A Reference Vector-Assisted Many-Objective Optimization Algorithm with Adaptive Niche Dominance Relation

It is still a huge challenge for traditional Pareto-dominatedmany-objective optimization algorithms to solve manyobjective optimization problems because these algorithms hardly maintain the balance between convergence and diversity and can only find a group of solutions focused on a small area on the Pareto front,resulting in poor performance of those algorithms.For this reason,we propose a reference vector-assisted algorithmwith an adaptive niche dominance relation,for short MaOEA-AR.The new dominance relation forms a niche based on the angle between candidate solutions.By comparing these solutions,the solutionwith the best convergence is found to be the non-dominated solution to improve the selection pressure.In reproduction,a mutation strategy of k-bit crossover and hybrid mutation is used to generate high-quality offspring.On 23 test problems with up to 15-objective,we compared the proposed algorithm with five state-of-the-art algorithms.The experimental results verified that the proposed algorithm is competitive.

RT-qPCR normalization of reference genes in different lifehistory stages of Gracilaria vermiculophylla(Rhodophyta)

The quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)is a powerful and sensitive method to measure expression of targeted gene but it highly relies on the use of suitable reference genes for data normalization.We evaluated the expressions of 8 housekeeping genes:18S ribosomal rDNA(18S rDNA),28S ribosomal r DNA(28S rDNA),rubisco large subunit(rbc-L),β-actin(ACT),glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH),elongation factor 1(EF1),β-tubulin(Tub B),and P-phycoerythrin B(PEB),to select the suitable reference genes for different life-history stages(tetrasporophyte,carposporophyte,and male/female gametophyte)of Gracilaria vermiculophylla by absolute quantitative method.Softwares geNorm and BestKeeper were used to verify the results acquired from copy number analysis.Results show that the expression of identified reference genes varied in comparing groups composed of different type of life stages.It is suggested that 18S rDNA and TubB could be used for highly complex samples composed of mixed ploidy and phases.18S rDNA and 28S rDNA were also preferred for using among the matured isomorphic samples.But for samples with different maturities,TubB and ACT were recommended for tetrasporophytes and gametophytes respectively.

Responses of vegetation yield to precipitation and reference evapotranspiration in a desert steppe in Inner Mongolia,China

Drought,which restricts the sustainable development of agriculture,ecological health,and social economy,is affected by a variety of factors.It is widely accepted that a single variable cannot fully reflect the characteristics of drought events.Studying precipitation,reference evapotranspiration(ET_(0)),and vegetation yield can derive information to help conserve water resources in grassland ecosystems in arid and semi-arid regions.In this study,the interactions of precipitation,ET_(0),and vegetation yield in Darhan Muminggan Joint Banner(DMJB),a desert steppe in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China were explored using two-dimensional(2D)and three-dimensional(3D)joint distribution models.Three types of Copula functions were applied to quantitatively analyze the joint distribution probability of different combinations of precipitation,ET_(0),and vegetation yield.For the precipitation–ET_(0)dry–wet type,the 2D joint distribution probability with precipitation≤245.69 mm/a or ET_(0)≥959.20 mm/a in DMJB was approximately 0.60,while the joint distribution probability with precipitation≤245.69 mm/a and ET_(0)≥959.20 mm/a was approximately 0.20.Correspondingly,the joint return period that at least one of the two events(precipitation was dry or ET_(0)was wet)occurred was 2 a,and the co-occurrence return period that both events(precipitation was dry and ET_(0)was wet)occurred was 5 a.Under this condition,the interval between dry and wet events would be short,the water supply and demand were unbalanced,and the water demand of vegetation would not be met.In addition,when precipitation remained stable and ET_(0)increased,the 3D joint distribution probability that vegetation yield would decrease due to water shortage in the precipitation–ET_(0)dry–wet years could reach up to 0.60–0.70.In future work,irrigation activities and water allocation criteria need to be implemented to increase vegetation yield and the safety of water resources in the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia.

