There is considerable inter-individual variability in self-selected intensity or running speed. Metabolic cost per distance has been recognized as a determinant of this personal choice. As biomechanical parameters have been connected to metabolic cost, and as different running patterns exist, we can question their possible determinant roles in self-selected speed. We examined the self-selected ...

A variational formulation is presented for the problem of predicting the optimal structural system from among a discrete set of possible designs. The development is written for maximum stiffness design of single-purpose structures. The distribution among admissible structural configurations of the prescribed loads is determined as part of the solution. An extremum problem interpretation also pr...

We present the problem of remodeling a given structure such as to improve structural performance optimally within a specified available resource. The development pertains to all types of problems where the mode of structural response is governed by an extremum principle. A variational formulation is used, and the idea is illustrated for maximum-stiffness remodeling of single-purpose structures.

There is considerable inter-individual variability in self-selected intensity or running speed. Metabolic cost per distance has been recognized as a determinant of this personal choice. As biomechanical parameters have been connected to metabolic cost, and as different running patterns exist, we can question their possible determinant roles in self-selected speed. We examined the selfselected s...

The pathogenesis of late-onset TH2-low asthma in obesity is thought to be related to weight-related decreases in lung volume, but why only a subset of individuals with obesity develop this condition is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that natural variations in both airway wall stiffness and airway wall thickness could lead to a subpopulation of hyperresponsive individuals exhibiting the sympt...

This article presents the design of a variable stiffness, soft, three-fingered dexterous gripper. The gripper uses two designs of McKibben muscles. Extensor muscles that increase in length when pressurized are used to form the fingers of the gripper. Contractor muscles that decrease in length when pressurized are then used to apply forces to the fingers through tendons, which cause flexion and ...

The elastic structures of many muscles include both an extramuscular free tendon as well as a sheet-like aponeurosis. An important distinguishing feature of aponeuroses is that these tendinous structures function as the attachment and insertion surfaces of muscle fascicles and therefore surround a substantial portion of the muscle belly. As a result, aponeuroses must expand both parallel (longi...

Transition zones in railway tracks are locations with considerable changes in the vertical stiffness of the rail support. Typically they are located near engineering structures, such as bridges, culverts, tunnels and level crossings. In such locations, the differential settlement always exists and continually grows without proper maintenance. Due to the effect of the differential settlement and...

INTRODUCTION It has been shown that walking kinematics remain near to normal after mobile bearing total ankle replacement (TAR). However, no information is available on mechanical joint loading. The purpose of this study was to determine whether mechanical load and 'quasi-stiffness' of the ankle joint after TAR differs from the normal load and stiffness of a healthy ankle joint during walking. ...

OBJECTIVE A polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting-enzyme gene (ACE I/D) has been associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm and a link between aortic aneurysm and aortic stiffness has been suggested. This study aimed to explore the links between ACE I/D polymorphism, circulating ACE and abdominal aortic wall integrity as reflected by abdominal aortic wall stiffness. MATERIAL A total of 21...