Abstract: The present invention features methods of producing panto-compounds (e.g., pantothenate) using microorganisms in which the pantothenate biosynthetic pathway and/or the isoleucine-valine biosynthetic pathway and/or the coenzymeA biosynthetic pathway has been manipulated. Methods featuring ketopantoate reductase overexpressing microorganisms as well as aspartate ?-decarboxylase overexpressing microorganisms are provided. Methods of producing panto-compounds in a precursor-independent manner and in high yield are described. Recombinant microorganisms, vectors, isolated nucleic acid molecules, genes and gene products useful in practicing the above methodologies are also provided. The present invention also features a previously unidentified microbial pantothenate kinase gene, coaX, as well as methods of producing panto-compounds utilizing microorganisms having modified pantothenate kinase activity. Recombinant microorganisms, vectors, isolated coaX nucleic acid molecules and purified CoaX proteins are featured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining fuel ethanol by using agricultural and agroindustrial waste materials composed of lignocellulose, and especially sugar cane bagasse. These residues have significant contents of carbohydrates in the form of polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicellulose), which can be hydrolyzed by chemical and enzymic processes. The hemicellulose fraction is submitted to mild hydrolysis with sulphuric acid, and the solid material from this hydrolysis is submitted to a process of saccharification (enzymic hydrolysis) with simultaneous rapid alcoholic fermentation under conditions which allow a significant increase in conversion to alcohol in a greatly shortened time.

Abstract: A method of producing lycopene with high productivity by means of a recombinant bacterial strain includes preparing the recombinant vector containing genes encoding proteins, which are required for lycopene biosynthesis. The genes involved in lycopene biosynthesis are crtE, crtB and crtI, and at least one of the said three genes (crtE, crtB and crtI) is selected from the group consisting of crtE with the nucleotide Sequence 1, crtB with the nucleotide Sequence 3 and crtI with the nucleotide Sequence 5, of the Sequence List. The said recombinant vector is transformed into Escherichia coli.

Abstract: A device for measuring an extracellular potential of a test cell includes a substrate having a well formed in a first surface thereof and a first trap hole formed therein. The well has a bottom. The first trap hole includes a first opening formed in the bottom of the well and extending toward a second face of the substrate, a first hollow section communicating with the first opening via a first connecting portion, and a second opening extending reaching the second surface and communicating with the first hollow section via a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion has a diameter smaller than a maximum diameter of the first hollow section, greater than a diameter of the second connecting portion, and smaller than a diameter of the test cell. The device can retain the test cell securely and accept chemicals and the test cell to be put into the device easily.

Abstract: The use of compounds is described which are capable of functionally blocking at least one of the genes chosen from the group composed of EphA1, EphA2, EphA8, EphB2, CSF1R, VEGFR2, RAMP2, RAMP3, CLRN1, MAPK4, PIK3C2A, PIK3CG, GSK3alpha, GSK3beta, IRAK3, DAPK1, JAK1, PIM1, TRB3, BTG1, LATS1, LIMK2, MYLK, PAK1, PAK2, CDC2, BTK, PNRC2, NCOA4, NR2C1, TPR, RBBP8, TRPC7, FXYD1, ERN1, PRSS16, RPS3, CCL23 and SERPINE1, for the manufacture of a medicament destined to diminish the resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in the therapeutic treatment of epithelial tumor pathologies. Also described is a method for the determination of the drug resistance in tumor cells, as well as a method for the identification of tumor stem cells.

Abstract: The inventors have modified the amino acid sequence of a maltogenic alpha-amylase to obtain variants with improved properties, based on the three-dimensional structure of the maltogenic alpha-amylase Novamyl. The variants have altered physicochemical properties, e.g. an altered pH optimum, improved thermostability, increased specific activity, an altered cleavage pattern or an increased ability to reduce retrogradation of starch or staling of bread.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel JP170 like subtilases from wild-type bacteria, hybrids thereof and to methods of construction and production of these proteases. Further, the present invention relates to use of the claimed subtilases in detergents, such as a laundry or an automatic dishwashing detergent.