Identification of optimal reference genes in golden Syrian hamster with ethanol-and palmitoleic acid-induced acute pancreatitis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction

Background:Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a severe disorder that leads to high morbidity and mortality.Appropriate reference genes are important for gene analysis in AP.This study sought to study the expression stability of several reference genes in the golden Syrian hamster,a model of AP.Methods:AP was induced in golden Syrian hamster by intraperitoneal injection of ethanol(1.35 g/kg)and palmitoleic acid(2 mg/kg).The expression of candidate genes,including Actb,Gapdh,Eef2,Ywhaz,Rps18,Hprt1,Tubb,Rpl13a,Nono,and B2m,in hamster pancreas at different time points(1,3,6,9,and 24 h)posttreatment was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The expression stability of these genes was calculated using Best Keeper,Comprehensive Delta CT,Norm Finder,and ge Norm algorithms and Ref Finder software.Results:Our results show that the expression of these reference genes fluctuated during AP,of which Ywhaz and Gapdh were the most stable genes,whereas Tubb,Eef2,and Actb were the least stable genes.Furthermore,these genes were used to normalize the expression of TNF-αmessenger ribonucleic acid in inflamed pancreas.Conclusions:In conclusion,Ywhaz and Gapdh were suitable reference genes for gene expression analysis in AP induced in Syrian hamster.

Selection of Stable Reference Genes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR on Herbaceous Peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) in Response to Drought Stress

Herbaceous peony(Paeonia lactiflora Pall.),as a high-end cut flower in the international market,has high ornamental and medicinal values.But in Northern China,drought is a major environmental factor influencing the growth and development of P.lactiflora.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)can evaluate gene expression levels under different stress conditions,and stable internal reference is the key for qRT-PCR.At present,there is no systematic screening of internal reference for correcting gene expressions of P.lactiflora in response to drought stress.In this study,10 candidate genes[ubiquitin(UBQ2),UBQ1,elongation factor 1-α(EF-1α),Histidine(His),eukaryotic initiation factor(eIF),tubulin(TUB),actin(ACT),UBQ3,ACT2,RNA polymerase II(RNA Pol II)]were chosen,and 4 analysis methods were used to compare the stabilities for these 10 genes coping with drought stress.Due to the difference of operation methods,the results of different analysis were distinct,and the final comprehensive analysis indicated that EF-1αwas a relatively stable internal reference gene for P.lactiflora under drought stress.Also,UBQ1 and UBQ2 were the best reference gene combination according to GeNorm analysis.This study will lay a foundation for screening the key genes of P.lactiflora in response to drought stress.

Radiation Dose Survey of Pediatric Chest Computed Tomography Examinations: A Local Diagnostic Reference Levels Approach to Patient Safety

Objectives: The aim of this work was to initially establish both age and weight driven pediatric diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for chest computed tomography (CT) examinations performed at tertiary care medical institution. Another aim was to compare the presented data with internationally published ones. This initial data shall serve as basis for establishing a national DRLs values for pediatric diagnostic CT examinations. Methods: Dosimetric indexes were collected for the chest examination for 93 patients during the past 2 years in a tertiary care medical city. Results: The results are within and below the international reported levels for chest CT in several countries. Conclusion: Continuous monitoring of the radiation doses received by the patients in computed tomography is continuous and ongoing process in order to ensure compliance and to optimize clinical imaging protocols. More extensive data acquisition and analysis are required to allow better understanding of the contributing factors leading to less patient radiation dose while preserving the clinical image quality. .

The Application of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with Small Electrical Time Constant in Fiber Positioner

With the development of cutting-edge multi-object spectrographs,fiber positioners located in the focal plane are being scaled down in size,and miniature hollow-cup Permanent Magnet motors are now being considered as a suitable replacement for Faulhaber Precistep stepper motors.However,the small electrical time constant of such coreless motors poses a challenge,as the problem of severe commutation torque ripple in a fiber positioner running a position loop has been tricky.To overcome this challenge,it is advised to increase the Pulse Width Modulation(PWM)frequency as much as possible to mitigate the effects of the current fluctuation.This must be done while ensuring adequate resolution of the PWM generator.By employing a voltage open-loop field-oriented control based on a modulation frequency of 1 MHz,the drive current only costs 25 m A under a 3.3 V power supply.The sine degree of phase current is immaculate,and the repeat positioning accuracy can reach 2μm.Moreover,it is possible to further shrink the bill of devices and the layout area of the Printed Circuit Board,especially in sizesensitive applications.This device has been developed under the new generation of The Large Sky Area MultiObject Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope.

