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The expansion of distributed electricity generation and increasing capacity of installed battery storage systems on the community level has posed challenges to efficient technical and economic operation of the power system. With advances in smart-grid infrastructure many innovative demand response business models aim to tackle these challenges, while creating financial benefits for the participating actors. In this context, we propose an optimal real-time pricing (ORTP) approach for the aggregation of distributed energy resources within energy communities. We formulate the interaction between a profit-maximizing community-owned aggregator and the users (prosumagers and electric vehicles) as a stochastic bilevel disjunctive program. To solve the problem efficiently, we offer a novel solution algorithm, which applies a linear quasi-relaxation approach and an innovative dynamic partitioning technique. We introduce benchmark tariffs and solution algorithms and assess the performance the proposed pricing strategy and solution algorithm in four case studies: Our results show that the ORTP strategy increases community welfare compared to benchmark electricity, while providing useful grid services. Furthermore, our findings reveal superior computational efficiency of our proposed solution algorithm in comparison to benchmark algorithms.

Up to now, many studies have been performed on particle radiations before or during earthquakes (EQs). In our previous study, with the help of piezoelectricity relationships and the elastic energy formula, the MCNPX simulation code was applied to find the amount of created atomic/ nuclear particles, the dominant interactions; and the energy of the particles for various sizes of quartz and granite blocks. In this study, using the MCNPX simulation code, we have estimated the flux of the particles (created from under-stressed granitic rocks) at different distances from the EQ hypocenter inside the fractures, filled with air, water, and CO2. It was found that inside a water-filled fracture, the particles do not show the flux far from the EQ hypocenter, but inside the gases like air and CO2 with the normal condition density, different types of particles can have a flux far from the source (more than a kilometer) and they might reach themselves to the surface in the case that the EQ hypocenter is very shallow (0- 5 km). However, for deep EQs, it seems that the most detected nuclear particles on the surface should pass via the vacuum-filled fractures and reach themselves to the surface. Moreover, it was concluded that the more density of the fracture’s filling fluid, the less distance that the particles can have a flux.

In spite of successful initial remission, chemo-resistance and relapse are still concerning points in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment strategies. Multidrug resistance (MDR) appears to be the major contributor of chemo-resistance, arising in some sub-clones of cancers and could be developed in others. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from AML patients on the transmission of chemo-resistance phenotype. Ultracentrifugation was employed to isolate EVs from healthy controls, new cases, and relapsed AML patients. The EVs size, morphology, and immunophenotype were determined by dynamic light scattering, TEM, and flow cytometry respectively. Bradford assay was performed to measure the protein content of EVs. MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis were also used to determine the viability index, induction of apoptosis, and ROS generation in U937 cells. The expression level of two efflux pumps was assessed using qRT-PCR analysis. Findings of TEM, DLS, and flow cytometry confirmed that EVs had a desirable shape, size, and surface markers. EVs derived from both new cases and relapsed AML patients significantly reduced idarubicin-induced apoptosis in the U937 cells. The analysis of drug efflux pumps gens revealed that EVs over-express MRD1 and MRP1 in the target cells. These findings suggested a novel role of EVs in mediating the acquired chemo-resistance in AML patients by inducing the expression of the drug efflux pumps; however, further investigations will be required to elucidate other underlying mechanisms of resistance that are mediated by EVs.

Linear bilevel programs (linear BLPs) have been widely used in computational mathematics and optimization in several applications. Single-level reformulation for linear BLPs replaces the lower-level linear program with its Karush-Kuhn-Tucker optimality conditions and linearizes the complementary slackness conditions using the big-M technique. Although the approach is straightforward, it requires finding the big-M whose computation is recently shown to be NP-hard. This paper presents a disjunctive-based decomposition algorithm which does not need finding the big-Ms whereas guaranteeing that obtained solution is optimal. Our experience shows promising performance of our algorithm., Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures

