes a copolymer formed from a multifunctional alcohol and a multifunctional carboxylic acid, wherein the copolymer has been cured the equivalent of up to approximately 20 hours at 120° C. and 100 milliTorr.

Abstract: Materials and a method are provided whereby polymers with least 0.5 mole % of the pendant group or end group containing —Si(OR?)3 (where R? is H, an alkyl group, Na, K, or NH4) are used to control aluminosilicate scaling in an industrial process having an alkaline process stream such as a pulping mill process stream. When materials of the present invention are added to the alkaline process stream, they reduce and even completely prevent formation of aluminosilicate scale on equipment surfaces such as evaporator walls and heating surfaces. The present materials are effective at treatment concentrations that make them economically practical.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a polycarbonate containing a plant-derived component excellent in hue by using a plant-derived anhydrosugar alcohol represented by the following formula (1) or a composition thereof as a raw material: wherein R1 to R4 each independently represent a group selected from a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group and an aryl group.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel polyrotaxane having a main chain backbone essentially composed of —Si—O—, and a method for producing such a novel polyrotaxane. Also disclosed are a polyrotaxane having stretchability and/or viscoelasticity, while exhibiting oxygen permeability, heat resistance, chemical resistance, environmental resistance and/or durability, and a method for producing such a polyrotaxane. Further disclosed are a crosslinked polyrotaxane obtained by crosslinking the polyrotaxane with another polymer and/or polyrotaxane through a chemical bond, and a method for producing such a crosslinked polyrotaxane. Specifically disclosed is a polyrotaxane obtained by arranging blocking groups on both ends of a pseudopolyrotaxane, wherein a linear molecule passes through the open portion of a circular molecule in a skewering manner, for preventing elimination of the circular molecule from the linear molecule. In this polyrotaxane, the linear molecule has a main chain backbone essentially composed of —Si—O—.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a cyclic ester-modified glucan derivative wherein generation of homopolymers of the cyclic ester can be highly suppressed. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing a modified glucan derivative to which a cyclic ester is graft-polymerized, wherein a glucan derivative having a hydroxyl group and a cyclic ester are reacted in a solvent in the presence of a ring-opening polymerization catalyst. In this method, (1) the ring-opening polymerization catalyst is composed of a metal complex which does not initiate polymerization of the cyclic ester by itself; (2) the solvent is composed of an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent having a solubility in water at 20° C. of not more than 10% by weight; and (3) the ratio of the solvent is set at not less than 60 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the glucan derivative having a hydroxyl group.

Abstract: Provided are entrapped ?-cyclodextrin polymers and a method of preparing the same. Particularly, entrapped ?-cyclodextrin polymers are prepared by adding epichlorohydrin to ?-cyclodextrin to prepare a polymer in a gel state, entrapping the polymer by entrapment of metal ions on the surface of the polymer and pulverizing the entrapped polymer to prepare powders. According to the entrapped ?-cyclodextrin polymers, steroid hormones contained in a biological sample can be simply extracted without using an additional device required in conventional solid-phase extraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new hydrogel functionalized with a polymerizable moiety, the polymerized hydrogels, films and gels comprising the same and their use for cells, proteins, DNA or other molecules encapsulation, including use as biosensors or bioreactors.

Abstract: Rotary spinning processes, more particularly processes for making hydroxyl polymer-containing fibers using a rotary spinning die, hydroxyl polymer-containing fibers made by the processes and webs made with the hydroxyl polymer-containing fibers are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molded article of a resin containing poly-L-lactic acid, which is excellent in heat resistance and drop impact resistance. There is disclosed a molded article characterized in that said molded article is made from a resin composition obtained by compounding a functional filler into a resin made from a poly-L-lactic acid, the functional filler being yielded by a copolymerization of a compound having 2-4 hydroxyl groups with 1-100 molecules of D-lactic acid and a low-molecular-weight polymer selected from a group consisting of glycols, aliphatic polyesters and aromatic polyesters. The resin molded article according to the present invention exerts excellent drop impact resistance without sacrificing heat resistance.

