Intermediate Link Research Articles

Alterations in gut microbiome and metabolomics in chronic hepatitis B infection-associated liver disease and their impact on peripheral immune response

ABSTRACT Gut dysbiosis has been reported in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, however its role in CHB progression and antiviral treatment remains to be clarified. Herein, the present study aimed to characterize gut microbiota (GM) in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection-associated liver diseases (HBV-CLD) by combining microbiome with metabolome analyses and to evaluate their effects on peripheral immunity. Fecal samples from HBV-CLD patients (n = 64) and healthy controls (n = 17) were collected for 16s rRNA sequencing. Fecal metabolomics was measured with untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in subgroups of 58 subjects. Lineage changes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined upon exposure to bacterial extracts (BE) from HBV-CLD patients. Integrated analyses of microbiome with metabolome revealed a remarkable shift of gut microbiota and metabolites in HBV-CLD patients, and disease progression and antiviral treatment were found to be two main contributing factors for the shift. Concordant decreases in Turicibacter with 4-hydroxyretinoic acid were detected to be inversely correlated with serum AST levels through host-microbiota-metabolite interaction analysis in cirrhotic patients. Moreover, depletion of E.hallii group with elevated choline was restored in patients with 5-year antiviral treatment. PBMC exposure to BE from non-cirrhotic patients enhanced expansion of T helper 17 cells; however, BE from cirrhotics attenuated T helper 1 cell count. CHB progression and antiviral treatment are two main factors contributing to the compositional shift in microbiome and metabolome of HBV-CLD patients. Peripheral immunity might be an intermediate link in gut microbe-host interplay underlying CHB pathogenesis.

The involvement of oxidative stress mediated endoplasmic reticulum pathway in apoptosis of Golden Pompano (Trachinotus blochii) liver under PS-MPs stress

Globally, microplastics (MPs) are highly prevalent, especially in coastal areas. Unfortunately, golden pompano as a major marine fish in China is typically raised in floating marine cages near coasts, facing these MPs sources. However, toxicological studies on Golden Pompano which farm in coastal areas and face actual microplastic exposure are rare. Therefore, golden pompano were exposed to 10.0 μg/L, 100.0 μg/L, and 1000.0 μg/L polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) for 14 days to study the potential impact of the microplastics on the Golden Pompano. Fish show slowed growth after 14 days of exposure. Histopathology shows irregular shaped nuclei and nuclear and cytoplasmic vacuolation traits in liver. Oxidative stress-related enzyme activity and gene expression data show that oxidative damage occurs in the high-concentrations (100.0 μg/L and 1000.0 μg/L) of PS-MPs exposures. Up-regulation of Grp78, Xbp-1, Eif-2α and chop gene expression indicates the occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum stress, and the western blot results also confirmed this. Severe oxidative stress also caused ERS, which ultimately increased BAX/Bcl-2 ratios and induces apoptosis. Furthermore, up-regulated anaerobic respiration, altered lipid metabolism, and immune disturbance were exhibited during PS-MPs stress. Therefore, oxidative stress appeared to be the main toxicity issue caused by MPs, while ERS-mediated apoptosis, metabolic alterations, and immune responses were induced by this stress. Notably, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis are a self-protective mechanism, which may be an intermediate link in the toxicity of microplastics. This study highlights the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in MPs toxicology and assesses the adverse effects of microplastics on Golden Pompano.

Direct generation of finite element mesh using 3D laser point cloud

An approach for the finite element (FE) mesh generation of tunnel structures considering the lack of detail, low automation, and intermediate link transformation in the FE mesh generation of tunnels based on the 3D laser point cloud is presented in this paper. To this end, we acquired the tunnel point cloud model using terrestrial laser scanning or mobile laser scanning, and uniform nodes from the raw point cloud using a clock simulation extraction algorithm we developed. In addition, we assign topology information to these nodes. Further, we generated an FE model of the tunnel structure suitable for numerical simulation analysis using Abaqus. We applied the developed method to three types of tunnels; the mesh satisfied the evaluation standards of practical engineering applications. We examined the impact of mesh size and used an engineering example to confirm the method's accuracy. Finally, we provide recommendations for future research considering the future trend of FE mesh generation based on the 3D laser point cloud and its improvements.