Abstract: This disclosure provides herbicide resistant algae and cyanobacteria. This disclosure also provides a method to cultivate algae and cyanobacteria in axenic cultures without contaminating species. Moreover, this disclosure provides transgenic algal and cyanobacterial cells that are capable of high production in high light intensities as typically applied in cultivation. Furthermore, a novel transformation method is provided for algal cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant microorganisms comprising isobutanol producing metabolic pathway with at least one isobutanol pathway enzyme localized in the cytosol, wherein said recombinant microorganism is selected to produce isobutanol from a carbon source. Methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce isobutanol are also provided. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may comprise a cytosolically active isobutanol pathway enzymes. In some embodiments, the invention provides mutated, modified, and/or chimeric isobutanol pathway enzymes with cytosolic activity. In various embodiments described herein, the recombinant microorganisms may be microorganisms of the Saccharomyces clade, Crabtree-negative yeast microorganisms, Crabtree-positive yeast microorganisms, post-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, pre-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, and non-fermenting yeast microorganisms.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a novel mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum having the Accession No. MTCC 5249, which produces lipids and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) simultaneously. The disclosure further provides a process for simultaneous production of lipids and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) from the novel mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum. The lipids produced from the novel mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum comprises docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The disclosure also provides a food, feed, cosmetic, nutritional or therapeutic supplement for humans or animals comprising the cell biomass and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) of the mutant strain of Schizochytrium limacinum. A cosmetic composition comprising the extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) of Schizochytrium limacinum is also provided that is useful as a base for cosmetics for topical application. The present disclosure further provides a pickle composition and a fat product having improved nutritive value.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for performing PCR, and real time PCR in particular with great speed and specificity. The system employs a heat block containing a liquid composition to rapidly transfer heat to and from reaction vessels. The system makes use of the reflective properties of the liquid metal to reflect signal from the PCR into the vessel and out the top. In this way, the signal can be measured by an optical assembly in real time without removing the vessels from the heat block.

Abstract: A micro bead having a digitally coded structure that is partially transmissive and opaque to light. The pattern of transmitted light is determined by to decode the bead. The coded bead may be structured a series of alternating light transmissive and opaque sections, with relative positions, widths and spacing resembling a 1D or 2D bar code image. To decode the image, the alternating transmissive and opaque sections of the body are scanned in analogous fashion to bar code scanning. The coded bead may be coated or immobilized with a capture or probe to effect a desired bioassay. The coded bead may include a paramagnetic material. A bioanalysis system conducts high throughput bioanalysis using the coded bead, including a reaction detection zone and a decoding zone. Alternative method for barcode determination is based on barcode pattern image processes. Microbeads can also be settled down to the bottom of the well in a microplate, so the barcode can be decoded by image processed directly.

Abstract: A fluid containing cells and free genetic material is acoustically coupled to a propulsion surface of a diaphragm. A blast-receiving surface of the diaphragm is acoustically coupled to an explosion chamber in which an explosive material is disposed. An ignition system ignites the explosive material in the explosion chamber to create a blast wave. The diaphragm transfers momentum from the blast wave to the fluid containing cells and free genetic material sufficient to cause the cells to take up the free genetic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for amplifying nucleic acids in micro-channels. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for performing a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a continuous-flow microfluidic system and to methods for monitoring real-time PCR in such systems.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for manipulating, e.g., optimizing and controlling, biological systems, e.g., for eliciting a more desired biological response of biological sample, such as a tissue, organ, and/or a cell. In one aspect, systems and methods of the invention operate by efficiently searching through a large parametric space of stimuli and system parameters to manipulate, control, and optimize the response of biological samples sustained in the system, e.g., a bioreactor. In alternative aspects, systems include a device for sustaining cells or tissue samples, one or more actuators for stimulating the samples via biochemical, electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical, and/or optical stimulation, one or more sensors for measuring a biological response signal of the samples resulting from the stimulation of the sample.