Abstract: Dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials, methods for making dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials, and devices that include dual-functional nonfouling surfaces and materials. The dual-functional surfaces are nonfouling surfaces that resist non-specific protein adsorption and cell adhesion. The dual-functional surfaces and materials include covalently coupled biomolecules (e.g., target binding partners) that impart specific biological activity thereto. The surfaces and materials are useful in medical diagnostics, biomaterials and bioprocessing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery.

Abstract: A thiol-ene polymeric material is disclosed. The material is produced by the photopolymerization of reactants having thiol and olefin moieties. The material can incorporate encapsulated components, including cells. Additionally, the material can be derivatized by reacting the polymeric material with components such as proteins.

Abstract: Crosslinking systems suitable for use in a polymer melt composition wherein the polymer melt composition comprises a hydroxyl polymer; polymeric structures made from such polymer melt compositions; and processes/methods related thereto are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for improving outcomes in vascular interventional procedures. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for improving outcomes in vascular interventional procedures using an anti-no-reflow guide wire that attenuates the “no-reflow” phenomenon that is associated with negative outcomes.

Abstract: A production method of the present invention is a production method of an organic polymer containing two or more organic ring structures and a chain structure threading through the organic ring structures. This method includes a polymerization step of forming the organic polymer, in which the organic ring structures, which are restricted from moving, are disposed at each of a particular constitutional unit, by polymerizing at least one type of monomers each of which has no ionic functional group that releases a metal ion. The above at least one type of monomers include a monomer (M) containing the organic ring structure and a chain component threading through the organic ring structure.

Abstract: A foamed starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder in the presence of a blowing agent. The foams are biodegradable.

Abstract: A starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The starch-polyester graft copolymer can be solvent cast, melt cast and blown into clear transparent film particularly for use in single use disposable applications and can be biodegradable.

Abstract: A conjugate between an anti-thrombotic agent and bioabsorbable polymer is provided. Also, a method is provided for applying a coating comprising an anti-thrombotic agent and bioabsorbable polymer conjugate to at least some of an implantable device to prevent or reduce formation of thrombosis on the surface of the device. A first or sub-layer of the coating is prepared by mixing polymeric material and a biologically active agent with a solvent, thereby forming a homogeneous solution. A second or outer layer comprises an anti-thrombotic heparin-bioabsorbable polymer conjugate. This coating may be applied over inner drug-containing layers using, for example, dip coating or spray coating processes. After drying, the anti-thrombotic heparin bioabsorbable polymer conjugate remains in the outer layer of coating, allowing agent from the inner layer to elute there through. Also, the outmost layer prevents thrombosis, and can modulate release kinetics of agent(s) contained within inner layer(s) of the coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for purifying nucleic acid from a sample using mild conditions that do not affect the chemical integrity of the nucleic acid. The method comprises contacting the sample with an matrix entrapped chitosan solid phase which is able to bind the nucleic acids at a first pH, and then extracting the nucleic acid from the solid phase by using an elution solvent at a second pH.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate resin film which can suppress generation of color nonuniformity even after exposure to high temperature and high humidity when incorporated in a liquid crystal display element can be produced. The cellulose acylate resin film is heat-treated at a temperature of Tg?30° C. to Tg+20° C., Tg representing the glass transition temperature of the cellulose acylate resin, for 10 seconds to 600 seconds while conveying the cellulose acylate resin film at a tension of 2 N/cm2 to 120 N/cm2.

