Effect of doping profile and the work function variation on performance of double-gate TFET

Abstract Tunnel Field Effect Transistor (TFET) can be considered as one of the promising transistors because it can switch ON and OFF at lower voltages than the operation voltage of the metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). This paper presents the effects of gate electrode work function and the doping profile terminating within and outside the drain on the ambipolar current, the ION/IOFF ratio, and the subthreshold swing. The results show that, Gaussian doping profile terminating within the drain is the most promising for on/off ratio. All the simulations and results have been performed and obtained with the help of ATLAS device simulator (Silvaco) and MATLAB

Supervised Learning Based Super-Resolution DoA Estimation Utilizing Antenna Array Extrapolation

In this paper, we introduce a novel algorithm that can dramatically reduce the number of antenna elements needed to accurately predict the direction of arrival (DOA) for multiple input multiple output (MIMO) radar. The new proposed algorithm predicts the received signal of a large antenna setup using reduced number of antenna by using coupled dictionary learning. Hence, this enables the MIMO radar to resolve more paths, which could not be resolved by the fewer antennas. Specifically, we overcome the problem of inaccurate DOA estimation due to a small virtual array setup. For example, we can use dictionary learning to predict 100 virtual array elements using only 25. To evaluate our algorithm, we used multiple signal classification (MUSIC) as a DOA estimation technique to estimate the DOA for non coherent multiple targets. The results show that using the predicted received signal, the proposed algorithm could resolve all the targets in the scene, which could not been resolved using only the received signal from the reduced antenna setup.Comment: 2020 IEEE 91st Vehicular Technology Conference (VTC2020-Spring

Quality assessment of cryopreserved New Zealand white rabbit spermatozoa in INRA-82 extender containing different cryoprotectants

