Abstract: One variation of a method includes, during a first time period: detecting a direction of motion of a trailer; detecting a first force applied to a kingpin; detecting an incline angle of the trailer; calculating a first target preload force opposite the direction of motion and inversely proportional to the incline angle; and in response to the first force falling below the first target preload force, triggering a motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion. The method further includes, during a second time period: detecting a second force applied to the kingpin; detecting a decline angle of the trailer; calculating a second target preload force opposite the direction of motion and inversely proportional to the decline angle; and in response to the second force falling below the second target preload force, triggering the motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion.

Abstract: One variation of a system includes a kingpin including: a head; a base coupled to a proximal end of the trailer; a shank interposed between the head and the base; a first sensor configured to output signals representing lateral forces applied to the kingpin; and a second sensor configured to output signals representing longitudinal forces applied to the kingpin. The system further includes a controller configured to: access a first signal from the first sensor representing a lateral force applied to the kingpin; access a second signal from the second sensor representing a longitudinal force applied to the kingpin; calculate a direction and a magnitude of a force applied to the kingpin based on the first and second signals; and trigger a motor arranged on a distal end of the trailer to output a torque in the direction of the force and proportional to the magnitude of the force.

Abstract: One variation of a method includes, during a first time period: detecting a direction of motion of a trailer; detecting a first force applied to a kingpin; detecting an incline angle of the trailer; calculating a first target preload force opposite the direction of motion and inversely proportional to the incline angle; and in response to the first force falling below the first target preload force, triggering a motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion. The method further includes, during a second time period: detecting a second force applied to the kingpin; detecting a decline angle of the trailer; calculating a second target preload force opposite the direction of motion and inversely proportional to the decline angle; and in response to the second force falling below the second target preload force, triggering the motor to increase torque output opposite the direction of motion.

Abstract: One variation of a system includes a kingpin: arranged on a proximal end of the trailer; includes a sensor configured to output a signal representing lateral forces and longitudinal forces applied to the kingpin; and configured to couple to a tow vehicle. The system further includes an interface including a joystick and a kingpin interface configured to transfer forces, applied to the joystick, into the kingpin. The system also includes a controller configured to: access the signal from the sensor; based on the signal, calculate a magnitude of a force applied to the kingpin; calculate a first target speed of a first wheel of the trailer proportional to the magnitude; calculate a second target speed of a second wheel of the trailer proportional to the magnitude; and serve the first target speed and the second target speed to a drive system arranged on a distal end of the trailer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules, comprising a functional mammalian EGR-1 (early growth response protein 1) promoter region that is operatively linked to a gene encoding a fluorescent protein and controls expression of said gene. The present invention further relates to nucleic acid vectors, comprising said nucleic, cells comprising said nucleic acids or vectors, being capable of sensing and indicating fluid shear stress acting on themselves, and methods of generating the same. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods of evaluating fluid shear stress acting on cells in real-time during the operation of a biotechnological device or system, methods of evaluating a biotechnological device or system with respect to fluid shear stress acting on cells caused by operation of said device or system, and methods of designing a biotechnological device or system, said methods using said cells.

Abstract: Fluidic modules configured for flowing fluid through membranes and associated methods are generally provided. In some embodiments, a fluidic module comprises two channels between which a membrane is positioned. The two channels may have geometries such that the pressure drop experienced by a fluid flowing from the first channel, through the membrane, and into the second channel is substantially independent of the location along the channel at which it flows through the membrane. In other words, the pressure drop may be substantially constant over the membrane area.

Abstract: Methods for forming arrays of droplets, and associated arrays of droplets, are generally provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an intermittent catheter comprising a hollow polymeric tubular body comprising a base polymer and a layer comprising a lubricious additive on or comprising a surface of the body, wherein the lubricious additive comprises an amphiphilic molecule.

