Panel Size Research Articles

American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria®: a bibliometric analysis of panel members

ObjectiveTo assess the features of panel members involved in the writing of the ACR-AC and identify alignment with research output and topic-specific research publications.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was performed on the research output of panel members of 34 ACR-AC documents published in 2021. For each author, we searched Medline to record total number of papers (P), total number of ACR-AC papers (C) and total number of previously published papers that are relevant to the ACR-AC topic (R).ResultsThree hundred eighty-three different panel members constituted 602 panel positions for creating 34 ACR-AC in 2021 with a median panel size of 17 members. Sixty-eight (17.5%) of experts had been part of ≥10 previously published ACR-AC papers and 154 (40%) were members in ≥ 5 published ACR-AC papers. The median number of previously published papers relevant to the ACR-AC topic was 1 (IQR: 0–5). 44% of the panel members had no previously published paper relevant to the ACR-AC topic. The proportion of ACR-AC papers (C/P) was higher for authors with ≥ 5 ACR-AC papers (0.21) than authors with < 5 ACR-AC papers (0.11, p < 0.0001); however, proportion of relevant papers per topic (R/P) was higher for authors with < 5 ACR-AC papers (0.10) than authors with ≥ 5 ACR-AC papers (0.07).ConclusionThe composition of the ACR Appropriateness Criteria panels reflects many members with little or no previously published literature on the topic of consideration. Similar pool of experts exists on multiple expert panels formulating imaging appropriateness guidelines.Key PointsThere were 68 (17.5%) panel experts on ≥ 10 ACR-AC panels.Nearly 45% of the panel experts had zero median number of relevant papers.Fifteen panels (44%) had > 50% of members having zero relevant papers.

Reliability of panel-based mutational signatures for immune-checkpoint-inhibition efficacy prediction in non-small cell lung cancer

ObjectivesMutational signatures (MS) are gaining traction for deriving therapeutic insights for immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). We asked if MS attributions from comprehensive targeted sequencing assays are reliable enough for predicting ICI efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodsSomatic mutations of m = 126 patients were assayed using panel-based sequencing of 523 cancer-related genes. In silico simulations of MS attributions for various panels were performed on a separate dataset of m = 101 whole genome sequenced patients. Non-synonymous mutations were deconvoluted using COSMIC v3.3 signatures and used to test a previously published machine learning classifier. ResultsThe ICI efficacy predictor performed poorly with an accuracy of 0.51-0.09+0.09, average precision of 0.52-0.11+0.11, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.50-0.09+0.10. Theoretical arguments, experimental data, and in silico simulations pointed to false negative rates (FNR) related to panel size. A secondary effect was observed, where deconvolution of small ensembles of point mutations lead to reconstruction errors and misattributions. ConclusionMS attributions from current targeted panel sequencing are not reliable enough to predict ICI efficacy. We suggest that, for downstream classification tasks in NSCLC, signature attributions be based on whole exome or genome sequencing instead.

Microstructure evolution of magnesium alloy grid panel during press bending based on cellular automata theory

Magnesium alloy integral panel parts is an important application prospect in the aerospace field. The cellular automata theory was used researching microstructural change law of Mg alloy panel during bending forming. The numerical simulation geometric model is established. The material properties and press bending forming parameters of Mg alloy panel are determined. Microstructure evolution of Mg alloy grid panel during bending forming is studied by numerical simulation method. The research results indicate that the microstructure of Mg alloy grid panel is effectively improved, and grains are significantly refined, with which the maximum refining degree is reaching 48.5%. With the increase in press height, the dynamic recrystallization degree is obviously enhanced, and grain size of grid panel part decreases accordingly. With the rise in bending forming temperature, grain size of grid panel increases slowly. In different positions of panel structure, the change of microstructure is different. Grain size is the smallest at intersection in grid panel ribs, and the grain size is the largest at the centre of the grid. The simulation results of grain size of Mg alloy grid panel using cellular automata theory are near to experimental results, and relative errors are less than 6.35%.

