In this paper, a procedure has been presented to develop fragility curves of structures equipped with optimal variable damping or stiffness semi-active tuned mass dampers (SATMDs). To determine proper variable damping or stiffness of semi-active devices in each time step, instantaneous optimal control algorithm with clipped control concept has been used. Optimal SATMDs have been designed based ...

Although segmental tunnel linings are often used for seismic areas, the influence of segment joints on the segmental lining behavior under seismic loading has not been thoroughly considered in the literature. This paper presents the results of a numerical study investigating the effects of the rotational, axial, and radial joint stiffness of the longitudinal joints on the structural force...

19-08 RESEARCH REPORT POSTER DISPLAY Number: 19-08 Physiotherapy 2007;93(S1):S420 Tuesday 5 June 10:30 VCEC Exhibit Hall B & C THE EFFECTS OF ALTERING INTERVERTEBRAL STIFFNESS ON PASSIVE MOVEMENT TESTING OF THE CERVICAL SPINE: A COMPUTER-BASED SIMULATION. Tuttle N, Laakso L, Barrett R; School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Scicnce, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia PURPOSE: To determine...

The purpose of this study was to examine the modulating effects of age on lower limb stiffness and net muscle joint activity degeneration when performing a functional activity involving SSC. Seven young males and seven older males were recruited as subjects for this study. A high-speed camera and a force plate were synchronized to collect the biomechanical parameters. The kinetic parameters wer...

The outer hair cell (OHC) lateral wall is a unique trilaminate structure consisting of the plasma membrane, the cortical lattice, and subsurface cisternae. OHCs are capable of altering their length in response to transmembrane voltage change. This so-called electromotile response is presumed to result from conformational changes of membrane-bound protein molecules, named prestin. OHC motility i...

BACKGROUND Fixation of an anterior cruciate ligament graft at the joint line with an interference screw restores anterior laxity better than low-stiffness distal fixation with double staples and sutures tied to a post at implantation in porcine bone. HYPOTHESIS Fixation of an anterior cruciate ligament graft with a high-stiffness distal fixation device restores anterior laxity and knee stiffn...

BACKGROUND Although it is well known that valvular lesions show changes in stiffness, this fact has not been studied objectively or quantitatively. METHODS Using a tactile sensor, stiffness of the mitral valve was measured at 11 autopsies and 19 surgically excised specimens. The relationships between stiffness and histological state were investigated in 394 points of resected specimens. RES...

Although spleen stiffness has recently been identified as potential surrogate marker for portal hypertension, the relationship between spleen stiffness and portal hypertension has not been fully elucidated. We attempted to determine the relationship between the liver or spleen stiffness and the presence of ascites or esophageal varices by acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging. A total...

BACKGROUND Increased aortic stiffness is associated with numerous common diseases of aging, including heart disease, stroke, and renal disease. However, the prevalence and correlates of abnormally high aortic stiffness are incompletely understood. METHODS AND RESULTS We evaluated 2 aortic stiffness measures, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and forward pressure wave amplitude, in a pooled ...