Structure-function Research Articles

Flexural Wave Bandgap Characteristics Analysis of Periodic Double-Span Beam Based on Spectral Geometry Method: A Unified Formulation

The bandgap characteristics of periodic double-span beams are analyzed using spectral geometry methods in this paper. The displacement function of the beam structure is represented in a unified form, supplemented by sine series in addition to Fourier cosine series to avoid discontinuities in displacement at the boundary positions. The introduction of artificial spring technology satisfies the strong coupling connection conditions between beams. Combining it with Bloch’s theorem allows the separation of boundary conditions and displacement functions, ensuring the convergence and accuracy of the method. The energy functional of the double-span beam under periodic boundary conditions is established. The bandgap characteristics of the double-span beam can be obtained using the Rayleigh–Ritz method. The bandgap characteristics calculated based on the proposed method are in good agreement with those obtained from the transfer matrix method, and the bandgap frequency range matches well with the vibration attenuation range obtained from the test results. The effectiveness of forced vibration analysis for finite periodic double-span beams is also validated through the finite element method. Additionally, the influence of material properties, geometric parameters and lattice constants on the bandgap characteristics of periodic double-span beams is presented, providing insights into the mechanisms for tuning bandgap characteristics.

Investigation of Fatigue Assessment Method for Glass Fiber Reinforced Composite Hull Structures Based on Stiffness Degradation

A study was conducted on the fatigue assessment method for composite ship structures under complex marine environments, and a fatigue assessment method based on the principle of stiffness degradation was proposed. Fatigue tests were performed on the composite material of the target ship to obtain the stiffness degradation parameters under tension–compression loading. Four fatigue hotspot areas in the midsection of the hull were selected, and mesh refinement was applied to these locations to accurately capture the variations in stress gradients. The structural stress response transfer function was calculated, and the short-term and long-term distribution data of wave loads were obtained. Finally, the fatigue life of the target ship hotspots was predicted by combining spectral fatigue analysis with the stiffness degradation theory. The results indicate that the connection between the bulkhead stiffener and the inner bottom plate has the shortest fatigue life, and its dimensions were optimized.

Molecular-scale kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of pattern formation in photoresist materials for EUV nanolithography

A kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulation tool for modeling the pattern formation process in photoresist materials for extreme ultraviolet (photon energy 92 eV) nanolithography is presented. The availability of such a tool should support the progress toward novel materials and experimental procedures that lead to an improved pattern resolution. The molecular-scale simulations describe the process in a stochastic and mechanistic manner and include the excitation of high-energy electrons upon light absorption, the creation of a charged-particle cloud, electron-induced chemical degradation of the photoresist molecules, the resulting bond formation between neighboring degraded molecules, and a chemical development step after which a pattern of the remaining non-dissolved molecules is obtained. The method is applied to the application-relevant class of Sn-oxocore photoresist materials and uses their known electronic structure and optical electron energy loss function. The validity of the approach is tested by comparing measured and simulated total electron yield spectra and photoelectron spectra. A demonstration of the method is given by calculating the dose and pitch dependent average shape and stochastic variability (line edge roughness) of line patterns that are obtained for rectangular and sine-wave illumination, assuming various scenarios that determine how molecular-scale degradation will lead to bond creation. We show how from these simulations the ultimate pattern resolution can be deduced. The findings are analyzed systematically using results of KMC simulations that reveal the size of the cloud of degraded molecules around a point of absorption (blur length) and that further reveal the sensitivity to uniform illumination (contrast curves), and using percolation theory. We find that KMC modeling captures the consequences of the strong gradients in the density of degraded molecules and of the stochasticity of the patterning process that simplified models do not include, leading to a significantly improved view of the final pattern quality.

Retinal Degeneration Associated With Biallelic RDH12 Variants: Longitudinal Evaluation of Retinal Structure and Visual Function in Pediatric Patients.

