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Geometrical complexities such as bends and branches are ubiquitous along strike‐slip faults. Understanding strain partitioning between the different fault strands along such sections is key to assessing kinematics and evolution through time of a fault system and related seismic hazards. The Haiyuan fault, one of the longest strike‐slip faults of the Tibetan Plateau, has developed a multi‐stranded complex fault geometry along the Hasi Shan restraining bend. In this study, we quantified the slip rate of the ∼50‐km‐long Zihong Shan fault, which is the poorly‐known southernmost fault strand of the Hasi Shan restraining bend. We computed high‐resolution DEMs and orthophotos to document the offset landforms along this fault using drone surveys. At selected sites with well‐preserved offset geomorphic markers, we quantified displaced terraces and channels using microtopography analysis. We dated the abandonment age of these terraces using 10Be cosmogenic depth profiles and OSL dating techniques. It yields a left‐lateral slip rate of 1.9 ± 0.6 mm/yr since ∼13 ka, which is similar to the rate of the main Hasi Shan branch that ruptured during the 1920 Haiyuan earthquake. The minimum total horizontal slip rate system summed over the multiple strands of the Haiyuan fault at the Hasi Shan restraining bend is 4.1 ± 0.6 mm/yr, without considering the vertical deformation rate of these fault strands. The rate is thus slightly smaller than, but comparable to, slip‐rates determined along the rest of the Haiyuan fault, east and west of the Hasi Shan restraining bend. Plain Language Summary: Quantifying the slip rate of each fault strand in an area with complex fault geometry is key to understanding how deformation is accommodated along different sections of a large strike‐slip fault. Here, studying the poorly‐documented left‐lateral strike‐slip Zihong Shan fault strand provides critical insight into strain partitioning between fault strands along the complex Haiyuan strike‐slip fault system. Combining our displacement measurements and geochronology data yields a geological slip rate of 1.9 ± 0.6 mm/yr since ∼13 ka along the Zihong Shan fault. The minimum total horizontal slip rate across the entire Hasi Shan restraining bend is thus 4.1 ± 0.6 mm/yr. This value is slightly less, although consistent than rates obtained farther east and west along the Haiyuan fault. However, the vertical deformation of different strands at the Hasi Shan restraining bend should not be overlooked and could make a difference. The seismic hazard along the Zihong Shan branch might be greatly underestimated. Key Points: The slip rate of the Zihong Shan fault is determined to be 1.9 ± 0.6 mm/yr over the last ∼13 kaThe minimum total horizontal slip rate across the Hasi Shan section is 4.1 ± 0.6 mm/yr, similar to other sections of the Haiyuan faultThe Zihong Shan fault itself could be the source of an earthquake of magnitude MW ∼7, or larger [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the three‐dimensional structure, segmentation, and kinematics of complex fault systems is essential to assessing the size of potential earthquakes and related seismic hazards. The Danghe Nan Shan thrust, a major splay of the Altyn Tagh fault (ATF) in north Tibet, is one of these complex fault junctions. Near the town of Subei, the western Danghe Nan Shan thrust composes two left‐stepping faults outlined by fault scarps in front of folded and uplifted alluvial fans and terraces. Age constraints and 2D reconstructions of the accumulated slip above a transient base level of four terraces standing 7–60 m above the present stream bed yield shortening and vertical uplift rates of 0.5 ± 0.1 and 1.1 ± 0.3 mm/yr, respectively, over the last 130 ka on the southern thrust. Along the northern thrust, vertical terrace offsets of 1.5–3.6 m and horizontal slip of 4.5 m documented in a paleoseismological trench occurred after 12 ± 4 ka, constraining coeval rates of 0.3 ± 0.1 mm/yr for uplift and shortening. Overall, 1.4 ± 0.4 mm/yr terrace uplift and 0.8 ± 0.2 mm/yr shortening rates are determined, in agreement with late Miocene long‐term exhumation rate estimates. Our fault mapping and geomorphic and structural observations imply that the western Danghe Nan Shan thrust accommodates slip transfer from the ATF to the west to thrusting and shortening farther east in the Qilian Shan region. Considering the scarp sizes, their lateral extent, the geometry of the faults at depth, and their slip‐rate, we suggest the possible occurrence of Mw 7+ earthquakes near Subei. Plain Language Summary: How faults slip is essential to understanding continental