Capacity Development of National Reference Centers (NRC) to Face the Challenges of Emerging Infections in Côte d’Ivoire

Background: Some national and international strategies for the detection and prevention of emerging infectious diseases have been established across sectors. The capacity to carry out these tasks varies from country to country, and that remains largely undervalued. The Pasteur Institute of C?te d’Ivoire has created and implemented the capacity of national reference centers to fight against emerging and other infectious diseases. Objective: Show on the one hand the strategies used to develop the National Reference Centers and the IPCI and on the other hand the results obtained by performing these strategies. Method: Datas collection by documentary analysis (published scientific articles and grey literature) was done on Google Scholar, PUBMED and institutional reference documents. The documentary research was carried out to have a better understanding of strategies used to create and develop the NRCs in microbiology of communicable diseases. Results: Seven integrated strategies were launched: 1-training and workforce development;2-investigation of epidemics or public health events;3-strengthening laboratory epidemiological research;4-strengthening surveillance systems;5-improving communication with partners and stakeholders;6-building national and international collaborations;and 7-strengthening technical and technological platforms. In two decades, the number of researchers has risen from 10 in 2004 to ninety (90) in 2021, with 12 senior researchers and 32 junior researchers. A number of health service staff had attended a qualifying training course, 27 investigations into outbreaks and other public health events had been carried out, 18 short-term research projects had been launched, major surveillance programs and epidemiological research efforts on vector-borne, food-borne and nosocomial infections had begun, and several scientific manuscripts had been published or were edited in the writting press. Conclusion: The Ivorian experience shows that, with concerted effort, considerable progress can be made in the development and implementation of an infectious disease control program.

Equalization Reconstruction Algorithm Based on Reference Signal Frequency Domain Block Joint for DTMB-Based Passive Radar

Channel equalization plays a pivotal role within the reconstruction phase of passive radar reference signals.In the context of reconstructing digital terrestrial multimedia broadcasting(DTMB)signals for low-slow-small(LSS)target detection,a novel frequency domain block joint equalization algorithm is presented in this article.From the DTMB signal frame structure and channel multipath transmission characteristics,this article adopts a unconventional approach where the delay and frame structure of each DTMB signal frame are reconfigured to create a circular convolution block,facilitating concurrent fast Fourier transform(FFT)calculations.Following equalization,an inverse fast Fourier transform(IFFT)-based joint output and subsequent data reordering are executed to finalize the equalization process for the DTMB signal.Simulation and measured data confirm that this algorithm outperforms conventional techniques by reducing signal errors rate and enhancing real-time processing.In passive radar LSS detection,it effectively suppresses multipath and noise through frequency domain equalization,reducing false alarms and improving the capabilities of weak target detection.

Comparison study on measurement of rail weld joint between inertial reference method and multi-point chord reference method

Purpose – Straightness measurement of rail weld joint is of essential importance to railway maintenance. Dueto the lack of efficient measurement equipment, there has been limited in-depth research on rail weld joint with a5-m wavelength range, leaving a significant knowledge gap in this field.Design/methodology/approach – In this study, the authors used the well-established inertial referencemethod (IR-method), and the state-of-the-art multi-point chord reference method (MCR-method). Two methodshave been applied in different types of rail straightness measurement trollies, respectively. These instrumentswere tested in a high-speed rail section within a certain region of China. The test results were ultimatelyvalidated through using traditional straightedge and feeler gauge methods as reference data to evaluate the railweld joint straightness within the 5-m wavelength range.Findings – The research reveals that IR-method and MCR-method produce reasonably similar measurementresults for wavelengths below 1 m. However, MCR-method outperforms IR-method in terms of accuracy forwavelengths exceeding 3 m. Furthermore, it was observed that IR-method, while operating at a slower speed,carries the risk of derailing and is incapable of detecting rail weld joints and low joints within the track.Originality/value – The research compare two methods’ measurement effects in a longer wavelength rangeand demonstrate the superiority of MCR-method.