[EN] The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of INRA-82 semen extender with different cryoprotectants (dimethyl sulphoxide; DMSO vs. dimethyl formamide; DMF) on the quality of white New Zealand rabbit buck spermatozoa. We also investigated the possible association between the synergistic action of DMSO and DMF and their relation with INRA-82 extender composition. Semen was collected and pooled from 8 adult rabbit bucks. Pooled semen samples were diluted 1:1 with INRA-82 extender supplemented with DMSO 8%, DMF 8% or a combination of DMSO 4% and DMF 4%. The diluted semen samples were cryopreserved in 0.25 plastic straws. After thawing, progressive motility, sperm viability, sperm abnormalities, membrane integrity, acrosome status, viability index and DNA integrity were evaluated. The results showed that dilution of rabbit buck semen in INRA-82 supplemented with DMSO and DMF (4% each) before freezing significantly (P<0.05) improved sperm motility (42.00%), percentage of live spermatozoa (45.30%), proportions of spermatozoa with intact acrosome (59.75%) and percentage of spermatozoa with non-fragmented DNA (86.04%), compared to those diluted in INRA-82 supplemented either with DMSO 8% (+9, +10, +5 and +7 percentage points, respectively) or with DMF 8% alone (+18 +18, +12 and +9 percentage points, respectively). In conclusion, dilution of rabbit buck semen before freezing with INRA-82 extender supplemented with a combination of DMSO 4% and DMF 4% improved quality of frozen-thawed New Zealand White rabbit spermatozoa. Furthermore, our results also suggest that supplementation of INRA-82 with DMSO or with DMF alone at higher concentrations deteriorates the sperm quality.Fadl, AM.; Ghallab, AM.; Abou-Ahmed, MM. (2019). Quality assessment of cryopreserved New Zealand white rabbit spermatozoa in INRA-82 extender containing different cryoprotectants. World Rabbit Science. 27(2):77-83. https://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2019.10892SWORD7783272Alvarenga M.A., Papa F.O., Landim-Alvarenga F.C., Medeiros A.S. 2005. Amides as cryoprotectants for freezing stallion semen: A review. Anim. Reprod. Sci., 89: 105-113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.07.001Ashwood-Smith M.J. 1987. Mechanisms of cryoprotectant action. In: Bowler, K., Fuller, B.J., Temperature and Animal Cells. Biologists, Cambridge, UK., 41: 395-406.Bezerra F.S.B., Castelo T.S., Alves H.M., Oliveira I.R.S., Lima G.L., Peixoto G.C.X., Bezerra A.S.D., Silva A.R. 2011. Objective assessment of the cryoprotective effects of dimethyl formamide for freezing goat semen. Cryobiology, 63: 263-266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryobiol.2011.09.136Chalah T., Seigneurin F., Blesbois E., Brillard J.P. 1999. In vitro comparison of fowl sperm viability in ejaculates frozen by three different techniques and relationship with subsequent fertility in vivo. Cryobiology, 39: 185-191. https://doi.org/10.1006/cryo.1999.2201Chan P.J., Corselli J.U., Jacobson J.D., Patton W.C., King A. 1999. Spermac stain analysis of human sperm acrosomes. Fertil. Steril., 72: 124-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-0282(99)00201-0Courtens J.L. 1995. La congélation de la semence de lapin. Cuniculture, 123: 101-102.Cristanelli M.J., Amann R.P., Squires E.L., Pickett B.W. 1985. Effects of egg yolk and glycerol level in lactose-EDTA-egg yolk extender and of freezing rate on the motility of frozenthawed stallion spermatozoa. Theriogenology, 23: 25-38.https://doi.org/10.1016/0093-691X(85)90166-9Curry M.R., Redding B.J., Watson P.F. 1995. Determination of water permeability coefficient and its activation energy for rabbit spermatozoa. Cryobiology, 32: 175-181. https://doi.org/10.1006/cryo.1995.1016Darin-Bennett, A., White, I.G. 1977. Influence of the cholesterol content of mammalian spermatozoa on susceptibility to cold-shock. Cryobiology. 14: 466-470. https://doi.org/10.1016/0011-2240(77)90008-6Di Iorio M., Rosato M.P., Iaffaldano N. 2012. Effects of semen frozen with DMA and DMSO as cryoprotectants on rabbit reproductive performances. International PhD Workshop on "Welfare, Biotechnology and Quality of Animal Production", Zielonka, (Poland), 5th-8th September, p.3.Domingo P., Olaciregui M., González N., De Blas I., Gil L. 2018. Effects of seminal plasma and different cryoprotectants on rabbit sperm preservation at 16°C. Exp. Anim., 67: 413-420. https://doi.org/10.1538/expanim.17-0152Evans G., Maxwell W.C. 1987. Salamons' artificial insemination of sheep and goats (No. Ed. 2). Butterworths. Fadl A.M. 2016. Studies on some factors affecting freezability of stallion spermatozoa. M.V.Sc. Thesis, Cairo Univ.Gao D.Y., Mazur P., Critser J.K. 1997. Fundamental cryobiology of mammalian spermatozoa. In: Karow AM, Critser JK (eds) Reproductive tissue banking. Academic press, San Diego. 