Hybrid Panel Research Articles

Identifying the seeds of heterotic pools for Southern and Eastern Africa from global elite spring wheat germplasm.

Hybrid breeding can increase the competitiveness of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Sub-Saharan Africa by fostering more public-private partnerships and promoting investment by the private sector. The benefit of hybrid wheat cultivars in South Africa has previously been demonstrated but due to the high cost of hybrid seed production, hybrid breeding has not received significant attention in the past decade. Considering the renewed commitment of the private sector to establish wheat as a hybrid crop globally, coupled with significant research investment into enhancement of outcrossing of wheat, hybrid wheat breeding in Southern and Eastern Africa should be revisited. Our study aimed to identify genetically distinct germplasm groups in spring wheat that would be useful in the establishment of heterotic pools targeting this region. Multi-environment yield testing of a large panel of F1 test hybrids, generated using global elite germplasm, was carried out between 2019 and 2020 in Argentina, Africa, Europe, and Australia. We observed significant genotype by environment interactions within our testing network, confirming the distinctiveness of African trial sites. Relatively high additive genetic variance was observed highlighting the contribution of parental genotypes to the grain yield of test hybrids. We explored the genetic architecture of these parents and the genetic factors underlying the value of parents appear to be associated with their genetic subgroup, with positive marker effects distributed throughout the genome. In testcrosses, elite germplasm from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) appear to be complementary to the genetically distinct germplasm bred in South Africa. The feasibility of achieving genetic gain via heterotic pool establishment and divergence, and by extension the viability of hybrid cultivars in Sub-Saharan Africa, is supported by the results of our study.

Molecular genetic characterization of myeloid neoplasms with idic(X)(q13) and i(X)(q10).

Isodicentric [idic(X)(q13)] and isochromosome [i(X)(q10)] are infrequent aberrations in neoplastic diseases. The former is mainly reported in elderly women with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), whereas the latter is mostly found as a secondary aberration or part of complex karyotypes in various types of neoplasms, including MDS and AML. Here, we present the molecular genetics and clinical features of six patients with myeloid neoplasia and the above-mentioned aberrations. Array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) myeloid panel were used to examine genetic alterations in five bone marrow samples containing neoplastic cells carrying idic(X)(q13) and one sample with i(X)(q10). The breakpoints of idic(X)(q13) were clustered within a 200 kbp region encompassing FAM236B, DMRTC1B, and DMRTC1. The breakpoint of i(X)(q10) was identified within a 112 kbp region on sub-band p11.22 containing SSX2, SSX2B, and SPANXN5. Pathogenic variants of TET2 were identified in four cases, SF3B1 in three cases, ASXL1 and SRSF2 in two cases each, whereas STAG2, RUNX1, U2AF1, and TP53 pathogenic variants were detected in only single cases. The breakpoints of idic(X)(q13) are within a 200kbp. i(X)(q10) in our study turned out to be a cryptic idic(X)(p11) aberration, reported for the first time here. TET2, SF3B1, ASXL1, or SRSF2 were highly prevalent in patients with idic(X)(q13)/i(X)(q10) abnormalities and were often associated with a worse prognosis.

Trans-regulatory variant network contributes to missing heritability

In a recent Cell Genomics article, Tsouris etal.1 analyze the transcriptomes of a large diallel panel of hybrids from Saccharomyces cerevisiae natural isolates to study cis- and trans-regulatory changes underlying gene expression variation. Vanessa Pereira and Elena Kuzmin discuss the authors' findings and the wider context in missing heritability research in this preview.

Research of photovoltaic properties of cogeneration cylindrical photovoltaic module for hybrid solar panels

Solar energy is the most efficient and cleanest source of energy, as well as a cheap and eternal source of renewable energy. Improving the energy efficiency of solar panels will optimize their energy characteristics and operating modes, taking into account the load and solar radiation energy. The work is aimed at studying photosensitive structures based on porous Si and ZnO that are promising for solar energy. To increase the efficiency of solar panels, hybrid panels based on cogeneration photovoltaic modules of cylindrical shape cooled by liquid have been developed. This will open up the possibility of creating hybrid solar photovoltaic panels for simultaneous the generation of electricity and heat. A scheme for a hybrid solar panel device using a cooled cogeneration cylindrical photomodule based on ZnO/porous-Si/Si heterostructures is proposed. Using the PC1D program, the light characteristics of the manufactured structure (no-load voltage VOC, short-circuit current ISC, fill factor FF, and efficiency η) were calculated and the volt-ampere characteristics were plotted. The influence of porous-Si and ZnO layer thickness, texture, and doping level of the ZnO layer, as well as the effect of temperature on the performance of a ZnO/porous-Si/Si heterojunction solar cell was investigated in order to obtain a device with good conversion efficiency. It has been established that the energy conversion efficiency of a cogeneration cylindrical photomodule based on ZnO/porous-Si/Si heterostructures can reach 23.9 %.

