Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid lignin composition, particularly useful in the manufacture of resins for products such as insulation, laminates and engineered wood products such as oriented strand boards (OSB). The liquid lignin composition has a low viscosity even at low water content.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising dimeric decarboxylated rosins (DDCRs), methods for making them, and applications thereof. DDCR of purity from 50-100 wt. % is obtained by decarboxylating a dimeric rosin acid or by dimerizing a decarboxylated rosin, in the presence of a catalyst, followed by one or more purification steps separation on differences in boiling point. The isolated DDCR fractions display unexpectedly high Tg/Mn ratios, softening points and viscosities, and low polydispersities. The DDCR product comprises 50 to 100 wt. % of polycyclic hydrocarbon compounds having one or more aliphatic, unsaturated or aromatic groups, and 34-80 carbon atoms, with a molecular weight Mn of 250-900 Da, and an oxygen to carbon ratio of <5%. The DDCR product has at least 50%, and up to 100% as dimeric species, with the remainder being trimeric and larger polymeric species.

Abstract: The present invention provides water-based ink and coating compositions having a high renewable resin content. The ink and coating compositions of the invention comprise equal to or greater than 65% (w/w) renewable resins, based on the total combined weight of the resins. Renewable resins derived from gum rosins are preferred. The ink and coating compositions of the present invention exhibit physical properties (e.g. adhesion and resistance) that are as good as, or better than, current commercially available inks (e.g. acrylic based inks not containing renewable material).

Abstract: A process for deodorizing a rosin ester composition is disclosed. The process employs an adsorptive bed containing an adsorbent material. The adsorbent material comprises silica adsorbent having an average pore size between 50-200 ?, BET surface area of at least 300 m2/g, pore volume of 1.20 to 3.00 cc/g, and a silanol [Si—OH] level of 0.5 to 5 unit/nm2. The deodorized rosin ester composition has an odor intensity reduction of at least 1 unit on odor intensity scale of Offensive Odor Control Act as compared to the rosin ester feedstock. In embodiment, the deodorizing treatment comprises using multi-staged adsorbent system with an adsorbent column having multiple layers of different adsorbent materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention involve printing a ceramic or metal oxide pigmented ink onto asphalt, bitumen, or rubberoid backed roofing materials. Additionally, embodiments of the invention allow for adhesion of the ink to TPO and PVC roofing substrates.

Abstract: High aspect ratio polymeric particles as seed treatments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for generating polymeric particles which comprise one or more active ingredients. The invention also relates to the use of such polymeric particles as a seed treatment. The present technology provides an improved seed treatment suitable for applying plant propagation materials. The seed treatment of the present technology includes the use of high aspect-ratio particles as a seed treatment. The present technology has been found to have advantageous properties associated with the seed treatment including increased adherence of the formulation to the seed and reduced tendency to dust off.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fractionating bio-oil vapors which involves providing bio-oil vapors comprising bio-oil constituents. The bio-oil vapors are cooled in a first stage which comprises a condenser having passages for the bio-oil separated by a heat conducting wall from passages for a coolant. The coolant in the condenser of the first stage is maintained at a substantially constant temperature, set at a temperature in the range of 75 to 100° C., to condense a first liquid fraction of liquefied bio-oil constituents in the condenser of the first stage. The first liquid fraction of liquified bio-oil constituents from the condenser in the first stage is collected. Also disclosed are steps for subsequently recovering further liquid fractions of liquefied bio-oil constituents. Particular compositions of bio-oil condensation products are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stem cells obtained by culturing monocytes in the presence of (i) M-CSF and (ii) at least one member selected from the group consisting of ganglioside and water-soluble plant-derived extract, thereby dedifferentiating the monocytes; a therapeutic agent for treating damaged cells, tissues or organs; a cell drug agent; a method of producing stem cells, a culture medium for dedifferentiating monocytes; a dedifferentiation inducing agent; a cell drug kit; a kit for producing dedifferentiated cells; and a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological compositions and methods for making the same.

Abstract: A medical product containing either an active ingredient of propolis which is a natural antibiotic or a grapefruit seed extract, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The medical product is impregnated with a solution of CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester) or pinocembrin, which is an active ingredient of propolis having antibacterial effects, to increase the antibacterial activity of the medical product due to antibacterial compounds contained in the active component, or the medical product is impregnated with a solution of a grapefruit seed extract such that the extract can exhibit antibacterial activity in the medical product.

