Global Curve Fitting Research Articles

Lateral static stiffness of offshore monopile socketed in soft rock

Monopiles supporting offshore wind turbines (OWTs) sometimes need to be socketed in soft rocks. The lateral stiffness of piles plays a governing role on the fatigue limit state (FLS) and service limit state (SLS) of OWTs, so it needs to be further investigated. In this paper, laboratory-scale model tests and corresponding numerical analyses have been carried out to quantitatively evaluate the lateral static stiffness of monopiles in soft rocks under different scenarios. The results of pile responses, soil/rock resistance and the corresponding p-y curves are presented. Based on the experimental and numerical results, it is found that the load-sharing mechanisms of monopiles are significantly influenced by the rock-bearing layer. For modelling of rock-socked piles, p-y curves obtained by global curve fitting poorly describe the soil/rock resistance near the soil-rock interface, while p-y curves obtained by piecewise fitting for soil and rock layers or three-dimensional finite element model should be the preferred and recommended choices.

Phase aberration compensation of digital holographic microscopy with curve fitting preprocessing and automatic background segmentation for microstructure testing

In the digital holographic microscopy, the phase aberration is a key problem limiting the quantitative phase measurement, especially for the microstructure whose phase distribution is dense with few and discontinuous background region. A numerical phase aberration compensation method with global curve fitting preprocessing and automatic extraction of the background region for microstructure testing is proposed. The global curve fitting is implemented to compensate most of the tilt, quadratic and partial high order aberrations and make the profile of the measured object significantly distinguishable. Then the background region is automatically extracted by directly segmenting the converted grayscale phase image. At last, the Zernike polynomial fitting is performed on the extracted background region, and the obtained coefficients are used to calculate the phase aberration of the whole phase image. Simulation and experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method is able to accurately extract background region and compensate the phase aberration for the complicated dense microstructure.

Experimental characterization of wingtip vortices in the near field using smoke flow visualizations

In order to predict the axial development of the wingtip vortices strength, an accurate theoretical model is required. Several experimental techniques have been used to that end, e.g. PIV or hot-wire anemometry, but they imply a significant cost and effort. For this reason, we have performed experiments using the smoke-wire technique to visualize smoke streaks in six planes perpendicular to the main stream flow direction. Using this visualization technique, we obtained quantitative information regarding the vortex velocity field by means of Batchelor’s model for two chord-based Reynolds numbers, $$Re_c=3.33\times 10^4$$ and $$10^5$$ . Therefore, this theoretical vortex model has been introduced in the integration of ordinary differential equations which describe the temporal evolution of streak lines as function of two parameters: the swirl number, S, and the virtual axial origin, $$\overline{z_0}$$ . We have applied two different procedures to minimize the distance between experimental and theoretical flow patterns: individual curve fitting at six different control planes in the streamwise direction and the global curve fitting which corresponds to all the control planes simultaneously. Both sets of results have been compared with those provided by del Pino et al. (Phys Fluids 23(013):602, 2011b. doi: 10.1063/1.3537791 ), finding good agreement. Finally, we have observed a weak influence of the Reynolds number on the values S and $$\overline{z_0}$$ at low-to-moderate $$Re_c$$ . This experimental technique is proposed as a low cost alternative to characterize wingtip vortices based on flow visualizations.

Quantitative Measure of Receptor Agonist and Modulator Equi-Response and Equi-Occupancy Selectivity.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an important class of drug targets. Quantitative analysis by global curve fitting of properly designed dose-dependent GPCR agonism and allosterism data permits the determination of all affinity and efficacy parameters based on a general operational model. We report here a quantitative and panoramic measure of receptor agonist and modulator equi-response and equi-occupancy selectivity calculated from these parameters. The selectivity values help to differentiate not only one agonist or modulator from another, but on-target from off-target receptor or functional pathway as well. Furthermore, in conjunction with target site free drug concentrations and endogenous agonist tones, the allosterism parameters and selectivity values may be used to predict in vivo efficacy and safety margins.

Regulation of Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase (Rubisco) Activase: PRODUCT INHIBITION, COOPERATIVITY, AND MAGNESIUM ACTIVATION

In many photosynthetic organisms, tight-binding Rubisco inhibitors are released by the motor protein Rubisco activase (Rca). In higher plants, Rca plays a pivotal role in regulating CO2 fixation. Here, the ATPase activity of 0.005 mm tobacco Rca was monitored under steady-state conditions, and global curve fitting was utilized to extract kinetic constants. The kcat was best fit by 22.3 ± 4.9 min(-1), the Km for ATP by 0.104 ± 0.024 mm, and the Ki for ADP by 0.037 ± 0.007 mm. Without ADP, the Hill coefficient for ATP hydrolysis was extracted to be 1.0 ± 0.1, indicating noncooperative behavior of homo-oligomeric Rca assemblies. However, the addition of ADP was shown to introduce positive cooperativity between two or more subunits (Hill coefficient 1.9 ± 0.2), allowing for regulation via the prevailing ATP/ADP ratio. ADP-mediated activation was not observed, although larger amounts led to competitive product inhibition of hydrolytic activity. The catalytic efficiency increased 8.4-fold upon cooperative binding of a second magnesium ion (Hill coefficient 2.5 ± 0.5), suggesting at least three conformational states (ATP-bound, ADP-bound, and empty) within assemblies containing an average of about six subunits. The addition of excess Rubisco (24:1, L8S8/Rca6) and crowding agents did not modify catalytic rates. However, high magnesium provided for thermal Rca stabilization. We propose that magnesium mediates the formation of closed hexameric toroids capable of high turnover rates and amenable to allosteric regulation. We suggest that in vivo, the Rca hydrolytic activity is tuned by fluctuating [Mg(2+)] in response to changes in available light.