Criminal clickbait: a panel data analysis on the attractiveness of online advertisements offering stolen data.

Few studies have examined the sales of stolen account credentials on darkweb markets. In this study, we tested how advertisement characteristics affect the popularity of illicit online advertisements offering account credentials. Unlike previous criminological research, we take a novel approach by assessing the applicability of knowledge on regular consumer behaviours instead of theories explaining offender behaviour. We scraped 1,565 unique advertisements offering credentials on a darkweb market. We used this panel data set to predict the simultaneous effects of the asking price, endorsement cues and title elements on advertisement popularity by estimating several hybrid panel data models. Most of our findings disconfirm our hypotheses. Asking price did not affect advertisement popularity. Endorsement cues, including vendor reputation and cumulative sales and views, had mixed and negative relationships, respectively, with advertisement popularity. Our results might suggest that account credentials are not simply regular products, but high-risk commodities that, paradoxically, become less attractive as they gain popularity. This study highlights the necessity of a deeper understanding of illicit online market dynamics to improve theories on illicit consumer behaviours and assist cybersecurity experts in disrupting criminal business models more effectively. We propose several avenues for future experimental research to gain further insights into these illicit processes.

THE CO-EVOLUTION OF PERSONAL NETWORKS AND LONELINESS FOLLOWING WIDOWHOOD FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Abstract Late-life transitions such as widowhood often re-calibrate people’s close personal networks. Some network change—particularly growth in network size and closer geographic access to network members—is assumed to protect against loneliness, but scholars have yet to systematically examine these processes post widowhood. This study uses data from four waves of the German Aging Survey (DEAS), conducting gender-specific hybrid panel modeling to estimate both within- and between-individual effects of (1) network conditions up to seven years past widowhood, and (2) the effects of network change on loneliness. Results reveal that network size takes on a reversed U-shape: Germans becoming widowed tend to see an influx of new core ties from beyond their family, but this trend slows and reverses with time. There was also some evidence of non-linear change related to distance: geographic distance to core network members tended to shrink following widowhood before expanding back outward. Furthermore, moderation analyses an important role for these network characteristics on loneliness. Larger non-kin networks in the aftermath of widowhood partially alleviated the loneliness associated with that transition. The role of geographic proximity was gender-specific, as widowed men with nearby non-kin ties were most protected against loneliness, whereas widowed women fared best if their kin ties were farther away. Altogether, this study presents novel insight into how personal networks evolve after widowhood, revealing the nuanced, gendered ways that networks adapt. Efforts to reduce loneliness after widowhood may consider how gender roles and expectations shape the transmission and meaning of companionship and support.

The Bending Properties of Hybrid Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Using Various Species Combinations.

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) has become a massive commercial success in recent years due to its high performance, technological advantages, and low environmental impact. The finite softwood raw material supply has motivated researchers to find alternatives. This study presents an investigation of the viability of some Hungarian hardwood materials, such as CLT materials. Homogeneous beech, poplar, and spruce panels, as well as their combinations, were created using a polyurethane adhesive. The experimental results show the clear potential of Hungarian poplar, which performed much better than spruce. Poplar's modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) values reached or exceeded those of high-grade commercial softwood CLT. The bending properties of beech and hybrid beech-poplar panels far exceeded the performance of commercial panels, which shows the excellent potential of high-density hardwoods for high-performance CLT production. Beech-spruce hybrid panels seriously underperformed. This was caused by gluing issues, probably due to the large density differences between the two species, as evidenced by the glueline failure exhibited by most of these specimens during testing. The average panel density proved to be the best predictor of mechanical performance, except for beech-spruce hybrid panels.

