Abstract: A process to produce polycarbamate comprising providing urea in liquid form; and adding the urea in liquid form to a polyol in a reduced gradient profile to form polycarbamate product is provided. Also provided are: (a) a reaction product of the process and (b) an apparatus for operating the process.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a production process of an ?-hydroxy acid having a sufficient quality as a polymer raw material, which process does not produce a large amount of waste as a byproduct and is economical. The present invention provides a production process of an ?-hydroxy acid having a step of adding a basic metal to an ?-hydroxy acid ammonium salt to yield an ?-hydroxy acid metal salt and a step of desalting the ?-hydroxy acid metal salt to yield the ?-hydroxy acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a polyester or copolymer containing ester functionalities. The process can comprise: providing an optionally substituted lactone having a ring size of from 6 to 40 carbon atoms; and subjecting said lactone to metal mediated ring-opening polymerization using as catalyst a compound according to general formula (I): wherein M can be Al, Cr, Mn and Co; X and X? are independently a heteroatom; Y and Y? can be, independently, selected from O, N, S, P, C, Si, and B; Z can be selected from hydrogen, borohydrides, aluminum hydrides, carbyls, silyls, hydroxide, alkoxides, aryloxides, carboxylates, carbonates, carbamates, amidos, thiolates, phosphides, and halides; L1 and L2 can be independently an organic ligand linking X and Y together and linking X? and Y? together, respectively; and L3 is an optional organic ligand linking Y and Y? together.

Abstract: The invention provides method for sequestering or trapping L-lactate in or near a tumor cell comprising contacting an isolated polymer of D-lactic acid (PDLA) or an equivalent, derivative or analog thereof with the tumor cell so that the PDLA binds L-lactate in or near the cell and thereby sequestering or trapping L-lactate in or near the tumor cells.

Abstract: The present application is directed at a microorganism of the genus Pseudomonas as deposited under DSM26198 with the Leibnitz Institute DSMZ. The present application is further directed at a process for the production of medium- and long-chain PHAs, comprising cultivating said microorganism in a culture medium comprising a carbon source and isolating the PHA from the microorganism. It has been observed that the microorganism allows for PHA production in high yield. In addition, the inventive microorganism possesses the valuable capability to efficiently incorporate unsaturated and/or aromatically modified fatty acids into the resulting PHAs. Accordingly, the inventive microorganism enables the production of chemically diverse PHAs, opening new fields of applications for these materials.

Abstract: The present application is directed at microorganisms of the genus Pseudomonas as deposited under DSM26199 (Pseudomonas sp. IPB-B26) and DSM26200 (Pseudomonas sp, N-128) with the Leibnitz Institute DSMZ. The present application is further directed at a process for the production of medium- and long-chain-length PHAs, comprising cultivating said microorganisms in a culture medium comprising a carbon source and isolating the PHA from the microorganisms. It has been observed that these microorganisms allow for efficient PHA production in high yields. In addition, the inventive microorganisms possess the valuable capability to incorporate unsaturated fatty acids into the resulting PHAs. The inventive microorganisms thus enable a later modification of the PHAs as well as cross-linking, thus opening new fields of applications for these materials.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a 4-hydroxybutyrate, gamma-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, 4-hydroxybutanal, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and/or putrescine pathway and being capable of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate, wherein the microbial organism comprises one or more genetic modifications. The invention additionally provides methods of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate, gamma-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, 4-hydroxybutanal, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and/or putrescine or related products using the microbial organisms.

Abstract: Polymers for photoresists and monomers for incorporation into those polymers are disclosed. The polymers comprise at least two components: an acid labile component and a photolytically stable and acid-stable component. The polymers may also contain a third, photoacid generator (PAG) component. The acid-labile component is based on the presence of a readily cleavable oxygen-carbon bond that usually occurs in a sterically hindered ether or ester.