Deformations of a three-dimensional model of a trihedral double lattice rod tower

Introduction. The calculation of deformations of spatial structures, as a rule, is carried out numerically on the basis of the finite element method. With the development of computer mathematical systems for regular systems an opportunity to obtain analytical solutions appeared. Such solutions can be used as test ones to evaluate numerical solutions and for preliminary calculation of a structure at design stage. The task has been set to derive deformation dependences of a spatial truss under various loads from its size and number of panels.&#x0D; &#x0D; Materials and methods. The truss of the tower structure is statically determined. The calculation of force values in the bars is performed by cutting out nodes in a Maple symbolic mathematics system. The Maxwell – Mohr formula is used to determine the displacement of a node at the top of the frame, considering only the longitudinal deformations of the rods. From the generalization of a series of analytical solutions for trusses with consecutively increasing number of panels onto an arbitrary number of panels the sought formula is derived by the induction method.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results. An algorithm of derivation of formulas for the deflections of a building along two mutually perpendicular horizontal axes under the action of lateral uniformly distributed nodal loads is presented. Effort distribution patterns are obtained for the truss rods and analytical stress dependences of some rods on the number of panels are found. Linear asymptotics of the solutions for the number of panels and the points of extremum are found and computed.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusions. The considered model of the spatial statically determined tower truss allows deriving exact formulas for deformations under the action of various loads within the limits of the adopted model. It is possible to use derived formulas for a preliminary estimation of designed structure and to apply as test ones for numerical calculations. The extremum points and analytical expressions for asymptotes allow the derived formulas to be used for solving stiffness optimization problems of a structure.

Disparities in Receipt of Guideline-adherent Blood Pressure Screening: An Observational Examination of Electronic Health Record Data from a Massachusetts Healthcare System

To describe the prevalence of blood pressure (BP) screening according to the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines and differences according to social vulnerability indicators. We extracted electronic health record data from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018, from the largest healthcare system in Central Massachusetts. Outpatient visits for children aged 3-17years without a prior hypertension diagnosis were included. Adherence was defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics guideline (≥1 BP screening for children with a body mass index [BMI] of <95th percentile) and at every encounter for children with a BMI of ≥95th percentile). Independent variables included social vulnerability indicators at the patient level (insurance type, language, Child Opportunity Index, race/ethnicity) and clinic level (location, Medicaid population). Covariates included child's age, sex, and BMI status, and clinic specialty, patient panel size, and number of healthcare providers. We used direct estimation to calculate prevalence estimates and multivariable mixed effects logistic regression to determine the odds of receiving guideline-adherent BP screening. Our sample comprised 19 695 children (median age, 11years; 48% female) from 7 pediatric and 20 family medicine clinics. The prevalence of guideline-adherent BP screening was 89%. In our adjusted model, children with a BMI of ≥95th percentile, with public insurance, and who were patients at clinics with larger Medicaid populations and larger patient panels had a lower odds of receiving guideline-adherent BP screening. Despite overall high adherence to BP screening guidelines, patient- and clinic-level disparities were identified.

Numerical simulation study on progressive bending of magnesium alloy grid panel

Research and development of magnesium alloy integral panel forming technology to replace existing titanium alloy and aluminum alloy panel materials are of great significance for saving aluminum and titanium resources. The material flow law during progressive bending technology of panel (PBTP) was analyzed by numerical simulation study. The deformation forming parameters of PBTP for Mg alloy grid panel and panel size control parameters are defined. The process parameters include deformation temperature, bending deformation coefficient, and reduction speed. The size and accuracy control parameters include the width of the bending die, pressing height, and feed rate. The panel radius was related to the width of the bending die and the height of the reduction. With increase of forming temperature, maximum damage coefficient, maximum equivalent stress and maximum equivalent strain reduce. With increase in bending deformation coefficient, maximum damage coefficient, maximum equivalent stress and maximum equivalent strain increase. Based on simulation and experimental results, reasonable forming parameters for PBTP of AZ31 Mg alloy grid panel was obtained. Magnesium alloy panel components were successfully processed by progressive bending technology. The influence of die width and pressing height on panel radius was analyzed. The numerical simulation results were consistent with experimental results. The maximum relative error was 3.5%.

