Abstract: It is an object to improve sizing performance and anti-plate-soiling property in offset printing, for example, in a cationic surface sizing agent to be used for coating base paper of newsprint paper, and as a means for solving the object, a cationic surface sizing agent is produced by quaternizing a copolymer having a weight average molecular weight ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 obtained by polymerizing (a) 20 to 40% by weight of a monomer containing tertiary amino group; (b) 10 to 80% by weight of a C4 to C18 alkyl ester of (meth) acrylic acid; and (c) 0 to 70% by weight of a styrene or derivative thereof, using an azoic polymerization initiator in the presence of a chain transfer agent. In this manner, it is possible to improve sizing performance without reducing the hydrophobic level of copolymer and to suppress sensitization of printing plate such as PS plate by specifying the monomer composition ratio, using an azoic polymerization initiator, and specifying molecular weight of the copolymer.

Abstract: Upon producing a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber by wet spinning a polymer solution containing a meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide containing a m-phenylenediamine isophthalamide skeleton as a major component, and an amide solvent containing a salt, (1) the polymer solution is ejected into a coagulation bath containing an amide solvent and water and containing a salt at a low concentration to coagulate as a porous thread body (fibrous material), (2) which is subsequently stretched in a plastic stretching bath containing an aqueous solution of an amide solvent, (3) is rinsed with water and then subjected to a heat treatment in a saturated steam atmosphere, and (4) is then subjected to a dry heat treatment, so as to produce a novel meta-type wholly aromatic polyamide fiber that contains an extremely small amount of a solvent remaining in the fibers, contains a small amount of a volatile substance harmful in a heat treatment step at a high temperature, is capable of suppressing coloration of a fiber p

Abstract: The invention provides bioabsorbable elastomeric arterial support devices fabricated using elastomeric polymer networks and semi-interpenetrating networks in which a linear polymer is crosslinked by ester or alpha-amino-acid containing cross-linkers that polymerize upon exposure to active species. The invention devices are designed for implant into curved segments of artery and can be expanded during arterial implant and cross-linked in vivo in the expanded state to restore a clogged artery to extended function. The invention devices are useful for in vivo implant in diseased arteries and for delivery of a variety of therapeutic molecules in a time release fashion to surrounding tissues to reduce or eliminate arterial response to implant of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of the compounds of formula wherein Q is —OH; —OR7; —NH2; —NHR7; —NR7R8; or —N?R9; T is —COR5; —CN; or —SO2—(C6-C12)aryl; R1 is hydrogen; —OR7, —SR7; —NHR7; —NR7R8; C1-C22alkyl; C2-C12Alkenyl; C2-C12alkinyl; C3-C12cycloalkyl; C3-C12cycloalkenyl; C7-C12aralkyl; C1-C12heteroalkyl, C2-C11heteroaralkyl; C6-C10aryl; or C1-C9heteroaryl; R2 and R3 independently from each other are C1-C22alkyl; C2-C12alkenyl; C2-C12alkinyl; C3-C12cycloalkyl, C3-C12cycloalkenyl; C7-C12aralkyl; C1-C12heteroalkyl; C3-C12cycloheteroalkyl; C2-C11heteroaralkyl, C6-C10aryl; or C1-C9heteroaryl; R4 is cyano; COR7, COOR7; CONH2; CONHR7; CONR7R8; SO2(C6-C12)aryl, C2-C12alk-1-enyl; C3-C12cycloalk-1-enyl; C2-C12alk-1-inyl; C2-C12heteroalkyl, C3-C5heterocycloalkyl, C6-C10aryl; or C1-C9heteroaryl; R5 is —COR7; —COOR7; —OR7; —SR7, —NHR7, —NR7R8; C2-C12alkyl; C2-C12alkenyl; C2-C12alkinyl; C3-C12cycloalkyl; C3-C12cycloalkenyl; C7-C12aralkyl; C1-C12alkylphenyl; C1-C12alkoxy-C8-C10aryl; C1-C12heteroalkyl; C2-C11heteroaralkyl; C