Abstract: A new starch-vegetable oil graft copolymer, wherein the vegetable oil has been reacted onto the starch backbone using thermal or free radical initiators has been produced in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The starch-vegetable oil graft copolymer can further be reinforced with biofiber in the presence of an optional modifier such as maleic anhydride by reactive extrusion processing to form composites suitable to be injection molded into biodegradable articles.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, since there are a film formation step for forming a film by cooling and solidifying a thermoplastic resin sheet by sandwiching it between a cooling roller and a press roller; and a drawing step for drawing the resultant film uniaxially or biaxially, it is possible to obtain a thermoplastic resin film for optical use having good thickness accuracy and optical characteristics uniform in the width and length directions.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and compositions for remodeling a peptide molecule, including the addition or deletion of one or more glycosyl groups to a peptide, and/or the addition of a modifying group to a peptide.

Abstract: The present invention is related to compositions and methods for producing a lithium battery with enhanced performance. In particular, the present invention is directed to increasing the solubility of a carboxymethyl cellulose-based binder in water. When the solubility of the carboxymethyl cellulose-based binder is improved, the electrode manufacturing process may be stabilized, and the dispersibility and adhesive force of the electrode may also be improved. As a result, a lithium battery with excellent characteristics may be manufactured. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to an environmentally-friendly manufacturing process for fabricating an anode whereby water is used as the slurry medium, and a lithium battery containing the anode.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyrotaxane in a high yield and at a satisfactory cost without using a large excess of a pseudopolyrotaxane and/or without using a large excess of an activated reagent. The process for polyrotaxane production comprises: an inclusion step in which a carboxylated polyethylene glycol which is a polyethylene glycol carboxylated at each end is mixed with cyclodextrin molecules to obtain a pseudopolyrotaxane which comprises cyclodextrin molecules which include the carboxylated polyethylene glycol in their cavities as if the cyclodextrin molecules are spitted with the carboxylated polyethylene glycol; and a capping step in which the pseudopolyrotaxane is reacted with capping groups having —NH2 or —OH to obtain a polyrotaxane terminated at each end by a —CO—NH-(capping group) or —CO—O-(capping group).

Abstract: A viscosifying agent for wellbore fluids is described including a polymer polymerized using at least two pre-polymers “A” and “B”, the polymer being capable of essentially fully degrading into soluble fragments after the initiation of a breaking process.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a coating material for a room temperature curable solvent-borne overcoating material having chipping resistance and not allowing occurrence of cracks, and a room temperature curable solvent-borne overcoating material using the same, the room temperature curable solvent-borne overcoating material being excellent in abrasion resistance and in performance such as weather resistance, contamination resistance and adhesion. [Solving Means] A coating material is formed of a lipophilic polyrotaxane including a cyclic molecule, a linear molecule piercing through the cyclic molecule to include it, and blocking groups disposed at both end terminals of the linear molecule to prevent departure of the cyclic molecule. In the lipophilic polyrotaxane, at least one of the linear molecule and the cyclic molecule has a hydrophobic modification group.

Abstract: Disclosed are glucoside alkyl urethanes composed of units of the formula: A(O—CO—NH—R)3 wherein A represents a glucosyl unit of a starch hydrolysate molecule, the starch hydrolysate having a Dextrose Equivalent (D.E.) ranging from 1 to 47, (O—CO—NH—R) represents an N-alkyl aminocarbonyloxy group replacing a hydroxyl group of the glucosyl unit A, and wherein R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl group containing from 3 to 22 carbon atoms, and s represents the number of alkyl carbamate groups per glucosyl unit which number is expressed as degree of substitution (DS) with said DS value ranging from about 0.01 to about 2.0 which are useful as surface-active agents. Also disclosed are a method for their manufacture and compositions containing one or more glucoside alkyl urethanes. The glucoside alkyl urethanes have good to excellent tensio-active properties in combination with good biodegrability and they are suitable as surfactants for use in household and industrial applications, e.g.

Abstract: Absorbable tissue dressing assemblies are formed from hydrophilic polymer sponge structures, such as chitosan.