The purpose of this study was to determine the natural history of the photoreceptor disease in a large group of pediatric patients with RHD12-associated Leber congenital amaurosis (RDH12-LCA), to estimate the changes expected over the duration of a clinical trial, and to define the relationship between the photoreceptor loss and visual dysfunction. Forty-six patients representing 36 families were included. The great majority of patients were under the age of 18 years. Patients underwent complete ophthalmic examinations and imaging with various modalities including adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Visual function was assessed with static and kinetic perimetry, and full-field stimulus test (FST) under dark- and light-adapted conditions. Patients had a severe and early onset retinal degeneration (EORD). Visual acuity losses showed a progression rate of 0.04 logMAR per year. A small foveal island could be retained but showed degeneration over time. Foveal cone sensitivity losses were predictable by the loss of photoreceptors. Peripapillary retina could be retained with no significant progression detectable. Peripapillary rod sensitivity was substantially less than expected from photoreceptor structure pointing to a large improvement potential. FST sensitivities were reliably recordable in pediatric patients and showed a small but significant improvement with age. Locally and globally, loss of rod sensitivity tended to be larger than loss of cone sensitivity. Foveal cones of RDH12-LCA should be targeted with treatments aimed to slow progression, whereas peripapillary rod photoreceptors should be targeted with treatments aimed to improve night vision. Pediatric FST testing may be complicated by age-related maturation of decision making regarding threshold criteria.

The shadow economy's impact on the sustainability of the regional business development

Subject. This article discusses the problems of strategic planning and entrepreneurship as one of the drivers of socio-economic development at the levels of the country and regions. Objectives. The article aims to analyze the interrelations and interdependencies between the level of the shadow economy and the sustainability of the development of regional entrepreneurial systems. Methods. For the study, I used economic and statistical methods. Results. The article finds that the shadow economy has a significant impact on the sustainability of the development of regional entrepreneurial systems, including the possibilities of functioning of entrepreneurial structures, as well as on the state of the external (regional) environment. In turn, the entrepreneurial system directly affects the shadow sector, increasing or neutralizing the incentives of various economic agents to develop their activities outside the formal economy. Conclusions. The existence of a two-way relationship between the shadow economy and the entrepreneurial system of the region predetermines the need to take into account the scale of the shadow sector when developing measures to achieve the strategic socio-economic and environmental goals of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The lack of such accounting has a negative impact on the objectivity of assessing the effectiveness of regional socio-economic policy. The development of regional strategies and programmes, taking into account the established interrelations, will make it possible to legalize the funds concentrated in the shadow sector and use them to implement measures aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the development of systems at different levels.

Lax structure and tau function for large BKP hierarchy

Lax structure and tau function for large BKP hierarchy

Diels-Alder reaction in hydrogel synthesis: Mechanisms and functional aspects.

The Diels-Alder reaction, a classical (4+2) cycloaddition process, holds significant standing within the realms of organic synthesis and polymer chemistry, frequently employed in areas such as pharmaceutical production and material science. Recently, hydrogels constructed via Diels-Alder reactions have garnered considerable attention from researchers. This review aims to summarize the advancements in utilizing the Diels-Alder reaction for hydrogel synthesis, exploring its impact on structural design, functionalization, and application domains. Initially, the fundamental principles of the Diels-Alder reaction are introduced alongside an examination of its benefits and characteristics in hydrogel fabrication. Subsequently, applications of Diels-Alder-generated hydrogels in biomedicine, smart responsive materials, drug delivery systems, among other fields, are comprehensively reviewed. Challenges and limitations encountered during hydrogel synthesis using this reaction are also discussed. Finally, prospective research directions and future prospects of Diels-Alder reactions in hydrogel synthesis are contemplated.

The psychophysical assessments of tactile, temperature and electrical perception for implants with metal prosthetic surfaces.

The tactile function and thermal perception are two primary functions of oral structures. Implants without periodontal ligament and pulp might fail to sense the tactile and temperature change. This study aimed to investigate implants' tactile, thermal, and electrical perception by detailed psychophysical assessments. A total of forty-eight patients with single implant restoration were recruited. Mechanical (5 intensities), cold (4 temperatures), and electrical stimulation were respectively applied to implants and natural teeth, and the psychophysical results were recorded with a visual analog scale (VAS) and compared between implants and natural teeth. For tactile perception, at low and medium forces, implants were significantly poorer than natural teeth (P<0.01), but at the largest force, there were no significant differences (P >0.05). Regarding thermal perception, thermal changes on implants could be detected, although the signals were weaker when compared to natural teeth (P<0.01). Implants were less sensitive to electrical stimulation than natural teeth (P<0.01). Even though there is no periodontium and pulp, dental implants could perceive the mechanical, thermal, and electrical stimulation weakly.