Abstract: A piezoelectric polymer material comprising a helical chiral polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 1,000,000 and optical activity, the piezoelectric polymer material having: crystallinity as obtained by a DSC method of from 40% to 80%; a transmission haze with respect to visible light of 50% or less; and a product of the crystallinity and a standardized molecular orientation MORc, which is measured with a microwave transmission-type molecular orientation meter at a reference thickness of 50 ?m, of from 40 to 700.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method is provided for forming a micron, submicron and/or nanometer dimension polymeric fiber. The method includes providing a stationary deposit of a polymer. The method also includes contacting a surface of the polymer to impart sufficient force in order to decouple a portion of the polymer from the contact and to fling the portion of the polymer away from the contact and from the deposit of the polymer, thereby forming a micron, submicron and/or nano-meter dimension polymeric fiber.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polyester toner resin comprising gallic acid for use in manufacturing an emulsion aggregation (EA) toner for imaging devices.

Abstract: The methods of the present invention comprise the steps of: providing a feedstock stream comprising an epoxide and carbon monoxide; contacting the feedstock stream with a metal carbonyl in a first reaction zone to effect conversion of at least a portion of the provided epoxide to a beta lactone; directing the effluent from the first reaction zone to a second reaction zone where the beta lactone is subjected to conditions that convert it to a compound selected from the group consisting of: an alpha beta unsaturated acid, an alpha beta unsaturated ester, an alpha beta unsaturated amide, and an optionally substituted polypropiolactone polymer; and isolating a final product comprising the alpha-beta unsaturated carboxylic acid, the alpha-beta unsaturated ester, the alpha-beta unsaturated amide or the polypropiolactone.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices, systems and compositions for detecting nucleic acids in polymerase chain reaction assays, such as droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assays. The present disclosure provides methods, devices, systems and compositions for detecting nucleic acids in ddPCR assays using intercalating dyes. A dual surfactant system with at least one fluorosurfactant and at least one non-ionic non-fluorosurfactant may be employed for droplet generation and nucleic acid detection.

Abstract: Provided is a copolymer. The copolymer, when incorporated into a resist composition, can provide a satisfactory resist pattern with high sensitivity, high resolution, high etching resistance and a reduced amount of outgas.

Abstract: Provided are monodisperse synthetic dendrimer calibrants for mass spectrometry. The calibrants are distinguished by their relative ease and rapidity of synthesis, comparatively low cost, long shelf life, high purity, and amenability to batch synthesis as mixtures. The latter characteristic enables parallel preparation of higher molecular weight compounds displaying useful distributions of discrete molecular weights, thereby providing multi-point mass spectrometry calibration standards. Methods of making and using said calibrants are also provided.

Abstract: A direct polycondensation method for medical biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA). The invention uses commercialized creatinine (a type of biomaterial organic guanidine compounds—the arginine metabolite creatinine in human body) as the catalyst and industrial lactic acid (mass content 85-90%, aqueous solution) as the monomer to synthesize the PLA in terms of second polycondensation without solvent. Instead of tin catalysts having cytotoxicity, the catalyst used in the invention has high biocompatibility and biosafety. The synthesized PLA does not contain any metal and other toxic components; therefore, it can be used as the carrier for targeting drugs and controlled release drugs. The green catalyst and green processing method (no solvent applied and no toxic products produced) are used to synthesize the green biodegradable PLA with high biosafety. The molecular weight distribution for all synthesized products is narrow and the molecular weight is controllable within 1.5-3.0×104.

Abstract: Provided herein is a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a methanol metabolic pathway that can enhance the availability of reducing equivalents in the presence of methanol. Such reducing equivalents can be used to increase the product yield of organic compounds produced by the microbial organism, such as 3-hydroxyisobutyrate or MAA. Also provided herein are methods for using such an organism to produce 3-hydroxyisobutyrate or MAA.