Path reachability including distance-constrained detours

When nodes and/or links are down in a network, the network may not function normally. Most of the existing work focuses on the reachability between two nodes along a path, that is, path reliability, and that through arbitrary paths, that is, network reliability. However, in case of wireless multi-hop networks and road networks, it may be inefficient or difficult to recalculate a path from the source to the destination when a failure occurs at an intermediate link in the path. In such cases, we can expect that the reachability between two nodes will improve by taking a detour from the entry of the failure link (i.e. failure point) to the destination without traversing the failure link. Since the detour may also increase the communication/travel delay, in this paper, we propose a new path metric (i.e. path reachability including distance-constrained detours), which consists of the conventional path reachability and the reachability along distance-constrained detours under arbitrary link failures in the original path. We first prove the two important characteristics: (1) the proposed metric is exactly the same as the network reliability in case of no distance constraint and (2) it is upper bounded by the diameter constrained network reliability. Through numerical results using a grid network and more realistic networks (i.e. wireless networks and a road network), we show the fundamental characteristics of the proposed metric and analyze the goodness of several representative paths in terms of the proposed metric as well as the conventional metrics (i.e. path length and path reachability).

Sokyryntsi Park as the embodiment of the "double life" of the Galagan family

The history and principles of planning the park of the aristocratic country residence of the Galagan family – "Sokyryntsi" are described. Compared to such parks as Oleksandriia and Sofiivka, Sokyryntsi Park is much less well-known, although it is a unique intermediate link between the "official" parks of Classicism-Empire style, such as Oleksandriia in Bila Tserkva and "private" "Ossian parks", as Sofiivka Park in Uman. Although in some sources Sokyryntsi Park with a complex of buildings and structures belongs to the Empire style, but a deeper analysis has shown the simultaneous presence of components characteristic of the "English Landscape Park" and "Ossian Park". The Sokyryntsi ensemble is a unique example in terms of its division into three zones – "parade", "memorial", closed from strangers, and "recreational" on the shores of reservoirs. In addition, this is a rare example of the location directly on the estate of two churches, family crypts and the house of the estate founder. The Sokyryntsi ensemble is a unique example of how the "double life" of the family was subconsciously embodied in the planning and development of the park, where the "parade" part testified to the education of the owners and their role in the Russian Empire, instead, the hidden "memorial" part acted as a "figure of silence" about the shameful deeds of the estate founder. The methods of historical and culturological analysis, method of comparative analysis, method of field surveys with the implementation of dimensional drawings and photofixation were used.

Vitality Evaluation of Public Spaces in Historical and Cultural Blocks Based on Multi-Source Data, a Case Study of Suzhou Changmen

As an intermediate link in the three-level heritage protection system of City–Block–Relic, the historical and cultural block is the most important part. As a component of a city, the vitality of historical and cultural blocks is related to the quality of urban space and the inheritance of cultural memory, and it is of great significance to urban renewal and sustainable development. However, traditional urban vitality evaluation methods need to deal with a large number of complex data, and it is often challenging to take into account the dual characteristics of space and culture. Traditional data and independent analysis strategy cannot not function well anymore. Therefore, this study proposes a vitality evaluation model based on multi-source data, which can account for the dual characteristics of space and culture, carry out dimension-reduced analysis for complex elements, so as to display the vitality image and indicate the key influencing factors of the block vitality. This maybe of important significance for exploring the internal dynamism of historical and cultural blocks. Firstly, guided by the “space-culture” composition of historical and cultural blocks, a wide variety of multi-level complex influencing factors of the vitality can be summed up to establish a three-layer vitality evaluation model. Secondly, the integration of multi-source data is realized by using the digital platform and giving out vitality pictures of the block. In this process, the Changmen historical and cultural block of Suzhou is taken as the sample for empirical research. Finally, the evaluation model is verified by combining the field investigation and the external representation of vitality. The calculation results are compared with the external manifestation of vitality, demonstrating the critical influencing factors of the vitality of public space in historical and cultural blocks, pointing out the direction for the creation of a residential environment and the promotion of vitality in the blocks.

