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Search Results (487)

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35 pages, 638 KiB  
Review
The Influence of Circadian Rhythms on Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Effects: Theoretical and Practical Considerations
by James Chmiel and Agnieszka Malinowska
Cells 2025, 14(15), 1152; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14151152 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate cortical excitability in a polarity-specific manner, yet identical protocols often produce inconsistent outcomes across sessions or individuals. This narrative review proposes that much of this variability arises from the brain’s intrinsic temporal landscape. Integrating evidence from [...] Read more.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate cortical excitability in a polarity-specific manner, yet identical protocols often produce inconsistent outcomes across sessions or individuals. This narrative review proposes that much of this variability arises from the brain’s intrinsic temporal landscape. Integrating evidence from chronobiology, sleep research, and non-invasive brain stimulation, we argue that tDCS produces reliable, polarity-specific after-effects only within a circadian–homeostatic “window of efficacy”. On the circadian (Process C) axis, intrinsic alertness, membrane depolarisation, and glutamatergic gain rise in the late biological morning and early evening, whereas pre-dawn phases are marked by reduced excitability and heightened inhibition. On the homeostatic (Process S) axis, consolidated sleep renormalises synaptic weights, widening the capacity for further potentiation, whereas prolonged wakefulness saturates plasticity and can even reverse the usual anodal/cathodal polarity rules. Human stimulation studies mirror this two-process fingerprint: sleep deprivation abolishes anodal long-term-potentiation-like effects and converts cathodal inhibition into facilitation, while stimulating at each participant’s chronotype-aligned (phase-aligned) peak time amplifies and prolongs after-effects even under equal sleep pressure. From these observations we derive practical recommendations: (i) schedule excitatory tDCS after restorative sleep and near the individual wake-maintenance zone; (ii) avoid sessions at high sleep pressure or circadian troughs; (iii) log melatonin phase, chronotype, recent sleep and, where feasible, core temperature; and (iv) consider mild pre-heating or time-restricted feeding as physiological primers. By viewing Borbély’s two-process model and allied metabolic clocks as adjustable knobs for plasticity engineering, this review provides a conceptual scaffold for personalised, time-sensitive tDCS protocols that could improve reproducibility in research and therapeutic gain in the clinic. Full article
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17 pages, 440 KiB  
Review
Diagnosis and Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: A Review
by Domenique Escobar, Christopher Wang, Noah Suboc, Anishka D’Souza and Varsha Tulpule
Cancers 2025, 17(15), 2467; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17152467 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 170
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare and biologically distinct subset of urothelial malignancies, comprising approximately 5–10% of urothelial cancers. UTUC presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, with both a higher likelihood of invasive disease at presentation and a less favorable [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare and biologically distinct subset of urothelial malignancies, comprising approximately 5–10% of urothelial cancers. UTUC presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, with both a higher likelihood of invasive disease at presentation and a less favorable prognosis compared to urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Current treatment strategies for UTUC are largely derived from bladder cancer studies, underscoring the need for UTUC-directed research. This review provides a comprehensive overview of UTUC, encompassing diagnostic approaches, systemic and intraluminal therapies, surgical management, and future directions. Methods: A narrative review was conducted synthesizing evidence from guideline-based recommendations, retrospective and prospective clinical studies, and ongoing trials focused on UTUC. Results: Neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy is increasingly preferred in UTUC due to the risk of postoperative renal impairment that may preclude adjuvant cisplatin use. Surgical management includes kidney-sparing approaches and radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), with selection guided by tumor risk and patient comorbidities. While endoscopic management (EM) preserves renal function, it carries a higher recurrence and surveillance burden; RNU remains standard for high-risk cases. Systemic therapy for advanced and metastatic UTUC mirrors that of bladder urothelial carcinoma. Enfortumab vedotin (EV) plus pembrolizumab showed superior efficacy over chemotherapy in the EV-302 trial, with improved response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival across subgroups, including UTUC. For patients ineligible for EV, the CheckMate-901 study supported first-line chemoimmunotherapy with gemcitabine, cisplatin, and nivolumab. Further systemic therapy strategies include maintenance avelumab post-chemotherapy (JAVELIN Bladder 100), targeted therapies such as erdafitinib (THOR trial), and trastuzumab deruxtecan (DESTINY-PanTumor02) in FGFR2/3-altered and HER2-positive disease, respectively. Conclusions: Historically, the therapeutic landscape of UTUC has been extrapolated from bladder cancer; however, ongoing research specific to UTUC is deriving more precise regimens involving the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, antibody–drug conjugates, and biomarker-driven therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Current Knowledge and Perspectives)
