Improved Stable Read Range of the RFID Tag Using Slot Apertures and Capacitive Gaps for Outdoor Localization Applications.

This paper proposes a small-size UHF RFID tag antenna, which was designed to function in the frequency interval of 860-960 MHz, with a large-read range of up to 17 m. In this work, the effects of capacitive slots and gaps on the impedance matching between conventional industrial chips and a designed RFID antenna was investigated. Simulated and measured results provided a clear indication that these two techniques can efficiently improve the return loss parameter and the antenna impedance matching behavior at the UHF band. Three-dimensional electromagnetic (EM) simulations results further proved that a better impedance matching between an industrial chip and a proposed RFID antenna occurs at 870 MHz, where the estimated input antenna impedance was about Za = 16 + j184 (Ω), and the calculated read range reached a value of up to 17 m with a measured return loss value of -14 dB. The proposed RFID antenna can almost maintain the same read range value over a 180 degree angle variations on the horizontal plane owing to its omnidirectional radiation pattern. The fabrication and test stages of the antenna prototype were scheduled to validate the simulated characteristics. Experimental results confirmed the performances of our proposed RFID tag antenna and proved its potential ability for localization applications. EM simulations have been performed using the well-known commercial EM software simulator CST MWS.

Eco-Friendly Sustainable Synthesis of Graphene Quantum Dots from Biowaste as a Highly Selective Sensor.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have generated a great deal of scientific interest due to their bright fluorescence, good biocompatibility, minimal toxicity and fascinating physicochemical features. However, the ultimate issues regarding the acidic contaminations and high synthesis cost of GQDs remain open challenges for their real-world applications. Herein, we report an eco-friendly, acid-free and sustainable method for the preparation of GQDs using a cost-efficient, and renewable carbon source, 'biomass-waste', which simultaneously solves the risk of contamination from strong acids and high expenditure initiated by expensive precursors. The results demonstrate that GQDs possess a size range of 1-5 nm with an average size of ~3 ± 0.4 nm and a thickness of ~1 nm consisting of 1-3 layers of graphene. As-prepared GQDs demonstrate fascinating size-dependent optical properties and considerable surface grafting. Due to their intriguing optical properties, these GQDs are employed as fluorescence probes to detect ferric ions. A focused and sensitive sensor is developed with a detection limit down to 0.29 µM. This study emphasizes the need for using a reasonably green process and an inexpensive biomass precursor to create high-value GQDs that hold great potential for use in photocatalytic, bioimaging and real-world sensing applications.

Severe Acute Systemic Reaction After the First Injections of Ixekizumab.

We report the case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with generalized malaise; lymphadenopathy; arthritis; dactylitis; ecchymosis; acute onycholysis; and a red, nonpruritic, nonscaly, mottled rash on the right breast 24 hours after the first injections of ixekizumab for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Ixekizumab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that binds to IL-17A. Adverse events of ixeki-zumab include infection, inflammatory bowel disease, candidiasis and tinea infections, severe injection-site reactions, arthralgia, headache, infections, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Other biologics, specifically tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, have been reported to cause onycholysis attributed to immune dysregulation. We propose that ixekizumab alters the inflammatory cascade that underlies the induction of acute onycholysis and arthritis.

Genetic basis of some physiological traits and yield in early and late sowing conditions in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

The rise in human population necessitates the use of all available tools to enhance wheat productivity. In this regard, pre-breeding has mobilized novel underutilized genetic variation into breeding programs. However, this germplasm needs to be characterized for its efficient utilization. This investigation was initiated to evaluate the early and late sown wheat pre-breeding germplasm for physiology- and yield-related traits and to associate the mapped SNPs using association mapping approach. Our results indicate that the germplasm performed better in early sowing in comparison to late planting where grain yield (Yd) was found positively correlated with water use efficiency (WUE), heading time, and chlorophyll contents (Chl). We discovered a total of 210 associations involving 155 SNPs. Taking into consideration either early or late sowing and the mean values, only 12 marker traits were associated with trait germination, plant height, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, Chl, carotenoids, and Yd. Our correlations and mapping results indicate that higher WUE along with Chl can be targeted as indirect physiological markers to enhance wheat yield.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in a pediatric patient with ataxia telangiectasia syndrome.

Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is a rare autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the ATM gene. An impaired immune response due to the gene mutation leads to an increased risk of infection and malignancy. We present a rare case of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans arising in a patient with AT.

Neutrophilic sebaceous adenitis with intralobular Demodex mites: a case report and review of the literature.

A 61-year-old white man presented with a 1-week history of an asymptomatic erythematous, annular plaque with minimal scale limited to the nasal bridge. Histological examination showed a mixed infiltrate of lymphocytes and neutrophils within sebaceous glands. The clinical and histopathological presentation was consistent with a diagnosis of neutrophilic sebaceous adenitis. Several Demodex brevis mites were present deep within the affected sebaceous lobules. Demodex brevis mites are uncommon inhabitants of sebaceous glands of the nose, presenting more commonly on other body sites. The cause of neutrophilic sebaceous adenitis is unknown, but the presence of D. brevis in affected sebaceous glands in this case suggests a possible association.