Abstract: To provide an anti-fogging article having excellent anti-fogging performance and further having excellent durability, and an anti-fogging agent composition. An anti-fogging article comprising a substrate and a water-absorptive crosslinked resin layer formed on the surface of the substrate, wherein the water-absorptive crosslinked resin is a crosslinked resin with a saturated water absorption of at least 45 mg/cm3, or a water-absorptive crosslinked resin with a glass transition point of at least 50° C. as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter and further with a saturated water absorption of at least 45 mg/cm3.

Abstract: A polymer composition suitable for wood treatment or binding comprises a reaction product of at least a polyol and at least a crosslinking agent. The crosslinking agent has at least 2 carboxylic acid groups per molecule. A wood product comprising a wood substrate and a polymer composition as well as a wood treatment process are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for synthesis of relatively low molecular weight imprinted polymers using living polymerization, and their application in analytical chemistry, pharmacology, medicine and the food industry. Specifically the low-molecular weight polymers are synthesized by the polymerization of functional monomers in the presence of a template, such as a biological receptor, enzyme, nucleic acid, cell, virus, microorganism, tissue sample or drug using living initiator. The conditions of living polymerization ensure a relatively small size of synthesized molecules. Synthesized in this way molecules (dimers, oligomers, polymers, or their mixture) have a higher affinity to the template than the original monomers and can rebind it in vitro and/or in vivo.

Abstract: A novel modified thermoplastic starch is manufactured from a native starch using a polysaccharide produced by the fungus species Ophiostoma ulmi, by growing a culture in a yeast extract medium; adding the native starch; mixing, and harvesting the modified thermoplastic starch. The modified thermoplastic starch may be used in the manufacture of a biodegradable plastic which exhibits low water absorbency and high tensile strength. The plastic may be used to manufacture films or moulding products by casting, extrusion, injection, or compression techniques.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film is provided and includes a cellulose acylate as a polymer component. The cellulose acylate is a fatty acid ester of cellulose, obtained by substituting a hydroxyl group of cellulose with an acetyl group or an acyl group with 3 or more carbon atoms. The cellulose acylate film is a film stretched substantially by 10% or more in a casting direction or in a transversal direction to the casting direction, the film having a linear thermal expansion rate D(MD) in a casting direction (machine direction) and a linear thermal expansion rate D(TD) in a transversal direction to casting direction (i.e., perpendicular direction to casting direction) in a specified relationship. A polarizing plate utilizing such film and a liquid crystal display equipped with such polarizing plate are provided.

Abstract: Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) glycodendrimers can serve as multivalent inhibitors of selectin-mediated leukocyte recruitment regulating inflammatory response. Disclosed are compounds and methods relating to functionalized branched glycopolymers. In embodiments, the compounds are capable of modifying cell adhesion events and inflammatory conditions. In a particular embodiment, a multi-arm PEO polymer with sulfated lactose end groups can specifically inhibit interactions involving L-selectin. Also disclosed are methods of synthetic preparation and use.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (IIa): are provided where: X is a group capable of being cleaved from the ?-carbon atom to form an ion of formula (I?) C is a carbon atom bearing a single positive charge or a single negative charge; The invention further provides compounds of formula (IIb): where: X is a counter-ion to C. The compounds of formula (IIa) and (IIb) may form ions of formula (I?) by either cleaving the C—X bond between X and the ?-carbon atoms in the case of the compounds of formula (IIa) or dissociating X in the case of compounds of formula (IIb).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide processes for producing an antiaging agent, a vulcanization accelerator and a modified natural rubber, which are environmentally friendly and allow to make provision against a decrease of petroleum resources in the future. According to the present invention, glucose is used as carbon neutral resources and is converted into aniline or an aniline derivative by a microorganism. An antiaging agent, a vulcanization accelerator or a modified natural rubber is produced from thus obtained aniline or aniline derivative.

Abstract: Partially biodegradable hydrogel that changes its volume and shape in response to change in pH and/or temperature is prepared by UV irradiation of composition comprising dextran-maleic acid monoester and N-isopropylacrylamide.