The purpose of this study was to examine the mechanical adaptations linked to economical locomotion in cursorial bipeds. We addressed this question by comparing mass-matched humans and avian bipeds (ostriches), which exhibit marked differences in limb structure and running economy. We hypothesized that the nearly 50 per cent lower energy cost of running in ostriches is a result of: (i) lower li...

This paper describes a stiffness analysis of a 6-RSS parallel manipulator by using matrix structural analysis. The stiffness analysis is based on standard concepts of static elastic deformations. The formulation has been implemented in order to obtain the stiffness matrix that can be numerically computed by defining a suitable model of the manipulator, which takes into account the stiffness pro...

Current methods of developing effective robotic exoskeletons are limited by time consuming prototype fabrication, minimal understanding of effects on underlying neuromuscular systems, and the role that variations in limb/muscle physiology between individuals may play in design optimization. There is a need for an experimental framework that facilitates rapid implementation of actuation strategi...

A 12-year-old boy with difficulty in wound healing and scars of unusual appearance was examined. Thin, shiny and protruding skin, characterizing pseudotumoral lesions, was observed on his knees and elbows. Loose joints and increased skin elasticity were also observed. Light microscopy showed rare collagen bundles and loosely dispersed collagen fibers. Irregularly distributed elastic tissue was ...