Experimental Investigation Of Photovoltaic Panel Performance In Bingol Province For Different Parameters

In the present study, an experimental research was conducted on the photovoltaic solar energy potential in Bingöl province. In the study, the electrical energy that the photovoltaic (PV) panel can produce hourly at an inclination angle of 39° and 45° and the panel surface temperature were investigated. The electrical energy that can be produced indoors and outdoors in winter conditions was calculated from the photovoltaic panel with 25 W power. It has been observed that the highest efficiency can be obtained at the 45° panel inclination angle. It has been concluded that while the average electric power produced at an angle of inclination of 45° is 9.68 W in outdoor conditions, it can be 1.222 W in indoor conditions. The data obtained will be an important reference in determining the panel size that will meet the consumption need and in the establishment of higher efficiency systems. It is stated that the payback period of grid-connected systems in provinces with high solar radiation such as Bingöl is 6 years on average. At the end of this period, it is clear that it will make significant contributions to both the landlords, the country's economy, and the environment in terms of reducing emissions.

Ancient Wheats-A Nutritional and Sensory Analysis Review.

The purpose of this review is to provide a critical evaluation of the nutritional and sensory properties of ancient wheats (spelt, emmer, einkorn, and kamut) and the methods used to analyze them. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the main analytical methods applied to study the nutritional properties of ancient wheats. According to our findings, protein content was the most commonly studied macronutrient across all types of ancient wheat species. The article notes that einkorn bran showed the highest protein and ash content, which reveals the potential of ancient wheats to be more widely used in food products. Regarding the majority of amino acids in spelt wheat cultivars, the general trend in the data was rather consistent. This review also compares sensory evaluation methods for different wheat products made from ancient wheats, such as bread, pasta, cooked grains, porridge, snacks, and muffins. The various reported methods and panel sizes used prove that ancient wheat products have many potential sensory advantages. Overall, using ancient wheats in wheat products can enhance the nutritional benefits, increase diversity in the food systems, and may be more appealing to consumers looking for something different, thereby contributing to the development of more sustainable and locally based food systems.

Comparison of multiple imputation and other methods for the analysis of imputed genotypes

BackgroundAnalysis of imputed genotypes is an important and routine component of genome-wide association studies and the increasing size of imputation reference panels has facilitated the ability to impute and test low-frequency variants for associations. In the context of genotype imputation, the true genotype is unknown and genotypes are inferred with uncertainty using statistical models. Here, we present a novel method for integrating imputation uncertainty into statistical association tests using a fully conditional multiple imputation (MI) approach which is implemented using the Substantive Model Compatible Fully Conditional Specification (SMCFCS). We compared the performance of this method to an unconditional MI and two additional approaches that have been shown to demonstrate excellent performance: regression with dosages and a mixture of regression models (MRM).ResultsOur simulations considered a range of allele frequencies and imputation qualities based on data from the UK Biobank. We found that the unconditional MI was computationally costly and overly conservative across a wide range of settings. Analyzing data with Dosage, MRM, or MI SMCFCS resulted in greater power, including for low frequency variants, compared to unconditional MI while effectively controlling type I error rates. MRM andl MI SMCFCS are both more computationally intensive then using Dosage.ConclusionsThe unconditional MI approach for association testing is overly conservative and we do not recommend its use in the context of imputed genotypes. Given its performance, speed, and ease of implementation, we recommend using Dosage for imputed genotypes with MAF ge 0.001 and Rsq ge 0.3.

Impact of panel size on minimum residual disease (MRD) assay performance.

e15022 Background: Sequencing circulating tumor DNA is a promising method for monitoring cancer treatment response and detecting recurrence, but sensitivity at the low tumor fractions typical of early-stage, post-treatment, and early recurrent tumors is limited by the small number of variants targeted in commercially available assays. Methods: We developed a tumor-informed minimum residual disease (MRD) assay using tumor-normal whole-genome sequencing (WGS) followed by interrogation of select somatic variants in cell-free DNA (cfDNA). We describe theoretical limits on panel designability as a function of tumor purity and sequencing depth using simulations and a discovery cohort of 31 patient samples. cfDNA assay performance was tested by creating serial dilutions of patient plasma before somatic enrichment and sequencing. Simulations and in-silico downsampling of target sites were used to test sensitivity as a function of panel size. A bioinformatics pipeline incorporating somatic calling, copy number inference, error assessment, and tumor-fraction estimation was developed to analyze results. Results: Across a range of tissues, tumor-normal WGS identified from hundreds to tens of thousands of somatic variants to inform an MRD capture panel. 97% of samples tested returned at least 300 high-confidence somatic variants, and targeted sequencing demonstrated over 95% positive predictive value in somatic variant calls. In cfDNA dilution experiments, we observed &gt; 99% sensitivity at a tumor fraction of 0.01%. Expanding the panel size from 16 to 300 target variants increased sensitivity at 0.005% tumor fraction from approximately 20% to &gt; 95%. Our tumor fraction model returned accurate quantification down to the parts per hundred thousand (0.001%) range, even when only a single tumor molecule could be observed at each target site. Conclusions: Increasing the number of targeted variants in an MRD assay increases sensitivity at low tumor fractions, and WGS-driven panel design ensures a sufficient number of interrogated variants while minimizing the failure rate due to panel designability. High sensitivity MRD has the potential to enable earlier recurrence detection while also giving researchers and clinicians new tools for monitoring patient treatment responses.