Hydroxamate-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks.

This mini-review focuses on recent developments in hydroxamate-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which exhibit unique structures and properties distinct from those of carboxylate-based MOFs. Hydroxamates (RCONHO-), which are bioisosteres of carboxylates (RCOO-), form MOFs with novel structural motifs and functionalities. In this review, synthetic strategies, structural characteristics, and functional applications of key examples of hydroxamate-based MOFs are described, providing insights into the influence of the hydroxamate ligand on the MOF properties compared to the carboxylate-based analogues.

Tailoring the Properties of 2D Nanomaterial‐Polymer Composites for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Energy Storage by 3D Printing—A Review

3D‐printed 2D nanomaterials‐based polymer composites, with their exceptional electrical conductivity and structural functionalities, have become leading‐edge engineering materials for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, sensors, and energy storage applications. This review begins with a brief introduction to various types of 2D nanomaterials and their fabrication techniques, specifically different types of 3D printing. The subsequent sections highlight key factors such as rheological properties, surface tension, additives, and binders that influence the printability of 2D nanomaterials‐based polymer composites. The advancements in 2D nanomaterials‐based polymers, including MXene, graphene, and graphene derivatives, are then presented. The interaction, dispersion, and/or network formation of 2D nanomaterials in the polymer matrix is a crucial factor in determining the electrical performance of the composites. This review also discusses surface modification strategies for 2D nanomaterials to enhance their sensing, EMI shielding, and energy storage capabilities. Finally, the impact of various 3D‐printed polymer composite geometries, such as rectangular, cylinder, and circular, on shielding performance is thoroughly examined, engaging the reader in the exploration of these materials.

Spectral graph model for fMRI: A biophysical, connectivity-based generative model for the analysis of frequency-resolved resting-state fMRI

Abstract Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) is a popular and widely used technique to explore the brain’s functional organization and to examine whether it is altered in neurological or mental disorders. The most common approach for its analysis targets the measurement of the synchronized fluctuations between brain regions, characterized as functional connectivity (FC), typically relying on pairwise correlations in activity across different brain regions. While hugely successful in exploring state- and disease-dependent network alterations, these statistical graph theory tools suffer from two key limitations. First, they discard useful information about the rich frequency content of the fMRI signal. The rich spectral information now achievable from advances in fast multiband acquisitions is consequently being underutilized. Second, the analyzed FCs are phenomenological without a direct neurobiological underpinning in the underlying structures and processes in the brain. There does not currently exist a complete generative model framework for whole brain resting fMRI that is informed by its underlying biological basis in the structural connectome. Here we propose that a different approach can solve both challenges at once: the use of an appropriately realistic yet parsimonious biophysics-informed signal generation model followed by graph spectral (i.e., eigen) decomposition. We call this model a spectral graph model (SGM) for fMRI, using which we can not only quantify the structure–function relationship in individual subjects, but also condense the variable and individual-specific repertoire of fMRI signal’s spectral and spatial features into a small number of biophysically interpretable parameters. We expect this model-based analysis of rs-fMRI that seamlessly integrates with structure can be used to examine state and trait characteristics of structure–function relationships in a variety of brain disorders.

Response and Assembly Process of Soil Microbial Communities Under Different Reclamation Measures

