We present an evolution-based method for optimal mechanism synthesis. It is based on the embedding of the Euclidean motion group in the space of affine displacements upon which an object-oriented Euclidean metric is imposed. This Euclidean structure allows the use of curve and surface evolution techniques from computer aided design and image processing. We demonstrate the algorithm by synthesiz...

Controlling the occurrence of defects is a major challenge for manufacturing organizations that are seeking to enhance their competitive position in today’s global market. This paper considers the process of screen-printing T-shirts using hydraulic and pneumatic printing machines. Several defects in the output of this printing process have been observed, especially with multi colors printing as...

 In practice, clearances in the joints are inevitable due to tolerances, and defects arising from design and manufacturing. In the presence of clearance at a joint, a mechanism gains some additional, uncontrollable degrees of freedom which are the source of error. Moreover, joints undergo wear and backlashes and so cannot be used in precision mechanisms. In this study, the dynamic behaviour of ...

The Atg20 and Snx4/Atg24 proteins have been identified in a screen for mutants defective in a type of selective macroautophagy/autophagy. Both proteins are connected to the Atg1 kinase complex, which is involved in autophagy initiation, and bind phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate. Atg20 and Snx4 contain putative BAR domains, suggesting a possible role in membrane deformation, but they have been r...

Syndapin I (PACSIN 1) is a synaptically enriched membrane tubulating protein that plays important roles in activity-dependent bulk endocytosis and neuronal morphogenesis. While syndapin I is an in vitro phosphoprotein, it is not known to be phosphorylated in neurons. Here, we report the identification of two phosphorylation sites, S76 and T181, of syndapin I from nerve terminals. Both residues ...

In this paper, a four-bar mechanism with two flexible links is proposed to be used in a micromechanical flying insect robot wing thorax design for stroke amplification. PZT5H and PZN-PT based unimorph actuators are utilized at the input link of the four-bar. The kinematics and dynamics of the proposed wing strcuture with two parallel four-bar mechanisms are analyzed, and DC forces generated at ...

BACKGROUND Clear communication about the possible outcomes of proposed medical interventions is an integral part of medical care. Despite its importance, there have been few studies comparing different formats for presenting probabilistic information to patients, especially when small probabilities are involved. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential usefulness of several new sm...