Several engineering problems are modeled as linear bilevel programs (linear BLPs) where one problem (upper-level problem) has constrained variables which are optimal solutions of another problem (lower-level problem). The well-known single-level reformulation approach replaces the lower-level linear program with its Karush-Kuhn-Tucker optimality conditions and then linearizes the complementary slackness conditions employing the big-M technique. Although this approach is relatively simple and upstanding, it requires finding the disjunctive parameters (big-M). Regularly heuristic techniques are used to tune the big-M parameters. It is well-known that these techniques could fail, even though they are common. Finding the correct big-M parameters is computational challenging and it is recently shown to be NP-hard in several applications. This research presents a new parameter-free disjunctive decomposition algorithm tailored for the linear BLPs which (1) does not need finding the big-M parameters, (2) guarantees that the obtained solution is optimal to the given linear BLP, and (3) it is computationally advantageous. Our experience shows promising performance of the proposed algorithm in solving several linear BLPs. QC 20210629

Distribution networks (DNs) are highly unbalanced considering unbalanced demands, feeders, expanding network, and continuous network adjustments as a result of outages which pose considerable operation challenges. Electricity networks are pursuing the theory of spot pricing which leads to employing distribution locational marginal pricing (DLMP) to support consumer's obligation to flexible operation. Vital response time to participate in short-time electricity markets in DNs with numerous buses makes linear programming (LP) the most practical model. Contrary to the linear lossless model of transmission networks, a lossless model cannot be employed in DNs with voltage limit, higher loss, reactive power flow, and working with ultimate consumers. This research presents an LP model to calculate DLMPs in fully unbalanced three-phase DNs. A detailed model is demonstrated for solar/wind units, storage systems, capacitors, overhead lines, cables, transformers, and voltage regulators. Outages and island operations are addressed which are crucial for dynamics of DNs. Uncertainties in DNs are recognized utilizing stochastic optimization and scenarios for uncertain parameters such as demands, solar energy, wind power, and prices. This accurate model deals with the losses and reveals voltages and DLMPs at each node-phase which is tested in several IEEE standard test feeders and probability density function of DLMPs are calculated through a proposed No U-Turn based algorithm. QC 20210629

Mahnaz Mohammadi Kian, 1, 2 Mahdieh Salemi, 1, 2 Mohammad Bahadoran, 3 Atousa Haghi, 1, 4 Nasrin Dashti, 5 Saeed Mohammadi, 1, 2 Shahrbano Rostami, 1, 2 Bahram Chahardouli, 1, 2 Davood Babakhani, 1 Mohsen Nikbakht 1, 2 1Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 2Hematologic Malignancies Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; 3Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; 4Young Researchers & Elite Club Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; 5Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranCorrespondence: Mohsen NikbakhtHematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranTel +982184902639Fax +982188004140Email m-nikbakht@sina.tums.ac.irNasrin DashtiDepartment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranTel +989123583690Email dashti@tums.ac.irIntroduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of blood disorder that exhibits uncontrolled growth and reduced ability to undergo apoptosis. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a family member of transcription factors which promotes carcinogenesis in most human cancers. This effect on AML is accomplished through deregulation of several critical genes, such as B cell lymphoma-extra-large (BCL-XL) which is anti-apoptotic protein. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of curcumin (CUR) and thalidomide (THAL) on apoptosis induction and also the alteration of the mRNA expression level of STAT3 and BCL-XL mRNA on AML cell line compounds.Methods: The growth inhibitory effects of CUR and THAL and their combination were measured by MTT assay in U937 and KG-1 cell lines. The rates of apoptosis induction and cell cycle analysis were measured by concurrent staining with Annexin V and PI. The mRNA expression level of STAT3 and BCL-XL was evaluated by Real-Time PCR.Results: CUR inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in both KG-1 and U937 cells and this effect increased by combination with THAL. The expression level of STAT3 and BCL-XL was significantly down-regulated in KG-1 cells after treatment by CUR and THAL and their combination.Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggested that down-regulation of STAT3 and BCL-XL mRNA expression in response to CUR and THAL treatment lead to inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis.Keywords: acute myeloid leukemia, curcumin, thalidomide, STAT3, Bcl-xL

Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-lup-10.1177_0961203320929746 for Effect of indole-3-carbinol on transcriptional profiling of wound-healing genes in macrophages of systemic lupus erythematosus patients: an RNA sequencing assay by Farnaz Eghbalpour, Mehrdad Aghaei, Mansour Ebrahimi, Mohammad Reza Tahsili, Masoud Golalipour, Saeed Mohammadi and Yaghoub Yazdani in Lupus

