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Objective The Litang-Yidun fault is a left-lateral strike-slip active fault zone extending approximately 130 km in the Sichuan-Yunnan rhombic block in the Holocene. As a significant seismogenic structure controlling seismic activity in the Litang area of western Sichuan, research on both paleoseismicity and surface ruptures primarily focuses on the Litang and Damaoyaba sections, with relatively limited study on the Cuopuhu section in the northern part. Detailed investigation of the Cuopuhu section can provide fundamental information on its activity characteristics, paleoseismic events, and slip rates. Methods The Cuopuhu section of the Litang-Yidun fault was investigated using field surveys, high-precision mapping, trenching, and 14C dating methods to explore its slip rate and paleoseismic events. Two trench sites were excavated at the foothills of Dongou Mountain to identify the relationships between faulting and strata, sedimentary characteristics, and fault motion. Conclusion Four paleoseismic events were identified: Event Ⅰ occurred before BC 3382±60 a; Event Ⅱ occurred between BC 3382±60 a and BC 1094±51 a; Events Ⅲ and Ⅳ occurred after AD 1330±44 a. The recurrence intervals of the four earthquakes are approximately 0.4±0.3 ka, 2.42±0.1 ka, and 2.40±0.1 ka, respectively. Based on the calculated intervals, Events Ⅰ and Ⅱ, and Events Ⅱ and Ⅲ, Ⅳ, have recurrence intervals of about 2.4 ka. Events Ⅲ and Ⅳ occurred after AD 1330±44 a, making it difficult to determine their sequence and exact timing. It can be inferred that the Cuopuhu section of the Litang-Yidun fault likely has a recurrence interval of about 2.4 ka for paleoseismic events, with a possibility of seismic events with recurrence intervals of 0.4±0.3 ka. By comparing the research data between the Cuopuhu section and the Litang and Damaoyaba segments, differences in paleoseismic events between the Cuopuhu section and the other sections are evident. However, the seismic activity of different fault sections has shown a sustained strengthening trend since the Holocene. Based on mapped fault scarps and moraine ridges from the last glacial period, the average slip rate of the Cuopuhu section since the Late Pleistocene is estimated to be 4.15±0.5 mm/a, similar to the slip rates of different branches of the Litang-Yidun fault in the late Quaternary period. Significance This study provides information on the tectonic features, paleoseismicity, and slip rates of the Litang-Yidun fault, aiding in a better understanding of the seismic history and structural deformation patterns in the area and giving more data for medium- and long-term earthquake prediction in the future. It also contributes to the seismic risk assessment of relevant projects along the Sichuan-Tibet Railway.

The next generation (6G) wireless communication technology has super advantages in high transmission rates scenarios. Internet of Things (IoT) has been applied in recent years due to its wide connection. However, effective resource optimization methods must be analyzed to meet the high requirements of key performance indicators in 6G wireless IoT networks. This paper discusses a general investigation of the resource optimization strategies in the 6G IoT system. The study aims to find the main solutions to optimize 6G IoT network performance. First, an overall summary of current research is preferred resource optimization in latency, reliability, Energy Efficiency (EE), Spectrum Efficiency (SE), bandwidth utilization efficiency, rate, and power efficiency. Second, we propose the multi-indicator tradeoff strategies associated with the latest resource optimization approaches and investigate optimal strategies. Furthermore, we show the limitations of the current resource optimization methods and discuss the future works of resource optimization for IoT devices in 6G communication. Our survey aims to help researchers optimize 6G IoT network performance using advanced techniques.

Objective To explore the influencing factors of patient adherence behavior to tuberculosis treatment based on knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) model and investigate the moderating effect of coping styles on the behaviors. Methods A total of 231 pulmonary tuberculosis patients were recruited from the Tuberculosis Clinic of Chongqing Public Health Medical Center from April 8 to June 9, 2021. There were 133 males and 98 females, with an average age of 26.97±8.57 years. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a Web-based questionnaire to collect their demographic data, knowledge, attitudes and self-reported practice behaviors related to treatment compliance, and coping styles (confrontation, avoidance and acceptance-resignation). Results ① Adherence knowledge and attitudes showed positive predictive effect on adherence behavior (β=3.014, β=0.505, P < 0.01); ② Adherence knowledge had positive predictive effect on adherence attitudes (β=2.587, P < 0.01); ③ Adherence attitudes still showed significant predictive effect on adherence behavior even when acceptance-resignation at lower level(x-1s)and average level(x)(ρ=0.483, 95%CI: 0.293~0.674, P < 0.01; ρ=0.271, 95%CI: 0.170~0.373, P < 0.01), but the effect was not significant when acceptance-resignation at high level(x±1s)(ρ=0.059, 95%CI: -0.071~0.189); ④ The interaction between avoidance and adherence knowledge showed negative predictive effect on adherence attitudes (β=-0.144, P < 0.05), while the interaction between confrontation and adherence knowledge was positive predictor for adherence attitudes (β=0.066, P < 0.05). Conclusion Improvement of adherence knowledge and attitudes contribute to adherence behavior. A decreased acceptance-resignation level can help the pulmonary tuberculosis patients enhance adherence attitude and promote their adherence behavior.

