Abstract: A nanostructure includes a nanoparticle core (110) and a ligand (120) bonded to the nanoparticle core (110). The ligand includes a linking group (130) having a first end bonded to a polyethylene imine (PEI) polymer (140) and a second end bonded to the nanoparticle core (110) and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer (150) grafted to the PEI polymer (140). Methods for making these nanostructures and their use in magnetic resonance imaging and management of inflammatory conditions are provided.

Abstract: A vehicle bumper system includes an elongated reinforcement beam for mounting to a vehicle frame and an energy absorber abutting a front surface of the reinforcement beam. The energy absorber includes longitudinally-elongated hollow crush lobes configured to crush and absorb energy upon a vehicle crash, the crush lobes including interconnected top, bottom, side and front walls. At least one opposing pair of the walls, such as the top and bottom walls, are elongated parallel a length of the beam to define enlarged areas that are generally unsupported, but the one pair of walls further include a plurality of spaced external ribs extending perpendicular to the length for stabilizing the enlarged areas.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a wireless telephone generally includes a housing and a heat spreading member. The housing encases a plurality of electrical components of a wireless telephone. The heat spreading member is in thermal communication with at least two distally located portion for reducing a thermal gradient over the surface of the housing.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, an apparatus for cooling light emitting diodes (LEDs) in projectors includes one or more first LEDs, one or more first heat sinks, one or more second LEDs, and one or more second heat sinks. The first LEDs are configured to generate light, and each first LED has a first desired junction temperature. The first heat sinks are configured to dissipate heat generated by the first LEDs. The second LEDs are configured to generate light, and each second LED has a second desired junction temperature that is higher than the first desired junction temperature. The second heat sinks are configured to dissipate heat generated by the one or more second LEDs. A cooling fan directs air flow over the first heat sinks and the second heat sinks, and an exhaust vent enables the air flow over the first heat sinks and the second heat sinks.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure can provide an ad-hoc network having a clusterhead node and a plurality of nodes associated with the clusterhead, at least one of the plurality of nodes is a remote node and at least one is an intermediate node, the remote node can indirectly communicate with the clusterhead through the intermediate node. The remote node can also transmit network state information at a higher rate, but in lesser amounts, than the intermediate node.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to novel targeted contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The present invention is also directed to methods of making such targeted MRI contrast agents, and to methods of using such MRI contrast agents. Typically, such targeted MRI contrast agents provide enhanced relaxivity, improved signal-to-noise, targeting ability, and resistance to agglomeration. Methods of making such MRI contrast agents typically afford better control over particle size, and methods of using such MRI contrast agents typically afford enhanced blood clearance rates and biodistribution.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to core/shell nanoparticles, wherein such core/shell nanoparticles comprise a nanoparticle core and a nanoshell disposed about the nanoparticle core such that, in the aggregate, they form a core/shell nanoparticle that is operable for use as an imaging agent in X-ray/computed tomography (CT). Typically, such core/shell nanoparticle-based X-ray CT imaging agents further comprise a targeting species for targeting the imaging agent to diseased sites.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to core/shell nanoparticles, wherein such core/shell nanoparticles comprise a nanoparticle core and a nanoshell disposed about the nanoparticle core such that, in the aggregate, they form a core/shell nanoparticle that is operable for use as an imaging agent in X-ray/computed tomography (CT). Typically, such core/shell nanoparticle-based X-ray CT imaging agents further comprise a targeting species for targeting the imaging agent to diseased sites.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to core/shell nanoparticles, wherein such core/shell nanoparticles comprise a nanoparticle core and a nanoshell disposed about the nanoparticle core such that, in the aggregate, they form a core/shell nanoparticle that is operable for use as an imaging agent in X-ray/computed tomography (CT). Typically, such core/shell nanoparticle-based X-ray CT imaging agents further comprise a targeting species for targeting the imaging agent to diseased sites.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to core/shell nanoparticles, wherein such core/shell nanoparticles comprise a nanoparticle core and a nanoshell disposed about the nanoparticle core such that, in the aggregate, they form a core/shell nanoparticle that is operable for use as an imaging agent in X-ray/computed tomography (CT). Typically, such core/shell nanoparticle-based X-ray CT imaging agents further comprise a targeting species for targeting the imaging agent to diseased sites.

