Abstract: A pixel for an ambient light and/or color sensor includes a plurality of pinned photodiodes. The pixel also includes a floating diffusion region. A ratio of an active area of the plurality of pinned photodiodes to an area of the floating diffusion region is greater than 150.

Abstract: A rapid, low-cost, portable and reliable method for on-site detection of deoxynivalenol (DON), a representative mycotoxin predominantly occurring in grains, would be helpful to control mycotoxin contamination. Herein, a paper-based microfluidic chip capable of measuring deoxynivalenol (DON-Chip) in foods, feeds and feed ingredients was developed. As discussed herein, the DON-Chip incorporated a colorimetric competitive immunoassay into a paper microfluidic device and used gold nanoparticles as a signal indicator. Furthermore, a novel ratiometric analysis method was used to improve signal resolvability at low concentrations of DON. Detection of DON in aqueous extracts from solid foods, feeds or feed ingredients was successfully validated with a detection range from 0.01-20 ppm (using dilution factors from 10-104). Compared with conventional methods, the novel DON-Chip greatly reduces the cost and time of mycotoxin detection in the food and feed industry.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for mixing unequal amounts of two reagents to produce a detectable reaction in a microfluidic chip. In one example, there is a fluorescent microfluidic urinary albumin chip (UAL-Chip) that exploits the nonimmunological fluorescent assay. In this chip, we constructed a passive and continuous mixing module, in which the loading process requires only an inexpensive dropper, and the signal is stable over time, as discussed below. We applied a pressure-balancing strategy based on the immiscible oil coverage which highly improves the precision in controlling the mixing ratio of sample and dye. The UAL-Chip has achieved an estimated limit of detection (LOD) of 8.4 ?g/ml using albumin standards, which is below the 30 ?g albumin per ml urine level considered to be indicative of kidney damage.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of one or more microfluidic chemotactic device prototypes wherein channel and/or barrier dimensions and chemo-attractant and/or cell binding agent concentration and/or type are varied for developing an optimized microfluidic chemotaxis device for a particular cell type and chemo- attractant type as well as instructions for use of same. This process may also require determination of cell density and cell solution volume.

Abstract: A portable microfluidic system capable of rapid diagnosis is described, which is able to analyze genetic, protein and cell composition of a sample in parallel for specific diseases from a relatively small sample. The method uses a single microfluidic chip integrated into a unique portable microfluidic platform and provides improved diagnostic accuracy, allows for frequent monitoring and is suitable for easy use in clinical settings.

Abstract: Low-cost and portable microfluidic systems are needed for cell migration research and Point of Care (POC) testing. This study introduces a low-cost and portable USB Microscope Microfluidic Chemotaxis Analysis System (UMCAS) for rapid analysis of cell chemotaxis studies. A standalone microfluidic gradient generator is also developed for rapid generation of chemical gradient in microfluidic device without need of any peripheral perfusion apparatus. A smart phone based application program was developed for the real-time remote monitoring of the migration data. This system is validated by observing the neutrophil migration in three different conditions: 1) medium control, 2) uniform IL-8 control, and 3) IL-8 gradient. The results show that neutrophils exhibit random migration in both medium and uniform IL-8 control experiments, while they show strong directional migration to the IL-8 gradient. These results successfully validated the developed UMCAS system.

Abstract: A portable microfluidic system capable of rapid diagnosis is described, which is able to analyze genetic, protein and cell composition of a sample in parallel for specific diseases from a relatively small sample. The method uses a single microfluidic chip integrated into a unique portable microfluidic platform and provides improved diagnostic accuracy, allows for frequent monitoring and is suitable for easy use in clinical settings.

Abstract: Low-cost and portable microfluidic systems are needed for cell migration research and Point of Care (POC) testing. This study introduces a low-cost and portable USB Microscope Microfluidic Chemotaxis Analysis System (UMCAS) for rapid analysis of cell chemotaxis studies. A standalone microfluidic gradient generator is also developed for rapid generation of chemical gradient in microfluidic device without need of any peripheral perfusion apparatus. A smart phone based application program was developed for the real-time remote monitoring of the migration data. This system is validated by observing the neutrophil migration in three different conditions: 1) medium control, 2) uniform IL-8 control, and 3) IL-8 gradient. The results show that neutrophils exhibit random migration in both medium and uniform IL-8 control experiments, while they show strong directional migration to the IL-8 gradient. These results successfully validated the developed UMCAS system.

Abstract: Provided are compounds with a donor moiety, a first acceptor moiety and a second acceptor moiety, as shown by Formula (I): With the unique molecular design, compounds of Formula (I) can provide a desirable power conversion efficiency. Moreover, this invention also provides organic thin-film solar cells comprising the above-mentioned compounds.

Abstract: Provided are compounds with a donor moiety, a first acceptor moiety and a second acceptor moiety, as shown by Formula (I): With the unique molecular design, compounds of Formula (I) can provide a desirable power conversion efficiency. Moreover, this invention also provides organic thin-film solar cells comprising the above-mentioned compounds.

Abstract: A method for imaging a semiconductor wafer includes the steps of preparing a mask that is formed with at least first and second mask patterns, positioning the mask on an exposure system, positioning the wafer on the exposure system, forming a first image, which corresponds to the first mask pattern, on the wafer, removing the wafer from the exposure system, subjecting the wafer to subsequent integrated circuit forming steps, repositioning the wafer on the exposure system, and forming a second image, which corresponds to the second mask pattern, on the wafer.

Abstract: A method for improving hydrophilic character of photoresist, comprises following steps: provide a substrate which is placed inside a chamber; form a photoresist on the substrate; transmit a gas into the chamber, where the gas contains the water vapor; perform a thermal treatment process in which the photoresist being covered by the gas; and perform a pattern transfer process such that a pattern on a mask is transferred into the photoresist which has been treated by the thermal treatment process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved fastening mechanism used in a decorative light bulb series. The improvement according to the invention includes a light bulb socket with two opposite lugs formed on the peripheral rim of the top end thereof and a housing provided on the side surface thereof with a locating post having tapered cross sections. When the light bulb socket is placed into the housing, the locating post extends into the passageway defined by two lugs to form a firm engagement between the socket and the housing. To detach the light bulb socket from the housing, just apply a force large enough on the bottom surface of the locating post. The socket can easily get out of the constraints exerted by the lugs without any damages to either the socket itself or the housing. Hence the assemblage and detachment can be repeatedly conducted.