Abstract: Asphalt emulsifiers and asphalt emulsions comprised of alkali metal or ammonium salts of a biomass pyrolysis oil, such as a pyrolytic wood tar oil, where the biomass pyrolysis oil is used as made from a pyrolysis process with only water washing, are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Thermoanaerobacter sp. bacterial strain (BKHI) isolated from a hot spring, a purified protein (bioremediase) isolated from bacterial strain BKH1, as well as concrete compositions comprising BKH1 and/or the protein, and methods of using the protein and/or composition. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the protein isolated from BKHI, as well as expression vectors, host cells, cell lines, and methods for generating and purifying the bioremediase protein.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to resins and uses thereof in composite materials and products. The present invention also relates to extraction processes for obtaining resins from plants and plant materials. The invention also relates to resin extracts obtained from a plant of the genus Triodia, commonly known as Spinifex, processes for obtaining resins, modified resins and composite products incorporating resins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oxytocin receptor agonist compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, use of such compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of inter alia, abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), autism, erectile dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction, labor induction and maintenance, lactation induction and maintenance, postpartum hemorrhage, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), pain, anxiety and other conditions, as well as to methods for the treatment of such conditions, wherein such compounds are administered.

Abstract: The invention claims a manufacturing method of the Mineral Pitch Resin also known as shilajit, silajit, mumije, mumie, momie, moomie, mumio, momia, brashgun, etc., and product variations thereof. The method produces genuine Mineral Pitch Resin, under a predetermined controlled method. Such method results into the Resin, which is verifiably free from harmful contaminants and is safe for humans to consume as a healing, tonifying and adaptogenic substance. Such resin passes authenticity tests, is of consistent quality and has preserved heat sensitive biologically active substances innate to raw material used to manufacture the Mineral Pitch.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to resins and uses thereof in composite materials and products. The present invention also relates to extraction processes for obtaining resins from plants and plant materials. The invention also relates to resin extracts obtained from a plant of the genus Triodia, commonly known as Spinifex, processes for obtaining resins, modified resins and composite products incorporating resins.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a process for isolation of carotenoids crystals comprising drying a plant part to obtain a meal and extracting the meal with alcohol at a temperature in the range of about 50° C. to 75° C. to obtain oleoresin. The oleoresin is enriched with alcohol at a temperature in the range of about 25° C. ° C. to 50° C. and hydrolyzed with alcoholic alkali at a temperature in the range of about 70° C. to 80° C. to obtain reaction mixture. The carotenoids crystals are precipitated from the reaction mixture by adding hot water followed by filtering, washing and drying the carotenoids crystals.

Abstract: A method for extracting propolis by using far infrared ray from pottery. The method for extracting propolis by using far infrared ray from pottery makes it possible to prohibit the growth of microorganism by way of far infrared ray by using pottery which emits far infrared ray and has a construction that inside and outside air can exchange while increasing a storage and seasoning effect. Aldehyde contained in alcohol is naturally radiated with the help of air circulation and preventing oxidation decay and shortening an extraction period of propolis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a biodegradable molded part, comprising: providing a binding agent which contains a lyzable biopolymer; forming a molded part from the binding agent, wherein the time stability of the molded part to biological lysis is set by at least one of the following measures: adding a pulverized inorganic solid matter in a proportion of 5% to 85% of the mass of the binding agent before forming the molded part; thawing at least one of the surfaces of the molded part using a chemical or biological method such that the surface has a structuring in the range between 1 nm and 10 ?m. The invention further relates to an accordingly produced molded part.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accelerating agent for calcium absorption comprising Gum Arabic, which is daily available while simultaneously taking dietary fiber.

Abstract: Biocompatible crosslinked polymers, and methods for their preparation and use, are disclosed in which the biocompatible crosslinked polymers are formed from water soluble precursors having electrophilic and nucleophilic functional groups capable of reacting and crosslinking in situ. Methods for making the resulting biocompatible crosslinked polymers biodegradable or not are provided, as are methods for controlling the rate of degradation. The crosslinking reactions may be carried out in situ on organs or tissues or outside the body. Applications for such biocompatible crosslinked polymers and their precursors include controlled delivery of drugs, prevention of post-operative adhesions, coating of medical devices such as vascular grafts, wound dressings and surgical sealants. Visualization agents may be included with the crosslinked polymers.