Abstract: The invention provides a packaged intermittent catheter, the intermittent catheter comprising a hollow polymeric tubular body comprising a base polymer and an amphiphilic lubricious additive, housed in a packaging container; and further comprising an aqueous solution in the packaging container; wherein the aqueous solution comprises at least one compound selected from the group comprising: a surfactant and/or poly (alkylene oxide) compound with a total concentration of at least 0.005 mmol/L; and a salt in a concentration of at least 5% w/v.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system and method for automatically detecting rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and delivering sensory stimulation to prolong REM duration, without disturbing sleep. The sensory stimulation may be auditory or other stimulation. The system and method ensure timely delivery of the stimulation and automatically adjust the amount, intensity, and/or timing of stimulation as necessary. REM sleep is detected based on brain activity, cardiac activity and/or other information. REM sleep may be detected and/or predicted by a trained neural network. The amount, timing, and/or intensity of the sensory stimulation may be determined and/or modulated to enhance REM sleep in a subject based on one or more values of one or more intermediate layers of the neural network and one or more brain activity and/or cardiac activity parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to intermittent catheters comprising a calixarene bonded to a surface thereof, in particular to provide a bacteria-repellent and/or lubricous coating on the outer surface of an intermittent catheter. The calixarene moiety may comprises hydrophilic surface groups to provide lubricity, whilst also providing a bacteria-repellent effect, especially useful preventing discomfort and/or infection for a user inserting multiple catheters per day.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system and method for automatically detecting rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and delivering sensory stimulation to prolong REM duration, without disturbing sleep. The sensory stimulation may be auditory or other stimulation. The system and method ensure timely delivery of the stimulation and automatically adjust the amount, intensity, and/or timing of stimulation as necessary. REM sleep is detected based brain activity, cardiac activity and/or other information. REM sleep may be detected and/or predicted by a trained neural network. The amount, timing, and/or intensity of the sensory stimulation may be determined and/or modulated to enhance REM sleep in a subject based on one or more values of one or more intermediate layers of the neural network and one or more brain activity and/or cardiac activity parameters.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system provides lubrication fluid to a gearbox via two flow paths in parallel. One of the flow paths includes a passive thermal valve in series with a heat exchanger. When the fluid temperature is elevated, the thermal valve opens such that fluid flows through the heat exchanger for cooling. The thermal valve restricts flow to the heat exchanger when transmission fluid is in a normal operating temperature range, reducing flow demands. When the flow demands are reduced, a variable displacement pump requires less torque improving fuel economy. The thermal valve may also open when the fluid is below the normal operating temperature such that the heat exchanger heats the fluid. The parallel path may include a regulator valve. When the pressure of fluid in the lubrication circuit is elevated, the regulator valve reduces flow through the parallel path and may also divert flow to a sump.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system provides lubrication fluid to a gearbox via two flow paths in parallel. One of the flow paths includes a passive thermal valve in series with a heat exchanger. When the fluid temperature is elevated, the thermal valve opens such that fluid flows through the heat exchanger for cooling. The thermal valve restricts flow to the heat exchanger when transmission fluid is in a normal operating temperature range, reducing flow demands. When the flow demands are reduced, a variable displacement pump requires less torque improving fuel economy. The thermal valve may also open when the fluid is below the normal operating temperature such that the heat exchanger heats the fluid. The parallel path may include a regulator valve. When the pressure of fluid in the lubrication circuit is elevated, the regulator valve reduces flow through the parallel path and may also divert flow to a sump.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with novel processes for the preparation of (S)-1-(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)ethan-1-ol (CAS # 30071-93-3). This compound is useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of compounds which possess pharmacological activity.

Abstract: A composition and method of inhibiting corrosion caused by naphthenic acid in fluids includes using a combination of a thiophosphorus compound and a hydrogen sulfide scavenging compound. The hydrogen sulfide scavenging compound significantly enhances the performance of the thiophosphorus compound and may be included at relatively low levels in the composition. The treatment may be applied to fluids including crude oils and lighter fractions thereof.