Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for organizing nanoparticles or microparticles into nanostructures or microstructures using collagen as a template.

Abstract: An H-bridge micro inverter grid-connected device is invented to solve the problem that failure of any photovoltaic panel on the existing solar photovoltaic system cascade can cause efficiency reduction of the whole photovoltaic panel module. The H-bridge micro inverter grid-connected device comprises a single-chip microcomputer controller, a CPLD controller, a MOSFET full-bridge circuit, a high-frequency transformer, a half-bridge rectifying circuit, an SCR full-bridge circuit and a filter circuit, wherein the MOSFET full-bridge circuit is in the full-bridge type, the high-frequency transformer is a single-phase transformer with a central tap, and the SCR full-bridge circuit is applied. The integral structure above is characterized by the decreasing number of components, the reduction of power switches, and the simplification of the control circuits and driving circuits, so as to decrease the number of full-control switch components, improve the system reliability and reduce the system costs.

Abstract: A catalyst for use in at the anode of direct methanol fuel cells is made from nanoparticles having a core-shell structure. The core is an alloy of platinum and gold. The core is surrounded by a first shell of ruthenium and a second shell containing a ternary alloy of platinum, gold, and ruthenium. The catalyst can be made by a reverse-micelle method or by a single-phase scalable method. The catalyst is highly stable under conditions of use and resists dissolution of ruthenium or platinum.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and methods for detecting an anomaly in crowd behavior. The method includes receiving sensor data representing a crowd, and partitioning the sensor data into local areas forming neighborhoods. The method further includes, for each local area, characterizing motion in the local area to determine real-time estimates of motion of sub-populations based on the sensor data, providing a crowd model for each local area, representing continuous functions describing expected motion near each local area, and determining parametric values of the crowd model based on the real-time estimates of the motion of the sub-populations.

Abstract: Libraries of nanoparticles comprising therapeutic agents and/or imaging agents are disclosed, as well as methods of making, customizing, and using such libraries of nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device and method for detecting distributed pressures along a medical device. The device includes an optical fiber that is helically wound around the flexible shaft of the medical device. Responsive to microbends caused by the application of a pressure to the optical fiber, attenuation occurs as light propagates down the optical fiber. The device detects the light attenuation and calculates the pressure exerted on the device. Accordingly, a physician can ensure pressure induced by the medical device does not surpass clinically safe levels.

Abstract: A method for high rate assembly of nanoelements into two-dimensional void patterns on a non-conductive substrate surface utilizes an applied electric field to stabilize against forces resulting from pulling the substrate through the surface of a nanoelement suspension. The electric field contours emanating from a conductive layer in the substrate, covered by an insulating layer, are modified by a patterned photoresist layer, resulting in an increased driving force for nanoelements to migrate from a liquid suspension to voids on a patterned substrate having a non-conductive surface. The method can be used for the production of microscale and nanoscale circuits, sensors, and other electronic devices.

Abstract: Tunable microwave magnetic devices that provide increased performance with reduced size, weight, and cost. The disclosed microwave magnetic devices are voltage-tunable devices that include ferrite substrates. To tune the devices, the magnetic permeability of the respective ferrite substrates is varied by external, voltage-tuned, magnetic fringe fields created by one or more magnetoelectric (ME) transducers.

Abstract: The invention provides a fast, scalable, room temperature process for fabricating metallic nanorods from nanoparticles or fabricating metallic or semiconducting nanorods from carbon nanotubes suspended in an aqueous solution. The assembled nanorods are suitable for use as nanoscale interconnects in CMOS-based devices and sensors. Metallic nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes are assembled into lithographically patterned vias by applying an external electric field. Since the dimensions of nanorods are controlled by the dimensions of vias, the nanorod dimensions can be scaled down to the low nanometer range. The aqueous assembly process is environmentally friendly and can be used to make nanorods using different types of metallic particles as well as semiconducting and metallic nanotubes.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for targeted immune system delivery are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions including the disclosed compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient are also disclosed. Methods of targeted delivery to an antigen-presenting cell, and methods of treating or preventing a disease or condition susceptible to treatment by immunomodulation are disclosed.

Abstract: A non-volatile bistable nano-electromechanical switch is provided for use in memory devices and microprocessors. The switch employs carbon nanotubes as the actuation element. A method has been developed for fabricating nanoswitches having one single-walled carbon nanotube as the actuator. The actuation of two different states can be achieved using the same low voltage for each state.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer (MS) that is adapted to allow rapid gas-phase hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) labeling of ions in one or more traveling wave ion guides (TWIGs) with or without ion mobility separation. The addition of isotopic labeling by gas-phase HDX offers a sensitive alternative dimension for conformational detection, which enables high resolution detection of gaseous conformations based on shape and surface reactivity. Gas-phase, isotopic HDX labeling or “curtain” labeling, can be performed by infusing a reactive, isotopic labeling gas, e.g., ND3, into one or more of the traveling-ion wave guides (TWIG) in the MS. Analyte ions retained in the potential wells of a traveling wave generated by one or more of the TWIGs can be isotopic labeled at adjustable gas pressures. Labeling times can also be controlled by adjusting the speed of the traveling wave and can be performed within milliseconds of ionizations, probing protein conformations present in solution.

