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Article

10 October 2025

Guidance and Control System for an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle as a Wingman

This study focuses on designing and testing a formation guidance system for a UCAV as a wingman to an F-16 fighter jet. A critical assessment of the UCAV autopilot revealed areas for improvement, which were addressed to refine the stable foundation of the autopilot for implementing the guidance system. This system uses PID controllers to minimise the along-track, cross-track, and vertical-track errors during standard manoeuvres. The system performed exceptionally well in the vertical (z) direction but showed robustness challenges in the along-track (x) and cross-track (y) directions under wind disturbances. A notable outcome was the identification of a novel mathematical relationship between the along-track offset command and its gains, offering a pathway for advanced formation systems. These findings pave the way for future enhancements in diverse formation operations.

Keywords: Wingman operation; Formation flying; Guidance; PID control
Drones Veh. Auton.
2025,
2
(4), 10017; 
Open Access

Review

10 October 2025

The Heterogeneity and Functional Roles of Dendritic Cells in Atherosclerosis: Origins, Subsets, and Therapeutic Implications

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall, is driven by dysregulated immune responses. Dendritic cells (DCs), as central orchestrators of innate and adaptive immunity, accumulate in atherosclerotic lesions and critically influence disease progression through their roles in lipid metabolism, antigen presentation, and cytokine signaling. Recent advances in single-cell omics and genetic lineage tracing have unveiled the functional diversity of DC subsets, including conventional DCs (cDC1, cDC2), plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), and monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs), in shaping plaque inflammation, immune tolerance, and tissue repair. However, the mechanisms underlying DC heterogeneity, recruitment, and crosstalk with other immune and vascular cells remain incompletely understood. This review summarizes current knowledge on DC ontogeny, subset-specific functions, and their interplay with T cells, B cells, endothelial cells (ECs), and smooth muscle cells in Atherosclerosis. We also critically evaluate transgenic models for DC research and emerging DC-targeted therapies, including tolerogenic vaccines and nanoparticle-based strategies. Unresolved questions about spatial distribution, functional duality, and ontogenetic pathways are discussed to guide future investigations.

Keywords: Dendritic cells; Atherosclerotic plaques; Vascular cells; Mouse models
Immune Discov.
2025,
1
(4), 10014; 
Open Access

Article

10 October 2025

Immunoprofiling of Alcohol-Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells Reveals Mechanisms of Immune Evasion through NK/T Lymphocyte Checkpoint Signaling

Chronic alcohol consumption induces the pathogenic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and their conversion into proliferative myofibroblasts (Myo), which together constitute a disease hub in alcohol-associated liver disease (AALD). While natural killer (NK) lymphocytes efficiently target early activated HSC and ameliorate liver fibrosis in mouse models of diet- and alcohol-induced liver disease, late-activated HSC evade immune surveillance. To gain insight into evasive resistance mechanisms, we profiled the expression of immunoregulatory ligands by HSC and showed that HSC dynamically express CD80, a B7-family ligand that suppresses NK and T cell responses. Using a mouse model of acute-on-chronic alcohol consumption, we show that combined blockade of the CTLA-4//TIGIT/PD-1 inhibitory checkpoints overcomes this resistance mechanism, promoting the selective elimination of activated HSC (aHSC)/Myo, yet fails to diminish fibrosis or ameliorate liver function. Single-cell transcriptome profiling of liver non-parenchymal cells revealed that checkpoint blockade promotes hepatic infiltration of pro-fibrotic Th1 and Th17 T cell subpopulations, while decreasing immunosuppressive Treg. Strikingly, antibody-directed engagement of the PD-1 and TIGIT checkpoints also fails to reduce fibrosis or improve liver function. Thus, selective targeting of aHSC/Myo may be necessary to achieve significant therapeutic benefit.

Keywords: AALD; Immunotherapy; Checkpoint; Hepatic stellate cell
Fibrosis
2025,
3
(4), 10012; 
Open Access

Article

09 October 2025

Identification of Pathways That Drive Myofibroblast Transformation in Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars (HTS) are a common complication of burn injuries and are characterized by excessive dermal fibrosis driven by the transformation of resident dermal fibroblasts to profibrotic myofibroblasts. Although single cell and bulk RNA transcriptomics analysis of HTS and normal skin tissue samples were performed previously, transcriptomics of the transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts has not been studied. Here, we report the data obtained from RNA sequencing of fibroblasts before and after exposure to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and highlight the pathways that are up- and down-regulated during myofibroblast transformation. Our results suggest increased cellular signalling and rewiring, proliferative surge, immune-like and metabolic reprogramming, and delayed structural remodelling as four groups of events during the transformation of human primary dermal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts.

