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An Integrated Network-Computing Load Balancing Simulator for VEC-Assisted Autonomous Vehicles

2025-06IEEE Communications Magazine, v.63, no.6, pp.146 - 153

Achievement of offloaded analytics services through vehicle edge computing (VEC) requires a comprehensive analysis of in-vehicle processing and network environments. However, existing research on autonomous driving technologies leveraging VEC and related simulation studies remains in its early stages. This article presents the development of an integrated network-computing load (INCL) balancing simulator for autonomous vehicles, which combines a network model and an in-vehicle processing model implemented in MATLAB with a vehicle topology model and realistic driving scenarios created using a virtual test drive (VTD). Moreover, eight real-world autonomous driving scenarios are proposed to validate the simulator's performance, demonstrating its ability to effectively balance network and computational loads under diverse conditions. Finally, using a case study in a platooning driving scenario, we evaluate the simulator's capability to optimize resource utilization, paving the way for advanced autonomous driving technologies. © IEEE.

Identification of potential Abl kinase inhibitors using virtual screening and free energy calculations for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia

2025-09Biophysical Chemistry, v.324

Abl kinase, particularly the Bcr-Abl fusion protein, is a critical driver of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and remain significant therapeutic target in hematologic malignancies. Although first-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as Imatinib have revolutionized CML treatment, resistance due to kinase domain mutations (e.g., T315I gatekeeper mutation) and side effects highlight needs for another candidate inhibitors. In this study, we employed a combined virtual screening strategy to discover novel Abl kinase inhibitors from an extensive chemical database (∼670 million compounds). Initially, shape-based similarity (USR/USRCAT) and electrostatic potential filters were used to refine the candidate compounds, followed by structure-based molecular docking against the Abl kinase domain. Top-ranked candidates were evaluated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and binding free energy calculations, such as MM/GBSA and free energy perturbation (FEP), to confirm stability and binding affinity. Five candidate compounds emerged with binding energies comparable to or higher than known Abl kinase inhibitors, including Imatinib and Bafetinib. Finally, based on these calculations, we selected two compounds as candidates as Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Overall, the results showed the effectiveness of combining ligand-based and structure-based drug design strategies to identify new Abl kinase inhibitor leads for improved the CML therapy. © 2024

Direct Surface Modification of the Epidermis Using Mussel-Inspired Polydopamine with Multiple Anti-Biofouling Functions

ACCEPTAdvanced Healthcare Materials

The surface properties of the epidermis are crucial in pathogen adhesion and proliferation. Moreover, damage to the epidermis caused by various physical and chemical attacks provides a favorable environment for pathogen penetration and proliferation through the exposed internal living tissue. Surface modification of the epidermis to impart anti-biofouling properties can provide effective protection against infections. In this study, a facile method of imparting multiple anti-biofouling functions by directly modifying the epidermal surface of an organism using dopamine, which is a mussel-inspired substance, is introduced. Biocompatible polydopamine (PDA) is uniformly applied to organic surfaces with diverse morphological features and surface energies, indicating its versatility. In addition, the reliability of epidermal modification with PDA is confirmed via the PDA-induced prevention of chronic changes in the impedance of the epidermis. Critically, the PDA-modified epidermis exhibited various anti-biofouling functions, including antibacterial and anti-adsorption properties against bacteria and cellular/noncellular microorganisms, respectively. Improved antibacterial properties are successfully realized via integration with tobramycin, which is a representative antibiotic. Direct surface modification using PDA offers an innovative approach to safeguard biological surfaces, particularly the human epidermis, against various pathogens, with potential for application in medical patches and skin-attached devices. © 2025 The Author(s). Advanced Healthcare Materials published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.

Nucleoporins cooperate with Polycomb silencers to promote transcriptional repression and repair at DNA double-strand breaks

2025-06Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, v.122, no.22

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are harmful lesions and major sources of genomic instability. Studies have suggested that DSBs induce local transcriptional silencing that consequently promotes genomic stability. Several factors have been proposed to actively participate in this process, including Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1). Here, we found that disrupting PRC1 clustering disrupts DSB-induced gene silencing. Interactome analysis of PHC2, a PRC1 subunit that promotes the PRC1 clustering, found several nucleoporins found in the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Similar to PHC2, depleting the nucleoporins also disrupted the DSB-induced gene silencing. We found that some of these nucleoporins, such as NUP107 and NUP43, which are members of the Y-complex of NPC, localize to DSB sites. The presence of nucleoporins and PHC2 at DSB regions was interdependent, suggesting that they act cooperatively in the DSB-induced gene silencing. We further found two structural components within NUP107 to be necessary for the transcriptional repression at DSBs: ATM/ Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related-mediated phosphorylation at the Serine37 residue within the N-terminal disordered tail and the NUP133-binding surface at the C-terminus. These results provide a functional interplay among nucleoporins, ATM, and the Polycomb proteins in the DSB metabolism and underscore their emerging roles in genome stability maintenance.

