Comparison of the accuracy of multiplex digital PCR versus multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification in quantification of the survival of motor neuron genes copy numbers.

For over two decades, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) has served as the gold standard for genetic testing of spinal muscular atrophy. However, there is emerging evidence questioning the reliability of MLPA in determining the copy numbers (CNs) of the survival of motor neuron (SMN) gene in certain cases. Recently, digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) has shown potential for better performance in copy number variant detection.

Selective detection of ionic liquid fluorescence probes for visual colorimetry of different metal ions.

At present, the fast distinction of different metal ions in pure water media is not only a great challenge, but also drives the protection of water quality in environmental water bodies. In this paper, a novel ionic liquid fluorescent probe Glycolic Acid-L-Arginine (GA-L-Arg) was rationally created and designed through an in-depth study of ionic liquids. It is also used as an innovative multi-ion fluorescent probe for colorimetric detection and separate identification of Fe and Co in aqueous solutions of various metal ions.

Single-lens dynamic [Formula: see text]-scanning for simultaneous in situ position detection and laser processing focus control.

Existing auto-focusing methods in laser processing typically include two independent modules, one for surface detection and another for [Formula: see text]-axis adjustment. The latter is mostly implemented by mechanical [Formula: see text] stage motion, which is up to three orders of magnitude slower than the lateral processing speed. To alleviate this processing bottleneck, we developed a single-lens approach, using only one high-speed [Formula: see text]-scanning optical element, to accomplish both in situ surface detection and focus control quasi-simultaneously in a dual-beam setup.

Hotspots analysis and perspectives of Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) in environment and energy in recent 20 years by CiteSpace.

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs), a type of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have attracted much attention because of their large specific surface area, high porosity, easy synthesis, and low cost. This paper presents the first review of PBAs by applying the bibliometric visualization software CiteSpace. The co-occurrence, co-citation, and clustering analysis of 2214 articles in the Web of Science database on the topic of "Prussian blue analogs" over the past 20 years were performed.

Multi-focal laser processing in transparent materials using an ultrafast tunable acoustic lens.

Fast and versatile alteration of focal positions is critical for applications including selective volumetric modification and parallel laser processing. In this Letter, we implement and characterize an ultrafast, variable focal system using a tunable acoustic gradient of index lens to achieve multi-focal laser processing. We apply our method to the femtosecond laser-induced intra-volumetric modification in glass to show the flexibility in controlling focal positions.

Free-Standing rGO-CNT Nanocomposites with Excellent Rate Capability and Cycling Stability for NaSO Aqueous Electrolyte Supercapacitors.

Facing the increasing demand for various renewable energy storage devices and wearable and portable energy storage systems, the research on electrode materials with low costs and high energy densities has attracted great attention. Herein, free-standing rGO-CNT nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method, in which the hierarchical porous network nanostructure is synergistically assembled by rGO nanosheets and CNT with interlaced network distribution. The rGO-CNT composite electrodes with synergistic enhancement of rGO and CNT exhibit high specific capacitance, excellent rate capability, exceptional conductivity and outstanding long-term cycling stability, especially for the optimal rGO-CNT electrode.

Relationship between non-headache symptoms and right to left shunt in episodic migraine. A single-center cross-sectional study.

The relationship between right to left shunt (RLS) and non-headache symptoms (NHS) in episodic migraine is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and classification of RLS in episodic migraineurs, calculate the occurrence rate of NHS, and analyze the associations between RLS and NHS. We consecutively recruited 204 episodic migraine patients.

Spider-Web-Inspired Stretchable Graphene Woven Fabric for Highly Sensitive, Transparent, Wearable Strain Sensors.

Advanced wearable strain sensors with high sensitivity and stretchability are an essential component of flexible and soft electronic devices. Conventional metal- and semiconductor-based strain sensors are rigid, fragile, and opaque, restricting their applications in wearable electronics. Graphene-based percolative structures possess high flexibility and transparency but lack high sensitivity and stretchability.

Effects of street canyon design on pedestrian thermal comfort in the hot-humid area of China.

The design characteristics of street canyons were investigated in Guangzhou in the hot-humid area of China, and the effects of the design factors and their interactions on pedestrian thermal comfort were studied by numerical simulations. The ENVI-met V4.0 (BASIC) model was validated by field observations and used to simulate the micrometeorological conditions and the standard effective temperature (SET) at pedestrian level of the street canyons for a typical summer day of Guangzhou.

Geographical differences in physiques of male youth of age 18-20 years in China.

Three national surveys on the physical status of 18-, 19-, and 20-year-old male candidates for military service were carried out in six geographic regions of China in 1955, 1974, and 2001. Data from these surveys for 72,000 individuals were compared by region, by time, and by age, and estimates of incremental changes by decade were made. Overall, at all time points, males in the north and northeast areas were larger and heavier than males in the southwest.

Geographical differences in blood pressure of male youth aged 17-21 years in China.

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors in the adult Chinese population. The prevalence distribution of hypertension differs geographically in adults, since hypertension is influenced by environment factors, such as climate, altitude and economic. The aim of the present study was to study the prevalence of hypertension and measure the blood pressure (BP) level, and to compare and observe the geographical distribution of borderline or high BP in Chinese male youth.

Tolerance of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-specific phospholipase D overexpression by Chinese hamster ovary cell mutants with aberrant GPI biosynthesis.

Mammalian glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-specific phospholipase D (GPI-PLD) is capable of releasing GPI-anchored proteins by cleavage of the GPI moiety. A previous study indicated that overexpression of GPI-PLD in mouse RAW 264.7 monocytes/macrophages could be cytotoxic, since survivors of stable transfections had enzymic activity no higher than untransfected cells [Du and Low (2001) Infect.