Abstract: A method is described for treating a peroxisome biogenesis disorder by administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of an autophagy inhibitor. Uses, compositions, and commercial packages are also described. The peroxisome biogenesis disorder may be Zellweger syndrome, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, Refsum disease, or cerebrohepatorenal syndrome. The autophagy inhibitor may be chloroquine diphosphate; hydroxychloroquine sulfate; verteporfin; difluoromethylornithine; clarithromycin; clomipramine; desmethylclomipramine hydrochloride, anisomycin; Spautin-1; U0126; SP600125; Wortmannin; LY294002; Bafilomycin; Forskolin; Melatonin; 1-((2-(diethylamino)ethyl)amino)-4-methylthioxanthen-9-one; 1-(2-diethylaminoethylamino)-4-(hydroxymethyl)-9-thioxanthenone; or N-[[1-[[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]amino]-9-oxo-9H-thiaxanthen-4-yl]methyl]methanesulfonamide.

Abstract: An optical wavelength division multiplexer and demultiplexer is provided wherein the optical couplings and alignment of the device are achieved by forming and adhesively joining a prefabricated optical block to a molded coupling module to avoid post-fabrication alignment and adjustment of the optical pathway otherwise required. One or more adhesive overflow channels are formed in said upper surface of the molded coupling module to receive excess adhesive used to join the optical block to the molded coupling module. Dams are formed adjacent each of said adhesive overflow channels to contain adhesive used to join the optical block to the molded coupling module, and to facilitate the use of low viscosity adhesive which in turn achieves a tighter, more parallel bond between the adhesively bonded parts.

Abstract: An optical wavelength division multiplexer and demultiplexer is provided wherein the optical couplings and alignment of the device are achieved by forming and adhesively joining a prefabricated optical block to a molded coupling module to avoid post-fabrication alignment and adjustment of the optical pathway otherwise required. One or more adhesive overflow channels are formed in said upper surface of the molded coupling module to receive excess adhesive used to join the optical block to the molded coupling module. Dams are formed adjacent each of said adhesive overflow channels to contain adhesive used to join the optical block to the molded coupling module, and to facilitate the use of low viscosity adhesive which in turn achieves a tighter, more parallel bond between the adhesively bonded parts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low heat release, low density, fiber-reinforced composite comprising a matrix comprising a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyarylsulfone, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone, polyetherketoneketone, a copolycarbonate of 4,4'-thiodiphenol and at least one member of the group consisting of bisphenol A, 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) fluorene, and 1,1-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyl ethane, a copolycarbonate of bisphenol A and 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) fluorene, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyl ethane polycarbonate, bisphenol A polycarbonate, and polyetherimide, and from about 10 to about 70 percent by weight of the composite of randomly oriented reinforcing fibers, less than 0.5 inch in length, distributed throughout the matrix. The matrix has a void volume of from about 20 to about 90 percent by volume. The composite has a thermoplastic skin layer on each of the major surfaces thereof. A process for making the composite is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a low heat release, low density, fiber-reinforced composite comprising a matrix comprising a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyarylsulfone, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone, polyetherketoneketone, a copolycarbonate of 4,4'-thiodiphenol and at least one member of the group consisting of bisphenol A, 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene, and 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyl ethane, a copolycarbonate of bisphenol A and 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyl ethane polycarbonate, bisphenol A polycarbonate, and polyetherimide, and from about 10 to about 70 percent by weight of the composite of randomly oriented reinforcing fibers, less than 0.5 inch in length, distributed throughout the matrix. The matrix has a void volume of from about 20 to about 90 percent by volume. The composite has a thermoplastic skin layer on each of the major surfaces thereof. A process for making the composite is also disclosed.

Abstract: A structural panel for a vehicle or building contains a substrate and a layer of flame resistant polybenzazole polymer. If the substrate is heat resistant, the panel can serve as a fire barrier. If the substrate is not heat resistant, the polybenzazole layer can still serve to delay ignition and contain any volatile gases and molten polymer that forms when the panel is subjected to heat.

Abstract: Fibers may be prepregged with a dope containing polybenzoxazole or polybenzothiazole. The prepreg may be contacted with water or another nonsolvent to coagulate the polymer and form a matrix composite.

Abstract: The invention is a semi-permeable hollow fiber gas separation membrane possessing a non-external discriminating region fabricated from hydrophobic polymeric materials possessing less than about 1 weight percent equilibrium water content at about 25.degree. C. The invention includes a process for making such membranes as well as a method of using such membranes.