deformation and seismic hazards. In the western Qilian Shan region, the Danghe Nan Shan is one of the largest ranges bounded by active thrust faults. West and south of Subei, these thrusts can be followed for several kilometers along meter‐high scarps and folded terraces. Quantifying the cumulative deformation of the folded and uplifted terraces and fans enables to constrain shortening rates of about 1 mm/yr over the last 130 ka. Evidence from surface geomorphology and sub‐surface trenching across the faults indicates the occurrence of large magnitude potentially up to Mw 7 seismic events in the last 16 ka. Integrating age‐controlled cumulative geological observations with field‐documented co‐seismic deformation increases the knowledge of slip rate and co‐seismic displacement for seismic hazards. Key Points: Combined cosmogenic nuclides, optically stimulated luminescence, and 14C dating methods constrain the deposition age of four folded inset terraces over the last 130 kaThe shortening rate of 0.8 ± 0.2 mm/yr across the western Danghe Nan Shan thrusts is coeval with decreasing left‐slip along the Altyn Tagh faultConcurrent rupture of thrusts and strike‐slip fault strands could result in a Mw 7+ earthquake southwest of Subei town [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio‐resistance is a leading cause of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treatment failure and identification of sensitising therapeutic targets is an unmet need to enhance clinical management. Given that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling confers resistance to cancer therapy, we investigated whether mTOR contributes to radio‐resistance in NPC and pharmacological inhibition of mTOR can overcome radio‐resistance. We found that mTOR mRNA and protein levels, and phosphorylation of its downstream effector were increased in radio‐resistant NPC compared with parental cells. mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in a panel of NPC cell lines. Importantly, temsirolimus acts synergistically with radiation and is effective against radio‐resistant cells. Using radio‐resistant xenograft mouse model, we validated the efficacy of temsirolimus in preventing tumour formation and inhibiting tumour growth. Temsirolimus overcome radio‐resistance in NPC via inhibiting mTOR signalling. Our work provides the pre‐clinical evidence that the combination of radiation and mTOR inhibitor may be a therapeutic strategy in NPC. Our findings might accelerate the initiation of clinical trials on radio‐resistant NPC patients using temsirolimus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Spent edible fungus substrates were identified as potential sources to produce cellulose derivatives, namely purified cellulose and dicarboxyl cellulose nanocrystal (DCNC). Purified celluloses were obtained via chemical treatments and then oxidized by sequential periodate‐chlorite without mechanical process. The structural properties of the DCNCs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). RESULTS: XRD results showed that the cellulose I structure was maintained, however, the crystallinity index decreased after oxidation process. The initial pyrolysis temperature of DCNCs ranged from 242 to 344 °C. TEM results revealed that DCNC was rod‐shaped with an average length and width of 130.88 nm and 7.3 nm, respectively. The average specific surface area (SSA) was 366.67 m2 g–1. The carboxyl content was around 3.485 mmol g–1. Finally, the adsorption capacity for contaminations was 76.98, 126.22, 64.44 and 9.63 mg g–1 for copper ion (Cu2+), lead ion (Pb2+), chromium (Cr3+) and amoxicillin (AMX), respectively. CONCLUSION: This work showed a sequentially chemical oxidation for preparing nanocellulose from secondary agricultural waste with many functional applications. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallium oxide (β‐Ga2O3) is a prominent representative of the new generation of wide‐bandgap semiconductors, boasting a bandgap of ≈4.9 eV. However, the growth process of β‐Ga2O3 materials introduces unavoidable oxygen vacancies (Vo), leading to persistent photoconductivity (PPC), a phenomenon that severely hinders device performance. In this study, an innovative approach is successfully developed by introducing high p‐orbital energy nitrogen (N). This leads to the formation of a hybridized state with O 2p orbitals in β‐Ga2O3, resulting in the creation of GaON and suppressing the electrical activity of Vo. Through meticulous experimentation and advanced computational methods, a comprehensive and insightful explanation of the regulation and mechanism underlying this passivation process is offered. Moreover, pn‐junction