Abstract: Polymer polyols having a solids content of greater than 40 wt. %, a total ethylene oxide content of up to 25 wt. %, and a viscosity at 25° C. of less than 15,000 centistokes are produced by reacting (1) a base polyol having active hydrogen atoms with an ethylene oxide content of from 15 to 40 wt. % that has been formed in the presence of a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst, (2) one or more unsaturated monomers, (3) at least one radical initiator, optionally (4) a preformed stabilizer and optionally (5) a chain transfer agent. These polymer polyols (PMPOs) are useful in the preparation of polyurethane foams and elastomers.

Abstract: Methods of controlled delivery of bioactive therapeutics are provided. Compositions comprising therapeutic implants are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to stable, low-viscosity polymer polyols and to a process for preparing these stable, low-viscosity polymer polyols. These polymer polyols comprise (a) a base polyol component that comprises a natural oil base polyol having a mean hydroxyl functionality of 1.7 to 5.0, a number average molecular weight of about 350 to about 725, and an OH number of 190 to 500.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing biological products or increasing production of such products through expression in a plant of a bacterial or plant glycolate catabolic cycle gene, such as glycolate dehydrogenease (GDH), glycolate oxidase (GO), or malate synthase (MS) in combination with a plant gene, such as farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS), squalene synthase (SQS), or PLAS. Also provided are plants, plants parts and compositions produced through methods of the present invention. The invention leads to two to five fold increase of end product yield.

Abstract: A process of purifying 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO) from a fermentation broth including separating solid materials, salts and water, and subjecting the resulting material to a two, three or four column distillation system, that can include a wiped film evaporator to produce a purified 1,4-butanediol.

Abstract: Compositions of P4HB with high purity have been developed. The compositions are prepared by washing P4HB biomass prior to solvent extraction, and precipitating P4HB from solution. The same solvent is preferably used to wash the P4HB biomass, and as a non-solvent to precipitate the polymer from a P4HB solvent solution. The highly pure P4HB compositions are suitable for preparing implants. The implants may be used for the repair of soft and hard tissues.

Abstract: A cement dispersant that includes a copolymer resulting from a reaction of components (A) to (C), where: (A) is an ester compound obtained by adding 0 to 10 moles of C2-4 alkylene oxide to 1 mole of at least one compound of Formula (1) RO-(AO)n-H (where R is a C1-12 alkyl group, A is a C2-4 alkylene group, and n is an integer of 0 to 7) and subjecting the resulting adduct to a reaction with an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, in which the compound of Formula (1) contains not more than 5% by mass of the constituent compounds having n of 3 or less relative to the total mass of the compound of Formula (1); (B) is an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid or a salt thereof; and (C) is another copolymerizable monomer, where appropriate, or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of ?,?-branched alkane carboxylic acids glycidyl esters with a define isomeric composition where the sum of the concentration of the blocked and of the highly branched isomers is at least 50%, preferably above 60% and most preferably above 75% on total composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, non-destructive and versatile method that enables layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly to be performed on virtually any substrate. A novel catechol-functionalized polymer which adsorbs to virtually all surfaces and can serve as a platform for LbL assembly in a surface-independent fashion is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a piezoelectric polymer material comprising a helical chiral polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 1,000,000 and optical activity, the piezoelectric polymer material having: crystallinity as obtained by a DSC method of from 20% to 80%; a transmission haze with respect to visible light of 50% or less; and a product of the crystallinity and a standardized molecular orientation MORc, which is measured with a microwave transmission-type molecular orientation meter at a reference thickness of 50 ?m, of from 40 to 700.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of polyether polyol resins (hydroxyfunctional oligo or poly ether) comprising a mixture of ?,?-branched alkane carboxylic glycidyl esters derived from butene oligomers characterized in that the sum of the concentration of the blocked and of the highly branched isomers is at least 50%, preferably above 60% and most preferably above 75% on total composition.