Review of Two Years of Surgical Activities of the General Surgery Department of the Reference Health Center of Commune I of Bamako Mali

The objectives of this work were to evaluate the surgical activities carried out in the general surgery department of the Reference Health Center of Commune I of Bamako, to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of the operated patients, to determine the main pathologies encountered and to evaluate qualitatively the result of the treatment. In order to improve performance, and the quality of care, and to identify common pathologies in the surgical department, we undertook a retrospective study on surgical activities from January 2009 to December 2010. At the end of this study, out of 474 men and 187 women (equal sex ratio 2.53);we were able to determine the frequency of surgical pathologies. Farmers, housewives and pupils/students were the most represented with 25.9% respectively;20% and 13.3%. The most frequently observed pathologies were wall hernia (44.8%), prostate adenoma (12%) and acute appendicitis (10.5%). The average length of hospitalization was 3.43 days. Infectious complications affected 25 patients (3.8% of cases) and a death rate of 0.45% (i.e. 3 patients). The average cost of care was 53,500 FCFA. Indeed, the reality of surgical practice in health centers was not the same because of the level of skills of practicing surgeons.

一个传奇的品牌,一个经典的系列 KEF与TheReference系列的故事

回顾2023年,KEF的产品又再斩获众多不同定位、不同类型的各种Hi-Fi音响奖项。在更新MAT技术后,KEF全线新Meta系列在音质方面的提升是备受肯定的。其中最受瞩目的自然是KEF当家的Reference系列了。Reference (参考)系列作为KEF产品线中一个非常重要的高端系列,历经多次变革,至今依然是KEF产品线当中最受发烧友欢迎的系列。它不仅是嫡传KEF每个时期应用于旗舰级先进技术的产品,更是KEF最新技术的普及应用和向下移植的承载者。这个刚刚迈过第50个年头的经典系列在这么多年来能够持续获得发烧友和媒体的喜爱实属不易,这个系列是如何一步一步成为经典的?我们来回顾一下KEF这个品牌与参考系列的发展。

The System of Reference and Lexical Cohesion in Newspaper-An Example of Analyzing "Beijing and Shanghai in Race to Attract Top Foreign Talents"

Discourse analysis is gaining its prominence in teaching reading. The paper presents an example of analyzing the system of reference and lexical cohesion of a news report. It demonstrates how to involve discourse analysis into the teaching of newspaper reading in order to make students get a clear framework of reference and lexical cohesion in a functional-grammar-conscious manner.

Defining laboratory reference values and decision limits＇ populations, intervals, and interpretations

This article provides a brief overview of various approaches that may be utilized for the analysis of human semen test results. Reference intervals are the most widely used tool for the interpretation of clinical laboratory results. Reference interval development has classically relied on concepts elaborated by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry Expert Panel on Reference Values during the 1980s. These guidelines involve obtaining and classifying samples from a healthy population of at least 120 individuals and then identifying the outermost 5% of observations to use in defining limits for two-sided or one-sided reference intervals. More recently, decision limits based on epidemiological outcome analysis have also been introduced to aid in test interpretation. The reference population must be carefully defined on the basis of the intended clinical use of the underlying test. To determine appropriate reference intervals for use in male fertility assessment, a reference population of men with documented time to pregnancy of 〈 12 months would be most suitable. However, for epidemiological assessment of semen testing results, a reference population made up ofunselected healthy men would be preferred. Although reference and decision limits derived for individual semen analysis test results will undoubtedly be the interpretational tools of choice in the near future, in the long term, multivariate methods for the interpretation of semen analysis alone or in combination with information from the female partner seem to represent better means for assessing the likelihood of achieving a successful pregnancy in a subfertile couple.