Wrapping insulation of coatings is effective for enhancing the microwave-absorbing properties (MAPs) of ferromagnetic absorbents (FMAs). However, the process is still limited by the low bonding strength with the matrix. Herein, an in situ regulation strategy based on the preparation of thin thickness and strong adhesion insulating layers through HNO3 oxidation was developed to address the limitations. The oxidation process of FeSiAl (FSA) powders was carried out by HNO3 following three main steps. First, the original oxide layer first reacted with HNO3 to form Fe3+ and Al3+. Second, the oxide layer composed of Al2O3 and Fe3O4 was preferentially formed due to the negative change in Gibbs free energy. Finally, the oxide and pigment-deposition layers were subjected to competitive growth and dissolution accompanied by the dissolution of Fe and Al atoms. Oxidation time up to 10 min resulted in the formation of a bilayer structure with a thickness of ∼50 nm on the FSA surface, as well as an outer layer crammed of Al(OH)3 and Fe(OH)3, and an inner layer containing mixed Fe2O3, Fe3O4, Al2O3, and SiO2. The MAPs of as-treated FSA achieved minimum reflection loss (RL) of −25.90 dB at 13.36 GHz, as well as absorption bandwidth of 5.61 GHz (RL < −10 dB) at 10.13–15.74 GHz and thickness of 2.5 mm. In sum, the developed route looks promising for the preparation of high-performance FMAs.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is one of the most common thyroid cancer subtypes. Although papillary thyroid carcinoma can be treated effectively with excision, microwave ablation, radioactive iodine and hormone replacement therapy, these ways are inefficient in reducing its morbidity, mortality and recurrence rates. Therefore, it is very important to seek the molecular mechanism of the occurrence and development of papillary thyroid carcinoma, to provide effectively early diagnosis, accurate treatment and better long-term prognosis for papillary thyroid carcinoma patients. This paper summarizes the molecular regulatory mechanisms of non-coding RNAs and their related signaling pathways in the occurrence and development of papillary thyroid carcinoma, in order to provide evidence for continued research of biomarkers for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

It is a challenging problem to efficiently calculate and systematically analyze the motion laws and working gait of the inchworm-like soft robot. A simple mechanical model consisting of a rigid slider and a curved beam is established under quasi-static conditions, in order to realize quasi-static modeling and simulation analysis of the inchworm-like soft robot. First, based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, the total potential energy expression of the beam is obtained. Next, combining the boundary conditions and the governing equation derived from the total potential energy based on the variational principle, a set of ordinary differential equations are established. Then, through discretization and dimensionlessness of those equations, a class of nonlinear algebraic equations for numerical solution is proposed. Finally, in the light of the contact situation between curved beam and ground as well as the viscous and slip condition of the system, the motion of the robot is divided into three stages. Through numerical calculations, the different configurations of the curved beam in different stages with the change of the initial curvature amplitude are obtained, which makes it possible to describe the law, the gait, and the net displacement of the soft robot in a motion cycle and solve the problem of movement connection of soft robots at different stages. The quasi-static method is characterized by high computational efficiency, which is more suitable for analyzing the motion configuration of soft robots.

