Lithographically printed voltaic cells - A feasibility study

It has been shown that circuit interconnects and various passive components can be fabricated on a variety of flexible substrates using the offset lithographic process. This paper reports on a feasibility study investigating the manufacture of voltaic cells deposited via offset lithography

Development and characterisation of lithographically printed voltaic cells

This paper reports progress in the fabrication of voltaic cells and batteries via offset lithographic printing. Successful design and manufacture of lithographically printed voltaic cells would facilitate the integration of printed passive components, interconnects and display elements for disposable electronics in low-volume, low weight circuits and systems. The conductive lithographic film (CLF) printing process was developed by Brunel University to fabricate circuit interconnect and various passive components at high speed and low cost. A feasibility study, investigating printed cells based on zinc-carbon electrochemistry, is described. This has resulted in the production of a printed battery able to power a microcontroller-driven LED display system for more than three hours. Further work seeks to improve cell capacity, address manufacturing process issues, and characterise the structures in more detail

Printed thermocouple devices

A novel process for the fabrication of thermocouples using thick-film techniques has been developed. Thermoelectric reactions of 22 μV/°C per couple have been observed which are comparable to those of conventional thermocouples. This work outlines the potential for a rapid, lowcost, low temperature manufacturing solution for the production of electrical temperature sensors

Electroluminescent light sources via soft lithography

Purpose: Microcontact printing is a process used to print high resolution protein arrays for biosensors. We investigate using these techniques to print electrically conductive fine line structures for electroluminescent (E/L) light sources. Approach: The viability of using microcontact printing as a process for electronics fabrication is investigated. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamps inked with alkanethiol compounds form Self Assembled Monolayers (SAM) on substrate surfaces, acting as the resist to subsequent etching processes. The printed lines are characterized with regard to their performance as high electric field generators in electroluminescent displays. Findings: It has been demonstrated that microcontact printing is a cheap, repeatable process for fabricating electronic devices. The results demonstrate the viability of the process to fabricate electric field generator structures for E/L light sources with reduced driving voltages. Value: It has been demonstrated that microcontact printing can produce electrically conductive fine-line structures with high resolution, confirming its viability in printed electronics manufacture

A time-strain monitoring system fabricated via offset lithographic printing

This paper reports progress in the development of strain sensors fabricated using the Conductive Lithographic Film (CLF) printing process. Strain sensitive structures printed via an unmodified offset lithographic printing press using a silver loaded conductive ink have been deposited concurrently with circuit interconnect, to form an electronic smart packaging system. A system populated with SMT components has proven successful in interpreting and logging deformation incidences subjected to a package during testing. It is proposed that with further development such a system could be printed in sync with packaging graphics using a single printing process to form an integrated time – strain monitoring system

Characterization of lithographically printed resistive strain gauges

This paper reports progress in sensor fabrication by the conductive lithographic film (CLF) printing process. Work describing strain-sensitive structures manufactured using a modified printing process and conductive inks is addressed. The performance of a "single-ink" strain-sensitive structure when printed on six alternative substrates (GlossArt, PolyArt, Teslin, Mylar C, Melinex, and Kapton) is analyzed. Though not intending to compete with conventional gauges in high-tolerance measurement, the structures exhibit properties that indicate suitability for novel applications

Conductive lithographic film fabricated resistive strain gauges

This paper reports progress in sensor fabrication by the conductive lithographic film (CLF) printing process. Work describing strain sensitive structures manufactured using a modified printing process and conductive inks are addressed. The performance of a 'single ink' strain sensitive structure when printed on six alternative polymer substrates (GlossArt, PolyArt, Teslin, Mylar C, Mylar and Kapton) is analysed. Though not intending to compete with conventional gauges in high tolerance measurement, the structures exhibit properties that indicate suitability for novel applications

Subcellular Epithelial HMGB1 Expression Is Associated with Colorectal Neoplastic Progression, Male Sex, Mismatch Repair Protein Expression, Lymph Node Positivity, and an 'Immune Cold' Phenotype Associated with Poor Survival.

New treatment targets are needed for colorectal cancer (CRC). We define expression of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) protein throughout colorectal neoplastic progression and examine the biological consequences of aberrant expression. HMGB1 is a ubiquitously expressed nuclear protein that shuttles to the cytoplasm under cellular stress. HMGB1 impacts cellular responses, acting as a cytokine when secreted. A total of 846 human tissue samples were retrieved; 6242 immunohistochemically stained sections were reviewed. Subcellular epithelial HMGB1 expression was assessed in a CRC Tissue Microarray (n = 650), normal colonic epithelium (n = 75), adenomatous polyps (n = 52), and CRC polyps (CaP, n = 69). Stromal lymphocyte phenotype was assessed in the CRC microarray and a subgroup of CaP. Normal colonic epithelium has strong nuclear and absent cytoplasmic HMGB1. With progression to CRC, there is an emergence of strong cytoplasmic HMGB1 (p < 0.001), pronounced at the leading cancer edge within CaP (p < 0.001), and reduction in nuclear HMGB1 (p < 0.001). In CRC, absent nuclear HMGB1 is associated with mismatch repair proteins (p = 0.001). Stronger cytoplasmic HMGB1 is associated with lymph node positivity (p < 0.001) and male sex (p = 0.009). Stronger nuclear (p = 0.011) and cytoplasmic (p = 0.002) HMGB1 is associated with greater CD4+ T-cell density, stronger nuclear HMGB1 is associated with greater FOXP3+ (p < 0.001) and ICOS+ (p = 0.018) lymphocyte density, and stronger nuclear HMGB1 is associated with reduced CD8+ T-cell density (p = 0.022). HMGB1 does not directly impact survival but is associated with an 'immune cold' tumour microenvironment which is associated with poor survival (p < 0.001). HMGB1 may represent a new treatment target for CRC

Taking Action Together: A YMCA-based protocol to prevent Type-2 Diabetes in high-BMI inner-city African American children

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Associated with a tripling in obesity since 1970, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children has risen 9-10 fold. There is a critical need of protocols for trials to prevent T2DM in children.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>This protocol includes the theory, development, evaluation components and lessons learned from a novel YMCA-based T2DM prevention intervention designed specifically for high-BMI African American children from disadvantaged, inner-city neighborhoods of Oakland, California. The intervention was developed on the basis of: review of epidemiological and intervention studies of pediatric T2DM; a conceptual theory (social cognitive); a comprehensive examination of health promotion curricula designed for children; consultation with research, clinical experts and practitioners and; input from community partners. The intervention, <it>Taking Action Together</it>, included culturally sensitive and age-appropriate programming on: healthy eating; increasing physical activity and, improving self esteem.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Evaluations completed to date suggest that <it>Taking Action Together </it>may be an effective intervention, and results warrant an expanded evaluation effort. This protocol could be used in other community settings to reduce the risk of children developing T2DM and related health consequences.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01039116.</p