solar‐blind photodetectors are engineered using hybridized GaON thin films with p‐type CuPc. These photodetectors demonstrate exceptional characteristics, including ultra‐low dark current (10−14 A), high photo‐to‐dark current ratio (106), and rapid decay speed (0.008 s) even at zero bias. Based on these advancements, a solar‐blind ultraviolet communication system is designed, featuring straightforward and reliable encoding, easy implementation, and robust anti‐interference capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: The potato's most devastating disease is late blight, which is caused by Phytophthora infestans. Whereas various resistance (R) genes are known, most are typically defeated by this fast‐evolving oomycete pathogen. However, the broad‐spectrum and durable R8 is a vital gene resource for potato resistance breeding. To support an educated deployment of R8, we embarked on a study on the corresponding avirulence gene Avr8. We overexpressed Avr8 by transient and stable transformation, and found that Avr8 promotes colonization of P. infestans in Nicotiana benthamiana and potato, respectively. A yeast‐two‐hybrid (Y2H) screen showed that AVR8 interacts with a desumoylating isopeptidase (StDeSI2) of potato. We overexpressed DeSI2 and found that DeSI2 positively regulates resistance to P. infestans, while silencing StDeSI2 downregulated the expression of a set of defense‐related genes. By using a specific proteasome inhibitor, we found that AVR8 destabilized StDeSI2 through the 26S proteasome and attenuated early PTI responses. Altogether, these results indicate that AVR8 manipulates desumoylation, which is a new strategy that adds to the plethora of mechanisms that Phytophthora exploits to modulate host immunity, and StDeSI2 provides a new target for durable resistance breeding against P. infestans in potato. Significance Statement: StDeSI2, identified as a key host target of AVR8 in potato, plays a positive role in regulating late blight resistance. The present research enriches our knowledge about a new strategy that P. infestans uses to control host defense, and StDeSI2 promises to provide a new target for potato breeding against late blight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fault geometric complexity plays a critical role in earthquake rupture dimension. Fault bifurcations are commonly observed in earthquake geology, yet, robust kinematic rupture processes on bifurcated fault branches are largely missing, limiting our understanding of rupture dynamics and seismic hazard. Here, we holistically study the fault geometry and bilateral rupture of the 2021 Mw7.4 Maduo, China earthquake, that shows clear fault bifurcation near its eastern terminal. We integrate space geodesy imaging, back‐projection of high‐frequency teleseismic array waveforms, multiple point source and finite fault inversions, and constrain in detail the rupture process, in particular, through its fault bifurcation. Our models reveal a stable rupture speed of ∼2.5 km/s throughout the entire rupture and a simultaneous rupture through fault branches bifurcated at 20°. The rupture on bifurcated faults radiated more high‐frequency waves, especially from the stopping phases. The stopping phase on the southern branch likely stopped the rupture on the northern branch. Plain Language Summary: Earthquake is produced by sudden shear dislocation across the fault. The geometric complexity of fault structure, such as bend, step‐over, branching and bifurcation, play important roles in determining the final rupture dimension (hence the magnitude) of the earthquake, as they can easily produce stress heterogeneity on the faults. Although geological and recent space geodetic observations have well‐recorded the fault geometry complexity, detailed spatial and temporal evolution of rupture through such fault segments, especially fault bifurcations, are rarely well‐imaged. In this study, we integrate broadband seismic waveform and geodetic observations for the 2021 Mw7.4 Maduo earthquake in China, and process and model them with a set of tools, to produce a high resolution rupture model for the earthquake. The preferred model reveals a near constant rupture speed of 2.5 km/s throughout the entire rupture, and resolves the detailed rupture process through the bifurcated fault segments at its eastern terminal, where the termination of the rupture on the southern branch stopped the rupture on the northern branch. Key Points: Geodetic imaging, back‐projection, multiple point source and finite fault inversions are conducted for the Maduo earthquakeWe show a stable rupture speed (∼2.5 km/s) of the entire rupture and a simultaneous rupture