This book provides a comprehensive survey of the entire field of catalysis in polymer synthesis covering the majority of essential aspects from basic organic, organometallic and bio-chemistry to industrial production. Particular emphasis is placed on "precision polymerization," where the catalyst plays a key role in the fabrication of innovative polymers. Precision polymerization enables the production of polymers with precisely controlled structures, molecular weight, distribution and stereochemistry, free from defects.

Twenty years ago when Children's Cancer Association of Japan was born, the diagnosis of childhood leukemia amounted to a death sentence. Only 20% or so of children with leukemia survived more than 5 years. Since then, enormous improvements have been achieved regarding our understanding on the etiology, diagnosis, and the treatment of childhood leukemia. Now, 70% of children with leukemia survive and enter adult life. Even though the improved survival rate of children with leukemia represents a medical success story, we now face new problems. The first problem is the fact that we still lose...