Intestinal microbiota (IM) dysbiosis contributes to the development of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in a murine model of experimental AIH (EAH), a condition more similar to that of AIH patients. Changes in the enteric microbiome were determined in AIH patients and EAH mice. Moreover, we established an experimental model of secondary EAH mice harboring dysbiosis (ABx) to analyze the effects of therapeutic FMT administration on follicular regulatory T (TFR) and helper T (TFH) cell imbalances and IM composition in vivo. Alterations of the IM composition and bacterial translocation occurred in AIH patients compared to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients and healthy controls (HCs). Therapeutic FMT significantly attenuated liver injury and bacterial translocation and improved the imbalance between splenic TFR cells and TFH cells in ABx EAH mice. Furthermore, therapeutic FMT also partially reversed the increasing trend in serum liver enzymes (ALT and AST) of CXCR5−/−EAH mice on the 28th day. Finally, therapeutic FMT could effectively restore antibiotic-induced IM dysbiosis in EAH mice. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that FMT was capable of controlling hepatitis progression in EAH mice, and the associated mechanism might be involved in the regulation of the TFR/TFH immune imbalance and the restoration of IM composition.

The occurrence of early esophageal cancer located within an area of leiomyoma is extremely rare, and its clinical features and treatment methods have not been well described. We herein report the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment methods of early esophageal cancer that developed on top of a leiomyoma in the upper third of the esophagus in a 78-year-old woman. All tumor marker concentrations were normal. The leiomyoma was correctly diagnosed as a submucosal tumor by endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography. Endoscopic biopsy revealed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Both lesions were successfully treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection. The patient was followed up for 6 months without recurrence. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was a successful initial treatment method for esophageal carcinoma coexisting with esophageal leiomyoma in this case.

Multiple serous membrane effusion (MSSE) as the first sign of eosinophilic gastroenteritis is extremely rare, and its clinical features and treatment methods have not been well described. The clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment methods of MSSE in a 44-year-old woman were retrospectively reviewed. Laboratory testing revealed an elevated eosinophil count and serum immunoglobulin E level. The levels of all tumor markers were normal, but the CA125 level in serum and ascitic fluid was significantly increased. Ultrasonography showed a large amount of ascites and a moderate amount of pleural effusion. Echocardiography showed a small amount of pericardial effusion. Chest and abdominal computed tomography showed gastrointestinal wall thickening. Moreover, eosinophilic infiltration was detected in duodenal and rectal biopsy samples that had been collected during endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal system. The patient was treated with 30 mg of prednisolone, and seafood was excluded from her diet for 4 weeks. The prednisolone was tapered over 8 weeks and continued at 5 mg prednisolone daily thereafter. The MSSE and peripheral eosinophilia showed a dramatic response to the steroid treatment. This case indicates that we should be highly aware of MSSE as the first clinical manifestation of eosinophilic gastroenteritis.

In order to study the stress relaxation behaviour of SA302Gr.C low-alloy steel, the stress relaxation experiments were performed at the temperatures of 400, 500 and 620 °C with the constant strain of 0.5 %. Based on the experimental stress relaxation curves, the relationship between creep strain rate and stress were derived and the creep strain rate–stress curves at different temperatures were obtained. Then, the creep constitutive equations at different conditions were developed and the constants in the equations were determined. In order to verify the developed creep constitutive equations, the finite-element (FE) model of stress relaxation of SA302Gr.C low-alloy steel was established with the FE software MSC.Marc. The comparison results show that the simulated stress relaxation curves agree with the experimental ones, which illustrates that the developed creep constitutive equations are appropriate for the tested steel.

The hot deformation characteristics of nickel-based alloy Nimonic 80A were investigated by isothermal compression tests conducted in the temperature range of 1,000–1,200°C and the strain rate range of 0.01—5 s–1 on a Gleeble-1500 thermomechanical simulator. In order to establish the constitutive models for dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior and flow stress of Nimonic 80A, the material constants α, n and DRX activation energy Q in the constitutive models were calculated by the regression analysis of the experimental data. The dependences of initial stress, saturation stress, steady-state stress, dynamic recovery (DRV) parameter, peak strain, critical strain and DRX grain size on deformation parameters were obtained. Then, the Avrami equation including the critical strain for DRX and the peak strain as a function of strain was established to describe the DRX volume fraction. Finally, the constitutive model for flow stress of Nimonic 80A was developed in DRV region and DRX region, respectively. The flow stress values predicted by the constitutive model are in good agreement with the experimental ones, which indicates that the constitutive model can give an accurate estimate for the flow stress of Nimonic 80A under the deformation conditions.