through bifurcated fault branchesThe stopping phase on the southern branch likely stopped the rupture on the northern branch [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐resolution imaging of fault zone structures is essential for understanding earthquake physics and fault mechanics. As a major left‐lateral strike‐slip fault in northeastern Tibet, fine structures of the damage zone in the creeping (Laohushan) section of the Haiyuan fault remain unclear. To resolve geometry and velocity reduction of the damage zone, we deployed a dense temporary network of 110 seismic stations around the creeping section of the Haiyuan fault. Travel time delays from teleseismic P arrivals suggest an approximately 1‐km‐wide low‐velocity zone, likely illuminating a broader damage zone around the Haiyuan fault. A catalog is constructed for local earthquakes based on phase picks identified from a machine learning technique. The amplification of waveforms from these local events and waveform modeling of fault zone trapped waves indicate a narrower inner damage zone with depth‐dependent width (ranging from 150 to 50 m) that extends to a depth of approximately 4 km. These values are generally consistent with those found on other noncreeping faults in California, suggesting that these damage zone properties are not affected by fault slip behaviors at shallow depth. In addition, a clear bi‐material velocity contrast across the fault is revealed by the analysis of teleseismic P arrivals. Assuming the contrast extends to a depth of 15 km, we find that P‐wave velocity is approximately 5% slower in the crustal block north of the fault. Our study shows that a temporary dense seismic network is effective in illuminating cross‐fault velocity contrast and fault geometry. Plain Language Summary: The Haiyuan fault is a major left‐lateral strike‐slip fault in northeastern Tibet and has hosted two destructive earthquakes (1920 Haiyuan and 1927 Gulang earthquake) in the past century. Along the Laohushan section of the Haiyuan fault, between rupture zones of these two earthquakes, shallow aseismic creep and repeating earthquakes have been detected using geodetic and seismic data. However, the structure of this creeping section is still poorly understood. Therefore, we deployed a dense array with 110 stations crossing the fault surface trace. A catalog with more local earthquakes during the 1‐month recording period is constructed and relocated using this dense array. Based on analyses of signals from nearby and distant earthquakes, we find an approximately 100‐m‐wide slower fault inner zone that can trap incoming seismic energy and a wider (approximately 1‐km wide) low‐velocity damage zone beneath the array. The inferred fault zone structure is consistent with those found along other noncreeping faults in California, suggesting damage zone properties are likely not controlled by fault slip behaviors at shallow depth. The resulting high‐resolution fault zone image also helps improve ground motion prediction and rupture simulation in the Laohushan section of the Haiyuan fault. Key Points: A dense network of 110 seismic stations was deployed around the creeping section of the Haiyuan faultTravel time delays of teleseismic events suggest an approximately 1‐km‐wide low velocity zone around the Haiyuan faultAmplification and waveform modeling of local events infer a flower‐shaped inner damage zone, ranging from 150 to 50 m [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theoretical investigation of the macroscopic quantum coherence in a whispering‐gallery‐mode optical microresonator is conducted, where clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) propagating modes are coupled in nonreciprocal non‐Hermitian manner induced by nanoparticles. The results indicate that the dynamic control of quantum coherence/intercoherence can be realized by adjusting relative phase angle of the nanoparticles. A rather more exotic finding is that chiral optical quantum coherence can be achieved in the context of asymmetric backscattering. Especially in the vicinity of the exceptional point, chiral optical quantum coherence phenomenon is most obvious; that is, the CW(CCW) mode generated by backscattering exhibits strong quantum coherence while the coherence of CCW(CW) mode generated by backscattering is completely suppressed. Further, the optomechanical coherence between photons and phonons also shows chiral behavior. Finally, the experimental feasibility of quantum coherence is evaluated, and experimental scheme to readout and measure coherence is discussed briefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major earthquakes in steep orogens can trigger