263-327. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012399770-8/50007-1Gogol P. 1999. Cryopreservation of plasma-deprived rabbit semen. Ann. Anim. Sci., 26: 85-92.Graham J.K., Mocé E. 2005. Fertility evaluation of frozen/thawed semen. Theriogenology, 64: 492-504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.05.006Hanada A., Nagase. 1980. Cryoprotective effects of some amides on rabbit spermatozoa. J.Reprod. Fertil., 60: 247-252. https://doi.org/10.1530/jrf.0.0600247Hall S.E, Negus C, Johinke D, Bathgate R. 2017. Adjusting cryodiluent composition for improved post-thaw quality of rabbit spermatozoa. PLoS ONE, 12: e0175965. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0175965Holt W.V. 2000. Fundamental aspects of sperm cryobiology: the importance of species and individual differences. Theriogenology, 53: 47-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0093-691X(99)00239-3Kashiwazaki N., Okuda Y., Seita Y., Hisamatsu S., Sonoki S., Shino M., Masaoka T., Inomata T. 2006. Comparison of glycerol, lactamide, acetamide and dimethyl sulfoxide as cryoprotectants of Japanese white rabbit spermatozoa. J. Reprod. Dev., 52: 511-516. https://doi.org/10.1262/jrd.18008Long J.A. 2006. Avian semen cryopreservation: what are the biological challenges? Poult. Sci., 85: 232-236. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/85.2.232Medeiros A.S.L., Gomes G.M., Carmo M.T., Papa F.O., Alvarenga M.A. 2002. Cryopreservation of stallion sperm using different amides. Theriogenology, 58: 273-276.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0093-691X(02)00898-1Mesa A., Henao G. 2012. Effect of cholesterol and dimethylformamide on the cryosurvival of Colombian creole stallion sperm. Revista Medicina Veterinaria Zootecnia Cordoba, 17: 2908-2915. https://doi.org/10.21897/rmvz.260Milovanov V.K. 1962. Biology of reproduction and artificial insemination of farm animals. Selihozizdat, Moscow.Mocé E., Vicente J.S. 2009. Rabbit sperm cryopreservation: a review. Anim. Reprod. Sci., 110: 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.08.015Mota Filho A.C., Teles C.H., Juca R.P., Cardoso J.F., Uchoa D.C., Campello C.C., Silva L.D. 2011. Dimethyl formamide as acryoprotectant for canine semen diluted and frozen in ACP- 106C. Theriogenology, 76: 67-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.05.010Olaciregui, M., Gil, L., Montón, A., Luño, V., Jerez, R.A., Martí, J.I. 2014. Cryopreservation of epididymal stallion sperm. Cryobiology 68: 91-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryobiol.2013.12.009Partyka A., Niżański W., Ochota M. 2012. Methods of assessment of cryopreserved semen. In: Katkov II (ed) Current Frontiers in Cryobiology. In Tech Open Access Publisher, Rijeka, Croatia. pp 547-574. https://doi.org/10.5772/33565Pukazhenthi, B.S., Johnson, A., Guthrie, H.D., Songsasen, N., Padilla, L.R., Wolfe, B.A., Coutinho da Silva, M., Alvarenga, M.A., Wildt, D.E. 2014. Improved sperm cryosurvival in diluents containing amides versus glycerol in the Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii). Cryobiology 68: 205-214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryobiol.2014.01.013Sarıözkan S., Tuncer P.B., Bucak M.N., Ulutaş P.A. 2009. Influence of various antioxidants on microscopicoxidative stress indicators and fertilizing ability of frozenthawed bull semen. Acta Vet. Brno.,78: 463-469. https://doi.org/10.2754/avb200978030463Squires E.L., Keith S.L., Graham J.K. 2004. Evaluation of alternative cryoprotectants for preserving stallion spermatozoa. Theriogenology, 62: 1056-1065. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2003.12.024Vidament M., Ecot P., Noue P., Bourgeois C., Magistrini M., Palmer E. 2000. 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Synthesis of novel naphthalene-heterocycle hybrids with potent antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antituberculosis activities