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18 pages, 295 KiB  
Article
Religious Policies and Civil Conflict: “Italian” Perspectives on the French Wars of Religion
by Daniele Santarelli
Religions 2025, 16(8), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16080956 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 195
Abstract
This paper investigates the complex relations between the Italian states, particularly Venice and Florence, and France at the beginning (c. 1560–1565) of the French Wars of Religion (c. 1560–1598). Focusing on the early years of the conflict, it highlights the “Italian” perception of [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the complex relations between the Italian states, particularly Venice and Florence, and France at the beginning (c. 1560–1565) of the French Wars of Religion (c. 1560–1598). Focusing on the early years of the conflict, it highlights the “Italian” perception of France’s politico-religious upheavals and their profound implications for governance and state stability. Drawing on diplomatic correspondence and political reflections, the analysis reveals contrasting approaches among Venetian ambassadors: in particular, Giovanni Michiel advocated conciliatory policies to avert civil war, while Michele Suriano favored uncompromising anti-heresy measures. Niccolò Tornabuoni, serving as the Florentine ambassador in France, evolved from moderate criticism to a rigidly anti-Protestant position, mirroring Cosimo de’ Medici’s shift toward Counter-Reformation policies. This study situates these early reflections within the broader context of Venice’s internal tensions, marked by the diffusion of Reformation ideas and anti-papal currents, and Florence’s strategic alignment with Spain. It also underscores the role of these conflicts in shaping the politico-diplomatic strategies and reinforcing the perceived necessity of religious uniformity as a safeguard against political and social destabilization. The final part is directly linked to the sources and arguments as it contextualizes the diplomatic responses of Venetian and Florentine envoys within the broader political–religious transformations of the period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religion and Politics: Interactions and Boundaries)
21 pages, 407 KiB  
Review
Modeling Virus-Associated Central Nervous System Disease in Non-Human Primates
by Krystal J. Vail, Brittany N. Macha, Linh Hellmers and Tracy Fischer
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(14), 6886; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26146886 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 397
Abstract
While viral pathogens are often subdivided into neurotropic and non-neurotropic categories, systemic inflammation caused by non-neurotropic viruses still possesses the ability to alter the central nervous system (CNS). Studies of CNS disease induced by viral infection, whether neurotropic or not, are presented with [...] Read more.
While viral pathogens are often subdivided into neurotropic and non-neurotropic categories, systemic inflammation caused by non-neurotropic viruses still possesses the ability to alter the central nervous system (CNS). Studies of CNS disease induced by viral infection, whether neurotropic or not, are presented with a unique set of challenges. First, because brain biopsies are rarely necessary to diagnose viral-associated neurological disorders, antemortem tissue samples are not readily available for study and human pathological studies must rely on end-stage, postmortem evaluations. Second, in vitro models fail to fully capture the nuances of an intact immune system, necessitating the use of animal models to fully characterize pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic approaches. Non-human primates (NHP) represent a particularly attractive animal model in that they overcome many of the limits posed by more distant species and most closely mirror human disease pathogenesis and susceptibility. Here, we review NHP infection models of viruses known to infect and/or replicate within cells of the CNS, including West Nile virus, the equine encephalitis viruses, Zika virus, and herpesviruses, as well as those known to alter the immune status of the brain in the absence of significant CNS penetrance, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the current era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and the coronavirus of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV−2. This review focuses on viruses with an established role in causing CNS disease, including encephalitis, meningitis, and myelitis and NHP models of viral infection that are directly translatable to the human condition through relevant routes of infection, comparable disease pathogenesis, and responses to therapeutic intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Research Model for Neurological Diseases, 2nd Edition)
14 pages, 3371 KiB  
Article
A Symmetry-Driven Broadband Circularly Polarized Magnetoelectric Dipole Antenna with Bandpass Filtering Response
by Xianjing Lin, Zuhao Jiang, Miaowang Zeng and Zengpei Zhong
Symmetry 2025, 17(7), 1145; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17071145 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 143
Abstract
This paper presents a symmetry-driven broadband circularly polarized magnetoelectric dipole antenna with bandpass filtering response, where the principle of symmetry is strategically employed to enhance both radiation and filtering performance. The antenna’s circular polarization is achieved through a symmetrical arrangement of two orthogonally [...] Read more.
