let $p(lambda)$ be an $n$-square complex matrix polynomial, and $1 leq k leq n$ be a positive integer. in this paper, some algebraic and geometrical properties of the $k$-numerical range of $p(lambda)$ are investigated. in particular, the relationship between the $k$-numerical range of $p(lambda)$ and the $k$-numerical range of its companion linearization is stated. moreover, the $k$-numerical ...

Extracellular matrix stiffness influences biological functions of some tumors. However, it remains unclear how cancer subtypes with different oncogenic mutations respond to matrix stiffness. In addition, the relevance of matrix stiffness to in vivo tumor growth kinetics and drug efficacy remains elusive. Here, we designed 3D hydrogels with physical parameters relevant to hematopoietic tissues a...

The essential features of the Meshless Local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) method, and of the Local Boundary Integral Equation (LBIE) method, are critically examined from the points of view of a non-element interpolation of the ®eld variables, and of the meshless numerical integration of the weak form to generate the stiffness matrix. As truly meshless methods, the MLPG and the LBIE methods hold a gre...

This work looks at the stiffness matrix of some simple but very general systems of springs supporting a rigid body. The stiffness matrix is found by symbolically differentiating the potential function. After a short example attention turns to the general structure of the stiffness matrix and in particular the principal screws introduced by Ball.

This paper deals with a class of parallel mechanisms, called Gough-Stewart platforms. For these mechanisms, pre-loaded by driving forces, the stiffness matrix is derived and its basic properties are established. It is shown when the stiffness matrix becomes asymmetric, how the parametric imbalance may influence the system stability, and how the center of stiffness depends on the force pre-loadi...

This paper studied the stiffness model and characteristics of a planar 3-RPS PM with 3-DOF. The 6 × 6 form stiffness matrix of the planar 3-RPS PM is derived with both active and constrained wrenches considered. To characteristic the stiffness of the planer 3-RPS PM, two decomposition methods including the eigenscrew decomposition and the principle axes decomposition are applied to the stiffnes...

This paper investigates the synthesis of a spatial stiffness matrix using simple line springs. A new algorithm is developed, which enables the selection of constituent springs based on their positions and directions. The constraining space of the line springs is then investigated. It is shown that an isotropic stiffness matrix, in general, can be split into the sum of two rank-3 stiffness matri...

Increased stromal stiffness is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression. However, the molecular mechanism by which matrix stiffness stimuli modulate HCC progress is largely unknown. In this study, we explored whether matrix stiffness-mediated effects on osteopontin (OPN) expression occur in HCC cells. We used a previously reported in vitro culture system with t...

Breast epithelial cells sense the stiffness of the extracellular matrix through Rho-mediated contractility. In turn, matrix stiffness regulates RhoA activity. However, the upstream signaling mechanisms are poorly defined. Here we demonstrate that the Rho exchange factor GEF-H1 mediates RhoA activation in response to extracellular matrix stiffness. We demonstrate the novel finding that microtubu...

A finite element solution based on equevalent elements is proposed for the static and dynamic analysis of tallhigh tensioned cable antennas. To reduce high number of degrees of freedom in space frame body of a structure, a simple equivalent beam element is defined for each simulative substructure. This numerical procedure is applicable to analyze complex three dimensional assemblies of substruc...