We describe the locomotion dynamics of a biomimetic robot and compare them with those of its exemplar: the cockroach. The robot is a small (0.275kg) hexapod created using a layered manufacturing technique that allows us to tailor the compliance and damping of the limbs to achieve passive stabilization similar to that observed in insects. The robot runs at over 3 body-lengths per second (55 cm/s...

Hashimoto, Masaaki, and Noriyuki Yamamoto. Decrease in heart rates by artificial CO2 hot spring bathing is inhibited by 1-adrenoceptor blockade in anesthetized rats. J Appl Physiol 96: 226–232, 2004. First published August 29, 2003; 10.1152/japplphysiol.00812.2003.—To investigate the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) hot spring baths on physiological functions, head-out immersion of urethane-anes...

In this study, it is theorized that party websites play a distinctive role in two regards: (i) they function as a pluralistic civic forum by facilitating the voice of oppositional challengers and increasing the visibility of minor and fringe parties, so that attentive citizens can learn more about the range of electoral choices; (ii) in addition, party websites function as a channel for politic...

Neural motor prostheses (NMPs) require the accurate decoding of motor cortical population activity for the control of an artificial motor system. Previous work on cortical decoding for NMPs has focused on the recovery of hand kinematics. Human NMPs however may require the control of computer cursors or robotic devices with very different physical and dynamical properties. Here we show that the ...

The construction of complex objects, such as an aircraft, requires the creation of a dedicated industrial system. By industrial system, we mean all the material and immaterial means used to build the object (labor, machines, factories, etc.). Classically, this means of production is defined after that the design of the product. In other words, the specifications of the product are the requireme...

Andersson, H. 2000. Photoperiodism in pigs. Studies on timing of male puberty and melatonin. Doctoral thesis ISSN 1401-6257, ISBN 91-576-5901-X. The routine castration of male piglets, which is performed in many countries to avoid boar taint in meat, is a cause for great concern in terms of animal welfare. Castrates also have reduced feed efficiency and more fat than do entire males. More of th...

Asymmetric leg function is often an undesired side-effect in artificial legged systems and may reflect functional deficits or variations in the mechanical construction. It can also be found in legged locomotion in humans and animals such as after an accident or in specific gait patterns. So far, it is not clear to what extent differences in the leg function of contralateral limbs can be tolerat...

The energy and nutrient content of most agricultural crops are as good as or superior to natural foods for wild geese and they tend to be available in agricultural landscapes in far greater abundance. Artificial grasslands (fertilised native swards and intensively managed reseeds) offer far superior quality forage and higher intake rates than seminatural or natural grasslands. The availability ...

The distribution of conceptions after artificial insemination from a donor was studied in 259 conceptions at an artificial insemination clinic and found to be seasonal. Conception was not influenced by the number of donors or patients attending the clinic, the frequency of inseminations, or medical skill. Conception was more common from early winter until early spring (October to March) with a ...

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of different density treatments on potato spatial distribution and yield in spring and fall. Plant density influenced yield and composition, horizontal, and vertical distribution distances between potato tubers, and spatial distribution position of tuber weights. The results indicated that: (1) Spring potato yield had a convex quadratic curve rel...