This paper presents a symmetry-driven broadband circularly polarized magnetoelectric dipole antenna with bandpass filtering response, where the principle of symmetry is strategically employed to enhance both radiation and filtering performance. The antenna’s circular polarization is achieved through a symmetrical arrangement of two orthogonally placed metallic ME dipoles combined with a phase delay line, creating balanced current distributions for optimal CP characteristics. The design further incorporates symmetrical parasitic elements—a pair of identical inverted L-shaped metallic structures placed perpendicular to the ground plane at −45° relative to the ME dipoles—which introduce an additional CP resonance through their mirror-symmetric configuration, thereby significantly broadening the axial ratio bandwidth. The filtering functionality is realized through a combination of symmetrical modifications: grid slots etched in the metallic ground plane and an open-circuited stub loaded on the microstrip feed line work in tandem to create two radiation nulls in the upper stopband, while the inherent symmetrical properties of the ME dipoles naturally produce a radiation null in the lower stopband. This comprehensive symmetry-based approach results in a well-balanced bandpass filtering response across a wide operating bandwidth. Experimental validation through prototype measurement confirms the effectiveness of the symmetric design with compact dimensions of 0.96λ0 × 0.55λ0 × 0.17λ0 (λ0 is the wavelength at the lowest operating frequency), demonstrating an impedance bandwidth of 66.4% (2.87–5.05 GHz), an AR bandwidth of 31.9% (3.32–4.58 GHz), an average passband gain of 5.5 dBi, and out-of-band suppression levels of 11.5 dB and 26.8 dB at the lower and upper stopbands, respectively, along with good filtering performance characterized by a gain-suppression index (GSI) of 0.93 and radiation skirt index (RSI) of 0.58. The proposed antenna is suitable for satellite communication terminals requiring wide AR bandwidth and strong interference rejection in L/S-bands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry Study in Electromagnetism: Topics and Advances)
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21 pages, 1089 KiB  
Review
Salivary Biomarkers as a Predictive Factor in Anxiety, Depression, and Stress
by Dana Gabriela Budala, Ionut Luchian, Dragos Ioan Virvescu, Teona Tudorici, Vlad Constantin, Zinovia Surlari, Oana Butnaru, Dan Nicolae Bosinceanu, Cosmin Bida and Monica Hancianu
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(7), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070488 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 834
Abstract
Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent mental health disorders often associated with dysregulation of neuroendocrine and immune systems, particularly the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic–adrenal–medullary (SAM) system. Recent research highlights the potential of salivary biomarkers to serve as non-invasive indicators for psychological [...] Read more.
Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent mental health disorders often associated with dysregulation of neuroendocrine and immune systems, particularly the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic–adrenal–medullary (SAM) system. Recent research highlights the potential of salivary biomarkers to serve as non-invasive indicators for psychological distress. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on key salivary biomarkers, cortisol, alpha-amylase (sAA), secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), chromogranin A (CgA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and salivary microRNAs (miRNAs), in relation to anxiety, depression, and stress. A comprehensive literature search (2010–2025) was conducted using multiple databases and relevant MeSH terms. The review reveals consistent associations between these salivary analytes and stress-related disorders, reflecting changes in neuroendocrine activity, immune response, and neuroplasticity. Cortisol and sAA mirror acute stress reactivity, while cytokines and CRP indicate chronic inflammation. BDNF and miRNAs provide insight into neuroplastic dysfunction and gene regulation. Despite promising results, limitations such as variability in sampling methods and biomarker specificity remain. In conclusion, salivary biomarkers offer a promising avenue for early detection, monitoring, and personalization of treatment in mood and anxiety disorders. Conclusions: Cortisol and alpha-amylase serve as the principal markers of acute stress response, whereas cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, together with CRP, indicate chronic inflammation associated with extended emotional distress. Full article
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21 pages, 908 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Concentration in the Polish Food Industry in the Context of the EU-MERCOSUR Trade Agreement
by Piotr Szajner, Joanna Pawłowska-Tyszko, Wiesław Łopaciuk and Katarzyna Kosior
Sustainability 2025, 17(12), 5640; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17125640 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 481
Abstract
Concentration within the food industry is a desirable process in the context of improving economic efficiency, which is the basis for building sustainable competitive advantages in internationalisation and globalisation. Excessive concentration of market structures can generate negative externalities that threaten sustainability in the [...] Read more.
Concentration within the food industry is a desirable process in the context of improving economic efficiency, which is the basis for building sustainable competitive advantages in internationalisation and globalisation. Excessive concentration of market structures can generate negative externalities that threaten sustainability in the long term. Maintaining a balance between the freedom of economic activities and the protection of consumers and environmental interests is fundamental to the stability of the entire economy and its position in the international market, which is a priority of the EU-MERCOSUR trade agreement. The aim of this article was to assess the process of concentration of the Polish food industry and its impact on factor efficiency in the context of changing external conditions. In order to do so, the Cobb–Douglas production function was used. The research results showed that there is a progressive concentration in the food industry. Changes in the entity structure are taking place in an evolutionary way, as illustrated by the still high fragmentation of companies. Large companies make good use of economies of scale, which is mirrored in their high efficiency. The structure of the Polish food industry makes it possible to realise the objectives of agricultural policy, including in terms of sustainable development and improvement of competitiveness on the global market. Taking into account the current entity structure of the Polish food industry, it will be crucial for the long-term sustainability to take into account contemporary economic, environmental and social issues in the EU-MERCOSUR trade agreement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Sustainable Development of Rural Areas and Agriculture)
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14 pages, 1027 KiB  
Review
Seronegative Sicca Syndrome: Diagnostic Considerations and Management Strategies
by Yordanka M. Basheva-Kraeva, Krasimir I. Kraev, Petar A. Uchikov, Maria I. Kraeva, Bozhidar K. Hristov, Nina St. Stoyanova, Vesela T. Mitkova-Hristova, Borislav Ivanov, Stanislav S. Karamitev, Nina Koleva, Aleksandar Marinkov and Veselin A. Vassilev
Life 2025, 15(6), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15060966 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 571
Abstract
Seronegative sicca syndrome encompasses patients who present with xerostomia and/or keratoconjunctivitis sicca but lack anti-SSA/SSB antibodies and do not fulfill current classification criteria for primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). Despite symptom overlap with pSS, these individuals remain diagnostically and therapeutically unclassified. This review studies [...] Read more.