Real-world analysis of commercially insured and Medicare Advantage patients with advanced cancer and rates of molecular testing.

6633 Background: Guideline-recommended molecular testing has become essential for biomarker-guided clinical decision making, particularly for patients with advanced (adv) disease. Several biomarkers have indications that are tumor type-agnostic (starting with MSI in 2017, NTRK in 2018, TMB in 2020, and RET and BRAF in 2022). Biomarker testing is covered by insurers, both Medicare (covers comprehensive genomic profiling [CGP] and non-CGP panels) and commercial (at least non-CGP). This study aimed to understand utilization of biomarker testing across tumor types. Methods: This retrospective analysis used de-identified administrative claims from Optum Labs Data Warehouse. Adult Commercial (COM) and Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees diagnosed with any 1 of 6 adv cancer types from 1/2018 to 8/2021 were identified; the date of the first claim indicating adv cancer was the index date. Continuous enrollment for 12 months prior to (baseline), and ≥6 months post-index date, unless they died (follow-up) was required. Biomarker testing was captured using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes indicating CGP (&gt; 50 gene panels), non-CGP (at most 5-50 gene panels), or CPT code 81479 (unlisted molecular pathology procedure) during the study period. The primary analysis evaluates testing in the follow-up only, with secondary analyses evaluating testing including the baseline (to account for testing prior to the index date). Results: We identified 16,931 breast (BC), 16,838 non-small cell lung (NSCLC), 8,755 colorectal (CRC), 4,244 pancreatic (PC), 2,610 ovarian (OC), and 1,231 gastric (GC) adv cancer patients meeting study criteria. Overall biomarker testing rates in the follow-up period were: 37% NSCLC, 19% BC, 41% CRC, 35% PC, 51% OC, 35% GC. The Table shows testing rates by cancer, insurance type, and panel size during follow-up. Testing rates were lower among MA patients compared to COM patients. Even considering baseline and follow-up periods, overall biomarker testing rates were low, and lower among MA compared to COM : 48% NSCLC (53% COM, 47% MA), 27% BC (34% COM, 22% BC), 56% OC (61% COM, 53% MA),42% PC (53% COM, 38% MA), 47% CRC (56% COM, 42% MA), 41% GC (54% COM, 35% MA). Conclusions: Considering guideline recommendations, rates of biomarker testing across tumor types are far from optimal despite insurance coverage for testing. Identification of barriers to biomarker testing and interventions to overcome these are needed to improve adherence to biomarker testing guidelines. [Table: see text]

Caveat emptor: A descriptive analysis of guideline-recommended biomarker inclusion in targeted NGS panels for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC).