This study is aimed at examining the potential role of regulatory T- (Treg-) Th1-Th17-Th22 cells in the pathogenic process of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The numbers of Foxp3+Tregs and Th1, Th17, and Th22 cells were measured in 32 AIH patients using flow cytometry. Moreover, a murine model of experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH) was also established and used to investigate the function of Treg-Th1-Th17-Th22 cells in disease progression. AIH patients undergoing an active state had significantly decreased numbers of CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs and increased numbers of CD3+CD4+CD25−Foxp3+T, CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+Th1, CD3+CD4+IL-17+Th17, and CD3+CD4+IL-2+Th22 cells as well as higher levels of Th1/Th17/Th22-type cytokines compared to AIH patients in remission and HC. Additionally, the numbers of CD3+CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs were negatively correlated with the numbers of Th1-Th17-Th22 cells. Also, the serum levels of IL-17A and IL-22 were correlated positively with liver injury (ALT/AST), whereas the serum levels of IL-10 were correlated negatively with hypergammaglobulinaemia (IgG, IgM) in AIH patients. Interestingly, the percentages of spleen Tregs, expression of Foxp3 mRNA, and liver IL-10 levels decreased, whereas the percentages of spleen Th1-Th17-Th22 cells, expression of T-bet/AHR/RORγt mRNA, and liver IFN-γ, IL-17, and IL-22 levels increased in the murine model of EAH. Our findings demonstrated that an imbalance between Tregs and Th1-Th17-Th22 cells might contribute to the pathogenic process of AIH.

This study investigated the role of IL-33 in the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The levels of IL-33/sST2 and Th1/Th2/Th17-type cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum samples obtained from 30 AIH patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs). In addition, a murine model of experimental AIH (EAIH) was established to investigate the role of IL-33 in disease progression. The serum levels of IL-33, sST2, Th17 cytokines (IL-17A), Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α), and Th2 cytokines (IL-4) were significantly elevated in AIH patients compared to HCs. Following immunosuppression therapy, serum levels of IL-33 and sST2 were significantly decreased. Additionally, the serum levels of IL-33 in AIH patients were correlated positively with markers of hypergammaglobulinemia (IgG, IgM, and IgA) and liver injury (γ-GT/ALP). Also, the serum levels of IL-33 in AIH patients were correlated positively with proinflammatory cytokine levels (IL-17A and IL-4). Interestingly, treatment of EAIH mice with a specific IL-33 neutralizing antibody significantly reversed the increasing trend in serum ALT/AST and inhibited the production of the type 2 (IL-4) and type 17 cytokines (IL-17) but not the type 1 cytokine (IFN-γ). Our findings highlight the possible role of the IL-33/sST2 axis in the progression of AIH, opening a new door for developing a novel therapeutic strategy for AIH.

ObjectiveMicrotubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) mutations cause frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and novel biomarkers are urgently needed for early disease detection. We used task-free functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) mapping, a promising biomarker, to analyze network connectivity in symptomatic and presymptomatic MAPT mutation carriers.MethodsWe compared cross-sectional fMRI data between 17 symptomatic and 39 presymptomatic carriers and 81 controls with (1) seed-based analyses to examine connectivity within networks associated with the 4 most common MAPT-associated clinical syndromes (ie, salience, corticobasal syndrome, progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome, and default mode networks) and (2) whole-brain connectivity analyses. We applied K-means clustering to explore connectivity heterogeneity in presymptomatic carriers at baseline. Neuropsychological measures, plasma neurofilament light chain, and gray matter volume were compared at baseline and longitudinally between the presymptomatic subgroups defined by their baseline whole-brain connectivity profiles.ResultsSymptomatic and presymptomatic carriers had connectivity disruptions within MAPT-syndromic networks. Compared to controls, presymptomatic carriers showed regions of connectivity alterations with age. Two presymptomatic subgroups were identified by clustering analysis, exhibiting predominantly either whole-brain hypoconnectivity or hyperconnectivity at baseline. At baseline, these two presymptomatic subgroups did not differ in neuropsychological measures, although the hypoconnectivity subgroup had greater plasma neurofilament light chain levels than controls. Longitudinally, both subgroups showed visual memory decline (vs controls), yet the subgroup with baseline hypoconnectivity also had worsening verbal memory and neuropsychiatric symptoms, and extensive bilateral mesial temporal gray matter decline.InterpretationNetwork connectivity alterations arise as early as the presymptomatic phase. Future studies will determine whether presymptomatic carriers' baseline connectivity profiles predict symptomatic conversion. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:632-646.