Seronegative sicca syndrome encompasses patients who present with xerostomia and/or keratoconjunctivitis sicca but lack anti-SSA/SSB antibodies and do not fulfill current classification criteria for primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). Despite symptom overlap with pSS, these individuals remain diagnostically and therapeutically unclassified. This review studies the clinical, immunological, and pathological spectrum of seronegative sicca, highlighting its heterogeneity and the limitations of antibody-centric diagnostic frameworks. Histopathologic findings in some seronegative patients—including focal lymphocytic sialadenitis—mirror those seen in pSS, suggesting underlying immune-mediated glandular damage. In others, nonspecific or normal biopsy findings suggest non-immune mechanisms. New evidence of immune activity, such as elevated cytokines (BAFF, IFN-α), and novel autoantibodies (SP-1, CA-VI), further supports the concept of subclinical autoimmunity in a subset of these patients. Clinically, they often face significant burden, including dryness, fatigue, and pain, yet remain excluded from most research cohorts, therapeutic trials, and clinical guidelines. Their management is often individualized, relying on symptomatic therapies rather than immunomodulatory agents. The lack of validated diagnostic criteria and prognostic markers compounds the uncertainty surrounding disease evolution, as some patients may later seroconvert or develop systemic features. To address these gaps, a paradigm shift is needed—one that embraces the spectrum of sicca syndromes, incorporates advanced immunophenotyping, and allows inclusion of seronegative patients in research and care algorithms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Paper in Physiology and Pathology: 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 2928 KiB  
Communication
Resistance to MAPK Pathway Inhibition in BRAF-V600E Mutant Colorectal Cancer Can Be Overcome with Insulin Receptor/Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor Inhibitors
by Layla El Bouazzaoui, Daniëlle A. E. Raats, André Verheem, Inne H. M. Borel Rinkes, Hugo J. G. Snippert, Madelon M. Maurice and Onno Kranenburg
Organoids 2025, 4(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/organoids4020014 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 345
Abstract
The current treatment for refractory BRAF-V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) involves combined inhibition of BRAF and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, tumour responses are often short-lived due to a rebound in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity. In this study, [...] Read more.
The current treatment for refractory BRAF-V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) involves combined inhibition of BRAF and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, tumour responses are often short-lived due to a rebound in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity. In this study, we combined short-term cell viability assays with long-term regrowth assays following drug removal over a period of three weeks. This allowed assessment of regrowth after therapy discontinuation. We tested the effect of combined BRAF inhibition (encorafenib) and EGFR inhibition (afatinib) on BRAF-V600E mutant CRC patient-derived organoids (PDOs). Combined EGFR/BRAF inhibition initially caused a major reduction in PDO growth capacity in BRAF-V600E mutant PDOs. This was followed by rapid regrowth after drug removal, mirroring clinical outcomes. EGFR inhibition in BRAF-V600E mutant PDOs led to activation of the insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R). The IGF1R/IR inhibitor linsitinib prevented the rebound in MAPK activity following removal of afatinib and encorafenib, prevented regrowth of CRC PDOs, and improved the anti-tumour response in an in vivo model. PDO regrowth assays allow the identification of pathways driving tumour recurrence. IR/IGF1R-inhibition prevents regrowth following golden standard MAPK pathway-targeted therapy and provides a strategy to improve the treatment of BRAF-V600E mutant CRC Full article
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25 pages, 719 KiB  
Review
Fascial Pathophysiology in Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome: A Review of Emerging Evidence
by Tina J. Wang, Antonio Stecco, Alan J. Hakim and Robert Schleip
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(12), 5587; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26125587 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 3748
Abstract
Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are increasingly recognized as complex, multisystem connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility and instability, chronic pain, autonomic dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and structural fragility. Despite their clinical impact and prevalence, the underlying pathophysiology remains [...] Read more.
Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are increasingly recognized as complex, multisystem connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility and instability, chronic pain, autonomic dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and structural fragility. Despite their clinical impact and prevalence, the underlying pathophysiology remains poorly understood, and diagnosis is frequently delayed or missed altogether. Emerging research highlights the fascia as a central player in the pathogenesis of these conditions. This narrative review synthesizes current molecular, histological, and biomechanical findings to propose a fascia-centered framework for understanding hEDS and HSD. Evidence from transcriptomic and imaging studies reveals consistent abnormalities in fascial thickness, interfascial gliding, myofibroblast activation, tendon elongation, and tissue stiffness—findings that mirror the functional impairments reported in clinical populations. We explore fascia as a dynamic tissue network and consider how dysregulation in these processes may contribute to the widespread symptoms seen in hypermobility disorders. By reframing hEDS and HSD as disorders of pathological fascial remodeling, this review offers an integrated model that connects molecular mechanisms with clinical expression. It underscores the urgent need for multidisciplinary research to define diagnostic biomarkers, clarify therapeutic targets, and support the development of more effective, personalized interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fascial Anatomy and Histology: Advances in Molecular Biology)
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22 pages, 5040 KiB  
Article
Multi-Partition Mapping Simulation Method for Stellar Spectral Information
by Yu Zhang, Da Xu, Bin Zhao, Songzhou Yang, Zhipeng Wei, Jian Zhang, Taiyang Ren, Junjie Yang and Yao Meng
Photonics 2025, 12(6), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12060585 - 9 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1337
Abstract
Stellar radiation simulation is critical in the space industry; however, with the current simulation methods, only a single color temperature and magnitude can be modulated at a time. Furthermore, star sensors rely on star observation tests for accurate calibration; this seriously restricts their [...] Read more.