Abstract: According to the present invention, there can be provided a structure preventing the nonspecific adsorption, and a target substance-detecting element and a target substance-detecting kit. A first aspect of the present invention is a structure including: a substrate; and a membrane, present on the surface of the substrate, having a polymer of a monomer represented by the following General Formula (1) or (2): (wherein R represents H or CH3; x represents an integer of 2 to 5, and y represents an integer of 1 to 7, with the proviso that x+y=an integer of 3 to 10), and (wherein R1=H or CH3, and R2 represents O or NH; a represents an integer of 2 to 5, and b represents an integer of 1 to 7, with the proviso that a+b=an integer of 3 to 10.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided which include (a) a substrate and (b) a coating that includes an antifouling copolymer, an adhesive copolymer, or both. Antifouling copolymers for use in conjunction with the present invention contain (i) at least one antifouling polymer block having multiple pendant alkoxy functional groups along the polymer backbone and (ii) at least one additional polymer block. Adhesive copolymers for use in conjunction with the present invention contain (i) at least one adhesive polymer block having multiple pendant ring-hydroxyl-substituted aromatic groups along the polymer backbone and (ii) at least one additional polymer block.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer comprises one kind of unit of —[OCH((CH2)x—SOC6H5R)CH2CO]— (n=1-7)??(1) (wherein R is any one of H, halogen, CN, NO2, COOR?, SO2R? (R? is any one of H, Na, K, CH3 and C2H5; R? is any one of OH, ONa, OK, halogen, OCH3 and OC2H5), CH3, C2H5, C3H7, (CH3)2—CH and (CH3)3—C) and —[OCH((CH2)x—SO2C6H5R)CH2CO]— (n=1-7)??(2) (wherein R is any one of H, halogen, CN, NO2, COO R?, SO2R? (R? is any one of H, Na, K, CH3 and C2H5; R? is any one of OH, ONa, OK, halogen, OCH3 and OC2H5), CH3, C2H5, C3H7, (CH3)2—CH and (CH3)3—C) and at least one unit of chemical formulae (3) to (6): —[OCH((CH2)m—Rz)CH2CO]— (n=1-8) ??(3) (wherein Rz comprises a residue having either a phenyl structure or a thienyl structure), —[OCH((CH2)k—C6H11Ra)CH2CO]— (n=1-8)??(4) (wherein Ra is any one of H, CN, NO2, halogen, CH3, C2H5, C3H7, CF3, C2F5 and C3F7) —[OCH((CH2)n—CH?CH2)CH2CO]— (n=1-8), and??(5) —[OCH((CH2)n—COORb)CH2CO]— (n=1-8)??(6) (wherein Rb is any one of H, Na and K).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a poly(carbonate-co-urea-co-ester) copolymer comprising incorporated urea compound, dihydroxy compound and diacid compound residues. Also disclosed herein is a poly(carbonate-co-urea) copolymer comprising incorporated urea compound and dihydroxy compound residues.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the polymerization of one or more methacrylate and/or methacrylic monomers, for the synthesis of methacrylate or methacrylic polymers or of exclusively methacrylic and/or methacrylate copolymers, comprising a step of bringing said monomer(s) into contact with one at least of the compounds of formula (I) and (II) below: in which: R1 and R2 may represent a phenyl group, R3 and R4 may together form an ?N-phenyl group, Z represents a group of formula —CR8R9R10, in which R8 and R9 may represent methyl groups and R10 may represent a —COO-phenyl group.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a saturated dicarboxylic acid, comprising the steps of (a) contacting a conjugated diene with carbon monoxide and water to obtain a mixture containing an ethylenically unsaturated acid product and one or more reversible adducts of the conjugated diene and the ethylenically unsaturated acid; and (b) reacting the ethylenically unsaturated acid product further with carbon monoxide and water to obtain the dicarboxylic acid, wherein step (a) and (b) are performed in the presence of a catalyst system including a source of palladium, a source of an anion and a bidentate phosphine ligand, and wherein in step (a) the water concentration is maintained at a range of from 0.001 to less than 3% by weight of water, calculated on the overall weight of the liquid reaction medium, and wherein in step (b) the water concentration is maintained at a range of from 3% to 50% by weight of water, calculated on the overall weight of the liquid reaction medium.

Abstract: The present invention refers to segment copolymers comprising segments “A” having polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) structure and segments “B” having a polyester 5 structure and the process for their preparation and their use.