The Role of TDP-43 in SARS-CoV-2-Related Neurodegenerative Changes

2025-05Viruses, v.17, no.5

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been linked to long-term neurological effects with multifaceted complications of neurodegenerative diseases. Several studies have found that pathological changes in transactive response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) are involved in these cases. This review explores the causal interactions between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and TDP-43 from multiple perspectives. Some viral proteins of SARS-CoV-2 have been shown to induce pathological changes in TDP-43 through its cleavage, aggregation, and mislocalization. SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause liquid−liquid phase separation and stress granule formation, which accelerate the condensation of TDP-43, resulting in host RNA metabolism disruption. TDP-43 has been proposed to interact with SARS-CoV-2 RNA, though its role in viral replication remains to be fully elucidated. This interaction potentially facilitates viral replication, while viral-induced oxidative stress and protease activity accelerate TDP-43 pathology. Evidence from both clinical and experimental studies indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to long-term neurological sequelae, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-like and frontotemporal dementia-like features, as well as increased phosphorylated TDP-43 deposition in the central nervous system. Biomarker studies further support the link between TDP-43 dysregulation and neurological complications of long-term effects of COVID-19 (long COVID). In this review, we presented a novel integrative framework of TDP-43 pathology, bridging a gap between SARS-CoV-2 infection and mechanisms of neurodegeneration. These findings underscore the need for further research to clarify the TDP-43-related neurodegeneration underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection and to develop therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating long-term neurological effects in patients with long COVID. © 2025 by the authors.

Adenosine transmission from hypothalamic tanycytes to AGRP/NPY neurons regulates energy homeostasis

2025-05Experimental & Molecular Medicine, v.57, pp.1047 - 1063

Tanycytes are a pivotal component of the hypothalamic network that controls energy homeostasis. Despite their importance, the regulatory mechanisms governing tanycyte–neuron interactions in response to metabolic signals remain unexplored. Here we report that adenosine signaling between tanycytes and AGRP/NPY neurons is crucial for tanycytic metabolic regulation mediated by translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO). Tanycyte-specific Tspo-knockout mice displayed reduced food consumption and weight loss associated with the downregulation of Agrp and Npy expression under high-fat diet feeding. Tspo-deficient tanycytes had elevated levels of intracellular ATP, which was released via connexin 43 hemichannels and extracellularly converted into adenosine by tanycytic ectonucleotidases. The adenosine signal was perceived by adenosine A1 receptors on adjacent AGRP/NPY neurons, reducing ERK phosphorylation, which in turn downregulated Agrp and Npy expression. Our findings underscore the anorexic role of adenosine as a gliotransmitter in the intricate communication between tanycytes and neurons for regulating appetite and body weight. (Figure presented.) © The Author(s) 2025.

Chitosan-Phytic Acid-Based Flame-Retardant Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Fire Safety Applications

ACCEPTAdvanced Sustainable Systems

The development of safety alarm systems and sustainable power generators that can sustain extreme temperature environments and contact with fire can be lifesaving, but challenging at the same time. Here, a biomaterial (chitosan-phytic acid) coated non-flammable cotton fabric-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is developed that can be used as a self-powered fire alarm system in extreme situations. A single-electrode mode-based flame-retardant TENG (FR-TENG) is fabricated using an aluminum electrode, chitosan, and phytic acid-coated cotton fabric using a layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly method as the active material. Structural, morphological, and thermal characterization is performed to confirm the uniform distribution of the active material in the cotton fabric. The treated cotton fabric demonstrates excellent flame retardancy and excellent self-extinguishing in the soaking and dry LBL method. In addition, the FR-TENG produces an excellent electrical output voltage, current, and charge of 62 V, 170 nA, and 17 nC. Finally, the FR-TENG is used as a fire alarm system integrated with a programmed microcontroller unit, where a warning LED lights up when some fire situations occur, followed by a fire alarm on the screen to initiate a rescue operation. This work shows great potential for eco-friendly self-powered systems based on non-flammable materials that can be lifesaving in the future. © 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.

Advanced Atomic Layer Modulation Based Highly Homogeneous PtRu Precious Metals Alloy Thin Films

ACCEPTAdvanced Science

Atomic layer modulation (ALM) presents a novel approach for controlling the stoichiometry of platinum-ruthenium (PtRu) alloys rather than a tedious atomic layer deposition (ALD) supercycling multielement ALD process. This method sequentially pulses dimethyl-(N,N-dimethyl-3-butene-1-amine-N)platinum (C8H19NPt, DDAP) and tricarbonyl(trimethylenemethane)ruthenium [Ru(TMM)(CO)3] precursors with O2 as a counter reactant at 225 °C to produce ALM-PtRu bimetallic alloys at the nanoscale. By smartly adjusting precursor pulsing times and temperatures, the average surface composition during growth can be modulated, achieving precise control over the PtRu alloy stoichiometry. Aberration-corrected ultra-high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscope, Rutherford backscattered spectrometry, and advanced X-ray diffraction analytical tools demonstrate homogenized Pt and Ru elemental distribution without localized segregation with adjustable Pt:Ru ratios ranging from 28:72 to 97:3. Demonstrating ≈100% step coverage on the high aspect ratio (≈30) 3D trench structures (top width of 125 nm, bottom width of 85 nm), the alloy maintains uniform thickness (≈30 nm) throughout its layers. ALM-PtRu demonstrates durable and superior electrocatalytic performance compared to benchmark precious metal catalysts like ALD-Pt and ALD-Ru. This study highlights ALM's potential for precise alloy stoichiometry in PtRu films, offering significant promise for various applications, particularly electrocatalysis, and extending ALM to other metallic alloy systems. © 2025 The Author(s). Advanced Science published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.