Stellar radiation simulation is critical in the space industry; however, with the current simulation methods, only a single color temperature and magnitude can be modulated at a time. Furthermore, star sensors rely on star observation tests for accurate calibration; this seriously restricts their development. This paper presents a novel star spectral information multi-partition mapping simulation method to closely simulate real sky star map information, thus replacing non-scenario-specific field stargazing experiments. First, using the stellar spectral simulation principle, a multi-partition mapping principle based on a digital micro-mirror device is proposed, and the theoretical basis of sub-region division is provided. Second, multi-component mapping simulation of stellar spectral information is expounded, and a general architecture for the same based on a double-prism symmetry structure is presented. Next, the influence of peak spectral half-peak width and peak interval on spectral simulation accuracy is analyzed, and a pre-collimated beam expansion system, multi-dimensional slit, and spectral splitting system are designed accordingly. Finally, a test platform is set up, and single-region simulation results and multi-region consistency experiments are conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed method. Our method can realize high-precision simulation and independently control the output of various color temperatures and magnitudes. It provides a theoretical and technical basis for the development of star sensor ground calibration tests and space target detection light environment simulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Lasers, Light Sources and Sensors)
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11 pages, 3740 KiB  
Communication
Design and Implementation of 24-GHz and 48-GHz VCOs Using Noise Filtering Technique in 90-nm CMOS
by Chen-Chih Ku and Sen Wang
Micromachines 2025, 16(6), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16060682 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 504
Abstract
This work proposes two voltage-controlled oscillators using noise-filtering technique. The first one is a 24-GHz voltage-controlled oscillator, and the second one is based on a push–push architecture with a λ/4 transmission line to further increase the frequency up to 48 GHz. The [...] Read more.
This work proposes two voltage-controlled oscillators using noise-filtering technique. The first one is a 24-GHz voltage-controlled oscillator, and the second one is based on a push–push architecture with a λ/4 transmission line to further increase the frequency up to 48 GHz. The designs are implemented and verified in a standard 90-nm CMOS process. Typically, the current mirror transistor in the tail current has a nonlinear effect. When the transistor operates in the nonlinear region, noise will be introduced. Therefore, a set of LC filters with a resonant frequency at 2f0 are added to the design of this section to filter the noise at 2f0 through the capacitor to the ground. The measurement results show that the design of a single oscillator has an oscillation frequency of 24.37 GHz, a tuning range of 6.5%, and a phase noise of −97.19 dBc/Hz @1MHz. The measurement results of the push–push architecture show that the double oscillation frequency is 49.8 GHz, the tuning range is 7.2%, and the phase noise is −80.52 dBc/Hz @1MHz. The chip areas of 24-GHz LC VCO and 48-GHz push–push LC VCO are 0.68 mm × 0.69 mm and 0.7 mm × 0.7 mm, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue RF and Power Electronic Devices and Applications)
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20 pages, 743 KiB  
Review
Interaction Between Periodontitis and MASLD: Pathophysiological Associations and Possibilities of Prevention and Therapy
by Martina Juzbašić, Matej Tomas, Ana Petrović, Marija Hefer, Renata Sikora, Ana Mačković, Stjepan Siber and Martina Smolić
Biomedicines 2025, 13(6), 1346; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13061346 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 519
Abstract
The interrelationship between periodontitis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has attracted increasing attention due to the significant global rise in the prevalence of both conditions. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, affects a substantial [...] Read more.