Optical Genome Mapping Allows Detection and Characterization of Cytogenetically Cryptic Oncogenic Fusions in Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background: Abnormal gene fusions are predominant oncogenic drivers in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and are important diagnostic and prognostic markers. However, several oncogenic fusions specific for or enriched in pediatric AML (like CBFA2T3::GLIS2, NUP98::NSD1, ETV6::MNX1 and others) are not detectable by conventional cytogenetic analysis (cytogenetically cryptic) and may not be included in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or molecular fusion panels designed for adult patients. Optical genome mapping (OGM) is a powerful new method for genome-wide, high-resolution detection of copy number abnormalities and balanced chromosome rearrangements. This study determined the frequency of cryptic oncogenic fusions in an institutional cohort of pediatric AML cases and evaluated OGM as a method for their detection and characterization. Methods: Retrospective review of genetic testing results was performed for 93 consecutive de novo or relapsed pediatric AML cases tested at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Center for Personalized Medicine between March 2016 and July 2023. Genetic testing was performed as part of clinical care following standard procedures and consisted of karyotype analysis, FISH testing, chromosomal microarray (CMA) analysis, CHLA custom sequencing panel (OncoKids®) (June 2017 onwards) and RNA-Seq fusion assay (March 2022 onwards). Cases with normal or inconclusive karyotype in which an oncogenic fusion was detected by another clinical assay were selected for OGM testing. High molecular weight DNA from peripheral blood or bone marrow samples was labeled, processed and imaged in a Saphyr System and analyzed in the Bionano Access software following the manufacturer's recommendations (BionanoGenomics, San Diego CA). Results: Out of 93 pediatric AML cases included in the study, a gene fusion was identified as the primary oncogenic driver in 54 (58%) and a DNA sequence variant in 11 (12%). In 28 cases (30%), the primary genetic abnormality remained undetermined after comprehensive genetic testing. In 17/54 (31%) fusion-driven cases [17/93 (18%) overall cases], the oncogenic fusion remained undetected by karyotype analysis (cryptic). OGM was completed in 13/17 fusion positive cases with non-informative karyotype; it could not be performed in 4 cases due to lack of samples (n=2) or poor DNA quality (n=2), and is still in progress for a subset of 28 unknown cases with available material. OGM analysis successfully revealed all cryptic fusions previously detected by FISH, CMA, OncoKids® and/or RNA-Seq, including NUP98::NSD1 (n=3), KMT2A::MLLT10 (n=3), KMT2A::MLLT3 (n=2)and one case each of CBFA2T3::GLIS2, NUP98::KDM5A, DEK::NUP214, MYB::GATA1 and ETV6::MNX1. Chromosomal mechanism and structure of cryptic fusions were resolved by OGM and included: intrinsically cryptic fusions due to chromosome location of partner genes ( NUP98::NSD1, n=4; CBFA2T3::GLIS2, NUP98::KDM5A and ETV6::MNX1, n=1 each); complex rearrangements due to incompatible gene orientation ( KMT2A::MLLT10 n=2; MYB::GATA1, n=1); three-way rearrangements involving an additional chromosome ( KMT2A::MLLT3 n=2) and small insertions ( KMT2A::MLLT10 and DEK::NUP214, n=1 each). OGM also matched the performance of chromosomal microarray (CMA) analysis in detection of copy number variants. Conclusions: We confirm the significant contribution of cryptic chromosome rearrangements to pathogenesis of pediatric AML, and highlight the importance of tailored testing approaches that effectively detect highly heterogeneous fusion drivers. Our preliminary results show potential of OGM to identify clinically significant cryptic fusions in pediatric AML, and to thus markedly increase diagnostic yield compared to karyotype analysis. As a single assay that detects abnormalities currently interrogated by conventional cytogenetics, FISH and CMA, OGM may allow streamlined and more cost-effective genetic evaluation for pediatric AML.

Parallel Genomic Analysis from Paired Bone Marrow and Peripheral Blood Samples of 200 Cytopenic Patients

