Dimer interface of glutathione S-transferase from Arabidopsis thaliana: influence of the G-site architecture on the dimer interface and implications for classification

The three-dimensional structure of glutathione S-transferase from Arabidopsis thaliana has been solved at 2.2 A resolution (Reinemer et al., 1996). The enzyme forms a dimer of two identical subunits. The structure shows a new G-site architecture and a novel and unique dimer interface. Each monomer of the protein forms a separate G-site. Therefore, the requirements on the dimer interface are reduced. As a consequence, the interactions between the monomers are weaker and residues at the dimer interface are more variable. Thus, the dimer interface looses its relevance for a classification of plant glutathione S-transferases and the formation of heterodimers becomes even more difficult to predict.     

Extrapolation of fuzzy values from incomplete data bases

This paper presents different approaches which enable a data base management system to obtain a plausible fuzzy estimate for an attribute value of an item for which the information is not explicitly stored in the data base. This can be made either by a kind of analogical reasoning from information about particular items or by means of expert rules which specify the (fuzzy) sets of possible values of the attribute under consideration, for various classes of items. Another kind of expert rules enables the system to compute an estimate from the attribute value of another item provided that, in other respects, this latter item sufficiently resembles the item, the value of which we are interested in; then these expert rules are used either for controlling the analogical reasoning process or for enlarging the scope of application of the first kind of expert rules. The different approaches are discussed in the framework of possibility theory.     

Morphology and structure of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) crystallized from dilute organic solution

The high-temperature crystallization of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA) from dilute organic solutions was achieved through the introduction of a non-solvent, or precipitating agent, at the desired crystallization temperature. The morphology and crystal structure were examined for crystals produced from PPTA polymer with two different molecular weights (M_w = 46000 and 3430 g mol⁻¹), using transmission electron microscopy. For the high-molecular-weight polymer, ribbon-like crystals were produced, while the low-molecular-weight polymer yielded small needles or platelets. In both cases, electron diffraction showed that the Northolt allomorph was obtained. For the high-molecular-weight polymer, the molecular axes were parallel to the ribbon axes in a chain-extended type structure. A hypothesis for the orientation of the low-molecular-weight PPTA in the small platelets, is also given.     

Characterization and modification of fillers for paints and coatings

This paper highlights the possibility of inverse gas chromatography for the surface characterization of common fillers (CaCO₃, talc, SiO₂,) for paints and coatings. Divided solids are described, on the one hand, by the dispersive component of their surface energy and, on the other, by a specific parameter indicating their acid-base interaction potential. The role of the surface morphology at a molecular level is also examined. It is demonstrated that steric effects play an important role in the adsorption of probes on lamellar solids like talc. The consequences of surface treatments as well as examples of practical applications are also reported.     

The treatment of uncertainty in knowledge-based systems using fuzzy sets and possibility theory

Knowledge representation issues related to the modelling of imprecision and uncertainty are discussed in the framework of possibility theory. Differences and relations between possibility theory, fuzzy sets, probability theory and Shafer evidence theory are presented. Then, patterns of reasoning and inference and control procedures are studied in presence of uncertainty and imprecision using a possibilistic approach. the basic ideas and the main trends are emphasized rather than the mathematical and logical foundations or the technical details of implementation which can be found in the references.     

Photocrosslinking of stilbene-modified polymers

The reactions of trans-2,5-dimethoxy-4′-aminostilbene with poly(maleic anhydride-co-methylvinyl ether) and trans-2,5-dimethoxy-4′-isocyanatostilbene with poly(oxy-1,4-phenyleneisopropylidene:1,4-phenyleneoxy-2-hydroxytrimethylene) yield polymeric systems which undergo rapid crosslinking upon short exposure to ultraviolet light. The extent of photocrosslinking as a function of exposure time was determined by the decrease of the trans-stilbene ultraviolet absorption at 350 nm.     

Advanced product planning: a comprehensive process for systemic definition of new product requirements

This paper reports results of research into the definition of requirements for new consumer products––specifically, electro-mechanical products. The research dealt with the derivation of design requirements that are demonstrably aligned with stakeholder needs. The paper describes a comprehensive process that can enable product development teams to deal with statements of product requirements, as originally collected through market research activities, in a systematic and traceable manner from the early, fuzzy front end, stages of the design process. The process described has been based on principles of systems engineering. A case study from its application and evaluation drawn from the power sector is described in this paper. The case study demonstrates how the process can significantly improve product quality planning practices through revision of captured product requirements, analysis of stakeholder requirements and derivation of design requirements. The paper discusses benefits and issues from the use of the process by product development teams, and identifies areas for further research. Finally, the conclusions drawn from the reported research are presented.