Protein secretion is a selective and regulated process that is essential in all organisms. In bacteria the preprotein translocase SecA, either free in the cytosol or associated with the SecYEG translocon, recognizes and binds most post-translational secretory proteins containing an N-terminal signal sequence. In Gram-negative bacteria, the molecular chaperone SecB binds many of the preproteins to keep them in a translocation-competent state. Subsequently, SecB delivers the preproteins to the translocon-associated SecA, which binds the signal sequence and also interacts with mature regions of the preprotein. After the preprotein/SecA/SecYEG complex has formed, the energy derived from ATP hydrolysis by SecA coupled with the proton motive force drives the insertion of the preprotein through the translocon pore. During the translocation reaction, the conformation of SecA dramatically changes from an inactive closed form (c-SecA) to one more active and open states. The various crystal structures of SecA have provided many structural details about c-SecA. The recent low resolution crystal structure of a fragment of SecA bound to SecYEG (Zimmer et al., 2008) has provided a starting point for structural analysis of the active and open conformation of SecA. Previous work in our laboratory demonstrated that an N-terminal proteolytic fragment of SecA, SecA64, is an activated form of SecA that with higher affinity signal peptides better than c-SecA (Triplett et al., 2001). To correlate the SecA64 results with full-length SecA, we determined that SecA in the presence of low concentrations of urea has an enhanced ATPase activity similar to translocation level, which is comparable to what was observed with SecA64. Analysis by CD and Trp fluorescence indicates the presence of an intermediate at 2.2 M urea at 22ºC (termed u-SecA). Using limited proteolysis, we determined that u-SecA is in an protease-sensitive conformation that mimics the translocation-active form of SecA. These structural rearrangements occur primarily in the C-terminal one-third of the protein. Next, we sought to understand the signal sequence interactions with c-SecA and translocation-active u-SecA. Using a photoactivatable cross-linking approach along with limited proteolysis, two-dimensional gels, and domain mapping with region-specific antibodies, the signal sequence-binding site was mapped to the interface of NBF II, PPXD, and HSD. The site is the same in both forms of SecA but in our data suggests u-SecA that the binding groove as expanded.

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[pt] Dentre as máquinas elétricas que compõem os sistemas industriais, destacam-se hoje em dia os motores de indução, não apenas pelo grande número em que são encontrados como pelas capacidades cada vez maiores em que são utilizados. Motores e circuitos conversores e de controles podem ser combinados de diversos modos, ressaltando-se a necessidade de uma modelagem adequada para o sistema como um todo. Sabe-se, de vasta literatura, que modelos simplificados da máquina de indução como carga num sistema de potência, traduzem com precisão suficiente seu comportamento. Partindo-se desta premissa desenvolveram-se neste trabalho modelos de ordem reduzida do motor de indução para aplicação em estudos de controle. Os modelos apresentados são de quinta, quarta, terceira e segunda ordens. Para o acompanhamento completo do projeto de controle, funções de transferência são de suma importância. As funções de transferência, quando aplicadas aos modelos desenvolvidos usando formulação de variáveis de estado, permitem através de simulação digital, obter informações de todos os pares entrada-saída que sejam necessários ao projeto. O cálculo das funções de transferência é feito através de dois métodos, um utilizando transformação de variáveis e outro mantendo a formulação de variáveis de estado. / [en] Among the electric machines used in industrial system presently one can highlight the induction motors, not only for its large number but also due to the increasing capacity of such machines. Motors, converter and control circuits can be combined under varied ways highlighting the necessity of an adequate modelling for the system as a whole. Based on information from literature the simplified model of induction machine as a load in a power system permits the study of its behavior with sufficient accuracy. Starting from this concept simplified models of induction motor were developed in this work, for apllication in the control studies. The models showed are fifth, forth, thirth and second order ones. In order to follow completly the desing of control parameters, the Transfer Function are very important. The Transfer Functions when applied to the models developed using state variable formulation permit through the digital simulation obtain information of all the output- input pairs wich are necessary for the design. The calculation of the Tranfer Function is done based on two methods, one using variable tranformation and the other one maintaining the state variable formulation. Transfer Function obtained by the two above mentioned methods, are used to analize the control of a motor- converter system. This control method is applied to the rotor or stator of the machine.

Switched Reluctance Machines (SRMs) are gaining more attention due to their simple and rugged construction, low manufacturing cost, and high-speed operation capability. An electromagnetic model of the machine is needed in the design and analysis processes. The required accuracy level of the model depends mainly on the application. Designing an SRM is an iterative process. Usually, finite element method (FEM) is employed in all design stages, which might require extensive computation burden. The magnetic equivalent circuit (MEC) method is an alternative for typical FEM. MEC models require less computational resources and they can help determine the electromagnetic performance with a reasonable accuracy. The conventional MEC method can be challenging when modifying the motor geometry while conducting dynamic analysis with current control. This thesis proposes a reluctance mesh-based MEC model for SRMs that can overcome those challenges. Reluctance mesh-based MEC models are developed for 3-phase 6/4, 6/16, 12/8 SRMs and 4-phase 8/6, 8/10, and 16/12 SRMs. The implemented MEC-based modeling method is validated using FEM and experimental results. Acoustic noise and vibration is one of the shortcomings of an SRM. The radial force density in the airgap should be calculated before analyzing and mitigating acoustic noise and vibration. This thesis proposes a radial force density calculation method for SRMs using the proposed MEC model. Fourier series is used to calculate the harmonics of the radial force density. The results obtained from the MEC model are verified using FEM models. SRM is a promising candidate for electric propulsion systems. In the design process of an SRM, the motor geometry needs to be determined. This thesis applies the proposed MEC technique to the design process of a 3-phase 12/16 SRM for a high lift motor in the NASA Maxwell X-57 electric aircraft. The design is verified using the results computed from FEM. / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Electric motors are utilized in our daily life in various applications such as washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, fans, vacuum cleaners, blenders, and many other devices and tools. Motors are widely used in residential, industrial, commercial, and transportation applications. Due to the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels, transportation systems are moving into electrified propulsion. Electric motors with lower cost and higher efficiency are on the path to replacing the traditional combustion engines in vehicles. Among the different electric motors available, switched reluctance motor (SRM) is becoming a promising candidate in future electrified transportation systems due to their simple construction. Developing a motor is a time-consuming and costly task. Therefore, it is essential to determine the characteristics of an SRM before manufacturing it. A mathematical framework is proposed in this thesis to address this problem. The proposed framework is capable of determining the characteristics of an SRM accurately.

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This work pioneers the experimental acquisition of data relating to the heating effects of inter-bar currents and the frequency components of the main field rotating flux. Previous research in the field of inter-bar currents is reliant on theory and mathematical modeling. Yet, with the growing need for increasing machine efficiency; experimental application of conceptualized theoretical models of machine losses is paramount. Focusing specifically on inter-bar currents in a rotating stator induction machine revealed a correlation between the heat generated in the iron core and the presence of inter-bar currents. Using temperature sensing instrumentation, experimental data was gathered to determine the inter-bar current distribution along the length of the rotor bars during acceleration. Additionally, custom current transducers were implemented to directly measure the main field rotating flux. The results present a solid foundation for direct and indirect measurement of inter-bar currents. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)