Abstract: A computer-implemented method for downloading and displaying pictures associated with instant messages is performed at a computing device. The computing device receives an instant message having an associated picture and including address information of the picture. The computing device determines whether it is in a first network environment. If so, the computing device displays a thumbnail of the picture on the screen and a visual cue indicating that the picture is being downloaded and starts downloading the picture associated with the instant message according to the address information without receiving a download instruction from a user of the computing device. The thumbnail is then replaced with the picture after the picture is downloaded. While the picture is being downloaded, the computing device may pause the download when it is no longer in the first network environment and replaces the visual cue with a different one indicating so.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for downloading and displaying pictures associated with instant messages is performed at a computing device. The computing device receives an instant message having an associated picture and including address information of the picture. The computing device determines whether it is in a first network environment. If so, the computing device displays a thumbnail of the picture on the screen and a visual cue indicating that the picture is being downloaded and starts downloading the picture associated with the instant message according to the address information without receiving a download instruction from a user of the computing device. The thumbnail is then replaced with the picture after the picture is downloaded. While the picture is being downloaded, the computing device may pause the download when it is no longer in the first network environment and replaces the visual cue with a different one indicating so.

Abstract: Method and device of sharing location information in a social network application are disclosed. The method includes: a user device providing an instant messaging interface of a social network application at the user device; detecting, within the instant messaging interface, a trigger input associated with location information from a first user of the first user device; in response to the trigger input associated with location information, obtaining a map based on the trigger input; and sharing the map with a second user device through the social network application, enabling the second user device to display the map in a corresponding instant messaging interface of the social network application executed at the second user device.

Abstract: For efficient redundancy power supplying, a voltage drop device, a power selection device, a voltage detection device and a switch are provided in a power control circuit of a redundancy power supply system. The voltage drop device performs a voltage drop operation to convert a redundancy operating voltage into a standby voltage. The power selection device receives the main operating voltage and the standby voltage, and selectively outputting one of the main operating voltage and the standby voltage, which is of a higher level. The voltage detection device outputs a control signal according to a comparison result of the main operating voltage and a threshold. The switch is selectively conducted or interrupted according to the control signal. A voltage drop of power passing through the conducted switch is less than a voltage drop of power passing through the voltage drop device.

Abstract: A process of forming a nanopatterned substrate is provided. The process comprising the steps of first preparing a giant surfactant comprising a cage-like molecular nanoparticle head linked to a polymer chain tail through a chemical linkage. Next, using the giant surfactant, a thin film is formed. Next the thin film formed from the giant surfactant is annealed such that the giant surfactant self-assembles into a desired nanostructure. The desired nanostructure is comprised of periodic major domains and minor domains. Finally, at least some of either the major domain or the minor domain is selectively removed to form the nanopatterned substrate.

Abstract: A process of forming a nanopatterned substrate is provided. The process comprising the steps of first preparing a giant surfactant comprising a cage-like molecular nanoparticle head linked to a polymer chain tail through a chemical linkage. Next, using the giant surfactant, a thin film is formed. Next the thin film formed from the giant surfactant is annealed such that the giant surfactant self-assembles into a desired nanostructure. The desired nanostructure is comprised of periodic major domains and minor domains. Finally, at least some of either the major domain or the minor domain is selectively removed to form the nanopatterned substrate.

Abstract: The preparation of novel fullerynes which are fullerenes (e.g. C60, C70, C80, etc.) that contain one or more alkyne functionalities and may contain additional functional groups such as hydroxyls, halogens, esters, haloesters, phenyl, oligo(ethylene glycol)s, perfluorinated alkyl chains, and the like. Two desired preparation routes are disclosed. The first one is the Fischer esterification in desired solvents using a special designed reactor in contrast to the heretofore initial Steglich reaction that results in side reactions and low yields. The second one uses acetylide Grignard reagents that have reduced nucleophilicity and higher stability in contrast to the use of heretofore initial lithium organyls or other Grignard reagents that would add to C60 with possible multi-additions in an uncontrollable manner.

Abstract: A bulk heterojuction for a photovoltaic cell includes a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) functionalized electron acceptor or electron donor or both. The electron donor may be selected from conjugated polymers and the electron donor may be selected from fullerenes and fullerene derivatives.

Abstract: The preparation of novel fullerynes which are fullerenes (e.g. C60, C70, C80, etc.) that contain one or more alkyne functionalities and may contain additional functional groups such as hydroxyls, halogens, esters, haloesters, phenyl, oligo(ethylene glycol)s, perfluorinated alkyl chains, and the like. Two desired preparation routes are disclosed. The first one is the Fischer esterification in desired solvents using a special designed reactor in contrast to the heretofore initial Steglich reaction that results in side reactions and low yields. The second one uses acetylide Grignard reagents that have reduced nucleophilicity and higher stability in contrast to the use of heretofore initial lithium organyls or other Grignard reagents that would add to C60 with possible multi-additions in an uncontrollable manner.

Abstract: A clathrate compound of formula (I): M8AxBy-x (I) wherein: M is an alkaline earth metal, a rare earth metal, an alkali metal, Cd, or a combination thereof, A is Ga, Al, In, Zn or a combination thereof; B is Ge, Si, Sn, Ni or a combination thereof; and 12?x?16, 40?y?43, x and y each is or is not an integer. Embodiments of the invention also include method of making and using the clathrate compound.