Towards flexible asymmetric MSM structures using Si microwires through contact printing

This paper presents development of flexible metal-semiconductor-metal devices using silicon (Si) microwires. Monocrystalline Si in the shape of microwires are used which are developed through standard photolithography and etching. These microwires are assembled on secondary flexible substrates through a dry transfer printing by using a polydimethylsiloxane stamp. The conductive patterns on Si microwires are printed using a colloidal silver nanoparticles based solution and an organic conductor i.e. poly (3,4-ethylene dioxthiophene) doped with poly (styrene sulfonate). A custom developed spray coating technique is used for conductive patterns on Si microwires. A comparative study of the current–voltage (I–V) responses is carried out in flat and bent orientations as well as the response to the light illumination of the wires is explored. Current variations as high as 17.1 μA are recorded going from flat to bend conditions, while the highest I on/I off ratio i.e. 43.8 is achieved with light illuminations. The abrupt changes in the current response due to light-on/off conditions validates these devices for fast flexible photodetector switches. These devices are also evaluated based on transfer procedure i.e. flip-over and stamp-assisted transfer printing for manipulating Si microwires and their subsequent post-processing. These new developments were made to study the most feasible approach for transfer printing of Si microwires and to harvest their capabilities such as photodetection and several other applications in the shape of metal-semiconductor-metal structures

3D-Printed Perceptive Robotic End-Effectors with Embedded Multimodal Sensors

Robust perception is crucial for autonomous and intelligent robots, and this can be achieved through a network of multimodal sensors embedded in the robotic body, like biological organs. Herein, we report a perceptive robotic end-effector, developed using multi-material additive manufacturing, for manipulation of delicate objects. The 3D-printed phalanges of the end-effector incorporate distributed resistive sensors to provide the multimodal touch and bend sensing capabilities. Each resistive sensor unit comprises a carbon black-Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)-based conductive composite, along with a specially designed sensor frame for embedding purposes to ensure robustness. These embedded sensors show sensitivity of ∼0.16% N -1 to compressive pressure and 0.06% per degree of bending angle for applied strain. Furthermore, they exhibit temperature sensitivity, registering approximately 1.6% change in response to a temperature shift from room temperature (25°C) to 45°C (hot perception), and approximately 1.3% for a change from 25°C to 5°C (cold perception). Finally, the 3D printed end-effector is used to grasp daily objects such as a soft ball and a paper cup to demonstrate its practical applicability towards the development of artificial limbs and human-friendly soft robots

Graphene Gold Nanoparticle Hybrid Based Near Infrared Photodetector

This paper presents novel and simplistic approach towards the development of graphene based near infrared (NIR) photodetectors. The developed device comprises of Au nanoparticles integrated within the channel of the back-gated graphene field effect transistors. The introduction of Au nanoparticles enhanced response of the device under IR illumination due improved NIR absorption. Further, dynamic response of the device under IR illumination is presented. This study will trigger the development of novel hybrid graphene device for graphene based photodetectors in IR regime

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SECURE BNPL FOR B2B

The present disclosure provides a method and prediction system for providing secure BNPL for B2B using federated blockchain and AI. The prediction system provides shared digital ledger using federated blockchain i.e., by using shared digital ledger, participants can see history and transfer of assets and identify fraudulent transactions easily. Further, the prediction system provides secure BNPL using Deep Learning. The prediction system performs data pre-processing and feature engineering. Further, the prediction system analyses business using machine learning models. Thereafter, the prediction system performs BNPL amount prediction using neural networks and regression. Thus, the present disclosure prevents frauds and provides loaning for secure BNPL for B2B. Figures 3a-3

P53 tumour-suppressor gene mutations are mainly localised on exon 7 in human primary and metastatic prostate cancer.