Multitarget-directed drugs (hybrid drugs) constitute an efficient avenue for the treatment of multifactorial diseases. In this work, novel naphthalene hybrids with different heterocyclic scaffolds such as nicotinonitrile, pyran, pyranopyrazole, pyrazole, pyrazolopyridine, and azepine were efficiently synthesized via tandem reactions of 3-formyl-4H-benzo[h]chromen-4-one 1 with different nucleophilic reagents. Analysis of these hybrids using PASS online software indicated different predicted biological activities such as anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, anti-inflammatory, etc. By focusing on antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antituberculosis activities, many compounds revealed remarkable activities. While 3c, 3e, and 3h were more potent than doxorubicin in the case of HepG-2 cell lines, 3a–e, 3i, 6, 8, 10, 11, and 12b were more potent in the case of MCF-7. Moreover, compounds 3c, 3h, 8, 10, 3d, and 12b manifested superior activity and COX-2 selectivity to the reference anti-inflammatory Celecoxib. Regarding antituberculosis activity, 3c, 3d, and 3i were found to be the most promising with MIC less than 1 mg mL–1. The molecular docking studies showed strong polar and hydrophobic interactions with the novel naphthalene-heterocycle hybrids that were compatible with experimental evaluations to a great extent

Dihydrophenazine:a multifunctional new weapon that kills multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and restores carbapenem and oxidative stress susceptibilities

AimsThe current work aims to fully characterize a new antimicrobial agent against Acinetobacter baumannii, which continues to represent a growing threat to healthcare settings worldwide. With minimal treatment options due to the extensive spread of resistance to almost all the available antimicrobials, the hunt for new antimicrobial agents is a high priority. Methods and resultsAn Egyptian soil-derived bacterium strain NHM-077B proved to be a promising source for a new antimicrobial agent. Bioguided fractionation of the culture supernatants of NHM-077B followed by chemical structure elucidation identified the active antimicrobial agent as 1-hydroxy phenazine. Chemical synthesis yielded more derivatives, including dihydrophenazine (DHP), which proved to be the most potent against A. baumannii, yet it exhibited a safe cytotoxicity profile against human skin fibroblasts. Proteomics analysis of the cells treated with DHP revealed multiple proteins with altered expression that could be correlated to the observed phenotypes and potential mechanism of the antimicrobial action of DHP. DHP is a multi-pronged agent that affects membrane integrity, increases susceptibility to oxidative stress, interferes with amino acids/protein synthesis, and modulates virulence-related proteins. Interestingly, DHP in sub-inhibitory concentrations resensitizes the highly virulent carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strain AB5075 to carbapenems providing great hope in regaining some of the benefits of this important class of antibiotics. ConclusionsThis work underscores the potential of DHP as a promising new agent with multifunctional roles as both a classical and non-conventional antimicrobial agent that is urgently needed.<br/

In Vivo Investigation of the Ameliorating Effect of Copper Albumin Complex on chondroitin sulfate in Monosodium iodoacetate -Induced Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that manifests as cartilage deterioration and subchondral bone sclerosis in the joint tissues. The weight-bearing joint is most severely impacted by OA. According to some research, consuming foods high in copper albumin complex (cu-albumin complex) can help with OA-related joint degeneration and pain relief. The current study's objective to determine how oral administration of the cu-albumin complex as an anti-inflammatory medication affected the development of rat knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Fifty adult albino rats were divided into three groups: negative control untreated (n= 10, no KOA induction); positive untreated control (n= 20, KOA induction); and treated group (n= 20, KOA induction with administration of cu-albumin complex). According to the severity of the clinical symptoms, treated and untreated arthritic groups were equally divided into mild and severe groups (n=10). Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) was used as intra-articular injection for osteoarthritis induction. Rats were euthanized after a month of the beginning of the experiment, and the joints were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. It was indicated that the treatment was effective in reducing KOA severity and in improvement of chondroitin sulfate of the affected cartilages. In conclusion, the structure of the chondroitin sulphate in the knee joint cartilages of KOA-affected rats was modified by the cu-albumin complex

Genomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in Egypt: insights into spike protein thermodynamic stability

The overall pattern of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic so far has been a series of waves; surges in new cases followed by declines. The appearance of novel mutations and variants underlie the rises in infections, making surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and prediction of variant evolution of utmost importance. In this study, we sequenced 320 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes isolated from patients from the outpatient COVID-19 clinic in the Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 (CCHE 57357) and the Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM). The samples were collected between March and December 2021, covering the third and fourth waves of the pandemic. The third wave was found to be dominated by Nextclade 20D in our samples, with a small number of alpha variants. The delta variant was found to dominate the fourth wave samples, with the appearance of omicron variants late in 2021. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the omicron variants are closest genetically to early pandemic variants. Mutation analysis shows SNPs, stop codon mutation gain, and deletion/insertion mutations, with distinct patterns of mutations governed by Nextclade or WHO variant. Finally, we observed a large number of highly correlated mutations, and some negatively correlated mutations, and identified a general inclination toward mutations that lead to enhanced thermodynamic stability of the spike protein. Overall, this study contributes genetic and phylogenetic data, as well as provides insights into SARS-CoV-2 viral evolution that may eventually help in the prediction of evolving mutations for better vaccine development and drug targets