Systematic conformational analysis. A microcomputer method for the semiquantitative evaluation of polycyclic systems containing five-, six- and seven-membered rings. 1. Program characteristics

An investigation into the construction of molecular models by the template joining method

The results of a wide-ranging investigation into some of the different methods available for performing the 'joining' of templates to build molecular models show that the choice of algorithm can significantly affect the quality of the results obtained, and different algorithms are most suited to particular categories of join.

WIZARD: AI in conformational analysis

A program which utilizes the techniques of Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems to solve problems in the area of Conformational Analysis is described. The program searches conformational space in a systematic fashion, based on the technique known as heuristic state-space search. The program proceeds by recognizing conformational units, assigning one or more conformational templates to each unit, and joining them to form conformational suggestions. These suggestions are criticized to discover logical inconsistencies, and any resulting stresses are resolved. The resulting conformational suggestions are sometimes accurate enough for immediate use, or may be further refined by a numerical program. The latter combination is shown to be quite efficient compared to purely numerical conformational search techniques.

Computer-aided, systematic search of peptide conformations constrained by NMR data

A computer program has been developed which allows exhaustive exploration of the conformation of medium sized rings (8 to 22-membered). This program provides for inclusion of experimental data from NMR measurements in the form of dihedral angles estimated by the Karplus equation and NOE close contacts. A brief description of the principles used in the program to provide high efficiency are given as is a discussion of the application of this program to a cyclic hexapeptide somatostatin analogue.