Abstract: A process for pyrolysing biomass is provided. The process comprises providing biomass to a pyrolysis reactor to produce a vapour product and condensing said vapour product to produce a condensed product, wherein a phase separation suppression agent is added during said process so as to promote the formation of a single phase condensed product.

Abstract: A one component adhesive composition is provided, which can be formulated from substantially or totally bio-based, renewable raw materials. Such adhesives can be formulated to have high strength and/or low or substantially no VOC emissions. This can be achieved by utilizing polymers that are derived or extracted from renewable plant materials such as soybeans, corn, sunflowers, wheat, etc. Adhesive compositions in accordance with the invention can include oils. The composition preferably contains bio-based oils only, but need not be completely free of fossil fuel or synthetic based oils. It should also include drying oils and/or similarly acting polymers, co-polymers, and fatty acids. Plasticizers, such as hydrogen oxide, derived from renewable sources are utilized to impart performance properties to the formulated adhesive. Metal napthanates can be used to catalyze the drying and/or curing speed when the adhesive composition is applied to a substrate.

Abstract: Biocompatible crosslinked polymers, and methods for their preparation and use, are disclosed in which the biocompatible crosslinked polymers are formed from water soluble precursors having electrophilic and nucleophilic functional groups capable of reacting and crosslinking in situ. Methods for making the resulting biocompatible crosslinked polymers biodegradable or not are provided, as are methods for controlling the rate of degradation. The crosslinking reactions may be carried out in situ on organs or tissues or outside the body. Applications for such biocompatible crosslinked polymers and their precursors include controlled delivery of drugs, prevention of post-operative adhesions, coating of medical devices such as vascular grafts, wound dressings and surgical sealants. Visualization agents may be included with the crosslinked polymers.

Abstract: Reduced-rosin compositions of printing inks and the resinate binders therein, and the processes of preparation thereof, are described. In said compositions, a portion of the rosin normally used in the art is replaced by Monomer, and is further reacted with ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic compound, alkaline metal salt, and solvent to produce the resinate binder product. Said resinate binder may then be formulated with a colorant to produce an ink, preferably for use in publication gravure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protein material which is effective to preserve progenitor cells, such as hematopoietic progenitor cells. The protein has an amino acid sequence comprising AQSLSFSFTKFD (SEQ ID NO:1) and a molecular weight of about 12–20 kD, or has an amino acid sequence comprising VVAVEFD (SEQ ID NO:3) and a molecular weight of about 15–20 kD. Heterodimers of the protein are described, and multimers thereof. Methods of using the protein of the invention for preserving progenitor cells in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo are also described. The invention, therefore, include methods such as myeloablation therapies for cancer treatment wherein myeloid reconstitution is facilitated by means of the specified protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to production of alkaloids from poppy plants and in particular togenes encoding enzymes in the alkaloid pathway, to proteins encoded by the gens, to plants transformed or transfected with the genes and to methods of altering alkaloid content or blend of poppy plants.

Abstract: Biocompatible crosslinked polymers, and methods for their preparation and use, are disclosed in which the biocompatible crosslinked polymers are formed from water soluble precursors having electrophilic and nucleophilic functional groups capable of reacting and crosslinking in situ. Methods for making the resulting biocompatible crosslinked polymers biodegradable or not are provided, as are methods for controlling the rate of degradation. The crosslinking reactions may be carried out in situ on organs or tissues or outside the body. Applications for such biocompatible crosslinked polymers and their precursors include controlled delivery of drugs, prevention of post-operative adhesions, coating of medical devices such as vascular grafts, wound dressings and surgical sealants. Visualization agents may be included with the crosslinked polymers.

Abstract: Polymeric crosslinking agents are disclosed that have an inert water soluble polymeric component, biodegradable components, functional components reactive with chemical groups on a protein, for example, amine or thiol groups. The inert polymeric component may be flanked at each end with a biodegradable component which is flanked at each end with a protein reactive functional component. A polymeric crosslinking agent is disclosed having a biodegradable component, polyalkylene oxide, and at least three reactive functional groups that are each capable of forming a covalent bond in water with at least one functional group such as an amine, thiol, or carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Reduced-rosin compositions of printing inks and the resinate binders therein, and the processes of preparation thereof, are described. In said compositions, a portion of the rosin normally used in the art is replaced by Monomer, and is further reacted with ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic compound, alkaline metal salt, and solvent to produce the resinate binder product. Said resinate binder may then be formulated with a colorant to produce an ink, preferably for use in publication gravure.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of preparing a natural resin by liquefying wood, bark, forest residues, wood industry residues, or other biomass using rapid destructive distillation (fast pyrolysis). Fast pyrolysis produces both vapors and char from biomass, and following removal of the char from the product vapors, a liquid pitch product is recovered and processed by distillation, evaporation, or a combination thereof, in order to obtain a natural resin which may be in either liquid or solid form. The natural resin comprises a total phenolic content from about 30% to about 80% (w/w), and is a highly-reactive ligninic compound that has been found to be suitable for use within resin formulations without requiring any further extraction or fractionation procedures. Resins comprising up to 60% natural resin have been prepared and tested in board production and found to exhibit similar properties associated with commercially available resins.

