Abstract: A method for fabricating flexible microfluidic chips with plastic membranes. In particular, the present invention provides a single-step method for microchannel fabrication of microfluidic chips in a fast and cost-efficient manner.

Abstract: A droplet generator apparatus and droplet generation method based on high aspect ratio induced droplet self-breakup are provided. The droplet generator apparatus includes a channel (1) and a nozzle (2) connected to the channel(1), and the aspect ratio of the channel (1) can be 3.0 or greater. The apparatus may further include a blocking rail (10) that is positioned in front of the nozzle (2), a supplying rail(9) that is positioned in front of the nozzle (2), and a supplying trench (8) formed in a space between the nozzle (2) and the supplying rail (9).

Abstract: The present teaching relates to analyzing user activities related to a video. The video is provided to a plurality of users. The plurality of users is monitored to detect one or more types of user activities performed in time with respect to different portions of the video. One or more visual representations of the monitored one or more types of user activities are generated. The one or more visual representations capture a level of attention paid by the plurality of users to the different portions of the video at any time instance. Interests of at least some of the plurality of users are determined with respect to the different portions of the video based on the one or more visual representations.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus, method and centrifuge environmental chamber system for use in a centrifuge to induce different atmospheric paths as boundary conditions to a soil model during a centrifuge test. The invention is configured to be mounted on top of a strongbox, is based on a convection design principle, with components adapted for use in a centrifuge, and software for continuous control and data acquisition. An apparatus for a centrifuge environmental chamber can include a model strongbox including a model space, an airflow channel configured to pull air from the model space and push back the air to the model space, and a humidity nozzle placed in the model space.

Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a pixel of a liquid crystal pixel array with a driving circuit are provided. An exemplary method includes: providing a data signal (Dm) to a storage element via the first transistor (T1); and providing a ramping voltage signal (VRAMP) to a gate of a second transistor (T2) of the driving circuit to control the on-off status of the second transistor (T2); wherein the ramping voltage signal (VRAMP) is based on data stored at the storage element; and wherein a duration of an on-state of the second transistor (T2) corresponds to a transmitting state for the pixel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a micro-mini pulsed electric field (PEF) device for point-of-use disinfection of drinking water. The pulsed electric field device comprises micro-engineered electrodes and a low-voltage pulsed electric field generator circuit. A pulsed electric field is generated across a micro-gap between the electrodes to achieve disinfection of drinking water.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for controlling a movable object using multiple sensors. In one aspect, a method for calibrating one or more extrinsic parameters of a movable object having a plurality of sensors in an initial configuration is provided. The method can comprise: detecting that the initial configuration of the plurality of sensors has been modified; receiving inertial data from at least one inertial sensor during operation of the movable object; receiving image data from at least two image sensors during the operation of the movable object; and estimating the one or more extrinsic parameters based on the inertial data and the image data in response to detecting that the initial configuration has been modified, wherein the one or more extrinsic parameters comprise spatial relationships between the plurality of sensors in the modified configuration.

Abstract: An augmented reality device computationally processes an image frame against a first augmented reality profile stored in a local database. The first augmented reality profile includes first annotation content associated with a first object and is obtained from a second user device. In response to an object computationally processed from the first image frame satisfying a predetermined threshold of similarity with the first object in the first augmented reality profile, the first annotation content is rendered, on a display of the first user device, relative to the first object according to rendering instructions for the first annotation content.

Abstract: Transdermal patches and devices for delivery of therapeutic drug and/or cosmetic formulations through an intact or porated skin barrier are described. Active-infusion delivers controlled dosing over a period of time to provide long-term efficacy. Methods and devices for preparing active-infusion patches for controlled dose delivery by nonelectronic devices and methods of skin poration that is safe and painless are described.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a formulation comprising an organic solvent, a fullerene, and a conjugated polymer, wherein a solution of the conjugated polymer exhibits a peak optical absorption spectrum red shift of at least 100 nm when the conjugated polymer solution is cooled from 120° C. to room temperature, and wherein the fullerene is not phenyl-C71-butyric-acid-methyl-ester (PC71BM). The present subject matter further relates to the use of a formulation as described above further characterized in that the fullerene is not phenyl-C61-butyric-acid-methyl-ester (PC61BM).

