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Synchronization of hypernetworks has been extensively researched due to its potential applications in various contexts, such as secure communications and power grid engineering. However, the existing works thus far have primarily been devoted to inner synchronization or complete outer synchronization with identical node dynamics and topology structures. To investigate harmonious coexistence between two networks with nonidentical node dynamics and reduce control costs as well, this paper focuses on generalized outer synchronization (GOS) and parameters identification of uncertain delayed hypernetworks with stochastic noises. Regardless of whether the node parameters are known or not, based on Lyapunov stability and the LaSalle‐type invariance principle for stochastic differential equations with multiple delays, some sufficient conditions are exhibited to reach GOS almost surely via adaptive control schemes. Moreover, the unknown node parameter vectors are identified by the designed updating laws. In addition, some corollaries are deduced and indicate that our proposed methods contain single‐layer networks and complete synchronization methods as special cases. Furthermore, numerical simulations are provided to verify the effectiveness of our approaches. In particular, it is revealed that network parameters, including time delays, coupling strengths, and noise intensities, have an impact on the performance of the proposed algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of swarm intelligence, consensus problem for multi‐agent systems (MASs) has attracted substantial attention. To deal with the leader‐following consensus problems in stochastic dynamical MASs with fixed and switching topologies, this article designed proportional‐integral (PI) control protocols. On the basis of algebraic graph theory and stochastic analysis techniques, by selecting appropriate Lyapunov functions, it is theoretically shown that leader‐following consensus of MASs with stochastic dynamics underlying fixed and switching topologies can be achieved in mean square, respectively. Sufficient criteria are derived for selecting the PI control gains. Finally, the theoretical results are illustrated through several numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the consensus‐based formation control problem with unknown disturbances in multi‐agent systems. We design node‐based adaptive controllers via extended state observers and node‐based event‐triggered schemes, which can eliminate the effect of disturbances and avoid continuous communications. With the proposed controllers, we obtain that the formation errors are asymptotic to zero when the derivatives of disturbances belong to ℒ2$$ {\mathcal{L}}_2 $$ space or are bounded by a small threshold when the derivatives of disturbances are bounded. Zeno behaviors and global information are also excluded. Numerical simulations validate the effectiveness of proposed approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophage polarization is an important effector process in acute lung injury (ALI) induced by sepsis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important players in regulating ALI process. Here, we showed that elevated microRNA‐23a‐3p (miR‐23a‐3p) promoted LPS‐induced macrophage polarization and ALI in mice, while inhibition of miR‐23a‐3p led to reduced macrophage response and ameliorated ALI inflammation. Mechanically, miR‐23a‐3p regulated macrophage M1 polarization through targeting polo‐like kinase 1 (PLK1). PLK1 was downregulated in LPS‐treated macrophages and ALI mouse lung tissues. Knockdown of PLK1 increased macrophage M1 polarization through promoting STAT1/STAT3 activation, while overexpression of PLK1 reduced macrophage immune response. Collectively, our results reveal a key miRNA regulon that regulates macrophage polarization for LPS‐induced immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the Internationalization of the Curriculum (IoC) model, this study analyses postgraduate educational programmes that contribute to internationalization in higher education at British and Sino‐British transnational universities. The purpose is to explore postcolonial curricular design influences and opportunities. The study identified patterns based on content analysis of twelve programmes' goals, approaches, and course listings. The findings reflected noteworthy similarities with limited emphasis on the emerging paradigmatic shift of IoC. The study invited one programme director from each type of university to speak about the design intentions from an insider's perspective. The discovery was that both types of universities were driven, in part, by a response to global market trends rather than an ideological postcolonial design imperative. Semi‐structured interviews of postgraduate Chinese students in the Sino‐British university's programme were conducted to understand students' perceptions of learning and former pedagogical experiences. Students appreciated opportunities to explore indigenous knowledge and experiences to make the curriculum relevant and meaningful. They expressed a clear need to conduct independent discoveries without necessarily following the patterns established by Western scholars. The paper offers suggestions for constructing postcolonial learning environments. Implications for educational practices are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a significant side effect of chemotherapeutics. The mechanisms of CIPN remain substantially unidentified, although inflammation‐induced peripheral sensitization has been indicated as an important factor. Here, we aimed to illustrate the role of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9‐related signaling pathway in the process of CIPN. Oxaliplatin (L‐OHP) was administered to mice to establish the CIPN model. Gelatin zymography was used to measure MMP‐9/2 activities. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the expression of high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB‐1), calcitonin gene‐related peptide and ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule 1. Mechanical withdrawal was measured by von Frey hairs testing. Raw 264.7 cells and SH‐SY5Y cells were cultured to investigate cell signaling in vitro. Here, we report that L‐OHP‐induced mechanical pain in mice with significant MMP‐9/2 activation in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. MMP‐9 inhibition or knockout alleviated the occurrence of CIPN directly. MMP‐9/2 were released from macrophages and neurons in the DRG via the HMGB‐1‐toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)‐phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) axis, because MMP‐9/2 activities could be reduced by macrophage scavengers or PI3Kγ knockout in CIPN mice. The in vitro data revealed that induced MMP‐9 activity by recombinant HMGB‐1 could be abolished by TLR4, PI3K or Akt inhibitors. Finally, it was shown that N‐acetyl‐cysteine (NAC) could reduce MMP‐9/2 activities and attenuate CIPN effectively and safely. The HMGB‐1‐TLR4‐PI3K/Akt‐MMP‐9 axis is involved in the crosstalk between macrophages and neurons in the pathological process of CIPN in mice. Direct inhibition of MMP‐9 by NAC may be a potential therapeutic regimen for CIPN treatment. What's new? Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common complication of cancer chemotherapy associated with cold and mechanical hypersensitivity. The mechanisms of CIPN remain unclear, although inflammation‐induced peripheral sensitization is an important factor. This study reveal that matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐9/2, especially MMP‐9, play important roles in the induction of CIPN. The data demonstrate the role of the HMGB‐1‐TLR4‐PI3K/Akt‐MMP‐9 axis in the crosstalk between macrophages and neurons in CIPN mice and highlight MMP‐9 as a promising target for the development of CIPN therapeutic drugs. The study also provides first evidence that N‐acetylcysteine, a well‐known expectorant, attenuates CIPN via potent inhibition of MMP‐9 activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Node dynamics and network topologies play vital roles in determining dynamical behaviours and features of complex networks. Thus it is of great theoretical significance and practical value to identify the node parameters and topologies of uncertain complex networks. This study presents adaptive anticipatory synchronisation‐based approaches to identify the unknown node parameters and topologies of uncertain non‐linearly coupled complex networks perturbed by stochastic noise. Moreover, during the identification process, the authors proposed scheme guarantees anticipatory synchronisation between the uncertain drive and constructed response network simultaneously. In particular, their methods can be used to recover node parameters and topologies of complex networks in several special cases, such as cases without node delay or coupling delay. Furthermore, numerical simulations are provided to verify the applicability and effectiveness of their methods for recovering node parameters and topologies of uncertain non‐linearly coupled complex networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]