3124 Background: Next generation sequencing (NGS)-based panels are routinely used in the diagnosis of mNSCLC, guidelines recommending assessing 12 genes for small variants (SV), (EGFR, BRAF, KRAS, MET, ERBB2); fusions (F), (ALK, ROS1, RET, NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3); and copy number variants (CNV), (MET) to assess eligibility for targeted drug therapies. Reimbursement is often limited to targeted panels; yet, a comprehensive review of targeted panels’ ability to capture all recommended biomarkers has not been reported. Methods: Targeted panels were classified as ≤50 and 51-100 genes. We searched the DEX Diagnostics Exchange Registry for NGS-based lung cancer and solid tumor targeted panels. Each panel was compared against the 12 recommended genetic variants. If the type of genetic analysis (SV/F/CNV) was unclear, labs were contacted for clarification. Fusion assays by PCR or FISH with reflex testing to NGS were included. Results: 30 targeted NGS panels from 21 commercial labs were identified; 13 (43%) were specific to lung cancer. Six of 13 panels assessing fusions used FISH or PCR not NGS alone. 12 panels reported only SV, 8 small SV/F, 5 SV/CNS, and 5 all three variant types. Only 1 of the 30 panels (51-100 genes) captured all 12 biomarkers with correct variant types. Of 20 panels reporting ALK, RET, and ROS1, only 11(55%) reported fusions. Of the 5 reporting all three variant types, NTRK fusions were most commonly absent. On average, solid tumor panels sequenced twice as many genes (51 vs. 24) but were no more likely to capture all recommended biomarkers ((1/17 (6%) vs. 0/13 (0%), (p&gt;0.05)). The average biomarkers captured in lung vs. solid tumor panels were 7.9 and 6.6, respectively (p&gt;0.05), while in ≤50 gene panels vs. 51-100 gene panels, 7.0 and 7.6, respectively (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions: Of 30 commercially available NGS panels with &lt;100 genes, only one captured all recommended gene variant types for mNSCLC. Failure to capture all biomarkers was independent of panel size or specificity to lung cancer. NGS panels including small variants, fusions, and copy number variants assessed more biomarkers. Medical oncologists and clinical pathologists ordering targeted NGS panels for the management of patients with mNSCLC must ensure they assess all biomarkers relevant to targeted therapies. Insurers reimbursing targeted panels should acknowledge the inadequacy of &lt;100 gene panels alone to provide guideline-concordant molecular diagnostic testing. [Table: see text]

Toward absolute abundance for conservation applications: Estimating the number of contributors via microhaplotype genotyping of mixed-DNA samples.

Molecular methods including metabarcoding and quantitative polymerase chain reaction have shown promise for estimating species abundance by quantifying the concentration of genetic material in field samples. However, the relationship between specimen abundance and detectable concentrations of genetic material is often variable in practice. DNA mixture analysis represents an alternative approach to quantify specimen abundance based on the presence of unique alleles in a sample. The DNA mixture approach provides novel opportunities to inform ecology and conservation by estimating the absolute abundance of target taxa through molecular methods; yet, the challenges associated with genotyping many highly variable markers in mixed-DNA samples have prevented its widespread use. To advance molecular approaches for abundance estimation, we explored the utility of microhaplotypes for DNA mixture analysis by applying a 125-marker panel to 1179 Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) smolts from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California, USA. We assessed the accuracy of DNA mixture analysis through a combination of mock mixtures containing DNA from up to 20 smolts and a trophic ecological application enumerating smolts in predator diets. Mock DNA mixtures of up to 10 smolts could reliably be resolved using microhaplotypes, and increasing the panel size would likely facilitate the identification of more individuals. However, while analysis of predator gastrointestinal tract contents indicated DNA mixture analysis could discern the presence of multiple prey items, poor and variable DNA quality prevented accurate genotyping and abundance estimation. Our results indicate that DNA mixture analysis can perform well with high-quality DNA, but methodological improvements in genotyping degraded DNA are necessary before this approach can be used on marginal-quality samples.

Current clinical practices and challenges in molecular testing: a GOAL Consortium Hematopathology Working Group report

AbstractWhile molecular testing of hematologic malignancies is now standard of care, there is variability in practice and testing capabilities between different academic laboratories, with common questions arising on how to best meet clinical expectations. A survey was sent to hematopathology subgroup members of the Genomics Organization for Academic Laboratories consortium to assess current and future practice and potentially establish a reference for peer institutions. Responses were received from 18 academic tertiary-care laboratories regarding next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel design, sequencing protocols and metrics, assay characteristics, laboratory operations, case reimbursement, and development plans. Differences in NGS panel size, use, and gene content were reported. Gene content for myeloid processes was reported to be generally excellent, while genes for lymphoid processes were less well covered. The turnaround time (TAT) for acute cases, including acute myeloid leukemia, was reported to range from 2 to 7 calendar days to 15 to 21 calendar days, with different approaches to achieving rapid TAT described. To help guide NGS panel design and standardize gene content, consensus gene lists based on current and future NGS panels in development were generated. Most survey respondents expected molecular testing at academic laboratories to continue to be viable in the future, with rapid TAT for acute cases likely to remain an important factor. Molecular testing reimbursement was reported to be a major concern. The results of this survey and subsequent discussions improve the shared understanding of differences in testing practices for hematologic malignancies between institutions and will help provide a more consistent level of patient care.

