Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for forming a patterning mask over a layer to be patterned, the method comprising: (a) providing a first layer over a substrate, the substrate comprising the layer to be patterned, the first layer being capable to bond with a monolayer comprising a compound comprising a functional group for bonding to the first layer and a removable organic group, (b) bonding the monolayer to the first layer, (c) exposing the monolayer to an energy beam, thereby forming a pattern comprising a first area comprising the compound with the removable organic group and a second area comprising the compound not having the removable organic group, and (d) selectively depositing an amorphous carbon layer on top of the first area.

Abstract: A light-to-digital converter (2) comprises a light-to-current converter (10); a current integrator (4) with an integrator output (30) resettable to a baseline level; and a counter (18) with a digital output (26), wherein the light-to-current converter (10) is switchably connectable as a positive integration input to the current integrator (4), for, during a light-collecting phase (404-406), integrating a current from the light-to-current converter (10), the integrator output (30) starting from the baseline value and ending at a value to be digitized; a reference current source (14) is switchably connectable as a negative integration input to the current integrator (4), for, during a counting phase (406-408) subsequent to the light-collecting phase (404-406), integrating a reference current from the reference current source (14), the integrator output (30) starting from the value to be digitized and ending at the baseline value, the time spent integrating the reference current corresponding to the value to be

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel isolated bacterial strain of the Lactobacillus casei (L. casei) species. More in particular, the strain of the Lactobacillus casei species deposited under accession number LMG P-30039. The present invention further relates to the novel L. casei strain for use in the treatment and/or prevention of infections and/or immune-related diseases. Also the use of the isolated novel L. casei strain or a composition comprising said strain as an adjuvant to promote an immune response during vaccination is disclosed. Further, the use of said novel L. casei strain or a composition comprising said strain in personal hygiene industry, cleaning industry, biomass production, air purification and food industry is disclosed. In another aspect of the present invention, the use of a L. casei species that has a whole genome G/C content of at least 47.5% and expresses one or more catalase genes or a composition comprising one or more of said L.

Abstract: A method for forming a sensor is provided. The method includes: providing an active region comprising a channel having: a length, and a periphery consisting of one or more surfaces having said length, said periphery comprising a first part and a second part, each part having said length, the first part representing from 10 to 75% of the area of the periphery and the second part representing from 25 to 90% of the area of the periphery; providing a first dielectric structure on the entire first part, the first dielectric structure having a maximal equivalent oxide thickness; and providing a second dielectric structure on the entire second part, the second dielectric structure having a minimal equivalent oxide thickness larger than the maximal equivalent oxide thickness of the first dielectric structure.

Abstract: A solid nanocomposite electrolyte material comprising a mesoporous dielectric material comprising a plurality of interconnected pores and an electrolyte layer covering inner surfaces of the mesoporous dielectric material. The electrolyte layer comprises: a first layer comprising a first dipolar compound or a first ionic compound, the first dipolar or ionic compound comprising a first pole of a first polarity and a second pole of a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, wherein the first layer is adsorbed on the inner surfaces with the first pole facing the inner surfaces; and a second layer covering the first layer, the second layer comprising a second ionic compound or a salt comprising first ions of the first polarity and second ions of the second polarity, wherein the first ions of the ionic compound or salt are bound to the first layer.

Abstract: A device for analysis of cells comprises: an integrated circuit arrangement on a substrate; a dielectric layer formed above the integrated circuit arrangement; a microelectrode array layer formed above the dielectric layer, said microelectrode array layer comprising a plurality of individual electrodes, wherein each electrode is connected to the integrated circuit arrangement through a via in the dielectric layer; and wherein a plurality of longitudinal trenches in the dielectric layer and the microelectrode array layer are for stimulating cell growth on a surface of the device

Abstract: Porous solid materials are provided. The porous solid materials include a plurality of interconnected wires forming an ordered network. The porous solid materials may have a predetermined volumetric surface area ranging between 2 m2/cm3 and 90 m2/cm3, a predetermined porosity ranging between 3% and 90% and an electrical conductivity higher than 100 S/cm. The porous solid materials may have a predetermined volumetric surface area ranging between 3 m2/cm3 and 72 m2/cm3, a predetermined porosity ranging between 80% and 95% and an electrical conductivity higher than 100 S/cm. The porous solid materials (100) may have a predetermined volumetric surface area ranging between 3 m2/cm3 and 85 m2/cm3, a predetermined porosity ranging between 65% and 90% and an electrical conductivity higher than 2000 S/cm. Methods for the fabrication of such porous solid materials and devices including such porous solid material are also disclosed.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to methods and devices for generating (quasi-) periodic interference patterns. One embodiment includes a method for generating an interference pattern using multi-beam interference of electromagnetic radiation. The method includes computing a set of grid points in a complex plane representing a grid with a desired symmetry. The method also includes selecting a radius of a virtual circle. Additionally, the method includes selecting a set of grid points in the complex plane that lies on the virtual circle centered around a virtual center point. Further, the method includes associating an argument of each grid point of the selected set of grid points in the complex plane with a propagation direction of plane waves or quasi plane waves or parallel wave fronts. In addition, the method includes obtaining the interference pattern that is a superposition of the plane waves or quasi plane waves or parallel wave fronts.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to methods and apparatuses for aligning a probe for scanning probe microscopy (SPM) to the tip of a pointed sample. One embodiments includes a method for aligning an SPM probe to an apex area of a free-standing tip of a pointed sample. The method includes providing an SPM apparatus that includes the SPM probe; a sample holder; a drive mechanism; and detection, control, and representation tools for acquiring and representing an image of a surface scanned by the SPM probe. The method also includes mounting the sample on the sample holder. Further, the method includes positioning the probe tip of the SPM, determining a 2-dimensional area that includes the pointed sample, performing an SPM acquisition scan, evaluating and acquired image, and placing the SPM probe in a position where it is aligned with an apex area of the free-standing tip of the pointed sample.