Abstract: A diffusion controlling bioreactor that selectively controls the molecular diffusion between fluids through at least one microchannel in fluid communication with a reaction reservoir. Length and cross-sectional area of the microchannel may be selected to obtain a predetermined rate of molecular diffusion between fluids. When the fluids are liquids, flow through the microchannel is laminar and the capillary action of the microchannel and fluid is such that the fluid flow is regulated, and may have a structure configured to minimize the chances of fluid leakage from the bioreactor, even if the bioreactor is turned in various directions. In certain embodiments, one or more diffusion control chambers regulate fluid flow and diffusion between a reaction reservoir and an outside atmosphere.

Abstract: A thermal cycler includes a bearing element, a heating element, a first cooling element, and a temperature controller. The bearing element carries at least one reaction mixture. The heating element raises the temperature of the reaction mixture. The heating element includes a housing, at least one carbon nanotube structure and a pair of electrodes. The carbon nanotube structure and the pair of electrodes are accommodated in the housing. The pair of electrodes is electrically connected to the carbon nanotube structure. The first cooling element cools the temperature of the reaction mixture. The temperature controller is electrically connected to the heating element and the first cooling element. The temperature controller controls the operation of the heating element and the first cooling element.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated p49/STRAP protein, and isolated nucleic acids encoding a p49/STRAP protein. The inventors have discovered a new protein, named p49/STRAP that is expressed in cardiac tissue and other tissues in mammals. The p49/STRAP protein binds to serum response factor (SRF) and regulates transcription of SRF-responsive genes in the heart. p49/STRAP is also discovered to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, and thus the invention provides a method of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation by contacting the cells with p49/STRAP.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expression vector, containing expressibly (a) a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein of a mutant of a repressor protein, which binds to an antibiotic, and a target protein, and (b) a polynucleotide encoding a protein controlling the transcription of the polynucleotide in (a), the transcription of the polynucleotide in (a) and the degradation of said fusion protein, which is the expression product of the polynucleotide in (a), being controlled inside a cell by the presence or absence of an antibiotic inside the cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are embryonic stem cell-derived dendritic cells, genetically modified immature dendritic cells capable of maturation, as well as methods for the production of such cells. In one embodiment, the cells made be produced by a method comprising the steps of providing a population of embryonic stem cells; culturing the embryonic stem cells in the presence of a cytokine or combination of cytokines which brings about differentiation of the embryonic stem cells into dendritic cells; and recovering the dendritic cells from the culture. In a further embodiment, the cells may be genetically modified.

Abstract: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B cell malignancy and remains essentially incurable by conventional anti-tumor therapy. Patients with MM have a median survival of only three years. MM is characterized by proliferation and accumulation of mature plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM) leading to bone destruction, BM failure, anemia, and reduced immune function. The identification of MHC Class I, HLA-A2, associated peptides presented on multiple myeloma cells is an important step in developing immunotherapies for MM. Presented here are methods for creating activated T lymphocytes that are cytotoxic to both peptide loaded T2 target cells and multiple myeloma cell lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of delivery of a therapeutic agent to a target cell the method comprising targeting particles comprising the therapeutic agent to the cell using magnetic means to apply a magnetic force to said particles so as to tend to move said particles towards said magnetic means and at the same time moving said magnetic means.

Abstract: A method for replacing a first sample carried on a moving secondary conveyor onto a moving primary conveyor at a potential interference point while the primary conveyor is transporting a second sample.

Abstract: One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a detection system including a chemical taggant and a detector. The chemical taggant may be a chemical not substantially present in an untagged target exhaust plume and able to be disposed in the exhaust system of a target and to enter the exhaust plume of the exhaust system in detectable quantities. The chemical taggant may have one or more distinct energy signatures, such as optical energy signatures, that allow its detection. The detector may be able to detect at least one of these one or more energy signatures of the chemical taggant in the exhaust plume. Another embodiment relates to a method of detecting a target by disposing a chemical taggant in the exhaust system of the target and then detecting the chemical taggant.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a reagent that includes an effective amount of an adsorber to remove interfering species present during heavy metal level measurement in a fluid sample. In some examples, the reagent can include an effective amount of an adsorber to remove a suitable amount of glutathione from the fluid sample such that the glutathione does not interfere with measurements of lead levels in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for detecting proteins on a polyacrylamide gel by background staining method using an organic dye composition containing eosin Y or phloxine B, and the organic dye composition for use in the method, which enables the rapid and simple detection of the protein on the polyacrylamide gel with a high sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing, monitoring, and assessing treatment effects for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease, early in the course of clinical disease or prior to the onset of brain damage and clinical symptoms. Methods of measuring the in vivo metabolism of biomolecules produced in the CNS in a subject are provided.