Background: Analysis of bone marrow is the gold standard in patients with unexplainable cytopenia for diagnosing (or excluding) myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS). Besides morphology also molecular genetics and cytogenetics are currently assessed from BM as both are required for diagnosis and risk stratification. Substitution of BM analysis with peripheral blood (PB) analysis would be a substantial progress especially in the elderly to allow for a less invasive strategy. Aims: Validate, whether PB reliably reflects molecular and cytogenetic aberrations of BM by evaluating somatic mutations and copy number variations (CNVs) in concurrent PB and BM samples. Methods: We analyzed paired BM and PB samples (time difference of sampling: <15 days) of 200 cytopenic patients. All samples were subjected to targeted panel sequencing analyzing mutations (assessed as positive at variant allelic frequencies/VAFs >1%) in 40 genes associated with myeloid neoplasms (coverage: 1500x). If available, BM chromosome analysis (CA) and BM FISH analysis were compared to NGS CNV analysis from PB using a human CNV backbone hybridization panel (coverage: 50x). Results: In 69 patients (35%) no mutations (MUTs) were detected in either BM or PB (Figure 1A). For the remaining 131 patients at least one MUT was found in BM (median MUTs/patient: 2; range 1-10). In 130/131 patients MUTs were detected in both BM and PB (same number of MUTs: n=121; higher number of MUTs in BM than in PB: n=9) while in only one patient harboring a DNMT3A MUT as the sole MUT in BM (VAF: 9%) no MUT was detected in PB. This resulted in a negative predictive value of 98.6% (69/70). Overall, we detected 364 MUTs in 29 of the analyzed genes (BM MUTs: n=362; PB MUTs: n=349) and a concordance between BM and PB of 95% (347/364; Figure 1A). The median VAF was lower in PB compared to BM across all MUTs (median VAF: 20% vs. 12%; p<0.001). All MUTs detected in BM at VAF ≥13% (n=229) were also detected in corresponding PB. Next, we compared CNVs detected by PB NGS to BM karyotype (KT). For 119/200 patients PB NGS including a CNV-backbone panel was available. BM CA revealed a normal KT in 71 and an aberrant KT in 48 patients. In total, 126 aberrations were detected in BM CA including 7 balanced aberrations that can technically not be detected using the CNV backbone panel. CNV analysis from PB revealed 68 aberrations (of 119 detectable BM CNVs; 54%) with 64 being concordant with BM CA. In total, in 88/119 patients (74%) concordant results were found in BM and PB (70/71 with normal and 18/48 with aberrant BM KT). In 3 patients (2.5%) different CNVs were detected (1/3: no CNV in BM CA), while in 28 (23.5%) either fewer CNVs (n=8; all complex KTs) or no CNVs (n=20) were detected in PB compared to BM. The majority (76%) of BM CNVs not detected by PB NGS with available BM FISH data were small BM clones (clone size ≤30%) and therefore not reliably captured by NGS PB with a technical sensitivity of 30%. Interestingly, 4 of the discordant patients with aberrant BM KT did not harbor any somatic MUT in BM and PB. Regarding the IPSS-R cytogenetic risk group, 95 (80%) patients fell into the same category, while 22 (18%; all with aberrant BM KT) were assigned to a better risk category by NGS PB than based on BM CA data and 2 patients (2%) to a worse risk category by NGS PB (Figure 1B). Conclusion: In cytopenic patients mutations can be reliably detected from PB showing a concordance with BM of individual mutations of 95% and a consistency regarding overall mutation detection between PB and BM in 99.5% of patients. Cytogenetic risk group assignment based on NGS CNV analysis from PB compared to chromosome analysis from BM resulted in the same risk group in 80% of patients. However, to further decrease the number of discrepant cases, the technical limitations (sensitivity, inability to detect balanced CNVs) of the CNV backbone method might be overcome by increasing the sequencing depth and/or using CD34-enriched PB samples and adding probe sets. Alternatively, FISH on PB smears could be used for CNV detection. Overall, our data indicate a high degree of overlap between PB and BM regarding mutational and cytogenetic analysis in patients with unexplained cytopenia and suggest PB as reliable surrogate especially in patients without any genetic aberrations.

Identifying QTLs involved in hybrid performance and heterotic group complementarity: new GWAS models applied to factorial and admixed diallel maize hybrid panels

