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Here, an imine‐linked‐based spherical covalent organic framework (COF) was prepared at room temperature. The as‐synthesized spherical COF served as an adsorbent in dispersive solid‐phase extraction (dSPE), by its virtue of great surface area (1542.68 m2/g), regular distribution of pore size (2.95 nm), and excellent stability. Therefore, a simple and high‐efficiency dispersive solid phase extraction method based on a spherical COF coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) was established to determine aryl organophosphate esters in biological samples. This approach displayed favorable linearity in the range of 10.0–1000.0 ng/L (r > 0.9989), a high signal enhancement factor (58.8–181.8 folds) with low limits of detection (0.3–3.3 ng/L). Moreover, it could effectively eliminate complex matrix interference to accurately extract seven aryl organophosphate esters from mouse serum and tissue samples with spiked recoveries of 82.0%–117.4%. The as‐synthesized spherical COF has been successfully applied in sample preparation. The dSPE‐HPLC‐MS/MS method based on a spherical COF has potential application to study the pollutants' metabolism in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qilian–Haiyuan fault zone in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau has been the source of strong earthquakes in the region. In its middle segment, the Jinqianghe fault is an important active fault within the Tianzhu seismic gap; however, little is known about its slip behavior. To present a new horizontal displacement distribution along this fault, we used WorldView‐2 stereo pairs and unmanned aerial vehicle‐based photogrammetry to construct digital elevation models to obtain a detailed tectono‐geomorphic interpretation and geomorphic offsets. The offset marker measurements yielded 135 geomorphic displacements and 8 offset clusters. Radiocarbon dating was used to establish the regional age sequence of the geomorphic units in offset fluvial terraces at four study sites. The displacements and ages linked the offset clusters with the geomorphic unit sequence; the Holocene strike‐slip rate of the Jinqianghe fault was estimated to 4.8–5.6 mm/a at ∼4–12 ka and 2.9–4.7 mm/a from ∼4 ka. Three recent earthquakes (with a recurrence interval of ∼1000 years) represent an active seismic period, revealing the potential seismic hazard along this fault because it has not ruptured in the last 1500 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐resolution topographic data sets have now become increasingly available, which allows for remotely measuring and analyzing offset features and their associated slip distributions at a very high resolution along a fault, hence providing important insights into the fault behavior. The West Helanshan Fault is a Holocene active right‐lateral strike‐slip fault located at the junction of the Tibetan Plateau, Alashan, and Ordos blocks. In this study, a 2‐m‐resolution DEM of the West Helanshan Fault was built from the WorldView‐3 stereo satellite images (0.5 m). Combined with the high‐resolution topography acquired from the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images based on the Structure from Motion (SfM) method, a total of 180 lateral offsets and 201 vertical displacements were acquired along ~50 km of the fault. By statistical analysis of the offset observations and constructing the cumulative slip profiles, we conclude that large paleoearthquakes have produced characteristic slip accumulation along the fault with a right‐lateral slip of ~3 m and a vertical slip of ~1 m, rupturing at least two segments of the fault simultaneously, which corresponds to a moment magnitude of Mw 7.1 ~ 7.5. The cumulative slip profiles suggest that the fault has likely propagated northward over its lifetime, and the south segment may be the most mature section of the fault where larger coseismic slip of earthquake ruptures may occur. The ratio of lateral to vertical displacement has remained constant (~3:1) through multiple successive events, indicating that the fault has maintained the same kinematic style over the last few thousands of years. Key Points: Large paleoearthquakes have produced characteristic slip along the fault with a lateral slip of ~3 m and a vertical slip of ~1 mThe fault has propagated northward over its lifetime, and larger coseismic slip of earthquakes may occur on the south segment of the faultThe fault has maintained the same kinematic style with a constant ratio of lateral to vertical displacement [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reconstruction of the along‐fault slip distribution provides an insight into the long‐term rupture patterns of a fault, thereby enabling more accurate assessment of its future behavior. The increasing wealth of high‐resolution topographic data, such as Light Detection and Ranging and photogrammetric digital elevation models, allows us to better constrain the slip distribution, thus greatly improving our understanding of fault behavior. The South Heli Shan Fault is a major active fault on the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, we built a 2 m resolution digital elevation model of the South Heli Shan Fault based on high‐resolution GeoEye‐1 stereo satellite imagery and then measured 302 vertical displacements along the fault, which increased the measurement