Abstract: A process for preparing a lignosulfonate additive for use as a dispersant in cement or concrete compositions comprises treating a lignosulfonate solution with salts of trivalent metals. Preferably, such salts comprise nitrates or sulphates of aluminum, iron, copper, or manganese.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of alkanes for the contamination-free purification or separation of biopolymers.

Abstract: A two-step method for introducing acrylic functions into high molecular weight natural resins, under mild conditions, without the risk of gellation, wherein an acrylated natural resin ester is prepared by esterifying one or more of the sterically hindered hydroxy groups of the natural resin ester in an inert solvent with a 3-halopropionic acid, to form a 3-haloproprionate ester of the natural resin ester and dehydrohalogenated the 3-halopropionate ester by reacting it with an organic base.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of preparing a natural resin by liquefying wood, bark, forest residues, wood industry residues, or other biomass using rapid destructive distillation (fast pyrolysis). Fast pyrolysis produces both vapours and char from biomass, and following removal of the char from the product vapours, a liquid pitch product is recovered and processed by distillation, evaporation, or a combination thereof, in order to obtain a natural resin which may be in either liquid or solid form. The natural resin comprises a total phenolic content from about 30% to about 80% (w/w), and is a highly-reactive ligninic compound that has been found to be suitable for use within resin formulations without requiring any further extraction or fractionation procedures. Resins comprising up to 60% natural resin have been prepared and tested in board production and found to exhibit similar properties associated with commercially available resins.

Abstract: A biocompatible intermolecular polymer complex comprises an anionic component and a non protein cationic component. The anionic component comprises a linear or branched polysaccharide chain wherein at least 5% of the basic structural units are glucuronic acid. The cationic component comprises a linear or branched natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic oligomer or polymer.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides isolated from Lactobacillus rhamnosus, as well as probes and primers, genetic constructs comprising the polynucleotides, biological materials, including plants, microorganisms and multicellular organisms incorporating the polynucleotides, polypeptides expressed by the polynucleotides, and methods for using the polynucleotides and polypeptides are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of preparing a natural resin by liquefying wood, bark, forest residues, wood industry residues, or other biomass using rapid destructive distillation (fast pyrolysis). Fast pyrolysis produces both vapours and char from biomass, and following removal of the char from the product vapours, a liquid pitch product is recovered and processed by distillation, evaporation, or a combination thereof, in order to obtain a natural resin which may be in either liquid or solid form. The natural resin comprises a total phenolic content from about 30% to about 80% (w/w), and is a highly-reactive ligninic compound that has been found to be suitable for use within resin formulations without requiring any further extraction or fractionation procedures. Resins comprising up to 60% natural resin have been prepared and tested in board production and found to exhibit similar properties associated with commercially available resins.

Abstract: A method for making natural oil-based polyols directly from vegetable or animal oil using a consecutive two-step process involving epoxidation and hydroxylation is provided. Specifically, this process comprises adding a peroxyacid to a natural oil wherein said natural oil and said peroxyacid react to form an epoxidized natural oil and adding said epoxidized natural oil to a mixture of an alcohol, water, and a fluoboric acid catalyst. The catalytic amount of fluoboric acid is less than about 0.5% by weight of the entire reaction mixture, and the amount of water is about 10 to 30% by weight of the entire mixture. The epoxidized natural oil undergoes hydroxylation and forms a natural oil-based polyol. The present invention further includes a method for making natural oil-based polyols from epoxidized oil by hydroylating the epoxidized oil in the presence of fluoboric acid, alcohol and water in the amounts discussed above.