Abstract: A vibration reduction device having an acoustic meta structure mounted to a vehicle body and configured to block a structure-borne noise transmitted through the vehicle body may include a plurality of unit structures arranged at a predetermined interval therebetween, wherein each of the unit structures includes frame mounted to the vehicle body and configured to separate a predetermined space into a predetermined number of separate sections formed by walls of the frame; and a vibrator formed at a corner portion of each of the separate sections and each of which has a natural frequency to block a vibration transmitted from the vehicle body through the frame.

Abstract: A neural network circuit for providing a threshold weighted sum of input signals comprises at least two arrays of transistors with programmable threshold voltage, each transistor storing a synaptic weight as a threshold voltage and having a control electrode for receiving an activation input signal. Additionally, for each array of transistors, a reference network associated therewith, which provides a reference signal to be combined with the positive or negative weight current components of the transistors of the associated array, the reference signal having opposite sign compared to the weight current components of the associated array, thereby providing the threshold of the weighted sums of the currents. Further, at least one bitline is configured to receive the combined positive and/or negative current components, each combined with their associated reference signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of neurodegenerative diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a screening assay to produce compounds stabilizing the gamma-secretase enzyme substrate complex, thereby increasing gamma-secretase processivity while attenuating the release of longer A? peptides. More specifically, gamma-secretase stabilizing compounds increase thermostability of the enzyme/substrate complexes acting in the sequential ?-secretase processing of APP, to result in reduced amyloidogenic A? production, thereby preventing Alzheimer disease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microfluidic actuators for selecting objects in a fluid stream comprising a plurality of objects. In some embodiments, the actuator comprises an object detection means adapted for, upon arrival of an object, identifying whether an object is an object of interest. It further comprises a heater adapted for generating a jet flow for deflecting an object of interest from the fluid stream and a controller for activating the heater as function of the detection of an object of interest using a nucleation signal. The controller is adapted for obtaining temperature information of the heater and for adjusting a nucleation signal for the heater taking into account the obtained temperature information. Also disclosed are microfluidic systems and diagnostic devices comprising the microfluidic actuators of the disclosure, as well as methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell differentiating systems for differentiating cells. The systems comprise an input means for receiving a reconstructed image of a cell based on a holographic image of the cell in suspension, and a cell recognition means for determining cell characterization features from the reconstructed image of the cell for characterization of the cell. The cell recognition means thereby is configured for determining, as cell recognition features, image moments.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to single-photon avalanche diode detector (SPAD) arrays. One embodiment includes a SPAD array that includes a silicon substrate, a plurality of primary electrodes, and a plurality of secondary electrodes. Each of the primary electrodes includes a semiconductor material of a first doping type, extends in the silicon substrate in a first direction, and has a rotationally symmetric cross-section in a first plane perpendicular to the first direction. The plurality of secondary electrodes includes a semiconductor material of a second doping type and extends parallel to the primary electrodes in the silicon substrate. Further, the silicon substrate includes a doped upper field redistribution layer, a doped lower field redistribution layer, and a doped depletion layer arranged between the upper field redistribution layer and the lower field redistribution layer.

Abstract: At least one embodiment relates to a focusing arrangement for focusing particles or cells in a flow. The arrangement includes at least one channel for guiding the flow. The channel includes (i) at least one particle confinement structure having particle flow boundaries and (ii) at least one acoustic confinement structure having acoustic field boundaries adapted for confining acoustic fields. The acoustic field boundaries may be different from the particle flow boundaries, and the at least one acoustic confinement structure may be arranged with regard to the channel to at least partially confine acoustic fields in the channel.

Abstract: This application relates to the field of neurodegenerative diseases, more particularly to the field of Parkinson's disease. In particular, the disclosure describes that inhibitors reducing FAS activity can be used for treatment of Parkinson's disease, in particular, the treatment of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease having loss of function mutations in PINK1 or PARKIN genes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lithography scanner including: a light source configured to emit extreme ultra-violet (EUV) light; a pellicle including an EUV transmissive membrane that is configured to scatter the EUV light into an elliptical scattering pattern having a first major axis; a reticle configured to reflect the scattered EUV light through the pellicle; and an imaging system configured to project a portion of the reflected light that enters an acceptance cone of the imaging system onto a target wafer, wherein a cross section of the acceptance cone has a second major axis, and wherein the pellicle is arranged such that the first major axis is oriented at an angle relative to the second major axis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for determining a subject's stress condition. The system includes a stress test unit configured for: receiving features defining the subject and physiological signals sensed from the subject when performing a relaxation and a stressful test task; extracting normalization parameters from the physiological signals; and identifying stress-responsive physiological features. The system also includes a storage unit configured for: storing a plurality of stress models; and storing the subject's features, normalization parameters, and the stress-responsive physiological features.

Abstract: A method for protecting a photomask comprises: (i) providing the photomask, (ii) providing a border, (iii) depositing at least two electrical contacts on the border, (iv) mounting a film comprising carbon nanotubes on the border such that the film comprises a free-standing part, wherein after the mounting and depositing steps, the electrical contacts are in contact with the film, (v) inducing a current through the free-standing part of the film by biasing at least one pair of the electrical contacts, and (vi) mounting the border on at least one side of the photomask with the free-standing part of the film above the photomask.