density of previous field surveys by a factor of nearly 5. The cumulative displacements show an asymmetric distribution along the fault, comprising three major segments. An increasing trend from west to east indicates that the fault has likely propagated westward over its lifetime. The topographic relief of Heli Shan shows an asymmetry similar to the measured cumulative slip distribution, suggesting that the uplift of Heli Shan may result mainly from the long‐term activity of the South Heli Shan Fault. Furthermore, the cumulative displacements divide into discrete clusters along the fault, indicating that the fault has ruptured in several large earthquakes. By constraining the slip‐length distribution of each rupture, we found that the events do not support a characteristic recurrence model for the fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tectonic deformation of blocks neighboring fault zones has been thought to aid in accommodating regional displacements. In general, these block‐bounding faults possess continuous geometry and similar kinematics. However, the northwestern boundary of the Tianshan Mountains (NWBTS) involves two groups of faults that strike NW and NE. GPS velocities show that contemporary deformation takes place in a zone of 300 km wide in the NWBTS and is roughly dominated by left‐lateral shear. Left‐lateral shear motion of ∼5–6 mm/yr along the NWBTS is accommodated by right‐lateral slip and counterclockwise rotation of fault wallrocks on the NW‐striking faults and left‐lateral faulting on the NE‐striking faults. Present‐day deformation associated with the ongoing India‐Eurasia collision in the NWBTS is best described as the opposite sense of strike‐slip faulting and crustal rotation. The difference in lithospheric strengthening between the Kazakh Platform and Tianshan deflects strain toward the northeast and drives the dynamic process in this region. Plain Language Summary: The NWBTS has undergone notable tectonic deformation, which involves two groups of NW‐striking and NE‐striking faults instead of displacement only along a major bounding fault. How the two groups of faults interact to bound this deformation boundary belt and accommodate the regional strain associated with the ongoing India‐Eurasia collision remains unclear. Investigating the fault kinematics and strain distribution is essential for understanding the interactions between active tectonic blocks and determining crustal deformation patterns and dynamic mechanisms in this region. In this study, we utilize the latest GPS data from Wang and Shen (2020), https://doi.org/10.1029/2019jb018774 to define the kinematics and deformation rates of the major faults in the NWBTS. Left‐lateral shear of ∼5–6 mm/yr along the NE‐trending NWBTS is accommodated by right‐lateral faulting of the NW‐striking faults and left‐lateral faulting of the NE‐striking faults, which can be interpreted as a pattern resembling the opposite sense of strike‐slip faulting and crustal rotation of the surrounding rock. Our results provide clear evidence of how active deformation is distributed in this area and the tectonic role of the different faults in regional deformation. Key Points: Northwestern boundary of the Tianshan Mountains involves two groups of faults that strike NW and NEFault kinematics and deformation rates of the major faults are determined based on the GPS dataCrustal deformation in the NWBTS can be interpreted as a pattern resembling the opposite sense of strike‐slip faulting and crustal rotation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mibavademab (previously known as REGN4461), a fully human monoclonal antibody, is being investigated for the treatment of conditions associated with leptin deficiency. Here, we report pharmacokinetics (PKs), pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity from a phase I study in healthy participants (NCT03530514). In part A, lean or overweight healthy participants were randomized to single‐ascending‐dose cohorts of 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 10, and 30 mg/kg intravenous (i.v.), or 300 and 600 mg subcutaneous doses of mibavademab or placebo. In part B, overweight or obese participants were randomized to receive multiple doses of mibavademab (15 mg/kg i.v. loading dose and 10 mg/kg i.v. at weeks 3, 6, and 9) or placebo, stratified by body mass index and baseline leptin levels: low leptin (<5 ng/mL) or relatively low leptin (5–8 ng/mL in men and 5–24 ng/mL in women). Fifty‐six and 55 participants completed the single‐ascending‐dose and multiple‐dose parts, respectively. In the single‐ascending‐dose cohorts, mibavademab PKs were nonlinear with target‐mediated elimination, greater than dose‐proportional increases in exposure, and there were no dose‐dependent differences in total soluble leptin receptor (sLEPR) levels in serum over time. Following multiple‐dose administration of mibavademab in participants with leptin <8 ng/mL, lower mean mibavademab concentrations, higher mean total sLEPR concentrations, and larger mean decreases in body weight than in the relatively low leptin cohorts were observed. Baseline leptin was correlated with mibavademab PKs and pharmacodynamics. No treatment‐emergent anti‐mibavademab antibodies were observed in any mibavademab‐treated participant. Results from this study collectively inform further development of mibavademab to treat conditions associated with leptin deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cases of atopic dermatitis (AD)‐like rash induced by IL‐17A inhibitor secukinumab treatment (SI‐AD) have been recently reported in psoriasis patients. To identify immune and inflammatory factors expression in SI‐AD. A panel of 15 immune and inflammatory factors in peripheral blood samples from various groups, including patients with patients with SI‐AD, psoriasis with secukinumab (S‐stable), advanced psoriasis patients (Advanced) and healthy controls (HC). Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), IL‐4 and IL‐17A were detected in skin tissue biopsy samples by immunohistochemistry and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The immunoglobulin E levels in the SI‐AD patients exceeded normal values. The IL‐10 levels in SI‐AD patients were higher than those in S‐stable patients, advanced patients and HC. The IL‐4 levels in SI‐AD patients were higher than that in S‐stable patients and HC. The IL‐17A levels in SI‐AD patients were higher than those in advanced psoriasis patients and HC, but no significant differences were observed between SI‐AD patients and S‐stable patients. IL‐10 and IL‐4 levels were higher in AD‐like rashes than in healthy skin, while IL‐17A did not differ significantly between the two. Upon discontinuing secukinumab, and switching to oral cyclosporine, antihistamines, Janus kinase 1 inhibitor and topical glucocorticoids, SI‐AD patients experienced significant improvement in their skin lesions. Upon reexamination, all 15 immune and inflammatory factors returned to normal levels. Immune shift from Th17 towards Th2 may occur in SI‐AD, as indicated by abnormal expression of multiple immune and inflammatory factors observed in peripheral blood and skin tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Eastern Tibet is an important example of oblique convergence and associated strain partitioning, as suggested by recent 2‐D and 3‐D structural interpretations, yet the nature and evolution of oblique strain partitioning of this region remain poorly known. Here we use seismic reflection profiles, borehole data, and field investigations in the Longmen Shan piedmont to determine the subsurface structural architecture, and we observe several nearly N‐S striking thrusts and reactivation of NE striking preexisting faults. We interpret that this behavior is due to a regional principal compressional stress oriented in the E‐W direction, oblique to the NE striking Longmen Shan. Using the records of fault activity and related Late Pliocene and Quaternary foreland sediments and growth strata, as well as the coseismic rupture of the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, we demonstrate that the Longmen Shan has experienced E‐W crustal shortening and oblique motion since ~5–2 Ma. We present two strain partitioning models arising from oblique thrusting in eastern Tibet and suggest that the eastward extrusion from Tibet is mainly accommodated on the strike‐slip Longriba fault and the dip‐slip Longmen Shan‐Min Shan fault zones. These results enhance our understanding of the tectonic relationship between the Songpan‐Ganzi terrane and the Sichuan basin and provide additional constraints for studies of the geodynamic response of eastern Tibet to the ongoing India‐Eurasia collision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing efficient and inexpensive oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is crucial to address the ever‐increasing energy crisis and environment pollution. In this work, bimetallic nickel‐iron carbonate hydroxide arrays were strongly grown on a conductive carbon cloth (NiFeCH/CC) through a facile one‐step hydrothermal method, which were used as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts. Ni0.8Fe0.2CH/CC requires overpotential of just 246 mV at 10 mA cm−2, Tafel slope of 43 mV dec−1, and charge transfer resistance of 3.1 Ω for OER in 1 M KOH. The catalyst also shows excellent durability by a long‐term operation for 10 h. A post‐OER study of Ni0.8Fe0.2CH/CC reveals that the NiFeOOH species form on the surface during OER and the carbonate ions still intercalate between the cationic layers. Benefiting from a three‐dimensional structure and Fe doping strategy, the performance of Ni0.8Fe0.2CH/CC has been improved. This work provides an effective strategy to design efficient OER electrocatalysts in alkaline media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of 2-phenyl-1H-1,3-benzazaphosphole (H[2-ph-bp], 1) with free 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (IMes, 2) and 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene (SIMes, 3) afforded two imidazolium 1,3-benzazaphospholides, [1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazolium 2-phenyl-1,3-benzazaphospholide [(IMesH)+(2-ph-bp)-, 4] and 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazolium 2-phenyl-1,3-benzazaphospholide [(SIMesH)+(2-ph-bp)-, 5], which further reacted with carbodiimide to give 2-(N,N'-diisopropylcarbamimidoyl)-1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazolium 2-phenyl-1,3-benzazaphospholide (6) and 2-(N,N'-diisopropylcarbamimidoyl)-1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazolium 2-phenyl-1,3-benzazaphospholide (7), respectively. These compounds were characterized by multinuclear (¹H, 13C{1H}, and 31P{¹H}) NMR and IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The structures feature ion pair conformation in the solid state with strong charge-assisted C-H···N or N-H···N interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Itepekimab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin (IL‐33) and has been shown to reduce airway inflammation and associated tissue damage in preclinical studies. We assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PKs), and pharmacodynamic profiles of single‐ascending and multiple‐ascending doses of itepekimab in two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase I studies. Healthy adults (N = 40) were randomized to the single‐dose study and patients with moderate asthma (N = 23) to the multiple‐dose study. Itepekimab was administered intravenously (0.3, 1, 3, or 10 mg/kg infusion) or subcutaneously (150 mg) in the single‐dose study and subcutaneously (75 or 150 mg weekly for 4 weeks) in the multiple‐dose study. Itepekimab exhibited linear PKs across studies and dose‐proportional increases in mean maximum concentration in serum and area under the concentration–time curve following single intravenous or multiple subcutaneous doses. Itepekimab demonstrated mean subcutaneous bioavailability of 59–73% and a long terminal half‐life (30.0–31.6 days). IL‐33 concentrations in most healthy participants and patients with asthma were undetectable at baseline. Following administration of itepekimab in both studies, total IL‐33 concentrations increased and blood eosinophils decreased, both with durable effect. Itepekimab was well‐tolerated in both studies with no detection of treatment‐emergent anti‐drug antibody responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northeastern Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings are a tectonically complex region resulting from the continuing collision of India with Eurasia. We studied the tectonic deformation of this region using a GPS block model, which was produced using the most recently published, dense, precise, and complete GPS velocities available combined with a detailed fault geometry. The comparison between our preferred model with numerous faults and a model with fewer faults demonstrates the need for inclusion of lesser active faults affords a closer examination of strain partitioning. The predicted senses of motion and slip rates of active faults in our preferred model are consistent with the geological estimates, supporting the assumption that the decadal GPS slip rates are representative of millennial‐scale geologic slip rates. The observed fault kinematics in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings can be interpreted as the consequence of relative motions between different blocks and block rotations. Key Points: The inclusion of secondary active faults in block modeling affords a closer examination of strain partitioningThe senses of motion and slip rates of active faults predicted by our model are generally in agreement with geologic observationsDeformation of North Eastern Tibet and its surroundings can be interpreted as the result of relative motions between blocks and block rotations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Qilian Shan, located in the northeastern Tibet, is under strong tectonic activity and earthquake motion due to the propagation of the plateau. At the mountain front of the eastern Qilian Shan, the Tongziba River, in the southern Zhangye Basin, flows northward and successively cuts the Minle‐Damaying Fault and the Yonggu Anticline, two parallel structures within the Frontal Thrust system of the Qilian Shan. Here we present a detailed record of seven strath terraces of this river that documents the history of active deformation of the two structures. Based on the estimated crustal shortening distance from the deformed terraces and the terrace formation age constrained by AMS 14C and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, a horizontal slip rate of 1.4 ± 0.5 mm/year of the Minle‐Damaying Fault is constrained since 16.7 ± 1.8 kyr, and a shortening rate of 1.3 ± 0.4 mm/year across the Yonggu Anticline has been estimated in a similar time frame, respectively. In total, the shortening rate across the mountain front is estimated to be 2.7 ± 0.6 mm/year. GPS data show a similar modern shortening rate in this area, which indicates the rate of crustal shortening may be comparable in the modern and 104‐year scales. Our study supports a higher crustal shortening rate along the mountain front of the eastern Qilian Shan than that of the western Qilian Shan since the Late Quaternary. Key Points: The Minle‐Damaying Fault and the Yonggu Anticline have been active since at least 16.7 ± 1.8 kyrEstimated Late Quaternary shortening rate across the eastern Qilian Shan foreland is 2.7 ± 0.6 mm/year from terraces analysisCrustal shortening rate along the mountain front of the eastern Qilian Shan is probably higher than that of the western Qilian Shan [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the 2019 Mw6.4 and Mw7.1 Ridgecrest, California, earthquake sequence, using Sentinel‐1 and ALOS‐2 coseismic interferograms and subpixel offsets to retrieve the three‐dimensional (3‐D) surface displacements. By inverting the 3‐D displacements, optimal dip angles of the earthquake faults and the slip model were obtained. The interferometric synthetic aperture radar‐based slip model supplemented with