Abstract: Process for preparing ultrafine powders based on polyamides by contacting polyamides having a relative solution viscosity ?rel in the range from 1.5 to 2.0, measured in 0.5% m-cresol solution at 25° C., with an alcoholic medium in the presence of inorganic particles under the action of pressure and/or temperature to generate an at least partial solution, and then precipitating the polyamide from the at least partial solution, characterized in that a suspension of the inorganic particles suspended in the alcoholic medium is used. The resulting ultrafine polyamide powders have a specific BET surface area in the range of 5-100 m2/g; a fineness d50 of less than 70 ?m; an apparent density AD in the range from 250 to 1000 g/l; and a particle content of 0.1 to 80% by weight of inorganic particles based on the total weight of the polyamide powder. They are equally suitable for coatings and for mouldings and components with improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: Acrylic polymers comprising a non-primary hydroxyl functional monomer and low Tg alkyl acrylate monomers are useful in adhesive compositions that find use in skin contact applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming compounds of Formula HO—C(?O)R1—X—R2—X—R1—C(?O)—O—H wherein compound (I) can be polymerized to provide a polymer that contains therapeutically active compounds. In the compounds of the invention, each R1 is group that will provide the therapeutically active compound upon hydrolysis of the polymer; each X is independently an ester linkage or an amide linkage; and R2 is a linking group.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elastomeric fluoropolymer excellent in productivity and crosslinkability and a method of producing the same. The present invention is an elastomeric fluoropolymer having a vinyl group-containing fluorinated emulsifier-derived unit (A) and a unit (B) derived from a cure site monomer (b1) and/or bromine atom- and/or iodine atom-containing saturated aliphatic compound (b2), wherein the vinyl group-containing fluorinated emulsifier is a compound having a radical polymerizable unsaturated bond and a hydrophilic group within the molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel mono-, oligo- and polymeric compounds comprising thienothiazole groups, to their use as semiconductors or charge transport materials, in optical, electro-optical or electronic devices, and to optical, electro-optical or electronic devices comprising the novel compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of fluorescent polymers for the treatment of human hair, especially for the improvement of hair gloss or the brilliance of human hair or for hair diagnosis as well as corresponding hair treatment agents. The invention also relates to new fluorescent polymers as well as radically polymerizable fluorescent dyes for their preparation, especially those based on vinyl-substituted naphthalene bislactams and vinyl-substituted perylene hexacarboxylic acid trisimides.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a copolymer comprising at least three types of monomeric units, said three types of monomeric units comprising: a temperature-sensitive unit, a hydrophilic unit, and a hydrophobic unit comprising at least one pH-sensitive moiety; wherein said hydrophobic monomeric unit is derived from a copolymerisable unsaturated fatty acid.

Abstract: 3,4-Diaminopyridine derivatives corresponding to a specified formula are produced by (a) reacting 3,4-diaminopyridine with a 1,2-dicarbonyl compound to form a diimine; (b) reducing the diimine to a diamine; and (c) replacing at least a hydrogen atom on nitrogen at position 4 of the pyridine ring. These compounds are useful as catalysts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supramolecular polymer containing units which are linked by hydrogen bonds, said units being monomers of prepolymers comprising at least one functional group selected from the functional groups (1) and (3) and a second functional group (5) wherein A denotes oxygen, sulphur or NH and X is any unit; the hydrogen bonds in the supramolecular polymer being formed between two identical or different functional groups chosen from the functional groups (1) to (5). The inventive polymers can be used alone, i.e. in the form of a composition which is essentially made from said polymers and, optionally, stabilizers, antioxidants, etc. or in the form of a mixture with other polymers or other products.

Abstract: Amino-containing materials can be attached to polymeric materials having a pendant amine capture group that includes a fluoroalkoxycarbonyl group. An amino-containing material can react with the pendant amine capture group by a nucleophilic substitution reaction. The product of the reaction is an alcohol and a pendant group that contains a carbonylimino group. The reaction results in the connection of the amino-containing material to the polymeric material. The polymeric materials are often disposed on a surface of a substrate and the connection of the amino-containing material to the polymeric material results in the immobilization of the amino-containing material on the substrate.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion comprising a polyurethane synthesized from a) organic diisocyanates b) dihydroxy compounds having a molar weight of 500 to 5000 g/mol and comprising no ionic group or group that can be converted to an ionic group c) mono- to trihydric alcohols additionally comprising an ionic group d) if appropriate, further compounds other than a) to c), wherein the polyurethane comprises less than 0.6% by weight of urea groups (calculated with a molar weight of 56 g/mol), the ionic group of c) has been at least partly neutralized with an alkali metal cation, and the reaction of compounds a), b), c), and d) does not take place in the presence of a catalyst containing a metal-carbon bond.

Abstract: This invention provides an image recording material, comprising: on a support, a protective layer that contains a crosslinked polymer formed of a polymer (a) having at least one kind of ionically crosslinkable functional group, and a low molecular weight compound (b) having at least one kind of ionically crosslinkable functional group, on an image recording layer, the image recording layer containing a compound (A), having at least one kind of ethylenically unsaturated bond, and a polymerization initiator (B).