Abstract: A gel composition for air freshening or disinfecting, comprising a silicon alkoxide or colloidal silica, a volatile or gaseous fragrance and/or disinfectant, water, an acid or base catalyst, a water-soluble solvent, and optionally other volatile components and additives, and a method for preparing the same. The gel can be transparent or colored, has a homogeneous texture and a soft to rigid structure, and contains volatile or gaseous components from 0 vol % to 85 vol % for scented materials (fragrance and oils) and/or 0-8000 ppm of disinfectant, which are released at a steady rate under ambient conditions, controlled by the shape and opening of the gel container. Botanicals or plastic decorations may be added into the gel to improve its aesthetic appeal. The preparation method is easier and requires less energy consumption and the gel is used as an air freshener or disinfectant.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to the three-dimensional (3D) integrated thin-film transistors (TFTs) with silicon and metal-oxide (MO) semiconductors as the active layers. In one or more embodiments, an apparatus is provided that comprises a first transistor comprising a silicon active layer, and a second transistor comprising a metal oxide active layer. The second transistor is vertically stacked on the first transistor, and the first transistor and the second transistor share a gate electrode formed between the silicon active layer and the metal oxide active layer. With these embodiments, the gate electrode corresponds to a top gate of the first transistor and a bottom gate of the second transistor.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for forming a semiconductor device. In an aspect, a semiconductor device is provided that includes a silicon carbide (SiC) structure and a III-nitride structure. The SiC structure includes a drain electrode, a substrate layer that is formed on the drain electrode and includes SiC, and a drift layer formed on the substrate layer. The drift layer includes p-well regions that allow current to flow through a region between the p-well regions. The III-nitride structure includes a set of III-nitride semiconductor layers formed on the SiC structure, a passivation layer formed on the set of III-nitride semiconductor layers, a source electrode electrically coupled to the p-well regions, and gate electrodes electrically isolated from the set of III-nitride semiconductor layers. In an aspect, the SiC structure includes a transition layer that includes connecting regions. In another aspect, the III-nitride structures includes connection electrodes electrically coupled to the connecting regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a haplotype or a diplotype in a genetic sample. The method comprises the steps of contacting a probe-complex with the genetic sample, wherein the probe complex comprises at least two probes, hybridizing at least two probes to a polynucleotide sequence, each of which is specific to one of two or more genetic variants, determining the presence or absence of at least one genetic variant by detecting a signal emitted from at least one probe, wherein detection of said signal is indicative of the the presence of a genetic variant, removing or displacing at least one of said probes from said sample, and detecting a change in the signal to determine the haplotype or a diplotype in the genetic sample. Kits for use in the method of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A material for moisture removal and/or water harvesting from air may include a hydrophilic material containing micropores and a low water activity material confined within the micropores of the hydrophilic material. Apparatuses containing such materials and methods for moisture removal and/or water harvesting from air by using such materials are also described.

Abstract: A sound absorption panel (201) is constructed on an acoustically thin sheet (203) to provide an acoustic/vibrational energy absorption metamaterial structure. A plurality of dampers (101) are fixed to the acoustically thin sheet (203), and at least a subset of said dampers (101) comprise a support (103) and a flexible membrane (105) supported by the support. The flexible membrane (105) has one or more masses or platelets (107) attached. The dampers (101) in combination with the sheet (203) result in absorption of energy of movement of the sheet (203) resulting from sound transmission or vibrations across the sheet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides light-sensitive protein hydrogels, and methods of their use thereof. The hydrogels can be used for cell encapsulation, culturing, and selective release under appropriate light conditions.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to the use of thermally induced self-assembly of surfactants, such as poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) or 4-octylphenol polyethoxylate, to vary the transparency or opacity of a composition containing the same. The compositions of the present subject matter can be used in smart window technologies.

Abstract: A system for annotating user images with non-user generated labels corresponding to a plurality of users and generating user profiles includes: one or more processor-readable media, configured to store processor-executable instructions for image analysis and user profile generation; and one or more processors, configured to, based on execution of, the stored processor-executable instructions: annotate user images with non-user-generated labels, wherein the non-user-generated labels correspond to visual features of the user images and generate user profiles based on non-user-generated tags associated with images corresponding to each respective user.

Abstract: A standing helix ferroelectric liquid crystal display cell includes: two transparent substrates (102A, 102B); a ferroelectric liquid crystal layer (104) comprising ferroelectric liquid crystals in a standing helix configuration, the ferroelectric liquid crystal layer (104) being disposed between the two transparent substrates (102A, 102B), the ferroelectric liquid crystals having a helix axis perpendicular to the two substrates (102A, 102B) and chiral smectic liquid crystal helix pitch shorter than a wavelength of a polarized light normally impinging at least one of the two transparent substrates (102A, 102B); and inter-digital electrodes (105), disposed in plane with the two transparent substrates (102A, 102B), configured to apply an electric field to the ferroelectric liquid crystal layer (104) that provides a driving voltage below a critical voltage for helix unwinding.