Abstract: A method for producing an active-matrix, fluid-assay micro-structure including, utilizing low-temperature TFT and Si technology, establishing preferably on a glass or plastic substrate a matrix array of digitally-addressable, assay-material-specific-functionalizable pixels, and employing pixel-specific digital addressing for selected, array-established pixels, individually functionalizing these pixels.

Abstract: A method of performing a fluid-material assay employing a device including at least one active pixel having a sensor with an assay site functionalized for selected fluid-assay material. The method includes exposing the pixel's sensor assay site to such material, and in conjunction with such exposing, and employing the active nature of the pixel, remotely requesting from the pixel's sensor assay site an assay-result output report. The method further includes, in relation to the employing step, creating, relative to the sensor's assay site in the at least one pixel, a predetermined, pixel-specific electromagnetic field environment.

Abstract: There is provided a micropipette, a micropipette system, and a method for using a micropipette system capable of accurately sucking a desired quantitative volume of liquid for measurement. A micropipette system comprises a micropipette 1 including a liquid-holding chamber 12 that holds a liquid for measurement sucked in by capillary action through an opening 11 provided at an end of the liquid-holding chamber 12, the liquid-holding chamber 12 having an inner surface on which a photocatalyst layer 13 exhibiting a hydrophilic property at the time of light irradiation is formed, irradiation means 2 for emitting light toward the photocatalyst layer 13, and control means 3 for controlling the range of the area irradiated with the light from the irradiation means 2 in accordance with a desired quantitative volume of the liquid for measurement.

Abstract: Labels and methods of producing labels for use in clinical, analytical and pharmaceutical development assays are provided. Labels may comprise shape-encoded particles which may be coupled to ligands such as DNA, RNA and antibodies, where different shapes are used to identify which ligand(s) are present. Labels may also comprise reflectors, including retroreflectors and retroreflectors susceptible to analyte-dependent assembly for efficient homogeneous assays.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and for testing an integrated circuit, including the steps of forming, on the upper portion of the integrated circuit, a passivation layer including openings at the level of metal tracks of the last interconnect stack of the integrated circuit; forming, in the openings, first pads connected to second pads formed on the passivation layer by conductive track sections, the first pads being intended for the connection of the integrated circuit; testing the integrated circuit by bringing test tips in contact with the second pads; and eliminating at least a portion of at least one of the conductive track sections.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate has a plurality of active device patterns. At least some of the active device patterns comprise doped regions. The substrate has a plurality of surface regions, including the active device patterns and un-patterned regions, with respectively different reflectances for light in a near infrared wavelength. A first difference is determined, between a largest reflectance at the near infrared wavelength and a smallest reflectance at the near infrared wavelength. A second infrared wavelength is determined, for which a second difference between a largest reflectances a smallest reflectance is substantially less than the first difference at the near infrared wavelength. A rapid thermal processing (RTP) spike annealing dopant activation step is performed on the substrate using a second light source providing light at the second wavelength.

Abstract: A test structure for a through-silicon-via (TSV) in a semiconductor chip includes a first contact, the first contact being electrically connected to a first TSV; and a second contact, wherein the first contact, second contact, and the first TSV form a first channel, and a depth of the first TSV is determined based on a resistance of the first channel. A method of determining a depth of a through-silicon-via (TSV) in a semiconductor chip includes etching a first TSV into the semiconductor chip; forming a first channel, the first channel comprising the first TSV, a first contact electrically connected to the first TSV, and a second contact; connecting a current source to the second contact; determining a resistance across the first channel; and determining a depth of the first TSV based on the resistance of the first channel.