Abstract: The present invention provides a relay-fuse system for increasing overall ampere interrupt current (AIC) rating of the relay. The relay fuse system comprises a relay having a base member configured to be connected to an electrical device; a fuse assembly mounted on the base member, the fuse assembly having a first clip and a second clip capable of electrically engaging a fuse; a fuse carrier member configured to form a receiving area for receiving the first clip, the second clip, and the fuse; and a cover member mounted on said fuse carrier member for covering the receiving area. The first clip is capable of connecting to the relay, the second clip is capable of connecting to an incoming power line thereby establishes electrical connection between the incoming power line, the relay fuse system, and the electrical device and increases overall ampere interrupt current (AIC) rating of said relay.

Abstract: Each local node of a network adjusts the priority of messages passing through the node based on locally available information. If network topology is available, priority can be given to those messages which have the most hops to go. If source identity or time is/are known, the priority of a message can be upgraded for those messages which have already taken a long time or have already experienced a large number of hops. If destination address and network topology are additionally known, end-to-end QoS can tend to be equalized for all paths.

Abstract: The invention relates to computer-based systems and methods for the design, comparison and analysis of genetic and proteomic databases. In a particular embodiment, the recited systems and methods have been implemented in a computer tool called ARROGANT. ARROGANT, in the analysis mode, is a comprehensive tool for providing annotation to large gene and protein collections. ARROGANT takes in a large collection of sequence identifiers and associates it with other information collected from many sources like sequence annotations, pathways, homology, polymorphisms, artifacts, etc. The simultaneous annotation for a large assembly of genes makes the collection of genomic/EST sequences truly informative.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) agents. In particular, the present invention is directed to cationic, nonagglomerated, nontoxic SPIO agents, methods for imaging conditions associated with inflammatory responses using the disclosed SPIO agents, and methods for managing inflammatory conditions using the disclosed SPIO agents.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention includes a nanoparticle including a substantially monodisperse inorganic core with a surface and a coating substantially covering the surface of the substantially monodisperse inorganic core, wherein the coating includes of at least coating structure I, II, or III wherein the nanoparticle is substantially non-agglomerated and has diameter in a range from about 1 nm to about 100 nm. An aspect of the invention also encompasses a method of making a substantially non-agglomerated nanoparticle having a diameter in a range from about 1 nm to about 100 nm including a substantially monodisperse inorganic core with a surface and a coating substantially covering the surface of the substantially monodisperse inorganic core, wherein the coating comprises coating structure I, II, or III.

Abstract: A contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging having a plurality of nanoparticles. Each of the nanoparticles has: a signal generating core having a diameter of up to 10 nm; at least one organic layer of at least one of a polymer, a monomer, and a surfactant; and a water soluble outer shell of at least one of a polymer, a monomer, and a ligand. The organic layer is adsorbed upon and substantially surrounds and stabilizes the signal generating core. The water soluble outer shell solubilizes and provides biocompatibility for each of the nanoparticles. The contrast agents provide enhanced relaxivity, high signal-to-noise ratios, and targeting abilities. In addition, the contrast agents possess resistance to agglomeration, controlled particle size, blood clearance rate, and biodistribution. Methods of making such contrast agents and nanoparticles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system operates a wireless ad hoc network. The system includes a plurality of nodes and a plurality of packets for transmission between the plurality of nodes. The packets contain code for routing the packets between the plurality of nodes. The code adapts to a changing configuration of the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to computer-based systems and methods for the design, comparison and analysis of genetic and proteomic databases. In a particular embodiment, the recited systems and methods have been implemented in a computer tool called ARROGANT. ARROGANT, in the analysis mode, is a comprehensive tool for providing annotation to large gene and protein collections. ARROGANT takes in a large collection of sequence identifiers and associates it with other information collected from many sources like sequence annotations, pathways, homology, polymorphisms, artifacts, etc. The simultaneous annotation for a large assembly of genes makes the collection of genomic/EST sequences truly informative.