extensive landsliding. Most of the landslide bodies come to rest high on the slopes, but subsequent rainfalls can easily remobilize them. Sharp peaks in landslide rates are systematically observed after major earthquakes, followed by rapid decays to background levels in just several years. Yet, the migration of coseismic debris into tributary channels and rivers remains poorly understood. We collected 12 years of observations of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake's epicentral region in China and evaluated that debris flows and fluvial transport could only evacuate a small portion of coseismic debris, while over 70% of it had stabilized on the hillslopes. Coseismic debris may remain in the orogen for a long time, but estimates based on initial landslide abundance and sediment export are hampered by uncertainties in the debris fate throughout the earthquake cycle. Plain Language Summary: Strong earthquakes leave a trail of destruction that lasts much longer than the dramatic minutes of strong ground motion. Earthquakes shake the mountains, causing extensive landsliding that delivers huge amounts of debris along the slopes and in drainage channels. This debris is loose and unconsolidated, prone to generating subsequent landslides and debris flows. We have monitored the epicentral area of the magnitude 7.9 Wenchuan Earthquake (2008, China) for 12 years to study the evolution of landslide activity in space, time, and characteristics, and track the fate of the debris from the slopes into channels and rivers. We found that the landslide rates have decreased rapidly. After 10 years, they were already comparable to the pre‐earthquake levels. Most of the debris remained on the slopes, though: it stabilized and never moved again. At current rates, the removal of the earthquake‐generated debris from the landscape through landsliding may take a long time. Key Points: Despite large amounts of erodible coseismic debris, post‐seismic landslide rates decayed to pre‐earthquake levels in less than a decadeOnly a small proportion of debris has left the orogen so far: over 70% of it has stabilized in place, along the hillslopesWith erosion proceeding at this pace, a residence time of several centuries for the debris can be expected [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major earthquakes in steep orogens can trigger extensive landsliding. Most of the landslide bodies come to rest high on the slopes, but subsequent rainfalls can easily remobilize them. Sharp peaks in landslide rates are systematically observed after major earthquakes, followed by rapid decays to background levels in just several years. Yet, the migration of coseismic debris into tributary channels and rivers remains poorly understood. We collected 12 years of observations of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake's epicentral region in China and evaluated that debris flows and fluvial transport could only evacuate a small portion of coseismic debris, while over 70% of it had stabilized on the hillslopes. Coseismic debris may remain in the orogen for a long time, but estimates based on initial landslide abundance and sediment export are hampered by uncertainties in the debris fate throughout the earthquake cycle. Plain Language Summary: Strong earthquakes leave a trail of destruction that lasts much longer than the dramatic minutes of strong ground motion. Earthquakes shake the mountains, causing extensive landsliding that delivers huge amounts of debris along the slopes and in drainage channels. This debris is loose and unconsolidated, prone to generating subsequent landslides and debris flows. We have monitored the epicentral area of the magnitude 7.9 Wenchuan Earthquake (2008, China) for 12 years to study the evolution of landslide activity in space, time, and characteristics, and track the fate of the debris from the slopes into channels and rivers. We found that the landslide rates have decreased rapidly. After 10 years, they were already comparable to the pre‐earthquake levels. Most of the debris remained on the slopes, though: it stabilized and never moved again. At current rates, the removal of the earthquake‐generated debris from the landscape through landsliding may take a long time. Key Points: Despite large amounts of erodible coseismic debris, post‐seismic landslide rates decayed to pre‐earthquake levels in less than a decadeOnly a small proportion of debris has left the orogen so far: over 70% of it has stabilized in place, along the hillslopesWith erosion proceeding at this pace, a residence time of several centuries for the debris can be expected [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]