Abstract: A light-emissive device is prepared by depositing a polymer layer on a substrate. The deposition process utilizes a formulation comprising a conjugated polymer dissolved in a solvent, the solvent including a trialkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon wherein at least two of the alkyl substituents are ortho to one another. The deposition of the polymer layer on the substrate may be accomplished by an ink-jet method.

Abstract: An LED wafer with a growth substrate is attached to a carrier substrate by, for example, a heat-releasable adhesive so that the LED layers are sandwiched between the two substrates. The growth substrate is then removed, such as by laser lift-off. The exposed surface of the LED layers is then etched to improve light extraction. A preformed phosphor sheet, matched to the LEDs, is then affixed to the exposed LED layer. The phosphor sheet, LED layers, and, optionally, the carrier substrate are then diced to separate the LEDs. The LED dice are released from the carrier substrate by heat or other means, and the individual LED dice are mounted on a submount wafer using a pick-and-place machine. The submount wafer is then diced to produce individual LEDs. The active layer may generate blue light, and the blue light and phosphor light may generate white light having a predefined white point.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes: a substrate having a concave portion formed on a surface thereof; a light emitting element emitting a first light which is a blue light or a near-ultraviolet light; a resin sheet being a deformable resin sheet formed on the substrate so as to cover the light emitting element; a first transmissive layer formed in a hemispherical shape on the first region of the resin sheet, and transmitting the first light; a color conversion layer including a fluorescent material that converts the first light into a second light of a different wavelength from that of the first light and a transmissive material that transmits the first light, the color conversion layer covering the first transmissive layer in such a manner that an end portion reaches an upper face of the resin sheet; and a second transmissive layer covering the color conversion layer in such a manner that an end portion reaches the upper face of the resin sheet, and transmitting the first light and the second light.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat dissipation bulk of a semiconductor device including the following steps is described. An electrically conductive layer is formed to cover a surface of a temporary substrate. At least one semiconductor chip is connected to the electrically conductive layer by at least one metal bump, wherein the at least one metal bump is located between the at least one semiconductor chip and the electrically conductive layer. A metal substrate is formed on the electrically conductive layer, wherein the metal substrate fills up a gap between the at least one semiconductor chip and the electrically conductive layer. The temporary substrate is removed.

Abstract: A method includes forming a light-emission operating layer on a growth substrate; forming a reflection insulating layer on the light-emission operating layer; forming opening portions in the insulating layer; forming a contact portion which has a thickness adapted to flatten the opening portions and has been embedded into the opening portions; forming an electrode layer on the insulating layer and the contact portions; forming a first bonding metal layer on the electrode layer; preparing a supporting substrate in which a second bonding metal layer has been formed; and making the first and second bonding metal layers molten and joined.

Abstract: A semiconductor device that has excellent characteristics and mass productivity wherein the introduction of defects thereinto at the time of device separation is prevented, and a method for producing the semiconductor device. In particular, there is provided a high-performance semiconductor device having excellent luminous efficiency, longevity and mass productivity; and a method for producing this semiconductor device. The method for producing the semiconductor device has a step of forming, between a substrate comprising zinc oxide (ZnO) and a device operating layer, a defect-blocking layer having a crystal composition that is different from that of the substrate, and a step of forming device dividing grooves to a depth that goes beyond the defect-blocking layer, relative to the device operating layer side surface of the substrate on which the device operating layer is formed.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an LED chip is provided. Firstly, a SiO2 pattern layer is formed on a top surface of a substrate. Then, lighting structures are grown on a portion of the top surface of substrate without the SiO2 pattern layer thereon. Thereafter, the SiO2 pattern layer is removed by wet etching to form spaces between bottoms of the lighting structures and substrate. An etching solution is used to permeate into the spaces and etch the lighting structures from the bottoms thereof, whereby the lighting structures each with a trapezoid shape is formed. Sidewalls of each of the lighting structures are inclined inwardly along a top-to-bottom direction.

