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1. To design, or not to design? Comparison of beetle ultraconserved element probe set utility based on phylogenetic distance, breadth, and method of probe design

   https://doi.org/10.1093/isd/ixad014  

   Gustafson, Grey T; Glynn, Rachel D; Short, Andrew E; Tarasov, Sergei; Gunter, Nicole L (July 2023, Insect Systematics and Diversity)

   Marvaldi, Adriana (Ed.)

   Abstract Tailoring ultraconserved element (UCE) probe set design to focal taxa has been demonstrated to improve locus recovery and phylogenomic inference. However, beyond conducting expensive in vitro testing, it remains unclear how best to determine whether an existing UCE probe set is likely to suffice for phylogenomic inference or whether tailored probe design will be desirable. Here we investigate the utility of 8 different UCE probe sets for the in silico phylogenomic inference of scarabaeoid beetles. Probe sets tested differed in terms of (i) how phylogenetically distant from Scarabaeoidea taxa those used during probe design are, (ii) breadth of phylogenetic inference probe set was designed for, and (iii) method of probe design. As part of this study, 2 new UCE probe sets are produced for the beetle family Scarabaeidae and superfamily Hydrophiloidea. We confirm that probe set utility decreases with increasing phylogenetic distance from target taxa. In addition, narrowing the phylogenetic breadth of probe design decreases the phylogenetic capture range. We also confirm previous findings regarding ways to optimize UCE probe design. Finally, we make suggestions regarding assessment of need for de novo probe design. 

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2. Design of 256-ch neurochemical MEA probe

   https://doi.org/10.1109/BioCAS54905.2022.9948577  

   White, Kevin A.; Kim, Brian N. (October 2022, 2022 IEEE Biomedical Circuits and Systems Conference (BioCAS))

   Dopamine constitutes a significant portion of the catecholamine content in the brain and plays a distinct role in neuromodulation including directing motor control, motivation, reward, and cognitive function. For future neuroprobe technology, not only is simultaneous high-density neurochemical recording vital, temporal resolution plays a key part in the roles of the spatiotemporal distributions of catecholamines in the brain. In this work, we present a new probe design that contains a 256 microelectrode array with an integrated 256 transimpedance amplifier array capable of both amperometry and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. Each amplifier in the array is capable of both modes of electrochemical detection with three gain settings for the voltammetry mode and occupies an area of 60 μm × 60 μm. The new probe enables a high-resolution spatiotemporal mapping of neurochemicals in the brain. 

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3. Rational Design of a Dual‐Reactivity‐Based Fluorescent Probe for Visualizing Intracellular HSNO

   https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201908950  

   Chen, Wei; Matsunaga, Tetsuro; Neill, Deshka L.; Yang, Chun‐tao; Akaike, Takaaki; Xian, Ming (September 2019, Angewandte Chemie International Edition)

   Abstract Thionitrous acid (HSNO), the smallest S‐nitrosothiol, is emerging as a potential key intermediate in cellular redox regulation linking two signaling molecules H₂S and NO. However, the chemical biology of HSNO remains poorly understood. A major hurdle is the lack of methods for selective detection of HSNO in biological systems. Herein, we report the rational design, synthesis, and evaluation of the first fluorescent probe TAP‐1 for HSNO detection. TAP‐1 showed high selectivity and sensitivity to HSNO in aqueous media and cells, providing a useful tool for understanding the functions of HSNO in biology. 

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4. Cryogenic probe for low-noise, high-frequency electronic measurements

   https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0106239  

   Garcia, E.; Bales, C.; Patterson, W.; Zaslavsky, A.; Mitrović, V_F (October 2022, Review of Scientific Instruments)

   The design and performance of a low-noise, modular cryogenic probe, which is applicable to a wide range of measurements over a broad range of working frequencies, temperatures, and magnetic fields, is presented. The design of the probe facilitates the exchange of sample holders and sample-stage amplifiers, which, combined with its characteristic low transmission and reflection loss, make this design suitable for high precision or low sensitivity measurements. The specific example of measuring the shot noise of magnetic tunnel junctions is discussed. We highlight various design characteristics chosen specifically to expand the applicability of the probe to measurement techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance. 

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5. Advanced Neural Probe Sensors toward Multi‐Modal Sensing and Modulation: Design, Integration, and Applications

   https://doi.org/10.1002/adsr.202400142  

   Wang, Tiansong; Chen, Yanze; Wang, Yi; Lee, Sung‐Ho; Lee, Yuan‐Shin; Dong, Jingyan (December 2024, Advanced Sensor Research)

   Abstract Neural probe devices have undergone significant advancements in recent years, evolving from basic single‐functional devices to sophisticated integrated systems capable of sensing, stimulating, and regulating neural activity. The neural probes have been demonstrated as effective tools for diagnosing and treating numerous neurological disorders, as well as for understanding sophisticated connections and functions of neuron circuits. The multifunctional neural probe platforms, which combine electrical, optical, and chemical sensing capabilities, hold promising potential for revolutionizing personalized healthcare through closed‐loop neuromodulation, particularly in the treatment of conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and depression. Despite these advances, several challenges remain to be further investigated, including biocompatibility, long‐term signal quality and stability, and miniaturization, all of which hinder their broader clinical application. This paper provides an overview of the design principles of the neural probe structures and sensors, fabrication strategies, and integration techniques for the advanced multi‐functional neural probes. Key electrical, optical, and chemical sensing mechanisms are discussed, along with the selection of corresponding functional materials. Additionally, several representative applications are highlighted, followed by a discussion of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for this emerging field. 

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