Key messageAn original GWAS model integrating the ancestry of alleles was proposed and allowed the detection of background specific additive and dominance QTLs involved in heterotic group complementarity and hybrid performance. Maize genetic diversity is structured into genetic groups selected and improved relative to each other. This process increases group complementarity and differentiation over time and ensures that the hybrids produced from inter-group crosses exhibit high performances and heterosis. To identify loci involved in hybrid performance and heterotic group complementarity, we introduced an original association study model that disentangles allelic effects from the heterotic group origin of the alleles and compared it with a conventional additive/dominance model. This new model was applied on a factorial between Dent and Flint lines and a diallel between Dent-Flint admixed lines with two different layers of analysis: within each environment and in a multiple-environment context. We identified several strong additive QTLs for all traits, including some well-known additive QTLs for flowering time (in the region of Vgt1/2 on chromosome 8). Yield trait displayed significant non-additive effects in the diallel panel. Most of the detected Yield QTLs exhibited overdominance or, more likely, pseudo-overdominance effects. Apparent overdominance at these QTLs contributed to a part of the genetic group complementarity. The comparison between environments revealed a higher stability of additive QTL effects than non-additive ones. Several QTLs showed variations of effects according to the local heterotic group origin. We also revealed large chromosomic regions that display genetic group origin effects. Altogether, our results illustrate how admixed panels combined with dedicated GWAS modeling allow the identification of new QTLs that could not be revealed by a classical hybrid panel analyzed with traditional modeling.

An exploratory survey about using ChatGPT in education, healthcare, and research.

ChatGPT is the first large language model (LLM) to reach a large, mainstream audience. Its rapid adoption and exploration by the population at large has sparked a wide range of discussions regarding its acceptable and optimal integration in different areas. In a hybrid (virtual and in-person) panel discussion event, we examined various perspectives regarding the use of ChatGPT in education, research, and healthcare. We surveyed in-person and online attendees using an audience interaction platform (Slido). We quantitatively analyzed received responses on questions about the use of ChatGPT in various contexts. We compared pairwise categorical groups with a Fisher's Exact. Furthermore, we used qualitative methods to analyze and code discussions. We received 420 responses from an estimated 844 participants (response rate 49.7%). Only 40% of the audience had tried ChatGPT. More trainees had tried ChatGPT compared with faculty. Those who had used ChatGPT were more interested in using it in a wider range of contexts going forwards. Of the three discussed contexts, the greatest uncertainty was shown about using ChatGPT in education. Pros and cons were raised during discussion for the use of this technology in education, research, and healthcare. There was a range of perspectives around the uses of ChatGPT in education, research, and healthcare, with still much uncertainty around its acceptability and optimal uses. There were different perspectives from respondents of different roles (trainee vs faculty vs staff). More discussion is needed to explore perceptions around the use of LLMs such as ChatGPT in vital sectors such as education, healthcare and research. Given involved risks and unforeseen challenges, taking a thoughtful and measured approach in adoption would reduce the likelihood of harm.

Storytelling for Translational Research Impact

ABSTRACTTranslational research converts research knowledge into practical wisdom for a community (What is Translational Research, n.d.). Storytelling for translational research means that the researcher knows the audience, crafts a narrative, sticks to the plot, and imparts wisdom in a meaningful way – all elements of a good story from a good storyteller. In this hybrid panel and workshop, led by Stephann Makri and other members of the ASIS&T Research Engagement Committee, our successful researchers/storytellers will illustrate how a good translational research impact story is structured. Then, our storytelling experts will help participants craft their own research narratives to put translational research storytelling into practice for their own research stories. Dr. Kate McDowell, panelist and storytelling expert, teaches both storytelling and data storytelling courses, and is the 2022 recipient of the ASIS&T Outstanding Information Science Teacher Award. She states: “When research successfully translates into legislative or policy changes, it always comes down to a shared narrative experience. The story emerges in the dynamic interaction between the teller and the audience.” The aim of this session is to create confident storytellers.

Hematological entities with plasmacytic differentiation: a case report

IntroductionPlasmacytoma, a localized tumor of monoclonal plasma cells without any clinical, radiological or physical evidence of plasma cell neoplasm (PCN), is a rare entity that accounts for 1% of PCN. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) extramedullary plasmacytoma of mediastinal region has never been reported and is a diagnostic challenge considering other differential diagnoses.Case presentationWe present the case of a 51-year-old African-American female with progressively increasing cough, dyspnea, and dysphagia for 6 months with a computed tomography (CT) scan revealing a subcarinal mass. The histopathological analysis of the mass reveals a diagnosis of lymphoma with plasma cell differentiation, with a differential of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma and plasma cell neoplasm. The lymphoma panel via next-generation sequencing (NGS) and a myeloma-targeted fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) panel confirmed the diagnosis of IgM extramedullary plasmacytoma, an entity of rare occurrence. Treatment with radiation led to complete regression of the plasmacytoma with normal blood work-up.ConclusionsThis report describes the challenges of diagnosing IgM extramedullary plasmactyoma. Our case report highlights the importance of cytogenetics and NGS in establishing a correct diagnosis that indeed has prognostic and therapeutic implications.

