Abstract: The present invention provides reagents and methods for improved homologous recombination.

Abstract: Multi-band photodetectors can be formed by series connecting unipolar and, optionally, bipolar semiconductor structures, each having different photodetection bands. Under default mode of operation, the detector with highest resistance and lowest current will be the current limiting device and will be the active photodetector. When the active photodetector is illuminated with strong light in its own detection band it will be optically biased. This active photodetector will no longer be the highest resistance device, and the next photodetector will be the active photodetector. Repeating this operation pattern, allows switching photodetection bands of the multi-band photodetector. The resistances, dark current and photocurrent of the devices should be engineered to have proper switching. Moreover, the illuminating surface, and photodetector placement should be optimized for proper light biasing. The current passing through the device will always be equal to the current of the active photodetector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fluorescence dual sensor comprising a probe for sensing pH, a probe for sensing oxygen, an intra-reference probe and a matrix. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing an optical fluorescence dual sensor and methods of using them.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing silicon-germanium hydride compounds of the formula (H3Ge)4-xSiHx, wherein x=0, 1, 2 or 3. The method includes combining a silane triflate with a compound having a GeH3 ligand under conditions whereby the silicon-germanium hydride is formed. The compound having the GeH3 ligand is selected from the group consisting of KGeH3, NaGeH3 and MR3GeH3, wherein M is a Group IV element and R is an organic ligand. The silane triflate can be HxSi(OSO2CF3)4-x or HxSi(OSO2C4F9)4-x. The method can be used to synthesize trisilane, (H3Si)2SiH2, and the iso-tetrasilane analog, (H3Si)3SiH, by combining a silane triflate with a compound comprising a SiH3 ligand under conditions whereby the silicon hydride is formed. The silane triflate can include HxSi(OSO2CF3)4-x or HxSi(OSO2C4F9)4-x wherein x=1 or 2. A method for synthesizing (H3Ge)2SiH2 includes combining H3GeSiH2(OSO2CF3) with KGeH3 under conditions whereby (H3Ge)2SiH2 is formed.