Use of a Land Surface Model to Evaluate the Observed Soil Moisture of Grassland at the Tongyu Reference Site

A land surface model driven by the continuous three-year observed meteorological data with a time interval of 30 minutes at the Tongyu station, a reference site of the Coordinated Enhanced Observing Period （CEOP）, was used to evaluate the observation bias of soil moisture （SM） data and analyze the variation of SM at different time scales. The saline-alkaline soil of the grassland at the Tongyu site makes the measured SM too high, especially in boreal summer of 2003-05. The simulated annual mean SM has the lowest value in 2004 and its three-year variation corresponds to the change of precipitation, whereas the observation shows the increasing trend from 2003 to 2005. Compared to the variation range between -60% and 40% for the anomaly percentage of the simulated daily mean SM during May-October of 2004, the measured data show the higher values more than 40%. The magnitude of the variation trend of the observed daily mean SM in 2003 and 2005 is generally consistent with the simulation. The largest deficiency for the soil moisture observation of the grassland is the overestimated value in the drought year with less precipitation. The simulated monthly mean SM has the lowest value in March due to the large contribution of evaporation relative to precipitation and this phenomenon can not be reproduced in the observation.

A new free-hand pedicle screw placement technique with reference to the supraspinal ligament

We sought to compare the safety and accuracy of a new free-hand pedicle screw placement technique to that of the conventional technique. One hundred fifty-three consecutive adult patients with simple fracture in the tho- racic or/and lumbar spine were alternately assigned to either the new free-hand or the conventional group. In the new free-hand technique group, preoperative computerized tomography （CT） images were used to calculate the targeted medial-lateral angle of each pedicle trajectory and the pedicle screw was inserted perpendicular to the corresponding supraspinal ligament. In the conventional technique group, the medial-lateral and cranial-caudal angle of each pedicle trajectory was determined by intraoperatively under fluoroscopic guidance. The accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement, the time of intraoperative fluoroscopy, the operating time and the amount of blood loss during operation were respectively compared. All screws were analyzed by using intraoperative ra- diographs, intraoperative triggered electromyography （EMG） monitoring data, postoperative CT data and clinical outcomes. The accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement in the new free-hand technique group and the conven- tional technique group was 96.3% and 94.2% （P 〈 0.05）, respectively. The intraoperative fluoroscopy time of the new technique group was less than that of the conventional technique group （5.37 seconds vs. 8.79 seconds, P 〈 0.05）. However, there was no statistical difference in the operating time and the amount of blood loss during op- eration （P 〉 0.05）. Pedicle screw placement with the free-hand technique which keeps the screw perpendicular to the supraspinal ligament is an accurate, reliable and safe technique to treat simple fracture in the thoracic or lum- bar spine.

Temporal variations of reference evapotranspiration and its sensitivity to meteorological factors in Heihe River Basin, China

On the basis of daily meteorological data from 15 meteorological stations in the Heihe River Basin （HRB） during the period from 1959 to 2012, long-term trends of reference evapotranspiration （ET0） and key meteorological factors that affect ET0 were analyzed using the Mann- Kendall test. The evaporation paradox was also investigated at 15 meteorological stations. In order to explore the contribution of key meteo- rological factors to the temporal variation of ET0, a sensitivity coefficient method was employed in this study. The results show that： （1） mean annual air temperature significantly increased at all 15 meteorological stations, while the mean annual ET0 decreased at most of sites; （2） the evaporation paradox did exist in the HRB, while the evaporation paradox was not continuous in space and time; and （3） relative humidity was the most sensitive meteorological factor with regard to the temporal variation of ET0 in the HRB, followed by wind speed, air temperature, and solar radiation. Air temperature and solar radiation contributed most to the temporal variation of ETo in the upper reaches; solar radiation and wind speed were the determining factors for the temporal variation of ET0 in the middle-lower reaches.