Reclamation is essential for restoring the ecological function of soil in mining areas. However, the microbiological mechanism of soil ecological function reconstruction under different reclamation measures still needs to be clarified. Clarifying the characteristics of soil bacterial and fungal communities, assembly mechanisms, and their relationship with physicochemical properties under different reclamation measures is crucial for reshaping the ecological stability of soil in mining areas. Metagenomic sequencing technology was combined with the null model and neutral model to analyze the differences in soil microbial diversity, community composition, network structure, and community assembly process between the reclaimed natural recovery area （LH） and the reclamation fertilization area （MM）. The results suggested that： ① Compared with that in the LH treatment, the MM treatment significantly increased the soil nutrient content, and the total nitrogen （TN）, total phosphorus （TP）, available phosphorus （AP）, and available potassium （AK） contents increased by 34.70%, 72.72%, 468.98%, and 45.74%, respectively （P&lt;0.05）. ② The dominant bacterial and fungal communities did not change under the LH and MM treatments； however, the abundance of bacterial communities changed significantly. Compared with that in the LH treatment, the relative abundance of Acidobacteria increased significantly by 5.4% in the MM treatment, while the relative abundance of Candidatus Rokubacteria decreased significantly by 235.72% （P&lt;0.05）. Under different reclamation measures, the indicator microorganisms of bacterial and fungal communities changed. ③ Compared with that in the LH treatment, the MM treatment increased the complexity of bacterial networks, decreased the complexity of fungal networks, and increased the number of soil bacterial nodes and links. The reclamation measures transformed the key bacterial groups from Proteobacteria to Candidatus Rokubacteria and Planctomycetes. The key group of fungi was Ascomycota. 4.） The deterministic process dominated the assembly of bacterial and fungal communities. Homogeneous selection contributed the most to the bacterial community assembly in the LH treatment, and heterogeneous selection contributed the most to the MM treatment. The fungal communities were all dominated by heterogeneous selection. These results provide new insights into the soil microbial community structure and ecological function restoration in coal mining subsidence reclamation areas.

Angular distributions of Drell-Yan leptons in the TMD factorization approach

We present a comprehensive study of the angular structure functions for Drell-Yan leptons in Z/γ-boson production within the framework of the transverse momentum dependent (TMD) factorization theorem, including kinematic power corrections (KPCs). We find good agreement with the data in the applicability region of the TMD factorization theorem. The inclusion of KPCs allows us to describe all angular coefficients in a frame-independent manner using only the leading-twist TMD distributions: the unpolarized and the Boer-Mulders functions. The value of the Boer-Mulders function is determined using the ATLAS measurement of the A2 angular coefficient. The analysis is performed at N4LL perturbative order. Additionally, we discuss the technical implementation and impact of KPCs on the phenomenology of TMD distributions.

Plant-specific microbial diversity facilitates functional redundancy at the soil-root interface

Abstract Aims Plant-specific microbial diversity reflecting host-microbe coevolution was frequently shown at the structural level but less on the functional scale. We studied the microbiome of three compartments at the soil root interface (root endosphere, rhizosphere, bulk soil) of medicinal plants cultivated under organic management in Egypt. The study aimed to examine the impact of the rhizosphere on microbial community composition and diversity in desert agricultural soil, as well as to identify specific functions associated with the rhizosphere. Methods The microbiome community structure, diversity, and microbial functioning were evaluated through the utilization of 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenome sequencing. Results We found the typical rhizosphere effect and plant-species-specific enrichment of bacterial diversity. The annual plants Calendula officinalis and Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae) were more similar than the perennial Solanum distichum (Solanaceae). Altogether, plant species explained 50.5% of the variation in bacterial community structures in the rhizosphere. Our results indicate a stronger effect of the plant species in terms of modulating bacterial community structures in the rhizosphere than in root endosphere samples. The plant-driven rhizosphere effect could be linked to redundant plant beneficial functions in the microbiome, while enrichment of specific genes related to amino acid ion transport and metabolism, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, defense mechanisms, and secondary metabolites biosynthesis were more specific. Conclusions The study explores the microbiome continuum at the soil-root interface of medicinal plant species, revealing significant bacterial community structure shifts and plant specificity. The study provides insights into the essential microbiome components contributing to rhizosphere functionality.

Experimental and Theoretical X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure Study of UOx Systems at the U L3 Edge.

Uranium forms a large number of oxides and its electronic state in them is of great fundamental interest. We employ X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the U L3 edge to differentiate between mixed oxide phases in uranium compounds. By combining experimental XANES spectra with theoretical modeling using the FEFF code, we analyze five uranium oxides: UO2, U4O9, U3O8, UO3, and U3O7. Our study reveals how variations in spectral features correspond to changes in oxidation states, local structure, and electronic information. These findings demonstrate a study that consolidates and systematically compares the entire series UOx, providing analysis of changes in electronic structure as a function of oxidation state and local structure which is important for nuclear materials research.