Resolving 31 colors on a standard 3-laser full spectrum flow cytometer for immune monitoring of human blood samples.

Immune monitoring of patients on a single-cell level is becoming increasingly important in various diseases. Due to the often very limited availability of human specimens and our increased understanding of the immune systems there is an increasing demand to analyze as many markers as possible simultaneously in one panel. Full spectrum flow cytometry is emerging as a powerful tool for immune monitoring since 5-laser instruments enable characterization of 40 parameters or more in a single sample. Nevertheless, even if only machines with fewer lasers are available, development of novel fluorophore families enables increasing panel sizes. Here, we demonstrate that careful panel design enables the use of 31-color panels on a 3-laser Cytek® Aurora cytometer for analyzing human peripheral blood leukocytes, without the need for custom configuration and using only commercially available fluorochromes. The panel presented here should serve as an example of a 31-fluorochrome combination that can be resolved on a 3-laser full spectrum cytometer and that can be adapted to comprise other (and possibly more) markers of interest depending on the research focus.

The size and composition of haplotype reference panels impact the accuracy of imputation from low-pass sequencing in cattle

BackgroundLow-pass sequencing followed by sequence variant genotype imputation is an alternative to the routine microarray-based genotyping in cattle. However, the impact of haplotype reference panels and their interplay with the coverage of low-pass whole-genome sequencing data have not been sufficiently explored in typical livestock settings where only a small number of reference samples is available.MethodsSequence variant genotyping accuracy was compared between two variant callers, GATK and DeepVariant, in 50 Brown Swiss cattle with sequencing coverages ranging from 4- to 63-fold. Haplotype reference panels of varying sizes and composition were built with DeepVariant based on 501 individuals from nine breeds. High-coverage sequence data for 24 Brown Swiss cattle were downsampled to between 0.01- and 4-fold to mimic low-pass sequencing. GLIMPSE was used to infer sequence variant genotypes from the low-pass sequencing data using different haplotype reference panels. The accuracy of the sequence variant genotypes that were inferred from low-pass sequencing data was compared with sequence variant genotypes called from high-coverage data.ResultsDeepVariant was used to establish bovine haplotype reference panels because it outperformed GATK in all evaluations. Within-breed haplotype reference panels were more accurate and efficient to impute sequence variant genotypes from low-pass sequencing than equally-sized multibreed haplotype reference panels for all target sample coverages and allele frequencies. F1 scores greater than 0.9, which indicate high harmonic means of recall and precision of called genotypes, were achieved with 0.25-fold sequencing coverage when large breed-specific haplotype reference panels (n = 150) were used. In absence of such large within-breed haplotype panels, variant genotyping accuracy from low-pass sequencing could be increased either by adding non-related samples to the haplotype reference panel or by increasing the coverage of the low-pass sequencing data. Sequence variant genotyping from low-pass sequencing was substantially less accurate when the reference panel lacked individuals from the target breed.ConclusionsVariant genotyping is more accurate with DeepVariant than GATK. DeepVariant is therefore suitable to establish bovine haplotype reference panels. Medium-sized breed-specific haplotype reference panels and large multibreed haplotype reference panels enable accurate imputation of low-pass sequencing data in a typical cattle breed.

Expanding panel size in spectral flow cytometry with StarBright Dyes excitable by the ultraviolet (355 nm), violet (405 nm), blue (488 nm) and yellow (561 nm) lasers.