Evaluation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR analysis of gene expression during early development processes of the tongue sole(Cynoglossus semilaevis)

Differential expression of genes is crucial to growth and development of fish. To select the appropriate genes for gene normalization during Cynoglossus semilaevis early developmental process, eight candidate reference genes （ACTB, B2M, EF1A, GADPH, RPL7, TUBA, UBCE and 18S） were tested for their adequacy by using quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that the expression of all the examined genes exhibited tissue dependent variations in the mature C. semilaevis. EFIA was listed as the most stable reference among the 14 tissues by RefFinder. Furthermore, the recommended comprehensive ranking of the stability determined by RefFinder showed that 18S was the most stable gene during the early developmental stages （from oosphere to 90 days old） in this study. However, when divided the Ct value data of the above mentioned early developmental stages into two separate periods （embryo and post-hatching periods）, TUBA and 18S represented the most stable references of these two developmental periods, respectively. Consequently, the reference gene should be carefully and accurately chosen even for studies of the same species at various developmental processes. The relevant data may help in selecting appropriate reference genes for mRNA expression analysis, and is of great value in the studies of fish growth and development.

Normal reference value of hemoglobin of young women and geographical factors in China

A research is conducted on the relationship between the normal reference value of 20,475 examples of hemoglobin of young women and five geographical factors in 208 areas in China, the normal reference value is determined by the hemoglobincyanide method. It is found that the correlation of geographical factors and the normal reference value of hemoglobin of young women are quite significant (F=142.81). By using the method of multiple linear regression analysis, one regression equation is inferred. If geographical values are obtained in some areas, the normal reference value of hemoglobin of young women of this area can be reckoned by using the regression equation. Furthermore, depending on the geographical factors, China can be divided into six regions: Qinghai-Tibet (Qingzang) Plateau, Southwest, Northwest, Southeast, North and Northeast China.

Thromboelastographic reference ranges for a cirrhotic patient population undergoing liver transplantation

AIM To describe the thromboelastography(TEG) "reference" values within a population of liver transplant(LT) candidates that underline the differences from healthy patients.METHODS Between 2000 and 2013, 261 liver transplant patients with a model for end-stage liver disease(MELD) score between 15 and 40 were studied. In particular the adult patients(aged 18-70 years) underwent to a first LT with a MELD score between 15 and 40 were included, while all patients with acute liver failure, congenital bleeding disorders, and anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet drug use were excluded. In this population of cirrhotic patients, preoperative haematological and coagulation laboratory tests were collected, and the pretransplant thromboelastographic parameters were studied and compared with the parameters measured in a previously studied population of 40 healthy subjects. The basal TEG parameters analysed in the cirrhotic population of liver candidates were as follows: Reaction time(r), coagulation time(k), Angle-Rate of polymerization of clot(α Angle), Maximum strenght of clot(MA), Amplitudes of the TEG tracing at 30 min and 60 min after MA is measured(A30 and A60), and Fibrinolysis at 30 and 60 min after MA(Ly30 and Ly60). The possible correlation between the distribution of the reference range and the gender, age, MELD score(higher or lower than 20) and indications for transplantation(liver pathology) were also investigated. In particular, a MELD cut-off value of 20 was chosen to verify the possible correlation between the thromboelastographic reference range and MELD score. RESULTS Most of the TEG reference values from patients with end-stage liver disease were significantly different from those measured in the healthy population and were outside the suggested normal ranges in up to 79.3% of subjects. Wide differences were found among all TEG variables, including r(41.5% of the values), k(48.6%), α(43.7%), MA(79.3%), A30(74.4%) and A60(80.9%), indicating a prevailing trend to hypocoagulability. The differences between the mean TEG values obtained from healthy subjects and the cirrhotic population were statistically significant for r(P = 0.039), k(P < 0.001), MA(P < 0.001), A30(P < 0.001), A60(P < 0.001) and Ly60(P = 0.038), indicating slower and less stable clot formation in the cirrhotic patients. In the cirrhotic population, 9.5% of patients had an r value shorter than normal, indicating a tendency for faster clot formation. Within the cirrhotic patient population, gender, age and the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma or alcoholic cirrhosis were not significantly associated with greater clot firmness or enhanced whole blood clot formation, whereas greater clot strength was associated with a MELD score < 20, hepatitis C virus and cholestaticrelated cirrhosis(P < 0.001; P = 0.013; P < 0.001).CONCLUSION The range and distribution of TEG values in cirrhotic patients differ from those of healthy subjects, suggesting that a specific thromboelastographic reference range is required for liver transplant candidates.