Abstract: A method is provided for the automatic control of cycling speed in a human. The method comprises: estimating the subject's actual cycling speed using one or more sensors to thereby obtain a measured speed; determining an error comprising a difference between a desired speed and the measured speed; and outputting, to the subject, a stimulus frequency signal wherein the stimulus frequency signal is based on the error in such a manner that when the subject pedals in a manner that matches a frequency of the stimulus frequency signal, the subject's actual speed controllably tracks the desired speed.

Abstract: A bicycle with a suspension system for a wheel of the bicycle, the suspension system including a smart fluid damper for dampening a movement of the wheel relative to the frame. The smart fluid damper includes a flow control element disposed within a cavity of the damper and configured to apply a field to a smart fluid within a fluid passage extending through the flow control element. The flow control element includes field barriers proximate the fluid passage to locally block and/or divert the field such that the field cannot pass therethrough. The field barriers are arranged to cause the field to criss-cross the fluid passage at multiple axial intervals along the fluid passage, thereby focusing the field within the fluid passage.

Abstract: Generally described, aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to impact mitigating membranes. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the impact mitigating membranes generally include a laminar core having a first lamina and a second lamina coupled to the first lamina and configured to shift relative to the first lamina to dissipate kinetic energy resulting from an oblique impact force. The laminar core may include a lubricating layer or self-lubrication between the lamina to reduce friction. In general, the laminar core is surrounded by first and second encapsulating layers positioned adjacent each lamina. An anchoring attachment coupled to one or more of the first and second encapsulating layer and associating with the laminar core constrains relative lateral motion between the laminar core and the first and second encapsulating layers.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide a low voltage interface coupleable between an energy storage device or a DC power source (e.g., fuel cell stack, battery) and one or more AC signal diagnostic systems. The low voltage interface reduces a voltage of the DC power source and supplies the reduced voltage to the one or more AC signal diagnostic systems without affecting the results of the measurements obtained by the one or more AC signal diagnostic systems. Such functionality provides a safer method for performing advanced analysis (e.g., EIS, frequency analysis) while utilizing lower cost and/or smaller components.

Abstract: Described herein are anionic phenylene oligomers and polymers, and devices including these materials. The oligomers and polymers can be prepared in a convenient and well-controlled manner, and can be used in cation exchange 5 membranes. Also described is the controlled synthesis of anionic phenylene monomers and their use in synthesizing anionic oligomers and polymers, with precise control of the position and number of anionic groups.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides alkaline-stable m-terphenyl benzimidazolium hydroxide compounds, in which the C2-position is attached to a phenyl group having various substituents at the ortho positions. Polymers incorporating m-terphenylene repeating groups derived from these alkaline-stable benzimidazolium hydroxide compounds are also presented, along with their inclusion in ionic membranes and in electrochemical devices.

Abstract: RNA aptamers are disclosed with distinct fluorescent properties, fluorophore binding affinities, and salt dependence. Also disclosed are corresponding fluorophores, with selected fluorophores evidencing high cellular permeability. The aptamer's high fluorophore affinities, the high brightness of the bound complexes, and their thermal and salt stability, provide distinct aspects of the disclosed aptamers.

Abstract: This invention provides compound having a structure of Formulas: Uses of such compounds for treatment of various indications, including prostate cancer as well as methods of treatment involving such compounds are also provide.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensorless adaptive optics imaging system includes a source of light, an optical delivery unit having a wavefront modifying element, and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) sensor configured to acquire OCT images based on light emitted by the source of light and transmitted through the optical delivery unit. The system also includes a processing unit that can: process the OCT images, and determine an adjustment of parameters of the wavefront modifying element. In some embodiments, the system includes a multi-photon microscopy (MPM) sensor that acquires MPM images based on the light transmitted through the optical delivery unit.