Keywords: Fibrosis; Hypertrophic scar; Fibroblast; Myofibroblast; Transforming growth factor beta 1; Skin; Burns
Open Access

Case Report

09 October 2025

A Case Report of Telehealth Assessment for Adolescent Anxiety, Depression and COVID-Related Grief

Rates of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents have steadily risen over the past decade, and the arrival of COVID-19 exacerbated existing psychological problems for many youth. In the context of these increased rates and the pandemic lockdown, telepsychology, including virtual assessment, evolved as a cornerstone of mental health practice. There are salient benefits to telepsychology, most notably its convenience and accessibility, which have contributed to its expanded application across different types of problems and populations. At the same time, it can pose challenges in acquiring a comprehensive picture of client functioning. This article presents a case study of an adolescent with combined anxiety and depression who was referred for teletherapy during COVID-19, with an emphasis on the assessment intake. Results from a multi-method approach to the assessment are provided along with a brief discussion of treatment and future implications for the practice of telepsychology with youth and families.

Keywords: Telepsychology; Telehealth; Teletherapy; Teleassessment; Adolescent; Anxiety; Depression; Case study
Lifespan Dev. Ment. Health
2025,
1
(4), 10016; 
Open Access

Article

09 October 2025

Preparation of CdS-BaZrO3 Heterojunction for Enhanced Photocatalytic Water-Splitting Hydrogen Production

Photocatalytic water splitting using solar light, a promising technical approach for hydrogen production. However, the slow charge transfer and rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers in photocatalysis limit their practical application. To address these issues, in this work, we successfully prepared a novel CdS-BaZrO3 (CdS-BZO3) heterojunction via a simple chemical-bath deposition method. The as-prepared heterojunctions facilitate the separation and transportation of photogenerated charges, while also maintaining the high redox-oxid ation ability of the photocatalysts. As a result, CdS-BZO3 heterojunctions show enhanced photocatalytic water-splitting hydrogen production ability without a co-catalyst. Especially, the optimized CdS-BZO3 sample exhibits high photocatalytic activity with a hydrogen production rate of 44.77 μmol/h, which is 4.4 and 2.9 times higher than that of BZO3 and CdS, respectively. At the same time, the CdS-BZO3 heterojunction exhibits good stability in the photocatalytic hydrogen production cycle test. This work provides a reference for the heterostructure construction of perovskite-based photocatalysts to improve photocatalytic performance.

Keywords: Photocatalysis; Perovskite; BaZrO3/CdS; Type I heterojunction; Hydrogen production
Photocatal. Res. Potential
2025,
2
(4), 10018; 
Open Access

Review

09 October 2025

Sitagliptin in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Disease: A Public Health and Health Equity Perspective

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease are interrelated conditions that disproportionately affect underserved populations, with compounded risk in communities facing systemic barriers to care. This review synthesizes clinical trial evidence, preclinical research, and public health perspectives to evaluate sitagliptin’s pharmacologic profile, safety, and potential vascular effects, particularly in resource-limited settings. Sitagliptin, the first FDA-approved oral DPP-4 inhibitor, demonstrates weight neutrality, minimal hypoglycemia risk, and renal dosing flexibility. Large cardiovascular outcomes trials confirm cardiovascular neutrality, while preclinical and animal studies suggest possible microvascular benefits. Despite superior cardiovascular outcomes with newer agents like GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, sitagliptin remains a practical option for patients who cannot access or tolerate these therapies, supported by oral dosing, low side-effect burden, and anticipated generic availability in the US. Its continued value is evident in U.S. safety-net systems such as federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and globally in low- and middle-income countries where newer drugs remain unaffordable. Achieving meaningful public health impact will require pairing pharmacologic safety with structural access improvements, including expanded insurance coverage, protection of safety-net drug pricing programs, culturally tailored interventions, and inclusive research practices. Sitagliptin illustrates a broader principle in chronic disease care: even safe therapies cannot close disparities until equitable access.