Abstract: A method of forming an article including a substrate and a cured film formed from a coil coating composition on the substrate is provided. The coil coating composition comprises a precursor to the coil coating composition and a matting agent comprising an amide-based polymer. The coil coating composition is applied to the substrate and cured to form a cured film having a first region having a first film thickness and a first gloss. The substrate is deformed to establish a second region of the cured film having a second film thickness that is less than the first film thickness and a second gloss. A coil coating system including the substrate and the cured film disposed on the substrate is also provided. The matting agent stabilizes gloss of the cured film, minimizing a difference between the first gloss and the second gloss of the cured film on a deformed substrate.

Abstract: A polyamide having from 25 to 90 mol % of a repeating unit of the following formula (1) and having from 10 to 75 mol % of a repeating unit of the following formula (2): formula (1) formula (2) wherein the ring and the ring are a monocyclic or polycyclic ring; R1 and R2 each are H or a substituent; R3 and R4 each are a substituent; p and q each are from 0 to 4; and L is 2,6-naphthylene, 3,3?-biphenylene or paraphenylene. The polyamide has good heat resistance and excellent optical and mechanical properties.

Abstract: The invention under consideration concerns novel high-molecular-weight polyazoles, which are suitable for the production of fibers, films, membranes, and molded articles, on the basis of their high molecular weight, expressed as intrinsic viscosity, of at least 1.3 dl/g. Moreover, the invention under consideration describes a method for the production of high-molecular-weight polyazoles.

Abstract: Sulfonated polymers are made by the direct polymerization of a sulfonated monomer to form the sulfonated polymers. The types of sulfonated polymers may include polysulfones or polyimides. The sulfonated polymers can be formed into membranes that may be used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells or as ion exchange membranes. The membranes formed from the sulfonated polymers exhibit improved properties over that of Nafion®. A heteropoly acid may be added to the sulfonated polymer to form a nanocomposite membrane in which the heteropoly acid is highly dispersed. The addition of a heteropoly acid to the sulfonated polymer increases the thermal stability of the membrane, enhances the conductivity above 100° C., and reduces the water uptake of the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polyhydroxyalkanoate, containing in a polymer molecule thereof a monomer unit represented by the following general formula (1): (wherein R1 represents a substituent to a cyclohexyl group, where R1 is a H atom, a CN group, a NO2 group, a halogen atom, a CH3 group, a C2H5 group, a C3H7 group, a CF3 group, a C2F5 group, or a C3F7 group; and if there are two or more monomer units, R1 may be different from every monomer unit), and a binder resin using the polyhydroxyalkanoate. The binder resin is biodegradable, so that the binder resin is more responsible for the conservation of natural environment or the like. Also, the binder resin facilitates deinking in the deinking process using an alkali, so that the binder resin accelerates recycling of used copying paper. Furthermore, the binder resin satisfies the desired characteristics of a toner for developing an electrostatic charge image.

Abstract: An acrylic composition, or star acrylic polymer, includes the reaction product of an initiator, a first compound, and a highly-branched, polyfunctional core molecule. The initiator has a radical-forming portion and a functional group. The first compound, which includes a vinyl functional group, is reactive with the initiator to form a functionalized intermediate. The core molecule is reactive with the functionalized intermediate to form the acrylic composition. A method of forming the acrylic composition via free-radical polymerization includes the steps of reacting the initiator and the first compound to form the functionalized intermediate, and reacting the core molecule with the functionalized intermediate to form the acrylic composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to maleamic acid derivatives of water soluble polymers, to chemically stable water-soluble polymer succinamic acid-active agent conjugates, and to methods for reproducibly preparing, characterizing and using such polymer reagents and their conjugates.

Abstract: An agent and method for treating biodegradable synthetic yarns fabricated from a polymer comprising lactic acid as a main component, which enable improved lubricity, cohesion, etc. to be so imparted to the biodegradable synthetic yarns that the yarns can be prevented from fuzzing and breaking at every step from spinning to down-stream step, especially at a false twisting step and improved in terms of bulkiness, providing yarns having improved mechanical properties in a stable manner. The agent of the invention comprises 0.1 to 30 weight % of a specific functional agent, and a lubricant and a surfactant in the total amount of 70 weight % or greater, and has a friction coefficient in the range of 0.04 to 0.35.

