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In the contemporary field of optimal trajectory planning for industrial robots, it is customary to construct trajectories through the manual predefinition of interpolation functions. Unfortunately, this method frequently overlooks the influence of the interpolation function itself on the optimization objectives, resulting in suboptimal outcomes. To remedy this limitation, an optimal trajectory planning method with coupled interpolation function selection is proposed, in which the total task time and the integral squared jerk are defined as optimization objectives. This method minimizes the optimization objectives while also factoring in the optimal interpolation function, and avoiding subjective interference. To address the aforementioned biobjective optimization problem better, an Improved MultiObjective Golden Eagle Optimizer is introduced. Population diversity and the ability to escape local optima are enhanced through the incorporation of Chaotic Mapping, Opposition‐Based Learning, Differential Evolution, and adaptive inertia weight strategy into the algorithm. The superiority of the algorithm is validated through a series of simulations on 17 benchmark functions. In the context of the robotic stirring operation within the automated block cast charging process, the proposed method is utilized to derive the time–jerk optimal trajectory. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and destructive autoimmune disease that has created a global burden. However, the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of IBD remain difficult problems to overcome. The anti‐inflammatory action of anion‐dependent layered double hydroxide (LDH) is evaluated in IBD. Raw264.7 macrophages induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced low levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines after LDH treatment. The results from dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced murine colitis models show that LDHs significantly reduce pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the colon tissue and inhibit colon atrophy. Most importantly, LDH with NO3− as the interlayer anion (LDH‐NO3−) demonstrates superior anti‐inflammatory ability compared to LDH with Cl− as the interlayer anion (LDH‐Cl−), both in vitro and in vivo. LDH‐NO3− promotes the differentiation of CD206+CX3CR1+ lamina propria macrophages, reduces the abundance of T helper 17 (Th17) cells, and inhibits the activation of the IL‐17 signaling pathway. LDH‐NO3− also limits the pro‐inflammatory effects of IL‐17A on macrophages, and the anti‐inflammatory effects of LDH‐NO3− are reversed by IL‐17RA‐siRNA. Suggesting that LDH effectively inhibits the inflammatory reaction induced by the interaction between macrophages and Th17 cells. This study demonstrates that LDH‐NO3− is a drug‐free nanomedicine that acts against IBD, providing application prospects for LDH‐NO3− in IBD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global prevalence and metastasis rates of colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) are high, and therapeutic success is limited. Although previous research has primarily explored changes in gene phenotypes, the incidence rate of COAD remains unchanged. Metabolic reprogramming is a crucial aspect of cancer research and therapy. The present study aims to develop cluster and polygenic risk prediction models for COAD based on glucose metabolism pathways to assess the survival status of patients and potentially identify novel immunotherapy strategies and related therapeutic targets. Methods: COAD‐specific data (including clinicopathological information and gene expression profiles) were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE33113 and GSE39582). Gene sets related to glucose metabolism were obtained from the MSigDB database. The Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) method was utilized to calculate pathway scores for glucose metabolism. The hclust function in R, part of the Pheatmap package, was used to establish a clustering system. The mutation characteristics of identified clusters were assessed via MOVICS software, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were filtered using limma software. Signature analysis was performed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method. Survival curves, survival receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and multivariate Cox regression were analyzed to assess the efficacy and accuracy of the signature for prognostic prediction. The pRRophetic program was employed to predict drug sensitivity, with data sourced from the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database. Results: Four COAD subgroups (i.e., C1, C2, C3 and C4) were identified based on glucose metabolism, with the C4 group having higher survival rates. These four clusters were bifurcated into a new Clust2 system (C1 + C2 + C3 and C4). In total, 2175 DEGs were obtained (C1 + C2 + C3 vs. C4), from which 139 prognosis‐related genes were identified. ROC curves predicting 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival based on a signature containing nine genes showed an area under