NMR structure and mutagenesis of the FADD (Mort1) death-effector domain

When activated, membrane-bound receptors for Fas and tumour-necrosis factor initiate programmed cell death by recruiting the death domain of the adaptor protein FADD to the membrane. FADD then activates caspase 8 (also known as FLICE or MACH) through an interaction between the death-effector domains of FADD and caspase 8. This ultimately leads to the apoptotic response. Death-effector domains and homologous protein modules known as caspase-recruitment domains have been found in several proteins and are important regulators of caspase (FLICE) activity and of apoptosis. Here we describe the solution structure of a soluble, biologically active mutant of the FADD death-effector domain. The structure consists of six antiparallel, amphipathic alpha-helices and resembles the overall fold of the death domains of Fas and p75. Despite this structural similarity, mutations that inhibit protein-protein interactions involving the Fas death domain have no effect when introduced into the FADD death-effector domain. Instead, a hydrophobic region of the FADD death-effector domain that is not present in the death domains is vital for binding to FLICE and for apoptotic activity.     

A new minimum zone method for evaluating flatness errors

A new minimum zone method for flatnes error analyis is proposed in this article. Based on the criteria for the minimum zone solution and strict rules for data exchange, a simple and rapid algorithm, called the control plane rotation scheme, is developed for the flatness analysis of a flat surface. Experimental work was performed, and some examples are given in terms of the minimum zone and least-squares solutions.     

Microstrip reflectarray antenna with offset feed

The authors derive and verify the concept of antenna focusing by a planar 'microstrip reflectarray' antenna. Experimental results from schematically distributed patch radiators with microstrip delay lines are consistent with the simulation results. The advantages and disadvantages of such an antenna are described. The measured overall antenna efficiency is approximately 48% at scan angles up to 30 degrees . These results demonstrate the feasibility of such an antenna.<>     

A branch and cut algorithm for the VRP with satellite facilities

An important aspect of the vehicle routing problem (VRP) that has been largely overlooked is the use of satellite facilities to replenish vehicles during a route. When possible, satellite replenishment allows the drivers to continue making deliveries until the close of their shift without necessarily returning to the central depot. This situation arises primarily in the distribution of fuels and certain retail items. When demand is random, optimizing customer routes a priori may result in significant additional costs for a particular realization of demand. Satellite facilities are one way of safeguarding against unexpected demand. This paper presents a branch and cut methodology for solving the VRP with satellite facilities subject to capacity and route time constraints. We begin with a mixed-integer linear programming formulation and then describe a series of valid inequalities that can be used to cut off solutions to the linear programming relaxation. Several separation heuristics are then outlined that are used to generate the cuts. Embedded in the methodology is a VRP heuristic for finding good feasible solutions at each stage of the computations. Results are presented for a set of problems derived from our experience with a leading propane distributor.     

Tri-band frequency selective surface with circular ring elements

Theoretical analysis, physical reasonings, and experimental verifications are presented for a frequency selective surface with circular ring elements. Both double-screen and single-screen designs are generated for a tri-band system that reflects the X-band signal while transmitting through the S- and Ku-band signals. In these designs, the dielectric loading effect is used to reduce ring size and element spacing and thus avoid the grating lobe problem. The circular ring element is very insensitive to a large variation of the RF incident angle     

国际乳业的热点论题：蛋白质标准化

介绍了蛋白质的标准化这一国际乳品界正热的研究和讨论题目，综述了蛋白质标准化的必要性和世界上目前采用的方法，展望了膜技术在蛋白质标准化上的应用前景。     

基于i860的存储器子系统设计

微处理机系统中的存储器子系统设计对整个系统性能的高低有重要的影响，尤其当微处理器的主频越来越高时。本文结合实际例子，给出了一个基于ｉ８６０处理器（４０ＭＨｚ）的主存设计方案，讨论了实际中需仔细考虑的因素。该设计可为其它高性能ＲＩＳＣ系统设计提供参考。     

Preparation of nanosized titania powder via the controlled hydrolysis of titanium alkoxide

By controlling the hydrolysis of titanium butoxide, followed with or without an ethanol washing process, the preparation of nanoscale titania powder was studied in detail. The characteristics of different powders produced by the direct precipitation (without an ethanol wash) and ethanol wash processes were studied by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, BET, thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis techniques. By comparison, it was found that both the direct precipitation and ethanol wash methods can obtain slightly agglomerated nanoscale titania powders of less than 15 nm, but the ethanol wash can further reduce the agglomeration. The particle sizes of titania powders can be modified while still retaining the anatase structure.     

石蜡光氯化合成氯蜡－70的研究──（Ⅲ）反应过程致色因素考察及生色机理研究

氯蜡－７０是—应用广泛、性能优良的精细化工产品，其色泽是—重要的技术指标，直接影响着产品的质量和应用。本文考察了合成反应过程导致生色的因素，指出原料中含有的少量环烷烃、芳烃、杂环有机物及少量无机杂质能影响产品的色泽，实验表明温度过高，光源波长选择不当也是致色的重要原因。研究了致色的过程，提出其生色历程是按照β－消除反应机理进行的，并做了具体描述。