Abstract: Provided is a poly(amino ester) having a polymer backbone comprising at least one secondary amine linkage and at least one tertiary amine linkage in the polymer backbone. Poly(amino ester)s are prepared via the Michael addition of a bis(acrylate ester)monomer to a diamine monomer, wherein the diamine monomer has one primary amino group and one secondary amino group, and can be end-capped by reaction with a suitable reagent. The inventive poly(amino ester)s may be used as vectors for delivery of a bioactive agent, such as DNA, to a cell.

Abstract: A composition comprises a condensation product of an amine-reactive fluorinated polyether and a polyamine. The compositions may be in dispersed in water.

Abstract: A dielectric for aluminum and copper metalizations is stable at high temperatures. Surprisingly, in spite of the elimination of water during the cyclization, the polymeric dielectrics are very suitable for filling narrow trenches. The filled trenches exhibit no defects and bubbles or cracks. The polybenzoxazoles have dielectric constants of k?2.7 and are suitable as an electrical insulator. Furthermore, these materials adhere very well on all surfaces relevant for micro-electronics.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polymer electrolyte having improved hot water resistance and radical resistance, a proton conductive membrane comprising the polymer electrolyte, and a membrane-electrode assembly including the proton conductive membrane. The polymer electrolyte comprises at least one polymer selected from polyether, polyketone, polyetherketone, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyimide, polyetherimide, polybenzimidazole, polybenzothiazole, polybenzoxazole and the like. The polymer comprises a repeating structural unit with either or both of an aromatic ring and a heterocyclic ring, and a repeating structural unit represented by the formula (1): wherein X is a single bond, an electron-withdrawing group or an electron-donating group; R is a single bond, —(CH2)q— or —(CF2)q— where q ranges from 1 to 10; m is from 0 to 10; k is from 0 to 5; l is from 0 to 4; and k+1?1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biaxially oriented film of a polylactic acid resin that is suitable for films for bags and packaging films for various windows, particularly films for outlook window envelopes. The film is biodegradable and, as films for outlook window envelopes, is superior in the coating adaptability for an antistatic agent, a lubricant and an antiblocking agent or the like and in the high-speed cutting property. The present invention discloses a biaxially oriented film of a polylactic acid resin comprising not less than 50% by weight of a polylactic acid resin, which has a storage modulus E?at 80° C. within the range from 10 MPa to 3,000 MPa, as determined by the test method for temperature dependency of dynamic viscoelasticity, in accordance with JIS K7198 (method A); a heat shrinkage of not higher than 10%, upon heating at 80° C. for 10 seconds; and a tear strength in the width direction (TD direction) of the film of 10 to 200 mN, as determined in accordance with JIS K7128 (method B).

Abstract: Biodegradable chelating agents comprising a substituted iminodisuccinic acid having six coordination sites and a simple method for making same are disclosed. The method calls for mixing together an acid anhydride or lactone with a polyfunctional amine to obtain an amide which is further reacted with an amine. The chelating agents are particularly useful for agricultural applications such as fertilizers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of hydroxy-functionalized amide acetals from bis-(beta hydroxy)amines and hydroxyl containing moieties.

Abstract: The present invention includes photocurable, liquid polymers incorporating coumarin ester endgroups into their molecular structure, which polymers are crosslinked upon irradiation with ultraviolet light by photochemically allowed [2+2] cycloaddition reactions among the chain ends, and which crosslinked polymers are useful in the preparation of medical devices, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems and, in particular, in vivo preparation of implants in an open surgical procedure or laproscopically.

Abstract: A crosslinking agent that is an ungelled reaction product of (a) an aminoplast resin and (b) a carboxylic acid-containing compound wherein the crosslinking agent is essentially free of reactive carboxylic acid groups and has a glass transition temperature of at least 10° C. is disclosed. Methods for preparing crosslinking agents are also disclosed. Further provided is a curable powder coating composition including a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 30° C. containing reactive functional groups and the present crosslinking agent; a multilayer composite coating composition and substrates coated therewith are also disclosed.