Abstract: Absorbable polyester fibers, braids, and surgical meshes with prolonged strength retention have been developed. These devices are preferably derived from biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate. These devices provide a wider range of in vivo strength retention properties than are currently available, and could offer additional benefits such as anti-adhesion properties, reduced risks of infection or other post-operative problems resulting from absorption and eventual elimination of the device, and competitive cost. The devices may also be particularly suitable for use in pediatric populations where their absorption should not hinder growth, and provide in all patient populations wound healing with long-term mechanical stability. The devices may additionally be combined with autologous, allogenic and/or xenogenic tissues to provide implants with improved mechanical, biological and handling properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of hydroxyl functional acrylic resins (acrylic polyols) comprising a mixture of ?,?-branched alkane carboxylic glycidyl esters derived from butene oligomers characterized in that the sum of the concentration of the blocked and of the highly branched isomers is at least 50%, preferably above 60% and most preferably above 75% on total composition.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of nanotechnology and biomimetics. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of modified ribosomes to produce biomimetic structures. These biomimetic structures, also known as directed element polymers, are not produced by traditional industrial means but instead are produced by living systems comprising modified ribosomes.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented laminate film including a core layer including a blend of crystalline polylactic acid polymer and a minority amount of polyolefin with a compatibilizing resin which is biaxially oriented such that a matte or opaque appearance is obtained. The laminate film may further have additional layers such as a heat sealable layer disposed on one side of the core layer including an amorphous polylactic acid resin and/or a polylactic acid resin-containing layer disposed on the side of the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer, a metal layer, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: To provide a thermoplastic liquid crystal polymer film capable of suppressing change in relative dielectric constant before and after heating, and a laminated and a circuit board using the same. In this film, a change ratio of a dielectric constant (?r2) of the film after heating to a dielectric constant (?r1) of the film before the heating satisfies the following formula (I) where the film is heated for 1 hour at a temperature in a range from a temperature being 30° C. lower than a melting point of the film to a temperature being 10° C. higher than the melting point, |?r2??r1|/?r1×100?5??(I) where ?r1 denotes the relative dielectric constant before the heating, ?r2 denotes the relative dielectric constant after the heating. These relative dielectric constants are measured at the same frequency in a range of 1 to 100 GHz.

Abstract: A color acceptor for chemical reaction with a dye precursor to form a visually recognizable color. The color acceptor is constructed of lactic acid monomers. Also disclosed is a heat-sensitive recording material with a substrate and a heat-sensitive recording layer, wherein the heat-sensitive recording layer contains at least one dye precursor and at least one color acceptor which react with one another in a color-forming manner when heat is applied, and wherein the color acceptor is constructed of lactic acid monomers.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented laminate film including a core layer including a blend of crystalline polylactic acid polymer and a minority amount of polyolefin with a compatibilizing resin which is biaxially oriented such that a matte or opaque appearance is obtained. The laminate film may further have additional layers such as a heat sealable layer disposed on one side of the core layer including an amorphous polylactic acid resin and/or a polylactic acid resin-containing layer disposed on the side of the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer, a metal layer, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of polyether polyol resins (hydroxyfunctional oligo or poly ether) comprising a mixture of ?,?-branched alkane carboxylic glycidyl esters derived from butene oligomers characterized in that the sum of the concentration of the blocked and of the highly branched isomers is maximum 55%, preferably below 40%, and most preferably below 30% weight on total composition.

Abstract: A polylactic acid has a terminal-modified structure represented by the following formula (1): wherein in the formula (1), R represents a residue of an organic phosphorus compound containing an epoxy group, and n represents an integer from 100 to 5000.