Keywords: Sitagliptin; Type 2 diabetes mellitus; Cardiovascular disease; Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors; Microvascular complications; Health equity; Safety-net systems
Cardiovasc. Sci.
2025,
2
(4), 10010; 
Open Access

Review

29 September 2025

Review of Gallium Nitride Devices and Integrated Circuits at High Temperatures

In various industrial applications, including aviation, electric vehicles, and drilling, the demand for semiconductor devices and associated circuits with high thermal stability is progressively increasing. Wide-bandgap semiconductor Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices exhibit the advantages of fast switching capability, low on-resistance, and the ability to operate at high temperatures. These advantages have made them potential candidates for integrated circuits in high-temperature environments in recent years. Lateral GaN devices promote monolithic integration, which consequently increases power density and reduces cost of cooling systems. Hence, it is worthwhile to investigate the performance of GaN devices in high-temperature environments. This review aims to present a thorough review of high-temperature characteristics of GaN devices and integrated circuits. The performance of GaN devices at high temperatures, such as threshold voltage,saturation current and on-resistance, has been reviewed in response to different structures. The underlying degradation mechanisms related to the intrinsic properties of structures and fabrication technology are discussed at high temperatures. The thermal performance of GaN small signal integrated circuits and power converters was presented. This paper systematically examines the advantages and challenges of GaN devices and integrated circuits at high temperature environments.

Keywords: Gallium nitride; High temperature; Integrated circuits; Thermal degradation
High-Temp. Mat.
2025,
2
(4), 10020; 
Open Access

Article

29 September 2025

Multivariant Time-Series Forecasting Methodology for Product Demand Using Deep Learning and Large Language Models

Accurate demand Soothsaying is a crucial element in force chain operation and business planning. Traditional statistical ways don’t consider the nonlinear, dynamic, and interdependent nature of variables that drive product demand, including deal history, prices, seasonality, elevations, request changes, and profitable pointers. This design presents a sophisticated soothsaying frame for guidance from an artificial intelligence system, integrating soothsaying using deep literacy models together with large language models(LLMs), that can negotiate both accurate soothsaying and give practicable intelligence. The deep literacy infrastructures used in this study include Long Short Term Memory(LSTM), Reopened intermittent Units(GRU), and other Motor models for timeseries soothsaying, which optimize temporal dependences and the complex cross-variable relations. To further increase interpretability of the vaticinations, LLMs are useful agents to convert the specialized cast affair into a completely automated and enhanced mortal-readable textbook and reports to develop intelligence for decision timber. Prophetic modeling and naturally generated reporting lead to better delicacy and practicable intelligence for their businesses. This intelligence empowers businesses to create better procurement processes, improve inventory management, and develop more resilient supply chains relevant to today’s business environment.

Keywords: Predictive analytics; Outlier detection; Trend analysis; Data-driven insights; Demand planning; Deep learning; LSTM; GRU; Transformer; TCN; Large language models; Multivariate time-series prediction; Forecast product demand
Intell. Sustain. Manuf.
2025,
2
(2), 10028; 
Open Access

Review

29 September 2025

Robot Grinding: From Frontier Hotspots to Key Technologies and Applications

Robot grinding technology has shown broad application prospects in the field of machining complex curved parts due to its high flexibility, strong adaptability, and high automation. However, industrial robots are generally only suitable for rough machining, and for semi-finishing and finishing, improving the machining accuracy of robots and the surface quality of parts is a key issue. This paper summarizes the current research status of robot grinding and provides a reference for realizing robot precision grinding. At present, the research on robot grinding technology mainly focuses on robot pose control, force/position hybrid control strategy, intelligent machining path planning, vibration suppression technology, compliance control, and so on, aiming at solving the key bottleneck problems such as low machining accuracy, large grinding force fluctuation and poor surface quality consistency caused by insufficient robot stiffness. Firstly, the development history of the robot grinding system and the research status of process technology are summarized systematically. Secondly, the analysis focuses on grinding path planning, programming technology, and robot compliance force control technology. Finally, the current status of optimization research in robot grinding technology is summarized. The overarching purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic analysis and a comprehensive reference framework, aiming to address the core challenges hindering the achievement of high-precision, consistent surface quality in robotic grinding manufacturing. Based on the summarized state-of-the-art, robot grinding technology development trend is also predicted.

Keywords: Robot grinding; Trajectory planning; Compliance control; Parameter optimization
Intell. Sustain. Manuf.
2025,
2
(2), 10027; 
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