The interrelationship between periodontitis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has attracted increasing attention due to the significant global rise in the prevalence of both conditions. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, affects a substantial portion of the population and parallels the growing incidence of MASLD, which currently impacts nearly 30% of the global population. The updated nomenclature reflects a deeper understanding of the condition’s metabolic origins. This narrative review focuses on the shared pathophysiological mechanisms, particularly systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress that may underlie the bidirectional relationship between these diseases. These mechanisms often act in concert to promote disease development. Unlike previous literature, this review emphasizes the hypothesis that chronic periodontal inflammation may not only mirror but also contribute to the systemic metabolic dysregulation observed in MASLD. We critically assess current evidence supporting this link by highlighting the role of inflammatory mediators in bridging oral and hepatic health, and by proposing an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to its early detection and management. The aim is to offer novel insights that can help develop better prevention strategies and more effective treatments for both diseases. Full article
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17 pages, 8907 KiB  
Article
Biaxial Non-Resonant Electromagnetically Driven Scanning Micromirror with Large Aperture
by Tong Wang, Yu Jian, Chen Liu, Manpeng Chang, Xin Wang and Weimin Wang
Micromachines 2025, 16(6), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16060610 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 2309
Abstract
To address the challenges of small aperture size, limited scanning angles, and high fabrication costs in existing scanning micromirrors, this paper proposes a large-aperture biaxial electromagnetically driven scanning micromirror. The scanning micromirror utilizes a stainless-steel mirror structure and an actuation structure composed of [...] Read more.
To address the challenges of small aperture size, limited scanning angles, and high fabrication costs in existing scanning micromirrors, this paper proposes a large-aperture biaxial electromagnetically driven scanning micromirror. The scanning micromirror utilizes a stainless-steel mirror structure and an actuation structure composed of arc-shaped permanent magnets (NdFeB 52), iron cores, and copper coils. By optimizing the magnet layout and coil design, it achieves large optical scanning angles in biaxial non-resonant scanning mode. Experimental results demonstrate that the optical scanning angles reach 61.4° (x-axis) under a DC driving current of ±18.1 mA and 61.1° (y-axis) under a DC driving current of ±25.2 mA with an effective mirror aperture of 9.54 mm × 10 mm. The resonant frequencies are 89 Hz (x-axis) and 63 Hz (y-axis). Experimental results verify the feasibility of biaxial independent control in non-resonant scanning mode. The design is fabricated using a low-cost computer numerical control (CNC) milling process and exhibits application potential in fields such as LiDAR, projection display, and optical communication, providing a novel approach for performance optimization of large-aperture scanning micromirrors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in MEMS Mirrors)
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26 pages, 6302 KiB  
Article
Design of a Novel Transition-Based Deadlock Recovery Policy for Flexible Manufacturing Systems
by Wen-Yi Chuang, Ching-Yun Tseng, Kuang-Hsiung Tan and Yen-Liang Pan
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1610; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051610 - 21 May 2025
Viewed by 420
Abstract
In the domain of application of PN theory, the system deadlock problem of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a thorny problem that needs to be solved urgently. All the research has the same objective of designing optimal controllers with maximal permissiveness and [...] Read more.
In the domain of application of PN theory, the system deadlock problem of a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a thorny problem that needs to be solved urgently. All the research has the same objective of designing optimal controllers with maximal permissiveness and liveness. Plenty of the past literature used deadlock prevention as the main control strategy that is implemented by control places. However, these methods usually forbid undesirable system states from being reached, while reducing the system’s liveness. This study employed the resource flow graph (RFG)-based method to achieve a deadlock recovery policy that can maintain maximal permissiveness by adding control transitions (CTs). Also, we improved the current definition of RFG and developed a systematic approach for generating the corresponding RFG, which is based on flow mirroring pair (FMP) functions and the software Graphviz 12.2.1. Furthermore, this study proposed an automatic method that forms DOT script for generating Graphviz images, which is convincingly demonstrated in this study to enhance the execution efficiency and recognition of circular waiting situations. Full article
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