Abstract The recently launched fluorescent dyes from Bio-Rad, StarBright Dyes, deliver tunable brightness and spectral properties, greater stability, improved lot-to-lot reproducibility, and spectral consistency. Specifically designed for multicolor flow cytometry with researchers needs in mind, StarBright Dyes address the common pain points in flow such as brightness, broad emission spectra, staining consistency, and ease-of-use, solving issues of signal resolution when constructing complex panels. These bright dyes have the additional benefit of a unique full spectral profile, making them ideal for inclusion in spectral flow cytometry, when creating multicolor panels. Here we present data of our newest additions to the StarBright range, the StarBright Blue and StarBright Yellow Dyes on a five-laser spectral cell analyzer. Both dye series are bright and allow expansion across the 488 and 561 lasers giving more dye choice for all panel sizes but are particularly useful when large panel design is required. In this study we show, when StarBright Blue and StarBright Yellow Dyes are combined with other members of the StarBright Dye range, polymer dyes and traditional fluorescent dyes, very large immunophenotyping panels can be constructed allowing identification of many peripheral blood subsets. In addition, novel dye combinations can be identified increasing the numbers of dyes and therefore markers identified from one sample. When combined with their ability to be fixed in both PFA based and alcohol-based fixatives, with minimal spectral changes, and to be pre-mixed for up to 33 days, the flexibility of StarBright Dyes means they are ideal for new and expanding existing panels regardless of the type of flow cytometer being used.

Multi-objective optimization of solar energy systems for electricity and hot water generation in collective residential buildings considering the power-to-heat concept

An extremely important question concerning the planning and installation of solar systems in residential buildings is how to optimally size solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar water heating systems. This question is challenging especially if there is an interest to explore the excess PV generation to produce of portion of the thermal load and assist the solar water heating system under the so-called power-to-heat concept. A tri-objective optimization process is introduced to find the best size of solar PV panels, thermal collectors and storage capacity for a Moroccan collective residential building. Modelling and optimization investigations rely on high-resolution time step over a one year operation, considering pertinent life-cycle objective functions which are the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), Levelized Cost of Heat (LCOH) and the Renewable Energy Penetration (REP). The collective residential building is located in Fez, Morocco. Instantaneous variations of PV power generation, thermal collector efficiencies, water temperature in the storage tank, auxiliary power and power imports from the grid are determined at each time step. The developed numerical tool can be used in other buildings categories and in other locations revealing a huge interest in improving the feasibility and competitiveness of solar energy systems in buildings. For total annual electric and thermal loads of 96.31 MWh/year and 32.88 MWhth/year, respectively, the optimum design consisted on 25 kWp PV capacity, 18 m2 of thermal collectors and 1.8 m3 of thermal storage. The corresponding LCOE, LOCH and REP are determined to be 17.8 c$/kWh, 3.5 c$/kWh and 45.8%, respectively. The self-sufficiency ratio, self-consumption ratio and solar thermal fraction for the final optimum design are 30.6%, 69.7% and 90.1%, respectively.

Seismic Analysis of Tall Multi storey Structure Considering Variable Column Condition Using ETABS: A Review

One important factor that affects the project's or building's economy is the distance between columns. Because of this relationship between column spacing and panel size, the cost of raw materials can vary in reinforced concrete buildings. When column spacing is smaller, panels are smaller, and when column spacing is larger, panels are larger. In this paper presenting review of literature related to analysis of structures using analysis tools. Key Word: Aspect Ratio, Optimum Column size, E – TABS, Multi – Storey Building, Quantity Modeling

Utility and Recommendations for the Use of Multiplex Molecular Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panels.

Many molecular gastrointestinal pathogen panels (GIPs) are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared but it is still unclear how to best utilize these new diagnostic tools. GIPs are highly sensitive and specific, simultaneously detect multiple pathogens in one reaction, and can shorten the overall time of diagnosis for infectious gastroenteritis but are also expensive with relatively poor insurance reimbursement. In this review, we take a comprehensive approach to discuss issues with utilization of GIPs from a physician perspective, and implementation from a laboratory perspective. The information presented is to assist physicians in deciding on appropriate use of GIPs in diagnostic algorithms for their patients, and to provide information to laboratories that may be considering the addition of these powerful diagnostic assays to their test menu. Some of the important topics discussed are inpatient vs outpatient use, the appropriate panel size and organisms to include, interpretation of results, laboratory validation, and reimbursement. The information in this review provides clear guidance to both clinicians and laboratories in deciding the best use of GIPs for a specific patient population. While this technology provides many benefits over traditional methods, it can also complicate result interpretation and comes with a high cost, which necessitates the need for use recommendations.