Downregulation of GABAARα1 Aggravates Comorbidity of Epilepsy and Migraine via the TLR4 Signaling Pathway.

Epilepsy and migraine are among the most prevalent neurological disorders. By being comorbid, the presence of one disorder increases the likelihood of the other. Although several similar clinical features of epilepsy and migraine have been observed as early as the 19th century, only in recent years have researchers engaged in finding a common pathogenic mechanism between them. In this study, the epilepsy-migraine comorbidity rat model was generated, and the pathophysiological basis of epilepsy-migraine comorbidity was examined. Male rats were divided into four groups: control, migraine, epilepsy, epilepsy-migraine comorbidity. After establishing the models, the amount of scratching and the pain threshold of the rats were observed. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the protein expression levels of TLR4 and GABAARα1 in the temporal cortex, hippocampus, trigeminal ganglion, and medullary dorsal horn. Subsequently, co-immunoprecipitation of GABAARα1 and TLR4 was performed. Then, the rats were divided into three groups: comorbidity, comorbidity + TAK-242, and comorbidity + muscimol. After drug intervention, the seizure latency, seizure level, amount of scratching, and pain threshold were observed. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of TLR4 and GABAARα1 in the temporal cortex, hippocampus, trigeminal ganglion, and medullary dorsal horn. Our results demonstrate that the seizure attacks in comorbidity and epilepsy groups performed severely, and the comorbidity and migraine groups displayed a remarkable increase in the amount of head-scratching and a noticeable decrease in the facial mechanical withdrawal threshold. Further analysis revealed considerably increased Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), associated with reduced γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor α1 (GABAARα1) and microglia enhanced in the epilepsy-migraine comorbidity rat. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation proved GABAARα1 binding TLR4. Following muscimol to activate GABAARα1, seizure attacks and migraine-like behavior were rescued. GABAARα1 level increment was accompanied by the decline of TLR4, while TAK-242, the inhibitor of TLR4, only decreased TLR4 without affecting GABAARα1 expression. It also ameliorated the migraine-like behavior with no impact on seizure activity. We propose that GABAARα1 binding and negatively regulating TLR4 contribute to epilepsy-migraine comorbidity; TLR4 is a critical intermediate link in epilepsy-migraine comorbidity; immune-induced neuroinflammation in microglia may be involved in migraine and epilepsy-migraine comorbidity.

Impact of Coastal Sediments of the Northern Dvina River on Microplastics Inputs to the White and Barents Seas

The Northern Dvina River flowing into the White Sea may be one of the main sources of microplastic (MP) pollution in the Arctic region. The coastal sediments of the Northern Dvina River act as an intermediate link in the transport of microplastics to the areas of the White and Barents Seas. The µFT-IR and Py-GC/MS methods were used to determine that up to 200 particles or 120 mg of MP per kg could accumulate in the coastal sediments of the Northern Dvina River. Coastal sediments tend to accumulate ABS and PS plastic particles with a particle size of around 200 µm. The accumulated microplastics (218 particles or 117 mg per kg of sediment per year) are carried away by strong currents, especially during spring flooding, resulting in pollution of the Barents and White Seas. The obtained data play an important role in assessing the MP pollution of the Arctic region, especially the White and Barents Seas.

Genetic diversity of rhizobial strains isolated from the relict legumes <em>Gueldenstaedtia monophylla</em> and <em>G. verna</em> growing in the republics of Altai and Buryatia (Russia)

For the first time, bacteria were isolated and identified from the root nodules of relict legumes Gueldenstaedtia monophylla Fisch. and G. verna (Georgi) Boriss. growing in the republics of Altai and Buryatia. The taxonomic position of the 29 obtained isolates was determined by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene (rrs). Showing a significant biodiversity, the isolates from G. monophylla and G. verna belonged to five genera of the order Rhizobiales: Mesorhizobium and Phyllobacterium (family Phyllobacteriaceae), Rhizobium (family Rhizobiaceae), Bosea (family Boseaceae), Bradyrhizobium (family Bradyrhizobiaceae). Three isolates which belonged to the species Bradyrhizobium valentinum and Rhizobium alamii showed 100 % of rrs-similarity with the type strains B. valentinum LmjM3T and R. alamii GBV016T, respectively. Six isolates of the genera Bosea and Rhizobium had a low level of rrs-similarity with the closest type strains (less than 99.5 %), which indicates that they may be assigned to new species. The data obtained can be used to itemise taxonomy within the order Rhizobiales, as well as to reveal the mechanisms of the formation of specific plant-microbial relationships during the evolution of symbiosis by studying the intermediate link between the extinct and modern rhizobia-legume symbiotic systems.

