BACKGROUND Due to an increasing number of norovirus infections in the last years rapid, specific, and sensitive diagnostic tools are needed. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR) have become the methods of choice. To minimize the working time and the risk of carryover contamination during the multi-step procedure of PCR the multiplex real-time RT-PCR for the simultaneous det...

Real networks often form interacting parts of larger and more complex systems. Examples can be found in di erent domains, ranging from the Internet to structural and functional brain networks. Here, we show that these multiplex systems are not random combinations of single network layers. Instead, they are organized in specific ways dictated by hidden geometric correlations between the layers. ...

A multiplex real-time PCR assay and melting curve analysis for identifying 23 mycobacterial species was developed and evaluated using 77 reference strains and 369 clinical isolates. Concordant results were obtained for all 189 (100%) isolates of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and 169 (93.9%) isolates of nontuberculous mycobacteria. Our results showed that this multiplex real-time PCR as...

We analyze the flow of information in multiplex networks by means of the communicability function. First, we generalize this measure from its definition from simple graphs to multiplex networks. Then, we study its relevance for the analysis of real-world systems by studying a social multiplex where information flows using formal-informal channels and an air transportation system where the layer...

In the analysis of the robustness of multiplex networks, it is commonly assumed that a node is functioning only if its interdependent nodes are simultaneously functioning. According to this model, a multiplex network becomes more and more fragile as the number of layers increases. In this respect, the addition of a new layer of interdependent nodes to a preexisting multiplex network will never ...

This study used real-time PCR assays to screen small sample volumes for a comprehensive range of 35 respiratory pathogens. Initial thermocycling was limited to 20 cycles to avoid competition for reagents, followed by a secondary real-time multiplex PCR. Supplementary semi-nested human metapneumovirus and picornavirus PCR assays were required to complete the acute respiratory pathogen profile. P...

Researchers carrying out quantitative, multiplex, realtime PCR and RT-PCR require master mixes that provide accurate, simultaneous quantification of multiple targets in the same reaction without time-consuming optimization. Our results at Wyeth Research show that QuantiTect® Multiplex Kits from QIAGEN are well suited for multiplex analysis of up to four RNA targets in two-step and onestep real-...