Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor device includes patterning a conductive layer over a substrate to define a conductive pad having a first width. The method includes depositing a passivation layer, wherein the passivation layer directly contacts the conductive pad. The method includes depositing a protective layer over the passivation layer, wherein the protective layer directly contacts the conductive pad. The method includes depositing an under-bump metallization (UBM) layer directly contacting the conductive pad, wherein the UBM layer has a second width greater than the first width. The method includes depositing a mask layer over the UBM layer; and forming an opening in the mask layer wherein the opening has the second width. The method includes forming a conductive pillar in the opening on the UBM layer; and etching the UBM layer using the conductive pillar as a mask, wherein the etched UBM layer has the second width.

Abstract: The invention provides a light-emitting diode (LED) driver and a driving method thereof. The LED driver includes a brightness code calculation circuit, a driving current generation circuit and a control circuit. The brightness code calculation circuit is configured to to receive a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal and perform a calculation operation comprising calculating a duty cycle of the PWM signal with respect to a period of the PWM signal and generating a brightness code according to the duty cycle of the PWM signal. The driving current generation circuit is configured to generate a driving current according to the brightness code. The control circuit is configured to detect a plurality of brightness codes generated by the brightness code calculation circuit repeatedly performing the calculation operation and determine whether or not to adjust an execution frequency of the calculation operation of the brightness code calculation circuit according to the brightness codes.

Abstract: The invention provides a light-emitting diode (LED) driver and a driving method thereof. The LED driver includes a brightness code calculation circuit, a driving current generation circuit and a control circuit. The brightness code calculation circuit is configured to to receive a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal and perform a calculation operation comprising calculating a duty cycle of the PWM signal with respect to a period of the PWM signal and generating a brightness code according to the duty cycle of the PWM signal. The driving current generation circuit is configured to generate a driving current according to the brightness code. The control circuit is configured to detect a plurality of brightness codes generated by the brightness code calculation circuit repeatedly performing the calculation operation and determine whether or not to adjust an execution frequency of the calculation operation of the brightness code calculation circuit according to the brightness codes.

Abstract: A system and method for determining moisture content of soil, comprising providing bistatic radar configuration to measure soil reflectivity in UHF and S-band, cross-correlating between Sky-viewed and Earth-viewed signals and reflected signals in order to isolate the reflected signals, and correlating the isolated reflectesd signal to moisture content of the soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides the genome sequence of Pichia pastoris and manually curated annotation of protein-coding genes. The invention provides novel nucleic acids, proteins, and related expression vectors useful for genetic engineering of methylotrophic yeast strains, as well as engineered methylotrophic yeast strains particularly Pichia pastsoris, and use thereof for recombinant production of heterologous proteins including glycoproteins suitable for use in mammals including humans.

Abstract: A wire reel includes a slide disk that defined centrally an internal cavity for accommodating a coil spring and an upper cavity that receives a rotation-supporting wire in a regular wound condition and also forms a circumferential cavity separated from the internal cavity and receiving a primary wire to wind therearound. A circuit board is arranged and retained between the internal cavity and the upper cavity to electrically and mechanically connect opposing inner ends of the two wires. A housing composed of mated top and bottom covers defines an interior space to rotatably receive the slide disk. The rotation-supporting wire is fixed to an underside of the top cover and is thus fixed with respect to the rotation of the slide disk. A positioning mechanism is provided between the housing and the slide disk for providing a positioning engagement therebetween for each full turn of the slide disk.

Abstract: The present invention provides the genome sequence of Pichia pastoris and manually curated annotation of protein-coding genes. The invention provides novel nucleic acids, proteins, and related expression vectors useful for genetic engineering of methylotrophic yeast strains, as well as engineered methylotrophic yeast strains particularly Pichia pastsoris, and use thereof for recombinant production of heterologous proteins including glycoproteins suitable for use in mammals including humans.

Abstract: An automatically lockable cable rewinding structure includes an upper case having a first locating element; a lower case provided with a limiting recess; and a working member located between the two cases, and provided with a second locating element and a guide path for a rolling element to move therein. A length of cable is wound around the working member, and an elastic element is connected at two ends to the first and second locating elements. The limiting recess is formed at radially inner and outer ends with transverse inner and outer slits, respectively, and between the inner and the outer end with a longitudinal central slit, so that the rolling element is able to stably roll to and fro in the limiting recess along the central slit. Alternatively, the limiting recess and the guide path may be provided on the working member and the lower case, respectively.