Gut Microbiome modulation in patients treated with an enriched nutraceutical composition: a multi target strategy

Introduction: The contribution of gut microbiota to health and disease is now well accepted and under continuous investigation. It is the most representative in the body (about 70% of the total) with over 400 different species of microorganisms living there. It is exclusive to each individual and therefore represents a real biological imprint, capable of distinguishing humans from one another. Gut microbiota works synergically with the host, promoting health by performing protective, metabolic and structural functions. Thus, when a modification of the personal normal gut microbiota composition occurs, a predisposition to develop different diseases may increase. Probiotics are functional food that may modulate gut microbiota stimulating protective bacterial properties and inhibiting detrimental activity. We have previously reported a beneficial effect from the administration of an enriched nutraceutical composition containing probiotics in reducing irritable bowel syndrome-related symptoms and improving metabolic profile by lowering triglycerides. However, if these effects are attributed to gut microbiota remain unknown. Objective: This analysis aims at evaluating microbiota modulation in subjects before and after Triobiotix® administration using a metagenomic approach Methods: Triobiotix® is an enriched nutraceutical composition containing maltodextrin, hyaluroic acid and mineralized seaweed extract Lithothamnion Calcareum plus a mix of five different lactic bacterial species. A total of 46 subjects with availability of sample test before and after treatment were included in the present analysis selected from 265 subjects. A fecal sample was collected before and up to 90 days after the administration of Triobiotix®. Feces were analyzed by Wellmicro® gut test that uses the next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene on Illumina MiSeq. Additionally, for 171 subjects a 90-day clinical evaluation was available. Results: Treatment with this enriched nutraceutical for up to 3 months resulted in a positive modulation of the main indices of improved gut microbiota, such as biodiversity and dysbiosis. Improvement on metabolic functions, such as glycemic and lipid metabolisms, as well as on immunological and anti-inflammatory activities have been described, thus indicating that the observed clinical benefits associated with the administration of this nutraceutical formulation might be also attributed to a gut microbiota modulation. Improvement in main IBS-related symptoms and bloating was maintained up to 90 days as well as microbiota diversity. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that the gut microbiota of subjects taking Triobiotix® rapidly returns to a high diversity with reduced dysbiosis after treatment with associated improvement of main physiological functions linked to brain, heart and liver. Keywords: gut microbiota; microbiome, metagenomic; Nutraceuticals

Thirty-day oral exposure to acetamiprid induces biochemical and histological alterations in rat pancreas: protective effects of carnosine supplementation

Acetamiprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide used against various insect pests. Serious concerns are emerging regarding their adverse effects on non-target organisms and organs. This study aimed to investigate the mechanistic toxic effect of oral administration of acetamiprid at 21.7 and 43.4 mg/kg body weight on the histological structure and pancreatic function of male Wistar rats and the potential effect of carnosine in mitigating this toxicity for 30 consecutive days. Thirty-six animals were divided into six groups: the control group received distilled water, the second group received 200 mg/kg body weight of carnosine, two groups received 21.7 and 43.4 mg/kg of acetamiprid, and two groups received 21.7 and 43.4 mg/kg + 200 kg/kg body weight of acetamiprid and carnosine, respectively. Acetamiprid caused a significant decrease in body weight (p < 0.001), pancreatic somatic index (p < 0.001), and amylase level (p ≤ 0.0001) and increased lipase level (p ≤ 0.0001), blood glucose level (p ≤ 0.0001), histological scores (p ≤ 0.01), and malondialdehyde level (0.01<p < 0.0001). Administration of carnosine led to a slight improvement in the increase of lipase (p ≤ 0.01) and the decrease of amylase (p ≤ 0.001) secretions and prevention of histopathological features induced by acetamiprid. Our results pointed out for the first time the toxic effect of acetamiprid and the preventive effect of carnosine on rat pancreatic structure and function.

