Abstract: A method for determining the variations in the sulfur content of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel when it is transported through a petroleum transportation system includes sampling fuels at various points during barge transport, pipeline transport and in terminaling operations. New procedures and special handling regiments are developed in view of how the sulfur content of ultra-low sulfur fuel may change when transported through the system in sequence and stored with other petroleum products.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are presented that inhibit fibril formation and/or bring about disassembly of pre-formed fibrils. Compositions include peptides with short &bgr;-strands with two faces: one that can bind to &bgr;-amyloids through hydrogen bonds, and one which blocks propagation of hydrogen bonding needed to form fibrils. Thus, short congeners of the fibril protein containing N-methyl amino acids or esters are provided for the inhibition of fibril formation and for the disassembly of pre-existing or pre-formed fibrils. Specific aspects address &bgr;-amyloid fibrils; prion mediated fibrils; Huntington protein fibrils. Methods for screening for potential fibril inhibitors and disassemblers, diagnostic analysis and treatments are provided.