Prediction of sap flow with historical environmental factors based on deep learning technology

Sap flow is an important intermediate link that reflects the continuous soil–plant-atmosphere cycle. Therefore, it is important to predict the sap flow to analyze the amount of tree transpiration for assessing of water consumption. In this paper, we propose a new sap flow assessment using environmental factors based on a convolutional neural network-gated recurrent unit (CGRU) hybrid deep learning method. The model was trained and tested with the sap flow and environmental factors from 17,568 group observations from public SAPFLUXNET dataset. These group observations measured from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012, with acquisition interval of 30 min for one tree of New Zealand Agathis australis. After designed the CGRU structure by integrated a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural network, the input variables were selected with a correlation analysis between sap flow and environmental factors. Additionally, the number of previous conditions were introduced into the input of the model. Results showed that when the number of previous conditions set to 16, the learning rate set to 0.01 with Adam optimization algorithm, the mean squared error, mean absolute percentage error, and coefficient of determination of the CGRU model were 0.00231, 22.31 and 0.948 respectively. Comparing results showed that the CGRU-based sap flow prediction model has more accuracy than other eight models participating in the test including the independent CNN, GRU, CNN-Long short-term memory (LSTM) and five traditional machine learning based models. The least time spent on training is also the CGRU model. The CGRU-based sap flow prediction model proposed in this paper can capture complex nonlinear dependencies and yield accurate assessments of sap flow. Our model we established in this paper can be useful for research on forest stand transpiration, water consumption and the soil–plant-atmosphere cycle.

Проблемы языковой вариативности (на материале французского языка Швейцарии)

The aim of the study is to determine the features of the lexical variability in the French language, which functions in Switzerland adjacent to the metropolis. The article reveals the features of its lexical-semantic system, gives a description of the lexicographic editions of French Switzerland, which served as reference material for the analysis of vocabulary. Theoretical and methodological aspects of studying the regional forms of the language are considered. The scientific novelty of the study lies in a comprehensive analysis of scientific sources of regional vocabulary and in substantiating the problem of linguistic differentiation in disunited territories. As a result, it is proved that regional languages as components of the French language state are a complex historical category and an intermediate link between the literary language and disappearing dialects.

A More Efficient Single-Phase AC/DC Converter With Automatic PFC and Power Decoupling Capability

Reducing power transmission path is a new trend to increase the whole efficiency. Moreover, the electrolytic capacitors (E-caps) are another essential criterion for judging the performance of converters. Based on this, a novel single-stage ac/dc converter is proposed in this article, which demands fewer power semiconductors compared to previous works due to the time-sharing power devices; thus lower cost and higher power density are achieved. The power flow of the decoupling circuit is further optimized, where most of the energy is designed to transfer directly to the load, reducing the intermediate link and only absorbing pulsating power with the film capacitor, thus higher efficiency is guaranteed. Additionally, a simple control scheme is presented, where near perfect power factor (PF) is obtained. Finally, all the superior performances of the proposed light-emitting diode (LED) driver are verified by an experimental prototype with a rated output power of 100 W.