Because of growing worldwide population, the increase of Co2 emissions and energy costs, the need to create sustainable and efficient buildings is greater than ever. Energy autonomous buildings, which rely on clean ambient sources, can help to create extreme Low-Carbon (LC) buildings. However, resilience-housing and energy design, trigger the radical thinking for Autonomous Buildings (ABs). This ABs idea focused on particular interest for 'independent building and energy autonomy'. This is a zero-carbon building that utilises 100% clean energy. Moreover, the building responsible to maintain internal and external environmental comfort. This paper analyses several examples for ABs developed over the past five decades. For instance, Robert and Branda Vale demonstrated their 'autonomous house' in the 1970s [Vale & Vale, 2000]. Over ten years later, Building Research Established in the UK, built 'Integer House' in 1998, was known as 'Intelligent and Green' building [Wood, 2011]. This ABs assessment aim to provide a comprehensive literature review, to identify the definitions and boundaries of 'autonomous'.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a blood disorder characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid progenitors and decrease in the apoptosis rate. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes blood vessel regeneration which might play important roles in development and progression of neoplasia. Our previous studies focused on cytotoxicity and anticancer effects of arsenic trioxide (ATO) and thalidomide (THAL) as an anti-VEGF compound in the AML cell model. ATO also affects regulatory genes involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis. The aim of present study was to examine the effects of ATO and THAL alone and in combination on U937 and KG-1 cells , with attention to mRNA expression for VEGF isoforms. Growth inhibitory effects was assessed by MTT assay and apoptosis induction was determined by Annexin/PI staining. mRNA expression levels were evaluated by real-time PCR. Our data indicated that ATO (1.618μM and 1μM in KG-1 and U937 cell lines respectively), THAL (80μM and 60μM) and their combination inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in our cell lines. mRNA expression of VEGF (A, B) decreased while C and D isoforms did not show any significant changes. Taken together, according to the obtained results, the VEGF autocrine loop could be a target as a therapeutic strategy for cases of AML.

Osteopontin (OPN) is a glycoprotein involved in regulation of various influences on tumor progression, such as cellular proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a secreted molecule supporting angiogenesis in various cancers through activation of the PI3K/AKT/ERK1/2 pathway. OPN and VEGF have a number of isoforms with various activities. In spite of the well-defined association between OPN and VEGF isoform expression and cure rate for solid tumors, there is a scarcity of information as to any association in leukemia. Based on the critical role of OPN in cell survival, it seems reasonable to hypothesize that OPN and VEGF isoform expression levels may impact on chemoresistance and relapse in leukemia the same as in solid tumors. Hence, the aim of our review was to explain relationships between OPN and VEGF isoforms and angiogenesis and related pathways in chemoresistance of leukemia and solid tumors. Our findings demonstrated that OPNb and OPNc alongside with VEGF isoforms and other gene pathways are involved in angiogenesis and also might promote chemoresistance and even recurrence in leukemia and solid tumors. To sum up, targeting OPN isoforms, particularly b and c, might be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of leukemia as well as solid tumors.

Despite impressive advances in therapeutic approaches, long-term survival with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is low as a result of treatment resistance and frequent relapse. Among multitude oncogenic proteins involved in the acquisition of a chemo-resistant phenotype, osteopontin (OPN) recently has attracted marked attention. In spite of the well-defined association between OPN expression and cure rate with solid tumors, there is a scarcity of information on any role of this protein in AML cases. Based on the critical role of OPN in cell survival, it seems reasonable to hypothesize that isoform expression levels may impact on the regulation of apoptosis in AML cells in response to conventional chemotherapeutic drugs and its relation to relapse. To investigate associations between induction of apoptosis and OPN isoform expression, two distinct AML cell lines (KG-1 as a leukemic stem cell model and U937) were treated with chemotherapy drugs, and cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT and Annexin/PI assay. After determination of appropriate drug doses, mRNA expression levels of OPN isoforms and OPN-related genes were investigated. Our results demonstrated for the first time that acquired up-regulation of OPN-b and c isoforms might prevent conventional chemotherapy regimen-induced apoptosis in AML cells. Moreover, upregulation of OPN-b and c in AML cells appears concurrent with upregulation of AKT/VEGF/CXCR4/STAT3/ IL-6 gene expression. To sum up, this study suggests that OPN-b and c isoforms could be considered as unique beneficial molecular biomarkers associated with leukemic stem cell chemoresistance. Hence, they have potential as molecular candidates for detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) and determination of remission in AML patients. Further evaluation with quantitative real time PCR on patient samples for confirmation appears warranted.

