In Situ X-Ray Techniques Unraveling Charge Distribution Induced by Halogen Bonds in Solvates of an Iodo-Substituted Squaraine Dye.

The importance of halogen bonds (XBs) in the regulation of material properties through a variation in the electrostatic potential of the halogen atom is not attracted much attention. Herein, this study utilizes in situ single crystal X-ray diffraction and synchrotron-based X-ray techniques to investigate the cooling-triggered irreversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation of the DMF solvated iodo-substituted squaraine dye (SQD-I). Transformation is observed to be mediated by solvent-involved XB formation and strengthening of electrostatic interaction between adjacent SQD-I molecules. By immersing a DMF solvate in acetonitrile a solvent exchange without loss of long-range ordering is observed. This is attributed to conservation of the molecular charge distribution of SQD-I molecules during the process. The different solvates can be used in combination for temperature-dependent image encryption. This work emphasizes the changes caused by XB formation to the electrostatic potentials of halogen containing molecules and their influence on material properties and presents the potential utility of XBs in the design of soft-porous crystals and luminescent materials.

Statistical methods for assessing the effects of de novo variants on birth defects.

With the development of next-generation sequencing technology, de novo variants (DNVs) with deleterious effects can be identified and investigated for their effects on birth defects such as congenital heart disease (CHD). However, statistical power is still limited for such studies because of the small sample size due to the high cost of recruiting and sequencing samples and the low occurrence of DNVs. DNV analysis is further complicated by genetic heterogeneity across diseased individuals. Therefore, it is critical to jointly analyze DNVs with other types of genomic/biological information to improve statistical power to identify genes associated with birth defects. In this review, we discuss the general workflow, recent developments in statistical methods, and future directions for DNV analysis.

Correction: Stretchable and durable HD-sEMG electrodes for accurate recognition of swallowing activities on complex epidermal surfaces.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00591-3.].

Stretchable and durable HD-sEMG electrodes for accurate recognition of swallowing activities on complex epidermal surfaces.

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is widely used in monitoring human health. Nonetheless, it is challenging to capture high-fidelity sEMG recordings in regions with intricate curved surfaces such as the larynx, because regular sEMG electrodes have stiff structures. In this study, we developed a stretchable, high-density sEMG electrode array via layer-by-layer printing and lamination. The electrode offered a series of excellent human‒machine interface features, including conformal adhesion to the skin, high electron-to-ion conductivity (and thus lower contact impedance), prolonged environmental adaptability to resist water evaporation, and epidermal biocompatibility. This made the electrode more appropriate than commercial electrodes for long-term wearable, high-fidelity sEMG recording devices at complicated skin interfaces. Systematic in vivo studies were used to investigate its ability to classify swallowing activities, which was accomplished with high accuracy by decoding the sEMG signals from the chin via integration with an ear-mounted wearable system and machine learning algorithms. The results demonstrated the clinical feasibility of the system for noninvasive and comfortable recognition of swallowing motions for comfortable dysphagia rehabilitation.

Recent Process in Microrobots: From Propulsion to Swarming for Biomedical Applications.

Recently, robots have assisted and contributed to the biomedical field. Scaling down the size of robots to micro/nanoscale can increase the accuracy of targeted medications and decrease the danger of invasive operations in human surgery. Inspired by the motion pattern and collective behaviors of the tiny biological motors in nature, various kinds of sophisticated and programmable microrobots are fabricated with the ability for cargo delivery, bio-imaging, precise operation, etc. In this review, four types of propulsion-magnetically, acoustically, chemically/optically and hybrid driven-and their corresponding features have been outlined and categorized. In particular, the locomotion of these micro/nanorobots, as well as the requirement of biocompatibility, transportation efficiency, and controllable motion for applications in the complex human body environment should be considered. We discuss applications of different propulsion mechanisms in the biomedical field, list their individual benefits, and suggest their potential growth paths.

Advancement in sequencing the mitochondrial genome of Birmella discoidalisa Wei, 1994 (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) and the phylogenetic classification of Fenusini.

The nearly complete mitochondrial genome of Birmella discoidalisa Wei, 1994 has been sequenced and the genome was revised with more comprehensively sequenced to near completion. The new mitogenome sequences were constructed using two separate assembly approaches, both yielding consistent results. Compared with the sequence previously reported (MF197548.1), the trnI (+) and trnQ (-) genes were assembled, and the trnI (+)-trnQ (-) genes were rearranged compared with the ancestral type. The systematic classification of B. discoidalisa was examined to provide a basis for allocation into Tenthredinidae phylogeny.