Unveiling Formation Pathways of Ternary I-III-VI CuInS2 Quantum Dots and Their Effect on Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation

ACCEPTAdvanced Science

Understanding the formation mechanisms of semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) is essential for fine-tuning their optical and electrical properties. Despite their potential in solar energy conversion, the synthesis processes and resulting properties of ternary I–III–VI QDs remain underexplored due to the complex interplay among their constituent elements. Herein, the formation mechanism of ternary I–III–VI CuInS2 QDs is investigated, and a direct correlation between their synthesis pathways and photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation performance is established. Two distinct formation pathways governed by the Lewis acid strength of the precursors are revealed. Precursors with weaker Lewis acid strength, such as indium acetate–alkylamine complexes, induce the nucleation of Cu x S phases, which subsequently transform into CuInS2 QDs. Conversely, exemplified by indium iodide–alkylamine complexes, precursors with stronger Lewis acid strength enable the simultaneous incorporation of all elements during nucleation, resulting in the direct formation of CuInS2 QDs. Notably, QDs synthesized through this direct pathway exhibit significantly improved electrical properties with lower electron trap densities, resulting in outstanding photoelectrochemical hydrogen production with an excellent photocurrent density of 11.3 mA cm−2 at 0.6 VRHE when used as sensitizers in photoanodes. These findings highlight the critical role of formation pathways in tailoring the properties of ternary I–III–VI QDs. © 2025 The Author(s). Advanced Science published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.

Continuous long-range measurement of tonic dopamine with advanced FSCV for pharmacodynamic analysis of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease

2024-01Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, v.12

Levodopa, a dopamine prodrug, alleviates the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but its chronic use gives rise to levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). However, it remains unclear whether levodopa pharmacodynamics is altered during the progressive onset of LID. Using in vivo fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and second-derivative-based background drift removal, we continuously measured tonic dopamine levels using high temporal resolution recording over 1-h. Increases to tonic dopamine levels following acute levodopa administration were slow and marginal within the naïve PD model. However, these levels increased faster and higher in the LID model. Furthermore, we identified a strong positive correlation of dyskinetic behavior with the rate of dopamine increase, but much less with its cumulative level, at each time point. Here, we identified the altered signature of striatal DA dynamics underlying LID in PD using an advanced FSCV technique that demonstrates the long-range dynamics of tonic dopamine following drug administration. © 2024 Park, Kang, Lee, Choi and Oh. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY).

PINMAP: A Cost-efficient Algorithm for Glass Detection and Mapping Using Low-cost 2D LiDAR

2025.0IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, v.74

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) have seen rapid adoption due to their ability to autonomously navigate, avoid obstacles, and collaborate efficiently in complex environments. AMRs equipped with LiDAR-based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) are effective in obstacle-rich settings. However, SLAM approaches, particularly those using low-cost 2D LiDAR, face challenges in accurately detecting and mapping glass surfaces. AMRs may interpret glass as open space, potentially leading to collisions. In this paper, we propose a novel framework, Probabilistic Incremental Navigation-based Mapping with Accumulative Point cloud data (PINMAP), which enables glass detection and mapping without additional sensor hardware or high-cost LiDAR systems. The proposed PINMAP framework offers three key advantages: First, PINMAP achieves accurate detection and mapping of transparent obstacles, such as glass, using only low-cost 2D LiDAR. Second, PINMAP distinguishes between static and temporary obstacles, effectively adapting to dynamic environments. Finally, PINMAP significantly reduces mapping costs by eliminating the need for manual labeling of glass and temporary obstacles. We empirically validate the performance of PINMAP through extensive experiments, including highly dynamic real-world scenarios. © IEEE.

Remote Heart Rate Estimation using RGB-NIR Fusion

2025-03Journal of Industrial Information Technology and Application, v.9, no.1, pp.1070 - 1074

Remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) has emerged as a promising method for contactless heart rate estimation using video sequences. In this study, we propose CrossSTSPhys, which incorporates a cross-attention mechanism between dual streams of video inputs: the original RGB stream and the NIR stream. This dual-path structure enhances the network’s ability to exploit complementary features from the two input modalities. The CrossSTSPhys architecture adopts Spatial-Temporal SwiftFormer blocks and integrates cross-attention layers at multiple hierarchical levels to exchange and refine information across the two streams. Experimental results show that CrossSTSPhys achieves superior heart rate estimation accuracy on benchmark datasets, outperforming the baseline STSPhys model and existing state-of-the-art methods.