Mutations in the p53 tumour-suppressor gene are among the most common genetic alterations in human cancers. In the present study we analysed the mutations in the p53 tumor-suppressor gene in 25 primary and 20 metastatic human prostate cancer specimens. DNA extracted from the paraffin-embedded sections was amplified by hot-start polymerase chain reaction, and p53 gene mutations in the conserved mid-region (exons 4-9) were examined using single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and immunohistochemistry. In the present study, we used a novel hot-start PCR-SSCP technique using DNA Taq polymerase antibody, which eliminates primer-dimers and non-specific products. Because of this new technique, the results of PCR-SSCP showed very high resolution. Polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced directly for point mutations for the p53 gene. Mutations were found in 2 out of 25 primary prostate cancers (8%) and 4 out of 20 metastatic cancers (20%). Mutations were observed exclusively in exon 7 and not in exons 4, 5, 6, 8 or 9. Nuclear accumulation of p53 protein, determined by immunohistochemistry, correlated with the degree of metastasis in prostatic cancer

In vitro functional properties of the rat bladder regenerated by the bladder acellular matrix graft.

PurposeTo assess the response of rat urinary bladder regenerated by the homologous bladder acellular matrix graft (BAMG) to in vitro electrical and pharmacologic stimuli.Materials and methodsIn Sprague-Dawley rats, partial cystectomy (>50%) was performed, followed by BAMG augmentation cystoplasty. After 4 months, organ bath studies of tissue strips in 10 were used to compare the contractility of the BAMG regenerates and the corresponding host detrusor smooth muscle.ResultsThe BAMG regenerates exhibited contractile activity to electrical field stimulation and a qualitatively identical pattern of response to muscarinic, purinergic, alpha- and beta-adrenergic drug administration and nitric oxide. At 4 months after surgery, the maximum forces of contraction of the BAMG regenerates to carbachol stimulation amounted to close to 80% of the host bladder response. With electrical field stimulation, they equaled 44% and 62% of the host bladder response after 2.5 and 4 months, respectively. Histological and immunohistochemical studies confirmed the presence of receptors for neurotransmitters that these functional in vitro studies implied.ConclusionsThe present study provides further evidence that augmentation cystoplasty with the BAMG leads to functional regeneration of the rat bladder detrusor smooth muscle

Free ureteral replacement in rats: regeneration of ureteral wall components in the acellular matrix graft.

ObjectivesTo evaluate ureteral replacement by a free homologous graft of acellular matrix in a rat model.MethodsIn 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats, a 0.3 to 0.8-cm midsegment of the left ureter was resected and replaced with an acellular matrix graft of equal length placed on a polyethylene stent. The animals were killed at varying intervals, and the grafted specimens were prepared for light and electron microscopy.ResultsIn all animals, the acellular matrix graft remained in its original position without evidence of incrustation or infection, and histologic examination showed complete epithelialization and progressive infiltration by vessels. At 10 weeks, smooth muscle fibers were observed; at 12 weeks, nerve fibers were first detected; at 4 months, smooth muscle cells had assumed regular configuration.ConclusionsThe ureteral acellular matrix graft appears to promote the regeneration of all ureteral wall components

Tuning Electrical Conductivity of CNT-PDMS Nanocomposites for Flexible Electronic Applications

This paper presents a study into the electrical conductivity of multi-wall carbon nanotube-polydimethylsiloxane (MWNT-PDMS) nanocomposite and their dependence on the filler concentration. It is observed that the electrical conductivity of the composites can be tailored by altering the filler concentration. Accordingly, the nanocomposites with filler weight ratio ranging from 1% to 8% were prepared and tested. Finally, the significance of results presented here for flexible pressure sensors and stretchable interconnects for electronic skin applications have been discussed

Bladder acellular matrix graft: in vivo functional properties of the regenerated rat bladder.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the rat urinary bladder augmented by an acellular matrix graft can restore the bladder's low-pressure reservoir function and preserve normal micturition. After partial cystectomy (> 50%) and grafting with the bladder acellular matrix graft (BAMG), storage and voiding functions were monitored in 20 rats by means of a specially designed "micturition cage," leak-point cystography, and cystometry. After 4 months, sections (n = 6) were examined histologically to evaluate regeneration of bladder wall components within the BAMG. Bladder capacity and compliance increased progressively and were significantly higher in the grafted animals than in controls (partial cystectomy only), and volumes per void were significantly higher than in either control or normal animals. At 4 months, the regenerated urothelium, smooth muscle, blood vessels and nerves within the BAMG were qualitatively identical to normal bladder wall. Augmentation cystoplasty with the homologous BAMG leads to morphologic and functional rat bladder regeneration, thus enhancing low-pressure reservoir function and preserving normal micturition