Performance analysis of hybrid free space optical and visible light communications for underwater applications using spatial diversity

In this paper, we analyze a combination based on a hybrid triple hop terrestrial free-space optical (FSO), a fiber optic cable (FOC), and an underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) link for providing high-speed optical connectivity between onshore and submerge systems. UOWC, scattering, absorption, and turbulence severely degrade the reliability and transmission rate of the UOWC link. In our manuscript, a bend-insensitive intermediate FOC link and a spatial diversity (SD) are exploited to improve the error performance of UOWC links, which involves the deployment of multiple input single outputs (MISO). For this purpose, different transmission signaling schemes, such as pulse position modulation (PPM) with spatial modulation (SM) and on–off keying (OOK) with repetition coding (RC), are employed to evaluate the system performance in terms of average bit error rate (ABER). The behavior of the entire system is obtained by applying a decode-and-forward (DF), where we consider log-normal channels for FSO and UOWC. The path loss and turbulence are obtained using intensity modulation and direct detection schemes. To obtain performance results, Monte Carlo-based statistical simulation method is applied to validate the analytical ABER performance of the system. The achieved results reveal that MISO-OOK-RC has superior ABER performance as compared to MISO-PPM-SM in higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions with different underwater turbulence strengths.

Human Operating Risk Assessment for Outdoor Terminal Box of Electric Power

The outdoor terminal box is the basic node of the power Internet of Things as an intermediate link between outdoor electrical equipment and indoor equipment, like measurement and control, protection, communication and other equipment. Terminal boxes and terminals need to be regularly checked on site, loop tests, transformations, and equipment replacement. Operator errors have become one of the main factors in outdoor terminal box accidents. In terms of human risk assessment of outdoor terminal boxes, few papers are involved. In order to correctly evaluate the influence of human factors on the failure of outdoor terminal boxes, the paper first analyzes the human behavior factors of outdoor terminal box operators, the common performance conditions of the CREAM (Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method) model is used to analyze the human behavior mechanism and behavior reliability factors during the operation of the terminal box. Then, the SLIM (Success Likelihood Index Method) model is used to calculate the probability of human error. The proportional failure model is used to calculate the failure rate of the outdoor terminal box itself. Finally, taking a circuit breaker terminal box as an example for simulation, the probability of human error is 1.56%, the equipment failure rate is 0.84%, the risk value of the system is 10.7%, and the risk level of the system is 3. From the probabilistic perspective, it shows that human factors have a greater influence on the causes of accidents.

The Regulation Mechanism and Model of Water Resources in the Loess Plateau

From the perspective of water resource utilization cycle, a water utilization system basically includes five links, water source system, water delivery system, water distribution system, user system and drainage system. Water resource regulation is to minimize the ineffective loss of water resources from all aspects of water resource utilization. The water resource regulation process should include the regulation of five links: water source system, water delivery system, water distribution system, user system and drainage system. The five systems are simplified into three parts, namely the source (water source system), the intermediate link (water delivery system, water distribution system, user system), and the end (drainage system). This study starts from the link of the water resource utilization system, and studies the regulation mechanism and mode of water resources, in order to provide a reference for the regulation of regional water resources.

The missing link between standing- and traveling-wave resonators

Abstract Optical resonators are structures that utilize wave interference and feedback to confine light in all three dimensions. Depending on the feedback mechanism, resonators can support either standing- or traveling-wave modes. Over the years, the distinction between these two different types of modes has become so prevalent that nowadays it is one of the main characteristics for classifying optical resonators. Here, we show that an intermediate link between these two rather different groups exists. In particular, we introduce a new class of photonic resonators that supports a hybrid optical mode, i.e. at one location along the resonator the electromagnetic fields associated with the mode feature a purely standing-wave pattern, while at a different location, the fields of the same mode represent a pure traveling wave. The proposed concept is general and can be implemented using chip-scale photonics as well as free-space optics. Moreover, it can be extended to other wave phenomena such as microwaves and acoustics.

Research Progress in the Molecular Mechanisms, Therapeutic Targets, and Drug Development of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal interstitial lung disease. Recent studies have identified the key role of crosstalk between dysregulated epithelial cells, mesenchymal, immune, and endothelial cells in IPF. In addition, genetic mutations and environmental factors (e.g., smoking) have also been associated with the development of IPF. With the recent development of sequencing technology, epigenetics, as an intermediate link between gene expression and environmental impacts, has also been reported to be implicated in pulmonary fibrosis. Although the etiology of IPF is unknown, many novel therapeutic targets and agents have emerged from clinical trials for IPF treatment in the past years, and the successful launch of pirfenidone and nintedanib has demonstrated the promising future of anti-IPF therapy. Therefore, we aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and pathogenic factors of IPF, which would be helpful for the diagnosis of IPF, the development of anti-fibrotic drugs, and improving the prognosis of patients with IPF. In this study, we summarized the pathogenic mechanism, therapeutic targets and clinical trials from the perspective of multiple cell types, gene mutations, epigenetic and environmental factors.