Background: Interfering with cell proliferation and survival is a critical role for antineoplastic drugs leading to cell death through induction of apoptosis. Alternative treatments with herbal extracts offer insights into acute myeloid leukemia (AML) therapy. Parthenolide (PTL), an extract from feverfew, induces apoptosis in primary human leukemia stem cells (LSCs) and bulk leukemic cell populations. Osteopontin (OPN) preserves cell viability in response to anticancer agents and its receptors could be utilized for therapeutic targeting of cancer cells. Methods: U937 cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 with concentrations of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 μM PTL for 20-24 hours for MTT assays. Apoptosis assays were performed with Annexin V-Alexa Fluor-488/PI as Annexin V+/PI- and Annexin V+/PI+ to measure early and late apoptosis, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure OPN gene expression using the 2-ΔΔCt method. The PTL–treated cells were stained with FITC-CD38 antibody for flow cytometry analyses. Data were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) by SPSS 19. Results: Parthenolide inhibited growth of U937 cells with IC25 and IC50 values of 4 and 5.8 μM, respectively. Death induction with PTL was apoptotic. Flow cytometry showed a significant decrease in the percentage of CD38+ U937 cells in response to PTL. Osteopontin gene expression decreased in response to PTL. Conclusions: PTL induced apoptosis and reduced OPN gene expression in U937 cells.

Machine Learning on graph-structured data is an important and omnipresent task for a vast variety of applications including anomaly detection and dynamic network analysis. In this paper, a deep generative model is introduced to capture continuous probability densities corresponding to the nodes of an arbitrary graph. In contrast to all learning formulations in the area of discriminative pattern recognition, we propose a scalable generative optimization/algorithm theoretically proved to capture distributions at the nodes of a graph. Our model is able to generate samples from the probability densities learned at each node. This probabilistic data generation model, i.e. convolutional graph auto-encoder (CGAE), is devised based on the localized first-order approximation of spectral graph convolutions, deep learning, and the variational Bayesian inference. We apply our CGAE to a new problem, the spatio-temporal probabilistic solar irradiance prediction. Multiple solar radiation measurement sites in a wide area in northern states of the US are modeled as an undirected graph. Using our proposed model, the distribution of future irradiance given historical radiation observations is estimated for every site/node. Numerical results on the National Solar Radiation Database show state-of-the-art performance for probabilistic radiation prediction on geographically distributed irradiance data in terms of reliability, sharpness, and continuous ranked probability score., 8 pages, 11 figures

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers are being widely used for transmitting and receiving information from chips or tags. The RF reader in this project will be used for communicating with previously designed self-powered sensors for humidity and temperature. The design has two main components, the analog frontend and digital baseband. Transceiver is operating at 1.2 GHz. For digital baseband, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is used for interpreting data coming from RF frontend circuit. The FPGA decodes, processes, and then stores the data. The data rate of reader is 333 kbps.

The combination of a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (mu PAD) and digital image analysis is widely used for quantitative analysis with mu PADs because of its easy and simple operation. Herein, we have demonstrated a quantitative analysis based on multiple color changes on a mu PAD. The CIE L*a*b* color system was employed to analyse the digital images obtained with the mu PAD. We made pH measurements using a universal pH-indicator showing multiple color changes for various pH values of aqueous test solutions. The detectable pH range of this method was wider than the typical grayscale-based image analysis, and we succeeded in the measurements for a wide pH range of 2-9.

Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology at the nanometre scale is an excellent platform to implement monolithically integratedsystems because of the low cost of manufacturing and ease of integration. Newly developed CMOS Silicon on Insulator (SOI) transistors that are currentlydeveloped are suitable for use in radio frequency circuits. They find applications in many areas such as 5G telecommunication systems, high speed Wi-Fi andairport body-scanners. Unfortunately, the models for CMOS SOI transistors that are currently used in these circuits are inaccurate because of their complexity.The models currently used require the optimization of more than 200 variables. This paper aims to accurately create a scalable model of a P-type MOS transistorusing a Virtual Source (VS) model with much less complexity. The VS model’s DC characteristics will require the optimization of only ten parameters and issupplemented with parasitic resistances, inductances and capacitances to accurately predict behaviour at radio frequencies. These parameters were optimizedtwo at a time using a multivariate optimization algorithm while fixing the remaining parameter’s values within a certain range. A simulation of the voltage andcurrent at the drain of the transistor was performed and the resulting I-V curves were plotted. A frequency simulation was also conducted in order to test thehigh frequency performance of the MOSFET. A typical I-V characteristic curve for a PMOS was obtained with no change in shape when the transistor widthwas scaled. The model’s performance under high frequencies also matched those displayed by a standard 45nm PMOS. The I-V characteristic plots that wereobtained displayed the general behaviour of a p-type MOSFET under those voltage conditions. This demonstrates that the Virtual source model is able topredict the general behaviour of the I-V characteristic curves of the p-type MOSFET as well as function properly at high frequencies typically seen in RFcircuits.

(主査) 教授 髙木 睦, 教授 喜多村 曻, 教授 佐藤 敏文, 教授 渡慶次 学, 准教授 谷 博文, 総合化学院(総合化学専攻）

(主査) 教授 髙木 睦, 教授 喜多村 曻, 教授 佐藤 敏文, 教授 渡慶次 学, 准教授 谷 博文, 総合化学院（総合化学専攻）

The standard IBM 45 nm technology is widely adopted for industrial and academic purpose by integrates circuit designers. Original models provided by foundry are not accurate, which might cause inaccuracy in circuit simulations. Equivalent circuit models, using RLC elements to simulate electrical component, will effectively deliver their electrical performance. This study consists of four steps to construct these models. First, Cadence Virtuoso, the commercial circuit design software was used to run simulations and extract data for different device parameters. Second, analyzing tools, like Microsoft Excel or Matlab, are used to analyze the extracted data. Then, equations are written for each parameter. Finally, these models are implemented in the device descriptive language, Verilog-A and test circuits will be constructed to demonstrate the accuracy of the models. The accurate passive component models from this study will contribute to accelerating the circuit designing process and improving the accuracy of circuit simulations.

Investigation of habitat affinities of Williams' Jerboa in Ardabil Province showed that its activity pattern and habitat selection are positively correlated with relatively barren areas with slopes of lower than 20% covered by Festuca ovina, Trifolium montanum, and Bromus scoparius. Statistical analysis indicated that the Agropyron-Stipa vegetation type was selected more frequently by the species. This jerboa avoids plant species of the genus Acantholimon because of their lower adaptational value for the species' survival. The positive correlation between the Williams' Jerboa's presence and some plant species may be related to the high nutritional value of the plants, but behavioral mechanisms in avoiding or using different vegetation structures should also be considered in defining its habitat selection process.

The microscopic examination of Thick Blood Smears (TBS) remains the method of choice for the diagnosis of human malaria. Recently, alternative diagnostic methods, such as Nested PCR, have been used for the detection and identification of malaria parasites. The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of Nested PCR accomplished using DNA extracted from whole blood against fixed stained slides. 125 blood samples including 76(60.8%) male and 49(40.2%) female accomplished examinations. The percentage of the parasitaemia on positive samples was calculated from a total count of 200 leukocytes counted in a Giemsa stained thin blood films. The nested PCR assay carried out on DNA Extracted samples by specific primers to amplify 18ssr RNA Plasmodium gene. Of all 125 blood samples 50(40%) were positive (41(32.8%) P. vivax, 9(7.2%) P. falciparum) and 75(60%) were negative for malaria parasites using microscopy examination. Nested-PCR on whole blood specimens detected 66(52.8%) plasmodium species: 47(37.6%) P. vivax, 13(10.4%) P. falciparum, 6(4.8%) mixed infections P. vivax and P. falciparum. Nested-PCR on peripheral blood slides detected 49 (39.2%) plasmodium species: 34(27.2%) P. vivax, 10(8%) P. falciparum, 5(4%) mixed infections P. vivax and P. falciparum. The study showed that the sensitivity and specificity of nested PCR were 96% and 76%, respectively, when target DNA was extracted from blood and 78% and 86% when DNA was obtained from smears. These studies demonstrated that Plasmodium DNA might be successfully isolated from TBS indicating that this method of DNA preservation could be considered adequate and convenient for epidemiological studies.