Abstract: A smart fluid damper includes a damper body defining a cavity with smart fluid. A piston head is disposed within the cavity and is slidingly displaceable. A flow control element is disposed within the cavity. The flow control element includes a main body having a central core, and an outer housing that surrounds the main body and is spaced apart therefrom to define a fluid passage between the main body and the outer housing. The fluid passage extends axially through the main body to permit fluid flow therethrough. The central core includes an energizable coil operable to apply a field. A plurality of field barriers are provided, each operable to locally block the field generated by the energizable coil such that the field cannot pass directly therethrough. The field barriers are configured to focus the field within the fluid passage.

Abstract: Methods for detecting a hydrogen leak and quantifying a rate of the same in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack are provided, as well as a fuel cell diagnostic apparatus that diagnoses a hydrogen leak in a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: The disclosed devices utilize nonlinearly coupled modes of vibration to provide robust inertial sensors, such as gyroscopes. This actuation mechanism introduces a wider bandwidth in the sense-mode frequency response curve, and consequently enhances robustness to parameter fluctuations due to operating conditions and fabrication imperfections. The vibratory modes of the device are designed to have distinct frequencies where the drive-mode natural frequency is twice the modal frequency of the sense mode. The nonlinear modal interaction due to internal resonance can also be magnified through nonlinearity feedback. The sense mode response can be enhanced in shape, quality factor, and bandwidth by feeding back nonlinear quadratic, cubic, etc. terms.

Abstract: Provided herein are imidazolium polymers having steric hindrance at the 4-position of the imidazole moieties in the polymeric chain. The sterically-protected, N-methylated imidazolium polymers exhibit hydroxide stability in concentrated caustic solutions at elevated temperatures, such as at 100° C. and higher.

Abstract: A magnetic device comprising having a first magnetic layer having a first magnetization direction, a second magnetic layer having a second magnetization direction, a first coupling layer interposed between the first and second magnetic layers, a third magnetic layer having a third magnetization direction, a first magnetoresistive layer interposed between the third magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, and a circuit connected to one or more of the layers of the magnetic device by at least a pair of leads. The circuit is configured to determine a change in resistance between the pair of leads. The change in resistance is based at least in part on a change in an angular relationship between the third magnetization direction and the second magnetization direction caused by an external magnetic field or a current passing through at least a portion of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to conjugate compounds and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a suspension-based impact test system for testing impact of a testing object against an impacting object. The impact test system includes components to couple the testing object to a suspension arm through a coupling member, and the suspension arm interfaces a motion-guiding mechanism. The impact test system generally includes a detachment mechanism for releasing the testing object from the suspension arm when initiated by a release system. The testing object releases from the constraints such that the testing object can move freely just prior to contacting the impacting object.

Abstract: This invention provides compound having a structure of Formulas: Uses of such compounds for treatment of various indications, including prostate cancer as well as methods of treatment involving such compounds are also provide.

Abstract: Described herein are stable hydroxide ion-exchange polymers and devices including the stable hydroxide ion-exchange N polymers. The polymers include ionenes, which are polymers that contain ionic amines in the backbone. The polymers are alcohol-soluble and water-insoluble. The polymers have a water uptake and an ionic conductivity that are correlated to a degree of N-substitution. Methods of forming the polymers and membranes including the polymers are also provided. The polymers are suitable, for example, for use as ionomers in catalyst layers for fuel cells and electrolyzers.

Abstract: Described herein are crosslinked alkylated poly(benzimidazole) and poly(imidazole) polymer materials and devices (e.g., fuel cells, water electrolyzers) including these polymer materials. The polymer materials can be prepared in a convenient manner, allowing for applications such as anion exchange membranes (AEMs). The membranes provide high anion conductivities over a wider range of operating conditions when compared to the analogous membranes that are not cross-linked. The crosslinked polymer materials have improved alkaline stability, when compared to the analogous non-crosslinked polymer materials.

Abstract: A method is provided for guiding locomotion speed in a human or other animal subject. The method comprises: estimating the subject's actual locomotion speed using one or more sensors to thereby obtain a measured speed; determining an error comprising a difference between a desired speed and the measured speed; and outputting, to the subject, a stimulus frequency signal wherein the stimulus frequency signal is based on the error in such a manner that when the subject ambulates in a manner that matches a frequency of the stimulus frequency signal, the subject's actual speed controllably tracks the desired speed.