Kinetics of Surfactant-induced Aggregation of Lysozyme Studied by Fluorescence Spectroscopy

The study of protein conformational changes in the presence of surfactants and lipids is important in the context of protein folding and misfolding. In the present study, we have investigated the mechanism of the protein conformational change coupled with aggregation leading to size growth of Hen Egg White Lysozyme (HEWL) in the presence of an anionic detergent such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) in alkaline pH. We have utilized intrinsic protein fluorescence (tryptophan) and extrinsic fluorescent reporters such as 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (ANS), dansyl and fluorescein to follow the protein conformational change in real-time. By analyzing the kinetics of fluorescence intensity and anisotropy of multiple fluorescent reporters, we have been able to delineate the mechanism of surfactant-induced aggregation of lysozyme. The kinetic parameters reveal that aggregation proceeds with an initial fast-phase (conformational change) followed by a slow-phase (self-assembly). Our results indicate that SDS, below critical micelle concentration, induces conformational expansion that triggers the aggregation process at a micromolar protein concentration range.     

Design and Analysis of InGaN-GaN Modulation-Doped Field-Effect Transistors (MODFETs) for 90 GHz Operations

A Modulation-Doped Field-Effect Transistor (MODFET) structure having quantum wire channel realized in InGaN-GaN material system is presented. This paper presents design and analysis of a novel one-dimensional Modulation-Doped Field-Effect transistor (1D MODFET) in InGaN-GaN material system for microwave and millimeter wave applications. An analytical model predicting the transport characteristics of the proposed MODFET device is also presented. Analytical results of the current-voltage and transconductance characteristics are presented. The unity-current gain cutoff frequency (f _T) of the proposed device is computed as a function of the gate voltage V _G. The results are compared with two-dimensional GaN/AlGaN MODFET and HFET devices. The analytical model also predicts that 0.25 m channel length devices will extend the use of InGaN-GaN MODFETs to above 90GHz.     

Effect of V cut in perforated twisted tape insert on heat transfer and fluid flow behavior of tube flow: An experimental study

ABSTRACT

Present study investigates the heat transfer and friction characteristics of heat exchanger tube fitted with perforated twisted tape (PTT) insert having V cuts. A copper tube of 1 m length and 0.032 m inner diameter is used as test section to collect the experimental data by varying the twist ratio of PTT from 2 to 6 for the Reynolds number range of 2,700–23,400. V cuts are introduced in the PTT and the V-cut relative pitch ratio is varied from 1 to 2. The maximum thermo-hydraulic performance parameter is found to be 1.58.     

Ion implantation for semiconductor processing

The potential advantages of ion implantation have been exploited in virtually every kind of semiconductor device. Several commercially important devices owe their existence to this technique.

Ion implantation provides precise control over the amount of dopant, concentration profile and lateral dimensions in device fabrication. The high degree of uniformity and reproducibility have made it possible to produce sophisticated devices and integrated circuits with high yield and tight tolerances. This is a truly planar process. It is possible to achieve high doping concentrations with relatively lower processing temperatures thereby avoiding lifetime degradation. The process is carried out in an inherently clean environment. A wide range of dopants is available and one is not limited by the particular properties of the substrate. There is great flexibility in choice of masking materials and self-alignment of doped regions in MOS devices is facilitated.

The increasing impact of ion implantation on device technology is discussed with reference to some recent developments. Specific commercially manufactured devices are mentioned.

Ion implantation machines continue to undergo development aimed at higher throughputs and cleaner vacuum. There is the need for greater reliability of machines. Effort is also directed at the development of low cost machines for dedicated applications.

Design of implanted devices continues to be an empirical process in some respects. The ability to accurately predict profile shapes in samples implanted (perhaps through a screen oxide) and subject to complicated post-implantation process steps, would cut down development time and costs.     

Acquisition Time for Ground-to-Satellite Optical Communication System in Weak Atmospheric Turbulence with Spatial Diversity

Abstract

In this article, various issues involved in a ground-to-satellite optical communication link (i.e., acquisition time, uncertainty area, and channel noise) are discussed. Acquisition time of a free-space optical link is evaluated for coherent (sub-carrier BPSK and QPSK) and non-coherent (OOK and -PPM) modulation schemes over weak turbulent channel with transmit diversity. In the analysis, both uncorrelated and correlated beams are considered. It is seen that an increase in transmit diversity order helps to improve the acquisition time, irrespective of turbulence strength in the atmosphere. At high correlation, a marginal change in acquisition time is observed with the increase in diversity order.     

Electrical resistivity of noble and transition metals using Animalu's model potential

Calculations of the electrical resistivity of several solid noble and transition metals have been carried out using the transition metal model potential proposed by Animalu. It has been found that, except for Cu, Ag and Au, the calculated resistivities of solid transition metals are considerably below the experimental values indicating that the Animalu's model potential fails to account for the electrical resistivities of transition metals. The failure of the Animalu's model potential has been discussed.     

Fabrication and characterization of electrochemical double layer capacitors using ionic liquid-based gel polymer electrolyte with chemically treated activated charcoal electrodes

The present investigation deals with electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs) made up of ionic liquid (IL)-based gel polymer electrolytes with chemically treated activated charcoal electrodes. The gel polymer electrolyte comprising of poly(vinylidine fluoride-co-hexafluropropylene) (PVdF-HFP)–1-ethyl-2,3-dimethyl-imidazolium-tetrafluroborate [EDiMIM][BF₄]–propylene carbonate (PC)–magnesium perchlorate (Mg(ClO₄)₂) exhibits the highest ionic conductivity of ~8.4?×?10^?3?S?cm^?1 at room temperature (~20 °C), showing good mechanical and dimensional stability, suitable for their application in EDLCs. Activation of charcoal was done by impregnation method using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as activating agent. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) studies reveal that the effective surface area of treated activated charcoal powder (1,515 m²?g^?1) increases by more than double-fold compared to the untreated one (721 m²?g^?1). Performance of EDLCs has been tested using cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and charge–discharge techniques. Analysis shows that chemically treated activated charcoal electrodes have almost triple times more capacitance values as compared to the untreated one.     

Vibration and deflection analysis of thin cracked and submerged orthotropic plate under thermal environment using strain gradient theory

Nonlinear Dynamics - Based on a non-classical plate theory, a nonlinear analytical model is proposed to analyze transverse vibration of thin partially cracked and submerged orthotropic plate in the...     

Loss of collectivity in 79Rb

High-spin states in ⁷⁹Rb were populated in the reaction at E(beam) = 60 MeV. The lifetimes of the excited states of the positive-parity yrast band and of the negative-parity band in ⁷⁹Rb were measured by the Doppler Shift Attenuation Method. The deduced transition quadrupole moments Q_t are found to have a decreasing trend with rotational frequency for both the bands, consistent with those found experimentally in neighbouring nuclei. An erratum to this article is available at .