Household vaping bans and youth e-cigarette use.

The aims of this study were to measure whether household bans on vaping were associated with lower odds of youth past-month vaping when compared with (1) otherwise similar youth whose households did not have a vaping ban (using coarsened exact matching); and (2) themselves in waves when their household did not have a ban (using hybrid panel models). We used the same analytical strategies to examine cross-sectional associations between household smoking bans and adolescents' past-month cigarette smoking. This was a longitudinal study using data from a nationally representative sample of youth (age 12-17 years) in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. United States of America. A total of 16 214 adolescents followed over 48 103 total observations (approximately three waves). Measurements comprised youth past-month e-cigarette and cigarette use and parent-reported household bans on vaping and smoking. Potential confounders were prior adolescent smoking, vaping, and other nicotine product use; parent current smoking, vaping, and other nicotine use; adolescent peer e-cigarette/cigarette use; parental monitoring; and demographic characteristics. Before matching, smoking bans were associated with 46% lower odds of youth smoking [odds ratio (OR) = 0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.41-0.70] and vaping bans with 37% lower odds of youth e-cigarette use (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.50-0.80). However, households with and without bans differed significantly on all confounders before matching. After matching, household vaping bans were associated with 56% lower odds of youth vaping (OR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.33-0.58). Results from hybrid panel models also revealed 37% lower odds of vaping in waves when youth lived in a vape-free household compared to waves when they did not (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.50-0.78). Associations between smoking bans and youth smoking were not statistically significant after matching or when using hybrid panel models. Household vaping bans appear to be associated with lower odds of past-month vaping among US adolescents, compared with similar youth whose households did not have a ban and to themselves in waves when their households did not have a ban.

Enhancing Lamb wave-based damage diagnosis in composite materials using a pseudo-damage boosted convolutional neural network approach

Damage diagnosis of thin-walled structures has been successfully performed through methods based on tomography and machine learning-driven methods. According to traditional approaches, diagnostic signals are excited and sensed on the structure through a permanently installed network of sensors and are processed to obtain information about the damage. Good performance characterizes methods that process Lamb waves, which are described by long propagation distances and high sensitivity to anomalies. Most of the methods require extracting damage-sensitive features from the diagnostic signals to drive the damage diagnosis task. However, this process can lead to loss of information, and the choice of the specific feature to extract may introduce biases that hamper damage diagnosis. Furthermore, traditional approaches do not perform well when composites are considered, due to the anisotropy, inhomogeneity, and complex damage mechanisms shown by this type of material. To boost the performance of methods for damage diagnosis of composite plates, this work proposes a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based algorithm that localizes damage by processing Lamb waves. Different from other methods, the proposed method does not require extracting features from the acquired signals and allows localizing damage through the regression approach. The method was tested against experimental observations of Lamb waves propagating in two composite panels and in a hybrid panel, and the performance of two different sensor arrays was investigated. The pseudo-damage approach was used to generate large enough datasets for training the CNNs, and the performance of the framework was evaluated by localizing pseudo-damage and real damage determined by low-velocity impacts. The CNN-driven method accurately localized damage in all the considered scenarios, and it also outperformed traditional damage indices-based approaches, such as the reconstruction algorithm for probabilistic inspection of defects.

Tobacco Policy and ENDS Policy Influences on Adolescent Vaping Across the U.S. States

Although the use of tobacco has declined among youth, ENDS has the potential to disrupt or reverse these trends. Policies for tobacco and ENDS may have an impact on adolescent ENDS use. The impacts of state-level policies were examined for both tobacco and ENDS indoor use bans, excise taxes, and age-of-purchase laws on past-month adolescent ENDS use from 2013 to 2019. This study used cohort data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study and policy data from the Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation repository-3 policies for ENDS and 2 policies for tobacco products. Policies included comprehensive indoor vaping/smoking bans, purchase-age restrictions, and excise taxes. Hybrid panel models were estimated in 2022 using data merged from the 2 longitudinal sources on past-month vaping. The analytic sample (observations=26,008) included adolescents aged 12-17 years, yielding a total of 72,684 observations. The odds of adolescent ENDS use were 21.4% lower when the state had an ENDS purchase-age restriction and 55.0% lower when the state had a comprehensive tobacco smoking ban than in the years when the state did not have the ban. During a period of significant growth in ENDS use among U.S. youth, ENDS purchase-age restrictions and smoking bans reduced the odds of past-month vaping among adolescents. Wider implementation of policies may help intervene in youth vaping.

