The kinematics and hydrodynamics of routine linear accelerations were studied in American eels, Anguilla rostrata, using high-speed video and particle image velocimetry. Eels were examined both during steady swimming at speeds from 0.6 to 1.9 body lengths (L) per second and during accelerations from -1.4 to 1.3 L s(-2). Multiple regression of the acceleration and steady swimming speed on the bo...

This paper presents an extensive experimental study of a low-cost, high-performance seismic isolator comprising deformable sphere rolling on concrete surfaces. Polyurethane spheres, with and without steel core, flat or spherical plates, are investigated. Lateral cyclic tests under large displacements demonstrated friction coefficient between 3.7% 7.1%. When tested in shake table 1170 ground mot...

Traction control system (TCS) comprises the slip control subsystem and the directional stability subsystem. The slip controller can enhance the traction performance by maintaining the slipratio within a proper range. Additional information about the lateral behavior of the vehicle is necessary to enhance the directional stability during the cornering or lane change on the slippery roads. With a...

based on the standards for design of structures, any structure should be designated for seismic loads and any combinations containing seismic loads. for spectral analysis of a structure, the site effect is taken into account by considering its effects on the design spectra. because of different lateral and vertical stiffness of the soil layers underneath the structure, the design spectra are di...

Reduced visibility and other environmental factors can impair driver ability to respond to roadway hazards. We examined the effects of reduced visibility on naturalistic driving in 66 drivers, including 45 at-risk drivers with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and 21 controls. We analyzed three months of electronic data using "black box" recorder technology and assessed the extent to which driver s...

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of floating toes on knee and trunk acceleration during walking in experimental setting. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve healthy volunteers walked barefoot at a preferred speed along a linear pathway under 2 conditions: normal gait (control) condition and floating toes (FT) condition. In the latter, weight bearing by the toes was avoided using kinesiolo...

BACKGROUND Atrial abnormalities in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis have not been evaluated in terms of intra-atrial conduction. We hypothesized that a delay in atrial conduction in these patients might produce diastolic abnormalities as well as atrial arrhythmias. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the atrial function of patients with progressive systemic sclerosis by using echocardiography t...

In order to reduce the impact of noise on environment and dissipation useless energy traction motors, this study analyzed a motor by detecting vibration acceleration suspension frame. Field tests were conducted measure frame in commercially operational medium- low-speed maglev train. The showed that as train accelerates, sound pressure grows overall, but increase becomes smaller at each test sp...

This paper presents the design and performance of Evolved Acceleration Guidance Logic for Entry (EAGLE), an algorithm intended for future space transportation vehicles. The most distinguishing feature of EAGLE is its ability to plan a three-dimensional trajectory and thereby handle large crossrange entries. EAGLE consists of two integrated components: a trajectory planner and a tracking law. Th...

[Purpose] This study investigated gait velocity and center of mass acceleration in three directions during square and semicircular turning gait tasks in old-old elderly women. [Subjects] Fifteen community-dwelling, old-old elderly women (≥75 years old) who could walk independently were recruited. [Methods] We measured gait velocity and center of mass acceleration in three directions using an ac...