Effective DNA translocation into nanochannels is critical for advancing genome mapping and future single-molecule DNA sequencing technologies. We present the design and hydrodynamic study of a diamond-shaped gradient pillar array connected to nanochannels for enhancing the success of DNA translocation events. Single-molecule fluorescence imaging is utilized to interrogate the hydrodynamic interactions of the DNA with this unique structure, evaluate key DNA translocation parameters, including speed, extension, and translocation time, and provide a detailed mapping of the translocation events in nanopillar arrays coupled with 10 and 50 μm long channels. Our analysis reveals the important roles of diamond-shaped nanopillars in guiding DNA into as small as 30 nm channels with minimized clogging, stretching DNA to nearly 100% of their dyed contour length, inducing location-specific straddling of DNA at nanopillar interfaces, and modulating DNA speeds by pillar geometries. Importantly, all critical features down to 30 nm wide nanochannels are defined using standard photolithography and fabrication processes, a feat aligned with the requirement of high-volume, low-cost production.

The stability of cheerleading stunts is crucial to athlete safety and team success. Consistency in stunt technique contributes to success in stunting skills, giving a team the tools to win competitions. Increased stunt technique reduces the chances of falls and the severity of those falls. Proper technique also prevents injuries caused by improper positions that place pressure on the lower back and shoulders. Bases must maintain strong technique with proper lines of support in order to maximize stunt stability. Through exploration of the EmbeddedML system, involving a neural network implemented using a SensorTile, cheerleading motions can be successfully classified. Using this system, it is possible to identify motions that result in both weak and injurious positions almost instantly. By alerting athletes to these incorrect motions, improper stunt technique can be corrected quickly and without the involvement of a coach. This automated technique correction would be incredibly beneficial to the sport of competitive cheerleading

Modeling of transcriptional regulatory networks (TRNs) has been increasingly used to dissect the nature of gene regulation. Inference of regulatory relationships among transcription factors (TFs) and genes, especially among multiple TFs, is still challenging. In this study, we introduced an integrative method, LogicTRN, to decode TF–TF interactions that form TF logics in regulating target genes. By combining cis-regulatory logics and transcriptional kinetics into one single model framework, LogicTRN can naturally integrate dynamic gene expression data and TF-DNA-binding signals in order to identify the TF logics and to reconstruct the underlying TRNs. We evaluated the newly developed methodology using simulation, comparison and application studies, and the results not only show their consistence with existing knowledge, but also demonstrate its ability to accurately reconstruct TRNs in biological complex systems.