Abstract: Oxetane-containing compounds, and compositions of oxetane-containing compounds together with carboxylic acids, latent carboxylic acids, and/or compounds having carboxylic acid and latent carboxylic acid functionality are provided. The oxetane-containing compounds and compositions thereof are useful as adhesives, sealants and encapsulants, particularly for components, and in the assembly, of LED devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel bimetallic complexes and methods of using the same in the isoselective polymerization of epoxides. The invention also provides methods of kinetic resolution of epoxides. The invention further provides polyethers with high enantiomeric excess that are useful in applications ranging from consumer goods to materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyols and the preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to high sulfur content polymeric materials and composites, methods for making them, and devices using them such as electrochemical cells and optical elements. In one aspect, a polymeric composition comprising a copolymer of sulfur, at a level in the range of at least about 50 wt % of the copolymer, and one or more monomers each selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, epoxide monomers, and thiirane monomers, at a level in the range of about 0.1 wt % to about 50 wt % of the copolymer.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of lactic acid includes: a) providing an aqueous medium comprising magnesium lactate; b) adding to the aqueous medium a monovalent base to form an aqueous medium comprising a water soluble monovalent lactate salt and a solid magnesium base; c) separating the magnesium base from the aqueous medium; d) adjusting the concentration of the monovalent lactate salt in the aqueous medium, e) subjecting the aqueous medium to water-splitting electrodialysis, to produce a first solution comprising monovalent base and a second solution comprising lactic acid and monovalent lactate salt, the electrodialysis being carried out to a partial conversion of 40 to 98 mole %; f) separating the second solution into lactic acid and a solution comprising the monovalent lactate salt by vapour-liquid separation; g) recycling the solution of step f) comprising the monovalent lactate salt to step d).

Abstract: Elevated temperature electrospinning apparatus comprises a pump upstream of or containing a resistance heater, means to shield applied electrostatic field from the resistance heater, and a temperature modulator for modulating temperature in the spinning region.

Abstract: By subjecting an organic acid derived from a biomass resource to oxidation treatment using an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide, tert-butylhydroperoxide, ozone, sodium hypochlorite or sodium chlorite, colored impurities contained in the organic acid derived from a biomass resource can be removed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the preparation of acrylate, alkacrylate, allyl, and polycarbonate derivatives of hydroxy ketal esters, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a polylactic acid resin, including the step of subjecting a crystallized prepolymer, which is a prepolymer including a lactic acid unit as a main component, and has an optical purity (Ea) of 60 to 94%, a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000, and a crystal melting enthalpy (?Hma) of 4 to 50 J/g, to solid phase polymerization. According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a polylactic acid resin which is excellent in moldability upon melt processing and drawdown resistance upon melt processing, and is also excellent in hydrolysis resistance.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a medical grade biodegradable material, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), copolycondensation of lactic acid and glycolic acid catalyzed by biomass creatinine. The present invention uses commercialized creatinine (a type of biomaterial organic guanidine compounds—the arginine metabolite creatinine (CR) in human body) as the catalyst and industrial lactic acid (LA, mass content 85%, aqueous solution) and glycolic acid (GA, 95%) as the monomer to synthesize the high biosafety of medical poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) in terms of two steps polycondensation without solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorine-containing polymer comprising a structure represented by the following general formula (I), as well as the preparation process and use thereof. According to the technical solution of the invention, a novel fluorine-containing polymer with a larger molecular weight and an aromatic side group is obtained through a simple reaction, and it can be used as a non-ionic fluorine carbon surfactant, and especially, is applicable to the preparation of a pigment dispersion. Additionally, the invention further relates to a pigment dispersion and the preparation process thereof.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide a copolymer having a backbone, wherein the backbone comprises a) one or more units that comprise a group that will yield a biologically active agent upon hydrolysis of the backbone; and b) one or more units of formula (II): wherein y is 1 or more. Other embodiments of the invention provide a therapeutic method for treating a wound in an animal comprising administering to an animal in need of such therapy, an effective amount of a copolymer as described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing lactic acid polymers of highly crystallinity and molecular weight, the process comprising melt polymerization of a lactide to form prepolymers having active end groups followed by solid state polymerization. The polymerization is carried out in the presence of a catalyst complex comprising a lactide, an organic metal-oxo compound and a lactic acid oligomer. The residual lactide after the melt polymerization is removed by heating the reaction mixture in the temperature range of 98° C. to a temperature less than the melting point of the prepolymer. The metal to oligomer ratio in the catalyst complex is in the range of 0.1 to 10, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5, more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.5.