Global Curve Fitting Approach to Receptor Allosterism

G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are known to be modulated by both orthosteric agonists and positive/negative allosteric modulators (PAMs/NAMs). Proper experimental design and data analysis for dual dose dependence between agonist and PAM or NAM are critical to elucidate key parameters for understanding molecular mechanism and structure‐activity relationship (SAR) in drug discovery. Toward that end, we have developed a global curve fitting approach to analyze simultaneously all curves in dual dose dependence data of receptor allosterism to report all key parameters. A general equation based on operational model of receptor allosterism is reformulated in GraphPad Prism to allow global curve fitting. Specific stepwise instructions with graphic illustrations will be outlined.

LFT Structured Uncertainty Modeling and Robust Loop-Shaping Controller Optimization for an Ultraprecision Positioning Stage

In this paper, a practical modeling and robust controller optimization strategy is presented for an ultraprecision positioning stage with position-dependent dynamics to achieve ultraprecision positioning accuracy. A linear-fractional-transformation structured uncertainty modeling procedure is proposed to describe the varying dynamics of the stage. The modeling process involves the global curve fitting of frequency response functions and dimensionality reduction for the uncertainty structure so that the uncertainty set could be minimized. Then, a robust loop-shaping controller optimization method is presented to improve the control performances. The optimization objective includes the control bandwidth and the disturbance rejection ability, and μ analysis is employed as a nonconservative robust condition with respect to the structured uncertainty. A genetic algorithm is then utilized to determine the optimal parameters of the controller. Comparative experiments on a developed ultraprecision positioning stage are finally conducted, and the results validate that significant improvements on rising time, settling time, and positioning accuracy have been achieved.

τFCS: multi-method global analysis enhances resolution and sensitivity in fluorescence fluctuation measurements.

Fluorescence fluctuation methods have become invaluable research tools for characterizing the molecular-level physical and chemical properties of complex systems, such as molecular concentrations, dynamics, and the stoichiometry of molecular interactions. However, information recovery via curve fitting analysis of fluctuation data is complicated by limited resolution and challenges associated with identifying accurate fit models. We introduce a new approach to fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy that couples multi-modal fluorescence measurements with multi-modal global curve fitting analysis. This approach yields dramatically enhanced resolution and fitting model discrimination capabilities in fluctuation measurements. The resolution enhancement allows the concentration of a secondary species to be accurately measured even when it constitutes only a few percent of the molecules within a sample mixture, an important new capability that will allow accurate measurements of molecular concentrations and interaction stoichiometry of minor sample species that can be functionally important but difficult to measure experimentally. We demonstrate this capability using τFCS, a new fluctuation method which uses simultaneous global analysis of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime data, and show that τFCS can accurately recover the concentrations, diffusion coefficients, lifetimes, and molecular brightness values for a two component mixture over a wide range of relative concentrations.

발포스펀지 의자시트의 진동전달 특성

Recently, in the movie theater, the special chair is installed to maximize the viewing effect of movies. It is structured to convey a vibrational stimulus to a specially-designated parts of human body by attaching a vibration transducer to a existing theater chair. This paper describes the analysis of the vibration transfer characteristic of a foaming sponge seat for the design of the special chair. We could not apply the structural analysis S/W because it is difficult to obtain the mechanical properties and damping coefficients of the various type sponges. And then we computed the transfer functions by the global curve fitting program based on experimental modal analysis. The experimental response results comparatively coincide with those by the global curve fitting program. We also could obtain the natural frequencies, the modal damping coefficient ratio, the modal vectors and the whole transfer functions. Therefore we could analyze the dynamic characteristic for design of foaming sponge seat.