The Organisation of the Education of Returned Emigré Pupils in a Progymnasium

The article focuses on the issue of the education of returned emigré pupils. A progymnasium is part of the Lithuanian system, a general education institution (grades 1 to 8), an intermediate link between primary school and a gymnasium, which differs from basic schools in the higher quality of the activities and the created added value. A quantitative study was conducted: 106 progymnasium teachers working with returned emigré pupils took part. The research revealed that individual plans were made for returned emigré pupils in progymnasiums, and school education specialists (psychologists, social pedagogues, etc) assisted them during the adaptation period. For the teachers working with returned emigré pupils, the competences of recognising their diverse abilities and the management of (information) technology were especially important. Additional formal (Lithuanian language and literature, mathematics) and informal activities, the development of the digitalised content of education, cooperation, and the dissemination of best practices created the preconditions for the streamlining of the education of returned emigré pupils in progymnasiums.

OPTIMIZATION OF VOLTAGE CONVERTERS OF MATRIX AND INVERTER TYPES USING SIMULATION MODELLING

The paper presents the results of simulation modeling of functional capabilities of pulse converters of alternating voltage with free circulation of energy of two types: inverter type with intermediate link of pulsating voltage and matrix type with discharge of reactive load energy into the network. With the help of a software package OrCAD, the main modes of operation of these converters are investigated: lowering and increasing the output voltage relative to the input. The simulation results of each mode are presented in the form of diagrams of the control algorithm of the converter keys and diagrams of its electrical characteristics: input and output currents, voltage on the intermediate link (buffer capacitor) and output. On the basis of visual models for lowering and raising modes of work mathematical models and substitute electric schemes of the studied converters on intervals of their invariable structure are created. Simplified formulas for the approximate calculation of electrical parameters with sufficient accuracy for practice are proposed for both modes. Simulation models of the logic unit of the control system and the circuit of the power unit are presented separately for the three-phase matrix converter with energy reset and recovery. On the basis of visual models obtained with the help of the OrCAD software package, mathematical models and alternate electrical circuits of these converters at intervals of their constant structure were created. The conducted simulation allows to determine the most expedient areas of use of such converters and to perform optimization of their power circuits and control systems.

Parametric study of hysteretic performance of high-strength steel framed-tube structures with web-bolted connected shear links

High-strength steel framed tube structures with web-bolted connected shear links (HSSFTS-WCSLs) combine the advantages of replaceable shear link and high-strength steel (HSS) and can effectively improve the seismic performance and recoverability of traditional steel framed-tube structures. This parametric study investigates the effects of design parameters on the hysteretic behaviors of HSSFTS-WCSL using finite element analysis. The parameters include the length ratio of the shear link, span-to-depth ratio of the spandrel beam, intermediate link web stiffener space, and design details of the web-bolted connections. According to the numerical simulation results, the recommended length ratios of the web-bolted connected shear link are between 0.84 and 1.40. The span-to-depth ratios of the spandrel beams significantly influence the strength of the structures. The web-bolted connected shear links should be placed at the middle of the spandrel beams with span-to-depth ratios lower than 4.6. The link web stiffener spaces barely influence the seismic performance of HSS-FTS-RSLs. The allowable link web stiffener spaces given in the design codes can provide reliable capacities of the structures. The details of the web-bolted connections determine the energy dissipation performance of the structure, and this effect can be optimized by effectively increasing the diameter of the bolt and thickness of the reinforcement plate. The bolts should have sufficient shear strength to avoid shear failure. Increasing the thickness of the reinforcement plates of the connections can significantly enhance the energy dissipation capacities of HSS-FTS-RSLs. The overstrength factors of the web-bolted links with length ratios between 0.84 and 1.60 range from 1.42 to 1.79.