Abstract: Electrical impedance myography (EIM) can be used for the assessment and diagnosis of muscular disorders. EIM includes applying an electrical signal to a region of tissue and measuring a resulting signal. A characteristic of the region of tissue is determined based on the measurement. Performing EIM at different frequencies and/or different angular orientations with respect to a muscle can aid in the assessment and diagnosis. Devices are described that facilitate assessment and diagnosis using EIM.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for making nano structures such a nanoheater. In one embodiment, the nanoheater element comprises a first reactive member and interlayer disposed in communication with at least a portion thereof. Preferably, contact between the first and second reactive members of the nanoheater element can yield at least one exothermic reaction. A nanoheater device of the invention can optionally comprise a substrate on which the first reactive member is positioned in combination with other components. The invention also provides a nanoheater system comprising a plurality of nanoheater elements. Exemplary nanoheater elements and systems can be used to perform a method of the invention in which heat is produced. Methods includes processes for fabricating nanostructures such as layered devices, nanorods and nanowires.

Abstract: Provided are a bypass type 220V grid voltage sag prevention device and a control method therefor. The bypass type 220V grid voltage sag prevention device comprises an AC-to-DC energy storage unit, a Single Chip Microcomputer (SCM) control and display unit, and an inverter output unit. The AC-to-DC energy storage unit comprises a rectifier circuit, an energy storage control circuit and a quick tank circuit; the SCM control and display unit comprises an SCM, a DC step-down module circuit and an energy storage voltage detecting circuit; and the inverter output unit comprises a high-frequency PWM generating circuit, a high-frequency transformer output circuit, a transformer output full-bridge rectifier circuit, a PWM generating circuit, a PWM driving and full-bridge inverter circuit, a 220V grid zero-cross point detecting circuit, a 220V grid voltage detecting circuit, a 220V grid and inversion AC converting circuit, and a signal interface circuit.

Abstract: A method of preparing multifunctionalized nanoparticles involves using a modular system of half-linkers to attach functional moieties that serve to deliver the nanoparticles to a desired target, exert an effect at the target, or track the nanoparticles within a cell or an animal. The modular chemistry of the half-linker system permits the custom design and synthesis of functionalized nanoparticles bearing multiple groups and therefore results in precise delivery to desired cell types and intracellular locations. The functionalized nanoparticles can be used to treat or diagnose a variety of medical conditions, including neoplastic diseases, infectious diseases, and chronic diseases.

Abstract: A fault detection method in a continuous annealing process based on a recursive kernel principal component analysis (RKPCA) is disclosed. The method includes: collecting data of the continuous annealing process including roll speed, current and tension of an entry loop (ELP); building a model using the RKPCA and updating the model, and calculating the eigenvectors {circumflex over (P)}. In the fault detection of the continuous annealing process, when the T2 statistic and SPE statistic are greater than their confidence limit, a fault is identified; on the contrary, the whole process is normal. The method mainly solves the nonlinear and time-varying problems of data, updates the model and calculates recursively the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the training data covariance by the RKPCA. The results show that the method can not only greatly reduce false alarms, but also improve the accuracy of fault detection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to generate carbon nanostructures from organic materials are described. Certain embodiments provide solid waste materials into a furnace, that pyrolyzes the solid waste materials into gaseous decomposition products, which are then converted to carbon nanostructures. Methods and apparatuses described herein provide numerous advantages over conventional methods, such as cost savings, reduction of handling risks, optimization of process conditions, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for determining a weighted rating and a relative rating. In some embodiments, a receiving module and rating module are configured to receive an identity of a collector, a list of raters, and a social graph, determine for at least one rater a set of non-intersecting paths between the rater and the collector, calculate capacity values for non-intersecting paths, normalize path values, convert path values to a user weight, and apply the at least one rater's weight to the at least one rater's rating. In some embodiments, a receiving module and rating module are also configured to receive a rating for each of the items rated by the rater, calculate a transformed rating, calculate a relative rating, and assign a relative rating to an item.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provides improved methods for determining the presence of abnormalities in exfoliated cells. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides methods for reconstructing cellular spectrum of a cell sample by creating a spectral map of the cellular sample, generating a binary mask of the spectral map, removing edge artifacts from each cell, and co-adding spectral data of each pixel corresponding to the cell to reconstruct the spectrum of each cell.