A connectome manipulation framework for the systematic and reproducible study of structure–function relationships through simulations

Abstract Synaptic connectivity at the neuronal level is characterized by highly non-random features. Hypotheses about their role can be developed by correlating structural metrics to functional features. But to prove causation, manipulations of connectivity would have to be studied. However, the fine-grained scale at which non-random trends are expressed makes this approach challenging to pursue experimentally. Simulations of neuronal networks provide an alternative route to study arbitrarily complex manipulations in morphologically and biophysically detailed models. Here, we present Connectome-Manipulator, a Python framework for rapid connectome manipulations of large-scale network models in SONATA format. In addition to creating or manipulating the connectome of a model, it provides tools to fit parameters of stochastic connectivity models against existing connectomes. This enables rapid replacement of any existing connectome with equivalent connectomes at different levels of complexity, or transplantation of connectivity features from one connectome to another, for systematic study. We employed the framework in a detailed model of rat somatosensory cortex in two exemplary use cases: transplanting interneuron connectivity trends from electron microscopy data and creating simplified connectomes of excitatory connectivity. We ran a series of network simulations and found diverse shifts in the activity of individual neuron populations causally linked to these manipulations.

Group-common and individual-specific effects of structure–function coupling in human brain networks with graph neural networks

Abstract The human cerebral cortex is organized into functionally segregated but synchronized regions bridged by the structural connectivity of white matter pathways. While structure–function coupling has been implicated in cognitive development and neuropsychiatric disorders, it remains unclear to what extent the structure–function coupling reflects a group-common characteristic or varies across individuals, at both the global and regional brain levels. By leveraging two independent, high-quality datasets, we found that the graph neural network accurately predicted unseen individuals’ functional connectivity from structural connectivity, reflecting a strong structure–function coupling. This coupling was primarily driven by network topology and was substantially stronger than that of the correlation approaches. Moreover, we observed that structure–function coupling was dominated by group-common effects, with subtle yet significant individual-specific effects. The regional group and individual effects of coupling were hierarchically organized across the cortex along a sensorimotor-association axis, with lower group and higher individual effects in association cortices. These findings emphasize the importance of considering both group and individual effects in understanding cortical structure–function coupling, suggesting insights into interpreting individual differences of the coupling and informing connectivity-guided therapeutics.

Analysis of Quality Intima-Media Thickness and Quantitative Artery Stiffness technologies on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a study on carotid artery structure, elasticity, and influential factors in patients.

In recent years, there have been numerous studies using Quality Intima-Media Thickness (QIMT) and Quantitative Arterial Stiffness (QAS) technology to evaluate various related factors and disease-induced changes in carotid artery (CA) elasticity. However, there is still a lack of research on the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and various indicators related to the CA. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of using QIMT and QAS techniques for comprehensive evaluation of CA intima-media thickness (IMT) and elasticity changes in NAFLD patients, and to analyze various factors influencing these variables. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 196 healthy adults and 285 NAFLD patients were selected from June 2021 and October 2021 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and triglyceride levels were collected. CA IMT and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured using QIMT and QAS techniques. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to explore the relationship between parameters measured using QIMT and QAS techniques and NAFLD, while controlling for covariates, to assess the measurement effects of QIMT and QAS techniques on arterial structure and elasticity in NAFLD patients. A total of 233 males and 248 females were included in this study, with 178 males (62.46%) and 107 females (37.54%) being diagnosed with NAFLD. Gender, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and uric acid (UA) all are related to CA IMT (estimated value -0.031 to 0.008, P<0.0001-P=0.0450). The presence of NAFLD was not significantly related to IMT, but primarily influenced vascular elasticity indicators α, β, PWV, augmentation index (Aix), distensibility coefficient (DC), and compliance coefficient (CC). Age, SBP, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and UA were all related to vascular elasticity coefficient β (estimated value -0.05 to 1.03, P<0.0001-P=0.0451); SBP and UA had a relationship with PWV (estimated value -0.001 to 0.405, P<0.0001-P=0.0027); gender, age, SBP, DBP, and UA all influenced Aix (estimated value -0.17 to 0.65, P<0.0001-P=0.0072). Ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) signal QIMT and QAS techniques can reflect changes in CA structure and elasticity function in NAFLD patients, which can be more widely applied and promoted in the changes of CA structure and elastic function in NAFLD patients.