the curve greater than 0.7. Meanwhile, the study also found this feature to be an important predictor of prognosis in COAD and accordingly assessed the risk score, with higher risk scores being associated with a worse prognosis. The high‐risk and low‐risk groups responded differently to immunotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents, and there were differences in functional enrichment pathways. Conclusions: This unique signature based on glucose metabolism may potentially provide a basis for predicting patient prognosis, biological characteristics and more effective immunotherapy strategies for COAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D metal–organic frameworks are attractive filler in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) due to the high aspect ratio and contact opportunity at the filler–polymer interface. However, their alignment in polymer matrix remains a challenge to fully play their functions. Herein, to our best knowledge, for the first time, the facile synthesis of KAUST‐7‐NH2 (KAUST, King University of Science and Technology) nanoplate is reported with 1D channels with an aspect ratio greater than 30. The nanoplates are incorporated and aligned in the 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride‐2,4‐diaminomesitylene (6FDA‐DAM) polymer matrix under the shear force with a filler loading up to 50 wt%. The large difference in adsorption abilities between CO2 and CH4 from the (001)‐oriented KAUST‐7‐NH2 nanoplate‐based MMMs and the favorable interaction at the filler–polymer interface contribute to the excellent CO2/CH4 separation performance. The resultant membranes show CO2/CH4 selectivity with 66.2% enhancement (surpassed 2008 Robeson upper bound), antiplasticization up to 17 bar, and long‐term stability up to 240 h indicating its good potential for natural gas treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A concise and mild method to construct 8‐azaguanines derivatives in one‐pot fashion has been developed. This strategy involves a rapid assembly of ethyl diazoacetate (EDA) with two carbodiimides via a cascade cyclization process. A variety of diversely substituted 8‐azaguanines derivatives were prepared with good regioselectivity and yields. The facile scale‐up synthesis further revealed the promising utility of this methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported that Cavin1 deficiency causes lipodystrophy in both humans and mice by affecting lipid metabolism. The ablation of Cavin1 in rodents also causes a significant deviation from Mendelian ratio at weaning in a background‐dependent manner, suggesting the presence of undiscovered functions of Cavin1. In the current study, the results show that Cavin1 deficiency causes neonatal death in C57BL/6J mice by dampening the storage and mobilization of glycogen in the liver, which leads to lethal neonatal hypoglycemia. Further investigation by electron microscopy reveals that Cavin1 deficiency impairs the fenestration in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and impacts the permeability of endothelial barrier in the liver. Mechanistically, Cavin1 deficiency inhibits the RhoA‐Rho‐associated protein kinase 2‐LIM domain kinase‐Cofilin signaling pathway and suppresses the dynamics of the cytoskeleton, and eventually causes the reduction of fenestrae in LSECs. In addition, the defect of fenestration in LSECs caused by Cavin1 deficiency can be rescued by treatment with the F‐actin depolymerization reagent latrunculin A. In summary, the current study reveals a novel function of Cavin1 on fenestrae formation in LSECs and liver glycogen metabolism, which provide an explanation for the neonatal death of Cavin1 null mice and a potential mechanism for metabolic disorders in patients with Cavin1 mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of cannabinoid receptor type II (CB2R) by AM1241 has been demonstrated to protect dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD) animals. However, the specific mechanisms of the action of the CB2R agonist AM1241 for PD treatment have not been characterized. Wild‐type (WT), CB1R knockout (CB1‐KO), and CB2R knockout (CB2‐KO) mice were exposed to 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 1 week to obtain a PD mouse model. The therapeutic effects of AM1241 were evaluated in each group. Behavioral tests, analysis of neurotransmitters, and immunofluorescence results demonstrated that AM1241 ameliorated PD in WT animals and CB1‐KO animals. However, AM1241 did not ameliorate PD symptoms in CB2‐KO mice. RNA‐seq analysis identified the lncRNA Xist as an important regulator of the protective actions of AM1241. Specifically, AM1241 allowed WT and CB1‐KO animals treated with MPTP to maintain normal expression of Xist, which affected the expression of miR‐133b‐3p and Pitx3. In vitro, overexpression of Xist or AM1241 protected neuronal cells from death induced by 6‐hydroxydopamine and increased Pitx3 expression. The CB2 receptor agonist AM1241 alleviated PD via regulation of the Xist/miR‐133b‐3p/Pitx3 axis, and revealed a new approach for PD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is remarkably desirable and challenging