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Background: Amplified DNA probes provide powerful tools for the detection of infectious diseases, cancer, and genetic diseases. Commercially available amplification systems suffer from low throughput and require decontamination schemes, significant hands-on time, and specially trained laboratory staff. Our objective was to develop a DNA probe system to overcome these limitations. Methods: We developed a DNA probe system, the BDProbeTecTMET, based on simultaneous strand displacement amplification and real-time fluorescence detection. The system uses sealed microwells to minimize the release of amplicons to the environment. To avoid the need for specially trained labor, the system uses a simple workflow with predispensed reagent devices; a programmable, expandable-spacing pipettor; and the 96-microwell format. Amplification and detection time was 1 h, with potential throughput up to 564 patient results per shift. We tested 122 total patient specimens obtained from a family practice clinic with the BD ProbeTecET and the Abbott LCx® amplified system for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Results: Based on reportable results, the BDProbeTecET results for both organisms were 100% sensitive and 100% specific relative to the LCx. Conclusions: The BDProbeTecET is an easy-to-use, high-throughput, closed amplification system for the detection of nucleic acid from C.trachomatis and N.gonorrhoeae and other organisms.

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Abstract-As smart grids introduce profound changes in the operation of the electric power industry, the need for efficient and robust resource allocation (RA) algorithms arises, especially due to the increasingly stochastic nature of availability of highly dispersed resources. A framework for solving the smart grid RA (SGRA) problem using a heuristic approach such as a genetic algorithm is presented in this paper.Similar challenges exist in resource allocation in the realm of computing.A comparison is drawn between SGRA and computing RA.Its application to a multi-agent-based distribution management system, used as an environment model, is also proposed. A path forward concludes the paper.

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