Real world implementation of flow cytometric monocyte subset partitioning for distinguishing chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia from other causes of monocytosis

Monocyte subset partitioning by flow cytometry may be a useful tool in distinguishing chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) from other causes of monocytosis, however there has been varying success in real world implementation. Additionally, current assays require an individual tube for analysis despite significant overlap in antibodies used in routine T and NK cell analysis. The objective of this study was to validate a flow cytometry assay for the enumeration of monocyte subsets in our community-based laboratory and compare this to a hybrid panel allowing analysis of monocytes, T cells and NK cells in a single tube. Monocyte subset analysis was performed on peripheral blood samples of patients with monocytosis at the time of bone marrow biopsy or transient monocytosis in the setting of bacteraemia. Cut-offs of >94% classical and <1.13% non-classical monocytes for distinguishing CMML were assessed. Classical monocytes were significantly higher, and non-classical monocytes significantly lower in CMML compared to other causes of monocytosis. The sensitivity and specificity of >94% classical monocytes were 73% [95% confidence interval (CI) 43-90%] and 89% (95% CI 75-96%) regardless of which panel was used. Non-classical monocytes of <1.13% had a sensitivity and specificity of 82% (95% CI 52-97%) and 83% (95% CI 68-92%) with the monocyte panel and 55% (95% CI 28-78%) and 89% (95% CI 75-96%) using the hybrid panel. We have found the estimation of the classical monocyte subset to be the most robust and repeatable variation of this assay with sensitivity and specificity that is clinically useful. A hybrid panel may provide an effective approach to implementing monocyte subsets into practice.

An analytical model to predict back face deformation of hybrid soft body armors under ballistic impact

In the design of soft body armors for ballistic protection, the blunt trauma effect has to be taken into account and it is usually evaluated by the back face deformation (BFD). Most of the current research on blunt trauma is based on experiments and simulations, whereas the development of analytical models is still rare. This study develops an analytical model to predict BFD for a hybrid panel composed of modified aramid fabrics and Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) unidirectional sheets, which is based on the two-stage damage evolution: shear plugging and tensile bulge. Firstly, the shear and tensile energy of the hybrid panel as well as the deformation energy of the clay were constructed. Secondly, the characteristic equations were developed according to the law of energy conservation and BFD could be obtained by solving the equations. The results of the analytical model were found to be in good agreement with experiments and FE simulations. With the assistance of the model, the effect of projectile geometry and optimized designs for hybrid panels have been studied.

Prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia at Alexandria Main University Hospital

Abstract Background Understanding the genetic basis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) will help in risk stratification and a better therapeutic strategy. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) panel at our institution compared with other studies. Patients and methods and results A CLL FISH panel that included P53/ATM Probe Combination and D13S319/13qter/12cen Deletion Enumeration Probe was analyzed in 100 newly diagnosed patients with CLL. TP53 deletion was the most prevalent aberration, which is in contrast with other Middle Eastern countries, where deletion 13q14 was the commonest aberration among patients. Conclusion The heterogeneity of CLL clinical course is possibly explained by underlying molecular factors that affect prognosis including data from FISH probes. It is proposed that these abnormalities should be investigated at the time of diagnosis to better understand the disease outcome and prognosis.

A differentially methylated region of the ZmCCT10 promoter affects flowering time in hybrid maize

Flowering time (FT) is a key maize domestication trait, variation in which allows maize to grow in a wide range of latitudes. Although previous studies have investigated the genetic control of FT-related traits per se, few studies of FT hybrid performance have been published. We characterized the genomic architecture associated with hybrid performance for FT in a hybrid panel by testcrossing Chang 7–2 with 328 Ye478 × Qi319 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). We identified 11 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for hybrid performance in FT-related traits, including a major QTL qFH10 that controls hybrid performance and heterosis in a summer maize-growing region. However, this locus acts in regulating FT traits per se only in a spring maize-growing region. We validated ZmCCT10 as a candidate gene for qFH10 and found that differences between hybrids and their parental lines in DNA methylation in the differentially methylated region (DMR, –700 to –1520) of the ZmCCT10 promoter affected gene expression pattern and thereby FT in the summer maize-growing region.