Kinetic Isotope Effect Studies on the de Novo Rate of Chromophore Formation in Fast- and Slow-Maturing GFP Variants

The maturation process of green fluorescent protein (GFP) entails a protein oxidation reaction triggered by spontaneous backbone condensation. The chromophore is generated by full conjugation of the Tyr66 phenolic group with the heterocycle, a process that requires C-H bond scission at the benzylic carbon. We have prepared isotope-enriched protein bearing tyrosine residues deuterated at the beta carbon, and have determined kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) on the GFP self-processing reaction. Progress curves for the production of H 2O 2 and the mature chromophore were analyzed by global curve fitting to a three-step mechanism describing preoxidation, oxidation and postoxidation events. Although a KIE for protein oxidation could not be discerned ( k H/ k D = 1.1 +/- 0.2), a full primary KIE of 5.9 (+/-2.8) was extracted for the postoxidation step. Therefore, the exocyclic carbon is not involved in the reduction of molecular oxygen. Rather, C-H bond cleavage proceeds from the oxidized cyclic imine form, and is the rate-limiting event of the final step. Substantial pH-dependence of maturation was observed upon substitution of the catalytic glutamate (E222Q), indicating an apparent p K a of 9.4 (+/-0.1) for the base catalyst. For this variant, a KIE of 5.8 (+/-0.4) was determined for the intrinsic time constant that is thought to describe the final step, as supported by ultra-high resolution mass spectrometric results. The data are consistent with general base catalysis of the postoxidation events yielding green color. Structural arguments suggest a mechanism in which the highly conserved Arg96 serves as catalytic base in proton abstraction from the Tyr66-derived beta carbon.

Bone Sialoprotein Binding to Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Alters Enzyme Inhibition Kinetics

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a secreted glycophosphoprotein normally restricted in expression to skeletal tissue that is also induced by multiple neoplasms in vivo. Previous work has shown that BSP can bind to matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Because of MMP-2 activity in promoting tumor progression, potential therapeutic inhibitors were developed, but clinical trials have been disappointing. The effect of BSP on MMP-2 modulation by inhibitors was determined with purified components and in cell culture. Enzyme inhibition kinetics were studied using a low-molecular weight freely diffusable substrate and purified MMP-2, BSP, and natural (tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2) and synthetic (ilomastat and oleoyl- N-hydroxylamide) inhibitors. We determined parameters of enzyme kinetics by varying substrate concentrations at different fixed inhibitor concentrations added to MMP-2 alone, MMP-2 and BSP, or preformed MMP-2-BSP complexes and solving a general linear mixed inhibition rate equation with a global curve fitting program. Two in vitro angiogenesis model systems employing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to follow BSP modulation of MMP-2 inhibition and tubule formation. The presence of BSP increased the competitive K I values between 15- and 47-fold for natural and synthetic inhibitors. The extent of tubule formation by HUVECs cocultured with dermal fibroblasts was reduced in the presence of inhibitors, while the addition of BSP restored vessel formation. A second HUVEC culture system demonstrated that tubule formation by cells expressing BSP could be inhibited by an activity blocking antibody against MMP-2. BSP modulation of MMP-2 activity and inhibition may define its biological role in promoting tumor progression.

FEATURE DETECTION AND CORRESPONDENCE FOR CAMERA CALIBRATION

This paper addresses the problem of highly accurate, highly speedy, more reliable and fully automatic camera calibration. Our objective is to construct a reliable and fully automatic system to supply a more robust and highly accurate calibration scheme. A checkerboard pattern is used as calibration pattern. After the corner points on image are detected, an improved Delaunay triangulation based algorithm is used to make correspondences between corner points on image and corner points on checkerboard in 3D space. In order to determine precise position of the actual corner points, a geometrical constraint based global curve fitting algorithm has been developed. The experimental results show that the geometrical constraint based method can improve remarkably the performance of the feature detection and camera calibration.

WARP Is a Novel Multimeric Component of the Chondrocyte Pericellular Matrix That Interacts with Perlecan

WARP is a novel member of the von Willebrand factor A domain superfamily of extracellular matrix proteins that is expressed by chondrocytes. WARP is restricted to the presumptive articular cartilage zone prior to joint cavitation and to the articular cartilage and fibrocartilaginous elements in the joint, spine, and sternum during mouse embryonic development. In mature articular cartilage, WARP is highly specific for the chondrocyte pericellular microenvironment and co-localizes with perlecan, a prominent component of the chondrocyte pericellular region. WARP is present in the guanidine-soluble fraction of cartilage matrix extracts as a disulfide-bonded multimer, indicating that WARP is a strongly interacting component of the cartilage matrix. To investigate how WARP is integrated with the pericellular environment, we studied WARP binding to mouse perlecan using solid phase and surface plasmon resonance analysis. WARP interacts with domain III-2 of the perlecan core protein and the heparan sulfate chains of the perlecan domain I with K(D) values in the low nanomolar range. We conclude that WARP forms macromolecular structures that interact with perlecan to contribute to the assembly and/or maintenance of "permanent" cartilage structures during development and in mature cartilages.

A triangular G 1 patch from boundary curves

For some applications it is necessary to fit an irregular surface to given data, e.g. to develop a geometric model of a human skeletal bone from computerized tomography scans. Such a surface does not always have easily distinguishable isoparametric lines. It is thus not convenient to use standard global curve fitting techniques such as those based on B-splines. A global method may also smooth away essential features. A reasonable approach is to use a composite surface where individual surface patches are locally determined. To obtain some visual smoothness it is desirable that these patches join their neighbours in a manner that preserves positional as well as tangent plane continuity. Several methods have been presented for constructing surfaces in such a manner. A common initial stage in developing the patches is to determine a network of boundary curves. This article reports on some results using boundary curves based on a recent technique for point normal interpolation.