Abstract: Poly-o-hydroxyamides include binaphthyl substituents as repeating units. The poly-o-hydroxyamides can be cyclized to give the polybenzoxazole by heating. Pore formation occurs, so that a dielectric having a very low dielectric constant k of less than 2.5 is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention includes photocurable, liquid polymers incorporating coumarin ester endgroups into their molecular structure, which polymers are crosslinked upon irradiation with ultraviolet light by photochemically allowed [2+2] cycloaddition reactions among the chain ends, and which crosslinked polymers are useful in the preparation of medical devices, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems and, in particular, in vivo preparation of implants in an open surgical procedure or laproscopically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for preparing polyalkenylsuccinimides having a sediment level less than 0.1 vol % comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a polyalkenyl derivative of an unsaturated acidic reagent by (i) reacting a polyalkylene with an unsaturated acidic reagent in the absence of a strong acid until at least 25% of the polyalkylene is converted to a polyalkenyl derivative of an unsaturated acidic reagent; (ii) continuing the reaction with an excess of the unsaturated acidic reagent in the presence of a strong acid to convert at least some of the unreacted polyalkylene to additional polyalkenyl derivative of an unsaturated acidic reagent; and (iii) removing the unreacted unsaturated acidic reagent; (b) reacting the unfiltered product of step (a) with a polyamine having at least one basic nitrogen atom; (c) diluting the product of step (b); and (d) subsequently filtering the polyalkenylsuccinimide product.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of synthesis of copoly(succinimide-aspartate), copolymers and derivatives thereof, prepared in a thermal or supercritical fluid method. Also disclosed are methods of isolating, compounding, stabilizing and processing the copoly(succinimide-aspartate), and its derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process for producing lactide-based polymers and the polymers produced by this process. The polymers of the present invention are terpolymers formed by the copolymerization of a lactide monomer, a linking monomer and an epoxy-terminated monomer. In one embodiment of the invention, the polymers may be formed from fluorine-containing monomers or aromatic ring-containing monomers. The disclosed materials may display improved hydrolytic and thermal characteristics as compared to previously known lactide-based materials. For example, the lactide based terpolymers may have a glass transition temperature over 60° C. For instance, lactide-based thermoplastic terpolymers of the present invention can have a glass transition temperatures of about 80° C. or higher. Lactide-based thermoset networks of the invention can have glass transition temperatures of up to about 200° C.

Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.

Abstract: Polyacetals comprising a recurring units represented by a formula selected from the group consisting of formula (I) and (II): wherein A comprises at least one acetal group; B is selected from the group consisting of —CH—, —CH(CH3)—, CH2CH—, —CH2C(CH3)—, —CH(CH3)CH—, and —CHCH(CH3)CH(CH3)—; Z is selected from the group consisting of C(O)OR1, C(O)SR1, C(O)NR1R2, and VU; V is a linker group; U is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethyleneimine), poly(propyleneimine), poly(lysine), PAMAM dendrimer, octaamine dendrimer, hexadecaamine dendrimer, enhancer, and targeting receptor; R1 and R2 are each individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1 to C10 alkyl, and C6 to C10 aryl; D is a linkage selected from the group consisting of carboxylic amide, carboxylic ester, urea, and urethane; and G is selected from the group consisting of C4 to C20 alkyl, C6-C10 aryl, and —(OCH2CH2)n—, where n is in the range of 1 to about 250, are useful in nucleic acid delivery applications.

Abstract: A process for producing a lactic acid polymer of 15,000 to 50,000 in weight-average molecular weight, the content of polymeric materials having not more than about 5,000 in weight-average molecular weight therein being not more than about 5% by weight, characterized by hydrolyzing a high molecular weight lactic acid polymer, placing the resultant solution comprising the hydrolyzed product under a condition capable of precipitating the objective lactic acid polymer, separating the precipitated lactic acid polymer and collecting them. The lactic acid polymer is useful as a matrix for sustained-release preparations. The sustained-release microcapsule preparation encapsulating a physiologically active substance can fully prevent the initial excessive release of the physiologically active substance from the microcapsules and keep a stable release rate over a long period of time.

Abstract: An epoxy composition includes an epoxy resin, a latent curing agent, and a catalyst. The composition includes two epoxide groups per molecule, and the latent curing agent is preferably a dicyanopolyamide, and most preferably dicyandiamide. The catalyst includes 2,4-toluene bis dimethyl urea, preferably in a concentration exceeding 70% by weight. The composition can be used in prepregs. The relative concentrations of the epoxy resin, curing agent, and catalyst are selected to achieve desired properties, including specific curing times and temperatures, and glass transition temperatures that enable a cured resin composition to be removed from a mold after being heated to its curing temperature, without being cooled. Exemplary formulations have reduced cure times, at both high and low curing temperatures, as compared to prior art formulations.

Abstract: A linear poly-?-amino-acid derivative has at least glutamic or aspartic or serinic repeating units and additionally having a functional group at one or both ends of the polymer backbone and/or only a single functional group as a side group on the polymer backbone, the said functional end group and/or side group being other than alcohol. The said functional derivative is useful for the modification of biologically active materials.