A new approach based on hybrid of linear BP neural network and particle swarm optimization algorithm for fitting of micro-drill’s margin projection is proposed. The network is structured according to fitting equation, where sampled point coordinates of micro-drill and their recombination are taken as 6 inputs, and one output is obtained. The square of difference between the output and constant ...

A new method for analyzing three-state protein unfolding equilibria is described that overcomes the difficulties created by direct effects of denaturants on circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectra of the intermediate state. The procedure begins with a singular value analysis of the data matrix to determine the number of contributing species and perturbations. This result is used to cho...

Hemoglobin is a classical model allosteric protein. Research on hemoglobin parallels the development of key cooperativity and allostery concepts, such as the 'all-or-none' Hill formalism, the stepwise Adair binding formulation and the concerted Monod-Wymann-Changuex (MWC) allosteric model. While it is clear that the MWC model adequately describes the cooperative binding of oxygen to hemoglobin,...

The relationship between word knowledge and reading comprehension has been well documented in research; however, the nature of this relationship remains unclear. Researchers usually distinguish between 2 aspects of an individual’s word knowledge: breadth and depth. In addition to these 2 factors, it may be important to also consider fluency in the study of word knowledge. Two hundred and three ...

We examined the roles of metacognitive awareness of reading strategies, syntactic awareness in English, and English vocabulary knowledge in the English reading comprehension of Chinese-speaking university students (n = 278). Results suggested a two-factor model of a General Reading Knowledge factor (metacognitive awareness employed during the English reading process) and a Second Language (L2) ...

To understand ethnic differences and the role of acculturation, this study compared a model of fathers’ care-giving across European American and Hispanic fathers. The model included Care-giving, Nurturing, Play, and Cognitive Stimulation and used Structural Equation Modelling and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Analyses included: a) model comparison (i.e. four factors against single factor); b) m...

Incorrect determination of the top or end vertebrae of a scoliotic curve causes measurement errors when using the Cobb method. Such problems are due to subjectivity. This study was performed to minimize subjectivity by using a curve fitting method. A digitally scanned posteroanterior radiographic image was used for each patient. User-defined midpoints of the curvature, which indicate the midpoi...