Abstract: Various embodiments of a strength enhancing pre-form material ply layer which include a fibrous laminar base-ply substrate comprising a plurality of crossed elements forming a plurality of interstices; a thin adhesive sizing layer disposed on surfaces of the fibrous laminar base-ply substrate such that the plurality of interstices remain open to receive embedded fibers; and a plurality of reinforcing fibers are disclosed. These layers can be assembled into an Organic Polymer Laminar Composite (OPLC) structure, the reinforcing fibers impart greatly improved inter-laminar shear strength and toughness to the OPLC final structures.

Abstract: A groundwater treatment system for collecting a non-aqueous-phase liquid (NAPL) in a flow path of contaminated water in a body of water, the contaminated water moving toward a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) including a treatment agent for treating the contaminated groundwater. The groundwater treatment system including a collection layer positioned up-gradient of the PRB and permeable to the NAPL and the contaminated water. The collection layer including a NAPL collecting element to inhibit the NAPL from flowing to the PRB.

Abstract: Various embodiments of structured flock fiber reinforced layers include fibrous organic polymer composite reinforcing materials that have been “pre-flocked” with Z-Axis reinforcing fibers. These “pre-flocked” fibrous materials (woven, knitted, mat, nonwoven or pre-pregs) are then supplied as “off-the-shelf,” “ready-to-use,” already flock reinforced, dry to the touch, pre-manufactured, storable, inventoried organic polymer composite structured flock fiber reinforced layers that are ready as needed to be laid-up and impregnated with matrix resin and cured to form fiber based z-directional reinforced composites having enhanced inter-laminar strength, impact toughness, transmission properties (electrical and thermal conduction) and coefficient of thermal expansion are provided. Methods for forming such reinforced layers are also provided.

Abstract: Fiber based z-directional reinforced composites having enhanced inter-laminar strength, impact toughness, transmission properties (electrical and thermal conduction) and coefficient of thermal expansion are provided. The composites include at least two substrates separated by a reinforcement zone that includes a plurality of fibers disposed in a binder resin. At least some, and in one embodiment, a majority, of the fibers are oriented so as to be substantially perpendicular to the substrates. Multi-layered composites having more than two substrate layers can also be formed. Methods for forming such composites are also provided.

Abstract: Fiber based z-directional reinforced composites having enhanced inter-laminar strength, impact toughness, transmission properties (electrical and thermal conduction) and coefficient of thermal expansion are provided. The composites include at least two substrates separated by a reinforcement zone that includes a plurality of fibers disposed in a binder resin. At least some, and in one embodiment, a majority, of the fibers are oriented so as to be substantially perpendicular to the substrates. Multi-layered composites having more than two substrate layers can also be formed. Methods for forming such composites are also provided.

Abstract: Double-stranded polynucleotide activates the expression of immune recognition molecules. The polynucleotide can have a minimal length and activates the expression of molecules not encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is not necessarily related to the polynucleotide. The present invention provides for a simple and specific system to activate expression of Class I and/or Class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and allows regulation of expression of MHC molecules on the cell-surface of antigen presenting cells and other immune cells. Also provided are systems for the screening, identification, and isolation of compounds that increase or decrease this activation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating autoimmune diseases in mammals and for preventing or treating transplantation rejection in a transplant recipient. These methods utilize specifically-defined methimazole derivatives and tautomeric cyclic thione compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing those compounds. These compounds and compositions have been found to be at least as effective as methimazole in terms of pharmaceutical activity, while having less of an adverse affect on thyroid function. They are also more soluble in conventional pharmaceutical vehicles than methimazole. An assay for screening the activity of compounds useful against autoimmune diseases (ability to suppress expression of MHC Class I and II molecules) is also taught.

Abstract: A method for in situ anaerobic dehalogenation of a halogenated organic compound in a groundwater plume reduces or prevents indigenous aerobic microorganisms from competing for a supplied electron donor with an anaerobic microorganism that reductively dehalogenates the organic compound when an electron donor is available. The method includes the step of injecting in situ into a groundwater-saturated matrix within or upgradient of a source of the organic compound a deoxygenated aqueous solution that comprises an electron donor to facilitate reductive dehalogenation of the organic compound.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing a synthetic gene for the production of a viral protein or portion thereof. The method is useful for genes found on minus-strand RNA viral genomes, such as those of rhabdoviruses or paramyxoviruses. The protein or a portion thereof prepared by expression of the synthetic gene in a suitable host may be used for vaccine or diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing a synthetic gene for the production of a viral protein or portion thereof. The method is useful for genes found on minus-strand RNA viral genomes, such as those of rhabdoviruses or paramyxoviruses. The protein or a portion thereof prepared by expression of the synthetic gene in a suitable host may be used for vaccine or diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A method of inactivating enveloped virus comprises contacting said virus with a virucidally effective amount of a C.sub.20-24 linear polyunsaturated acid, aldehyde or primary alcohol having 5-7 double bonds, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said acid, or a mixture thereof. Topical administration of the virucide is preferred and is effective in treating lesions associated with herpes infections. Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the present method are provided.