Low-frequency noise in metallic single walled carbon nanotubes is shown to be strongly dependent on the Fermi level position and the applied electric field across the nanotube. Resonance-like enhancement observed near optical phonon energy only when the Fermi level lies near the Dirac point is correlated to Raman G-band softening and broadening. The results suggest that the competition between zone-center and zone-boundary phonon scattering is the underlying origin of the large enhancement and resonance-like behavior of 1/f noise.

The work describes the first demonstration of fully transparent thin-film-transistors (TFTs) based on well-aligned single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) arrays with indium tin oxide (ITO) source/drain/gate electrodes. The fully transparent SWNT-TFTs could be attractive candidates for future flexible/ or transparent electronics. The transistors provide suitable current levels to drive OLED pixels (e.g. for high resolution displays), and operated at relatively low gate biases (~2V). The use of aligned SWNTs allows scaling of the current levels with device width, which will be important for future circuit approaches. We propose several new approaches to overcome the limitations of conventional carbon nanotube transistors. 1. Difficulty in the separation of semiconducting and metallic SWNTs ~ Electrical burning at two terminals 2. Alignment of the nanotubes to device in a controlled fashion ~ Aligned SWNTs array on quartz substrate 3. High yield devices isolated from their environment ~ Atomic layer deposition (ALD) passivation

Single ZnO nanowire (NW) transistors fabricated with self-assembled nanodielectric (SAND) and SiO2 gate insulators were characterized by low-frequency noise and variable temperature current-voltage (I-V) measurements. According to the gate dependence of the noise amplitude, the extracted Hooge's constants (alpha(H)) are similar to 3.3x10(-2) for SAND-based devices and similar to 3.5x10(-1) for SiO2-based devices. Temperature-dependent I-V studies show that the hysteresis of the transfer curves and the threshold voltage shifts of SAND-based devices are significantly smaller than those of SiO2-based devices. These results demonstrate the improved SAND/ZnO NW interface quality (lower interface-trap states and defects) in comparison to those fabricated with SiO2.

This thesis details the study of N~Z~28 nuclei obtained using the fusion evaporation reactions 19Ne +40Ca at a beam energy of 70 MeV and 24Mg-40Ca at a beam energy of 65 MeV. The 19Ne data constitute the first tests of a neutron-deficient Radioactive Ion Beam (RIB) for high-spin nuclear spectroscopy. The radioactive Ne beam was supplied by the coupled cyclotrons at the Louvain-la-Neuve facility, Belgium. Emitted gamma-rays were detected by an array of 7 TESSA-style Ge-detectors in the backward hemisphere in two rings. A degree of channel selection was also allowed by identifying evaporated charged particles with an array of 128 silicon-strip detectors (LEDA array). Background subtraction of radiation from the decay of the beam was achieved using the timing properties of the pulsed beam and through particle detection using the LEDA charged particle array Information on the relative evaporation residue cross-sections was obtained and the problems associated with performing such experiments in a high radioactive background environment are addressed. New information on the high spin states of 58Ni was obtained using the reaction 40Ca (24Mg, alpha2p), performed at the ATLAS facility at Argonne National Laboratory. Emitted 7-rays were detected by high efficiency AYEBALL array which consisted of 18 EUROGAM and TESSA-style Compton suppressed Ge-detectors in four annular rings. Channel selection is demonstrated by use of (a) mass selection using the Argonne Fragment Mass Analyser (FMA), (b) a split anode ionization chamber at the back of the FMA, and (c) an array of 11 neutron detectors in a ring at forward angles. The effectiveness of using recoil-gated gamma coincidence data for the study of nuclear structure in neutron-deficient nuclei close to the proton drip-line is shown. The excited states of 58Ni are compared with OXBASH shell model calculations and the problems associated with forming high angular momentum states in the limited valence space are addressed.