Abstract: A two-step method for introducing acrylic functions into high molecular weight natural resins, under mild conditions, without the risk of gellation, wherein an acrylated natural resin ester is prepared by esterifying one or more of the sterically hindered hydroxy groups of the natural resin ester in an inert solvent with a 3-halopropionic acid, to form a 3-halopropionate ester of the natural resin ester and dehydrohalogenated the 3-halopropionate ester by reacting it with an organic base.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of preparing a natural resin by liquefying wood, bark, forest residues, wood industry residues, or other biomass using rapid destructive distillation (fast pyrolysis). Fast pyrolysis produces both vapors and char from biomass, and following removal of the char from the product vapors, a liquid pitch product is recovered and processed by distillation, evaporation, or a combination thereof, in order to obtain a natural resin which may be in either liquid or solid form. The natural resin comprises a total phenolic content from about 30% to about 80% (w/w), and is a highly-reactive ligninic compound that has been found to be suitable for use within resin formulations without requiring any further extraction or fractionation procedures. Resins comprising up to 60% natural resin have been prepared and tested in board production and found to exhibit similar properties associated with commercially available resins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protein material which is effective to preserve progenitor cells, such as hematopoietic progenitor cells. The protein has an amino acid sequence comprising AQSLSFSFTKFD (SEQ ID NO:1) and a molecular weight of about 12-20 kD, or has an amino acid sequence comprising VVAVEFD (SEQ ID NO:3) and a molecular weight of about 15-20 kD. Heterodimers of the protein are described, and multimers thereof. Methods of using the protein of the invention for preserving progenitor cells in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo are also described. The invention, therefore, include methods such as myeloablation therapies for cancer treatment wherein myeloid reconstitution is facilitated by means of the specified protein.

Abstract: Methods for the biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate homopolymers and copolymers are described. In a preferred embodiment, the polymers have a single mode molecular weight distribution, and more preferably have a distribution of between about 2 and about 4, and most preferably about 2.1 or 2.5.

Abstract: A high throughput enzyme screen has been developed which relies on metal chelate interaction for capture of the product of the enzymatic reaction. In the present assay system, a detectable moiety is attached to a substrate having a chelating capturable moiety, which can be captured by an immobilized metal. Detection is effected due to the presence of a detectable label on the reaction product immobilized on the solid phase. Only signal associated with tagged protein bound to the solid phase is detected. The present assay can reliably measure enzyme activity, and has high reproducibility, which benefits high throughput screening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protein material which is effective to preserve progenitor cells, such as hematopoietic progenitor cells. The protein has an amino acid sequence comprising AQSLSFSFTKFD (SEQ ID NO:1) and a molecular weight of about 12-20 kD, or has an amino acid sequence comprising VVAVEFD (SEQ ID NO:3) and a molecular weight of about 15-20 kD. Heterodimers of the protein are described, and multimers thereof. Methods of using the protein of the invention for preserving progenitor cells in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo are also described. The invention, therefore, include methods such as myeloablation therapies for cancer treatment wherein myeloid reconstitution is facilitated by means of the specified protein.

Abstract: A 78 residue polypeptide comprising the following amino acid sequenceGYFCESCRKIIQKLEDMVGPQPNEDTVTQAASQVCDKLKILRGLCKKIMRSFLRRISWDILTGKK PQAICVDIKICKE [SEQ ID NO:1]:and functional derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, said sequence comprising intra-linked half-cysteines; pharmaceutical composition containing such polypeptide as an active ingredient; a method for inhibiting microbial growth and cancer cell growth in animals including man; and nucleotide sequence corresponding to such polypeptide.

Abstract: A propolis extract which is prepared by adjusting the pH of propolis to 5.5-7.0 to improve the water-solubility of the effective ingredients of propolis, a composition containing the propolis extract, and a method for improving the water-solubility of propolis extracts.

Abstract: Provided is a compound containing a peptide of at least 4 amino acids including the following sequence: His Phe* Arg, wherein Phe* represents phenylalanine or a halogenated derivative of phenylalanine the said peptide being conjugated with thioctic acid, dihydrolioic acid, or N-lipoyl-lysine, in the form of the corresponding salts, esters or amides. In particular, compounds with anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities on the one had, and melanogenesis-activating activities on the other, are described.

Abstract: The method relates to the preparation of dry chitin forms of consistent shape that incorporates an advantageous additive such as fillers or reinforcement during the preparation process to give dry forms of chitin with consistent shape typically known as filler containing chitin or chitin composites.