NFs (neurofilaments), the major cytoskeletal constituent of myelinated axons in vertebrates, consist of three different molecular-mass subunit proteins, NF-L (low), NF-M (medium) and NF-H (high), assembled to form mature filaments with protruding intrinsically disordered C-terminal side-arms. Liquid crystal gel networks of side-arm-mediated NF assemblies play a key role in the mechanical stabil...

The mechanical manipulation of single biological molecules is stimulating new and exciting research in many fields of study, including molecular motor mechanics, biopolymer properties, protein unfolding, receptor-ligand interactions, and more. Some recent highlights include the elucidation of the coupling ratios of myosin and kinesin, the demonstration of oscillatory forces in dynein arms, the ...

—Muscle moment arms are important determinants of muscle function; however, it is challenging to determine moment arms by inspecting bone specimens alone, as muscles have curvilinear paths that change as joints rotate. The goals of this study were to (1) develop a three-dimensional graphics-based model of the musculoskeletal system of the Cretaceous theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex that pred...

Mechanical methods of euthanasia have distinct welfare advantages, since when the methods are employed correctly animals are rendered instantly unconscious and hence unable to experience pain, fear or distress. When personnel are skilled and equipment is well maintained, death is rapidly and humanely induced, but these methods can be aesthetically disturbing for some people. Mechanical methods ...

Sanliurfa limestone is becoming increasingly popular for both interior and exterior building applications in the local area in south east Turkey, being easy to cut and shape and suitable for many purposes. Although these limestones are low cost construction materials, they are not widely used elsewhere due to the lack of data regarding their chemical, physico-thermal and mechanical properties a...

Variable length multisection continuum arms are a class of continuum robotic manipulators that generate motion by structural mechanical deformation. Unlike most continuum robots, the sections of these arms do not have (central) supporting flexible backbone, and are actuated by multiple variable length actuators. Because of the constraining nature of actuators, the continuum sections can bend an...

Arms swing during standing back somersaults relates to three different "gymnastics schools", each is considered "optimal" by its adepts. In the three cases, technical performance, elevation and safety differ. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the mechanical variables of three different arms swing techniques in the performance of a standing back tucked somersault. Five high-level m...

In this paper, a 77 GHz microstrip dipole antenna is integrated on a layered 11.4 μm SiO2 and a silicon substrate with thickness of 670 μm. The unbalanced microstrip line is balanced by using a lumped LC circuit balun to feed both of the dipole arms. To decrease the substrate loss and hence increase the antenna gain, Localized Backside Etch (LBE) module offered by IHP is utilized to etch the ar...

the first step in mining activities is rock excavation in both mine development and production. constant pressure for cost reduction and creating an improved/safe work environment for personnel has naturally resulted in increased use of mechanical excavation systems in many mining operations. also, mechanical excavation and mining is more compatible with automation, meaning possibility of reduc...

BACKGROUND Patients requiring prolonged periods of intensive care and mechanical ventilation are termed chronically critically ill. They are prone to continued morbidity and mortality after hospital discharge and are at high risk for hospital readmission. Disease management (DM) programs have been shown to be effective in improving both coordination and efficiency of care after hospital dischar...