Abstract: An organic light emitting device and a manufacturing method thereof, including a first signal line and a second signal line intersecting each other on an insulating substrate, a switching thin film transistor connected to the first signal line and the second signal line, a driving thin film transistor connected to the switching thin film transistor, and a light emitting diode (“LD”) connected to the driving thin film transistor. The driving thin film transistor includes a driving control electrode and a driving semiconductor overlapping the driving control electrode, crystallized silicon having a doped region and a non-doped region, a driving gate insulating layer disposed between the driving control electrode and the driving semiconductor, and a driving input electrode and a driving output electrode opposite to each other on the driving semiconductor, wherein the interface between the driving gate insulating layer and the driving semiconductor includes nitrogen gas.

Abstract: A thin-film transistor array includes an electrically insulating substrate, a plurality of thin-film transistors arranged in a matrix on the substrate, and each including a channel, a source, and a drain each comprised of an oxide-semiconductor film, a pixel electrode integrally formed with the drain, a source signal line through which a source signal is transmitted to a group of thin-film transistors, a gate signal line through which a gate signal is transmitted to a group of thin-film transistors, a source terminal formed at an end of the source signal line, and a gate terminal formed at an end of the gate signal line. The source terminal and the gate terminal are formed in the same layer as a layer in which the channel is formed. The source terminal and the gate terminal have the same electric conductivity as that of the pixel electrode.

Abstract: An active layer having a p-type quantum dot structure is disposed over a lower cladding layer made of semiconductor material of a first conductivity type. An upper cladding layer is disposed over the active layer. The upper cladding layer is made of semiconductor material, and includes a ridge portion and a cover portion. The ridge portion extends in one direction, and the cover portion covers the surface on both sides of the ridge portion. A capacitance reducing region is disposed on both sides of the ridge portion and reaching at least the lower surface of the cover portion. The capacitance reducing region has the first conductivity type or a higher resistivity than that of the ridge portion, and the ridge portion has a second conductivity type. If the lower cladding layer is an n-type, the capacitance reducing region reaches at least the upper surface of the lower cladding layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a micromechanical component, a corresponding composite component, and a corresponding micromechanical component are described.

Abstract: A thermo-electric semiconductor device is provided. The thermo-electric semiconductor device includes: a first electrode layer; a spacer layer formed on the first electrode layer and having a plurality of pillars with a uniform height, the plurality of pillars thermally grown and protruded on a surface of the spacer layer; and a second electrode layer formed over the spacer layer in such a manner as to contact tops of the protruded pillars.

Abstract: Methods of texturing and manufacturing a solar cell are provided. The method of texturing the solar includes texturing a surface of a substrate of the solar cell using a wet etchant, and the wet etchant includes a surfactant.

Abstract: A method of constructing a solar cell panel is disclosed that includes providing a solar cell that has a front side and a back side, where the front side faces the sun during normal operation, heating a thermoplastic polyimide to at least its reflow temperature, flowing the thermoplastic polyimide onto the back side of the solar cell while heated to at least its reflow temperature, and cooling the thermoplastic polyimide to a temperature below its reflow temperature to bond the thermoplastic polyimide directly to the solar cell. The direct bonding of the thermoplastic polyimide to the solar cell is accomplished without an adhesive such as RTV adhesives. The method may also include bonding a substrate directly to the thermoplastic polyimide opposite the solar cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of bonding by molecular adhesion of two layers, such as wafers of semiconductor material, wherein propagation of a first bonding wave is initiated from a pressure point applied to at least one of the two layers, and wherein the first bonding wave step is followed by propagating a second bonding wave over an area, for example, in the vicinity of the pressure point. Propagation of the second bonding wave may be obtained through the interposing of a separation element between the two wafers and the withdrawal of the element, for example, after the beginning of the first bonding wave propagation.

Abstract: An image sensor module includes a semiconductor chip. Photodiode units are disposed in an active region of the semiconductor chip to convert light into electric signals. Pads are disposed in a peripheral region formed around the active region and the pads are electrically connected to the photodiode units. A connecting region is formed around the peripheral region. Re-distribution layers are electrically connected to respective pads and extend to the connecting region. A transparent substrate covers the photodiode units and the pads and exposes at least a portion of the re-distribution layers. Connecting layers are electrically connected to the respective re-distribution layers and extend to a top surface of the transparent substrate. Connecting members are connected to the respective connecting layers disposed on the top surface of the transparent substrate.