to design a stretchable conductive material with tunable electromagnetic‐interference (EMI) shielding and heat transfer for applications in flexible electronics. However, the existing materials sustained a severe attenuation of performances when largely stretched. Here, a super‐stretchable (800% strain) liquid metal foamed elastomer composite (LMF‐EC) is reported, achieving super‐high electrical (≈104 S cm−1) and thermal (17.6 W mK−1) conductivities under a large strain of 400%, which also exhibits unexpected stretching‐enhanced EMI shielding effectiveness of 85 dB due to the conductive network elongation and reorientation. By varying the liquid and solid states of LMF, the stretching can enable a multifunctional reversible switch that simultaneously regulates the thermal, electrical, and electromagnetic wave transport. Novel flexible temperature control and a thermoelectric system based on LMF‐EC is furthermore developed. This work is a significant step toward the development of smart electromagnetic and thermal regulator for stretchable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floodplain lakes represent important aquatic ecosystems, and field‐based estimates of their water budgets are difficult to obtain, especially over multiple years. We examine the hydrological fluxes for an Amazon floodplain lake connected to the Solimões River using a process‐based hydrologic model. Water exchanges between the river and lake agree well with field estimates, including the timing of different hydrological phases. However, beyond available field data, modeling results show that the seven simulated years all differed from each other. These interannual differences were caused by the interplay between phases when water levels were rising with river‐water flowing into the lake (RWRI), versus rising with lake‐water flowing out to the river (RWLO). This exchange determines the river‐water content in the lake (CL). Maximum CL occurred before river levels peaked because local catchment contributions can be sufficient to push lake‐water out to the river, even as river levels rise. Numerical experiments show that the seasonal distribution of local rainfall, local catchment size, and interannual variability in both climate and river stage can contribute to differing dynamics of CL in a floodplain lake. Their impacts vary among phases: river‐rise dominates the RWRI, whereas local hydrological processes dominate the RWLO and receding‐water phases. Intermediate‐to‐long‐term rainfall accumulation controls CL during the RWLO phase, whereas annual precipitation accumulation is important for CL during low water. Our model generalizes beyond limited available field studies and offers potential to better understand floodplain lakes in other areas and how regional versus local changes in climate may affect their hydrological dynamics. Key Points: Each year of modeled water exchanges between the Solimões and a floodplain lake differed as the river stage interacted with the local runoffPerturbed runs show 10‐month rainfall accumulation and the rate of seasonal river rise as strong controls of river‐water contentClimate type, basin area, and interannual rainfall variability all have important but seasonally varying influences on river‐water content [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the multilayer textile preform which is usually used in the resin transfer molding (RTM) process, the penetration phenomenon existing between two neighboring layers is referred to as nesting, which has important influence on the permeability of the preforms. Predicting the permeability of the textile preforms with nesting accurately is the foundation of mold‐filling simulation and process optimization for RTM. In this article, based on the analyses of the penetration and local deformation behaviors between two neighboring layers, an assumption on constant area of yarn cross‐section is established, and a long axis compensation method is proposed to build the geometry model of the multilayer textile preform with nesting in laminates. The governing equations of the resin flow in textile preform are built, and a high resolution total variation diminishing difference scheme is constructed based on Adams–Bashforth scheme and Chorin projection method to numerically solve the above equations and predict the permeability of the preform. According to the comparison between simulation predictions and experimental measurements, the validities of the above geometry modeling method and permeability prediction algorithm are proved. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4408–4415, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Herein, a one‐step solvothermal strategy to synthesize amphiphilic, highly fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as nucleus‐targeted fluorescence probes is reported. The edge‐functionalization of GQDs with N and Cl ligands renders them amphiphilic and positive charged for boosting membrane crossing and histone binding in the nuclei. The fluorescent properties of the GQDs can be markedly enhanced by Cl doping, and thus their fluorescence quantum yield is raised to 30% under optimized Cl doping. The self‐targeted GQDs exhibit multicolor cell imaging capability for visualization of fine architectures of the nucleus such as the nuclear envelope and nucleoli, which can be associated with their distinct surface features like amphiphilicity and high positive charge. These findings serve as a simple nuclear targeting strategy for cancer diagnosis and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a promising drug nano‐carrier system consisting of mono‐dispersed and pH sensitive carboxylated chitosan‐hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Ccs‐HMSNs) suitable for the treatment of malignant cells was synthesised and investigated. At neutral pH, the Ccs molecules are orderly aggregated state, which could effectively hinder the release of loaded drug molecules. However, in slightly acidic environment, Ccs chains are heavily and flexibly entangled in gel state, which would enhance the subsequent controlled release of the loaded drug. Using doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX•HCl) as the drug model, their results demonstrated that the system had an excellent loading efficiency (64.74 μg/mg Ccs‐HMSNs) and exhibited a pH‐sensitive release behaviour. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that the Ccs‐HMSNs nanocomposite could effectively deliver and release DOX•HCl to the nucleus of HeLa cells, thereby inducing apoptosis. In addition, MTT assay also confirmed that DOX•HCl loaded Ccs‐HMSNs (DOX•HCl@Ccs‐HMSNs) exhibited a good anticancer effect on HeLa cells with a time‐dependent manner. Finally, haemolysis experiment showed Ccs‐HMSNs had no haemolytic activity at all the tested concentrations (5–320 μg/mL). Thus, this biocompatible and effective nano‐carrier system will have potential applications in controllable drug delivery and cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient electrocatalysts with low cost and earth abundance for overall water splitting is very important in energy conversion. Although many electrocatalysts based on transition metal dichalcogenides have been developed, rational design and controllable synthesis of fine nanostructures with subtle morphologies and sequential chemical compositions related to these materials remains a challenge. This study reports a series of peapod-like composites with component-controllable Co(SxSe1-x)2 nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon fibers, which are obtained by using Co(CO3)0.5(OH)•0.11H2O nanowires as a precursor followed by coating carbon fiber and an adjustable sulfuration/selenylation process. Due to its increased exposure of active sites and improved charge and mass transport capability derived from the unique structure and morphology, the Co(SxSe1-x)2 samples display favorable catalytic activities. It is found that Co(S0.71Se0.29)2 exhibits the best hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance and Co(S0.22Se0.78)2 shows the highest activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). When using Co(S0.71Se0.29)2 as a cathode and Co(S0.22Se0.78)2 as an anode, it demonstrates a durable activity for overall water splitting to deliver 10 mA cm-2 at a cell voltage of 1.63 V, thus offering an attractive cost-effective earth abundant material system toward water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetics and mechanisms of ultraviolet photochemical transformation of propylparaben (PPB) were studied. Specific kinetics scavenging experiments coupled with quantum yield determinations were used to distinguish the roles of various reactive species induced by self-sensitized and direct photolysis reactions, and the excited triplet state of PPB (3PPB*) was identified as the most important species to initiate the photochemical degradation of PPB in aquatic environments. The computational results of time-resolved absorption spectra proved that 3PPB* is a highly reactive electron acceptor, and a head-to-tail hydrogen transfer mechanism probably occurs through electron coupled with proton transfer. Physical quenching by, or chemical reaction of 3PPB* with, O2 was confirmed as a key step affecting the initial PPB transformation pathways and degradation mechanisms. The transformation products were identified and the toxicity evolutions of PPB solutions during photochemical degradation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions were compared. The results indicate that anaerobic conditions are more likely than aerobic conditions to lead to the elimination and detoxification of PPB but less likely to lead to PPB mineralization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1809-1816. © 2014 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-temperature high-pressure extrusion of sorghum-maize composite flour, of potential for healthy food manufacture, was investigated by factorial experimental design to determine the effect of level of sorghum in dry mix (15-60%); final barrel zone temperature (120-150 °C); total moisture in barrel (21.4-25.8%); total input rate (2.3-6.8 kg h−1); and screw speed (250-450 rpm) on extrudate slowly digestible starch ( SDS), phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, protein digestibility, density and expansion ratio. Extrudate SDS increased with increasing sorghum level and decreased as the barrel temperature increased. Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were positively associated with sorghum level. Protein digestibility was associated negatively with sorghum level and positively with barrel temperature. Extrudate density was associated positively with total moisture and negatively with barrel temperature and input rate. Sorghum in dry mix, final barrel zone temperature and total moisture in barrel were the three most significant independent variables influencing extrudate dependant variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this paper, the binding properties of teicoplanin and vancomycin to bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated using fluorescence quenching, synchronous fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), circular dichroism (CD) and UV-vis spectroscopic techniques and molecular docking under simulative physiological conditions. The results obtained from fluorescence quenching data revealed that the drug-BSA interaction altered the conformational structure of BSA. Meanwhile, the 3D fluorescence, CD, FTIR and UV-vis data demonstrated that the conformation of BSA was slightly altered in the presence of teicoplanin and vancomycin, with different reduced α-helical contents. The binding distances for the drug-BSA system were provided by the efficiency of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Furthermore, the thermodynamic analysis implied that hydrogen bond and van der Waals' forces were the main interaction for the drug-BSA systems, which agreed well with the results from the molecular modeling study. The results obtained herein will be of biological significance in future toxicological and pharmacological investigation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of hierarchical magnetic nanomaterials with well-defined structure, high magnetic response, excellent colloidal stability, and biocompatibility is highly sought after for drug-delivery systems. Herein, a new kind of hollow-core magnetic colloidal nanocrystal cluster (HMCNC) with porous shell and tunable hollow chamber is synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal process. Its novelty lies in the 'tunability' of the hollow chamber and of the pore structure within the shell through controlled feeding of sodium citrate and water, respectively. Furthermore, by using the ligand-exchange method, folate-modified poly(acrylic acid) was immobilized on the surface of HMCNCs to create folate-targeted HMCNCs (folate-HMCNCs), which endowed them with excellent colloidal stability, pH sensitivity, and, more importantly, folate receptor-targeting ability. These assemblages exhibited excellent colloidal stability in plasma solution. Doxorubicin (DOX), as a model anticancer agent, was loaded within the hollow core of these folate-HMCNCs (folate-HMCNCs-DOX), and drug-release experiments proved that the folate-HMCNCs-DOX demonstrated pH-dependent release behavior. The folate-HMCNCs-DOX assemblages also exhibited higher potent cytotoxicity to HeLa cells than free doxorubicin. Moreover, folate-HMCNCs-DOX showed rapid cell uptake apart from the enhanced cytotoxicity to HeLa cells. Experimental results confirmed that the synthesized folate-HMCNCs are smart nanovehicles as a result of their improved folate receptor-targeting abilities and also because of their combined pH- and magnetic-stimuli response for applications in drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy has demonstrated significant clinical success in various malignant tumors. However, the therapeutic response is limited due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITM). In this study, a functional nanomaterial, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), carrying specific functional miR155 is developed to modulate ITM by synergistically repolarizing tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) to M1 subtype. LDH nanoparticles loaded with miR155 (LDH@155) exhibit superior ability in cellular uptake by murine macrophages, miR escape into the cytoplasm and TAMs specific delivery when introtumoral administration. Meanwhile, upon exposure to LDH@155, TAMs are significantly skewed to M1 subtype, which markedly inhibits myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) formation and stimulates T‐lymphocytes to secrete more interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) cytokines in vitro. Introtumoral administration of LDH@155 reduces the percentage of TAMs and MDSCs in the tumor and elevates CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration and activation, which can promote therapeutic efficiency of α‐PD‐1 antibody immunotherapy. Furthermore, it is found that LDH@155 significantly decreases the expression level of phosphorylated STAT3 and ERK1/2 and activates NF‐κB expression in TAMs, indicating that the STAT3, ERK1/2, and NF‐κB signaling pathways may involve in LDH@155‐induced macrophage polarization. Overall, the results suggest that LDH@155 nanoparticles may, in the future, function as a promising agent for cancer combinational immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]