Interest in multimodal function optimization is expanding rapidly since real-world optimization problems often require location of multiple optima in a search space. In this paper, we propose a novel genetic algorithm which combines crowding and clustering for multimodal function optimization, and analyze convergence properties of the algorithm. The crowding clustering genetic algorithm employs...

Crowding, the difficulty in identifying a letter embedded in other letters, has been suggested as an explanation for slow reading in peripheral vision. In this study, we asked whether crowding in peripheral vision can be reduced through training on identifying crowded letters, and if so, whether these changes will lead to improved peripheral reading speed. We measured the spatial extent of crow...

Protein-protein interactions were investigated for α-chymotrypsinogen by static and dynamic light scattering (SLS and DLS, respectively), as well as small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), as a function of protein and salt concentration at acidic conditions. Net protein-protein interactions were probed via the Kirkwood-Buff integral G22 and the static structure factor S(q) from SLS and SANS data...

Design procedures for walkways are referenced to Ievel-of-sewice (LOS) standards. The recommended standards of Table 1 incorporate relative measures of the prevailing unit flow rates, area modules, and speed. LOS criteria are situationally subjective because different perceptions of crowding will occur in different environments. Consequently, the applicability of a set of LOS standards to a par...

Here, we examined the effects of molecular crowding on the function, structure and stability of nucleases. We found that the hydrolysis of a 29-mer double-stranded DNA by the endonucleases DNase I and S1 nuclease was substantially enhanced by molecular crowding using polyethylene glycol (PEG); however, molecular crowding had little effect on hydrolysis by exo III and exo I exonucleases. Moreove...

Simple theoretical models are presented to illustrate the effects of spatial confinement and macromolecular crowding on the equilibria and rates of protein folding and binding. Confinement is expected to significantly stabilize the folded state, but for crowding only a marginal effect on protein stability is expected. In confinement the unfolded chain is restricted to a cage but in crowding the...

OBJECTIVE To investigate the demand for orthodontic treatment among 9-18 olds seeking dental care in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. DESIGN Case-control, interview and clinical study. SETTINGS Children seeking dental care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Demand for orthodontic treatment. RESULTS Most of the children (85%) in the case group attended the dental clinic because of crowding. Aesthetic impair...

OBJECTIVES To identify factors associated with developing severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonia and their commonality with all-cause lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), in order to isolate those risk factors specifically associated with RSV-LRTI and identify targets for control. METHODS A birth cohort of rural Kenyan children was intensively monitored for acute respiratory ...

Formation of a pseudoknot (PK) in the conserved RNA core domain in the ribonucleoprotein human telomerase is required for function. In vitro experiments show that the PK is in equilibrium with an extended hairpin (HP) structure. We use molecular simulations of a coarse-grained model, which reproduces most of the salient features of the experimental melting profiles of PK and HP, to show that cr...