the analysis of GPS data shows that the Mw6.4 event ruptured two orthogonal faults and its major geodetic moment was released by sinistral motion on a NE‐SW trending fault that dips 78° NW. Right‐lateral slip on NW‐SE trending subvertical faults was responsible for the Mw7.1 earthquake. Postseismic analysis with U.S. Geological Survey earthquake catalog and GPS time series at site P595 shows that the postseismic surface deformation following the Mw7.1 event has similar temporal patterns with the postseismic moment release, but requires more energy. This implies that the early aftershocks were likely controlled by rapid afterslip following the mainshock. Key Points: The 3‐D surface displacements of the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes are derived from Sentinel‐1 and ALOS‐2 InSAROrthogonal fault ruptures of the Mw6.4 event are revealed by using GPS horizontal measurementsThe rapid decay of aftershocks is explained by the afterslip following the mainshocks [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paleomagnetic studies on the syncollisional magmatic eruptions provide a direct way to understand when and where the Paleo‐Tethys closed. We report a well‐dated paleomagnetic pole from the southern Lancangjiang volcanic belt in western Yunnan of China. Stable Characteristic Remanent Magnetizations (ChRMs) were isolated from 21 sites at high temperatures following step‐wise thermal demagnetization. The data pass fold, reversal, and conglomerate tests and are interpreted to be primary thermal remanent magnetizations. The new paleomagnetic pole (46.1°N/176.2°E, K=44.9, A95=4.8°, N=21) yields a paleolatitude of 26.0 ± 4.8°N at the reference site (23.0°N/100.4°E) in the southern Lancangjiang area. This direct paleo‐latitudinal constraint on the Paleo‐Tethys suture zone in western Yunnan indicates that the north branch of the Paleo‐Tethys Ocean closed no later than the Carnian Age of Late Triassic, and confirms a geographic linkage between the North Qiangtang and Indochina Blocks at least during the Early Permian to Late Triassic. Plain Language Summary: The Asian continent is formed by the amalgamation of continental blocks such as the Tarim, North China, South China, Indochina, and Qiangtang. However, questions remained to answer: When did the ocean between them close? How did they drift from the south hemisphere to the north? In this study, we present a paleomagnetic constraint on the Paleo‐Tethys suture zone to quantify when and where the Paleo‐Tethys Ocean closed. The Paleo‐Tethys Ocean closed no later than the early Late Triassic at ~26°N. The Indochina and North Qiangtang drifted together from the south hemisphere to the north during the Permian‐Triassic. Key Points: The southern Lancangjiang volcanic belt formed at a paleolatitude of ~26ºN during the Carnian Stage of the Late TriassicThe north branch of the Paleo‐Tethys closed no later than the Carnian Stage of the Late TriassicA Permo‐Triassic geographic linkage between Indochina and N‐Qiangtang is confirmed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pamir Frontal Thrust along the leading edge of the northern Pamir is characterized by multiple earthquakes with moment magnitudes of 6.5–7.1. Geometric characteristics of the Pamir Frontal Thrust corresponding to these earthquakes and to future seismic hazards, however, remain largely unexplored. This study focuses on the easternmost segment of the Pamir Frontal Thrust, where the Mw 6.9 Wuqia earthquake occurred in 1985. Through interpretation of available two‐dimensional seismic reflection profiles and surface mapping data, we develop a three‐dimensional geometric model for the fault plane. Our results illustrate that, at depth, the fault plane is separated by a subhorizontal detachment horizon into upper and lower ramps, and both ramps are significantly segmented, along strike, by transfer faults or lateral ramps as well. Such along‐strike and downdip segmentation of the thrust sheet apparently plays a significant control on seismic rupture process of the Wuqia earthquake and can well explain why the region is characterized by moderate‐magnitude (Mw 6.5–7.1) events. Additionally, our study helps quantify key constraints on the Cenozoic deformation and evolution of the northeastern Pamir and, specifically, determines a total shortening of ≤43 km at the Pamir front: accommodating about 15% of the total indentation of the Pamir range into central Asia. Key Points: The PFT fault plane is significantly segmented both in the downdip direction and along strikeRupture of the 1985 Wuqia earthquake is likely encompassed within the upper ramp of the Tuomuluoan PFT fault segmentTotal shortening at the Pamir front is ≤43 km: significantly less than ~300‐km‐northward Cenozoic indentation of the Pamir [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deciphering the relationship between lateral growth of faults and along‐strike deformation (i.e., shortening and uplift) in the Earth's upper crust remains a challenge. Here we gain insight into the relation between these processes by studying the Kashi anticline, an asymmetric, doubly plunging thrust‐fault‐related fold located in the southwest Tian Shan, China. We use seismic interpretation and field observations, together with 2‐D trishear and excess area methods, to quantify the distribution of shortening along this structure. The shortening distribution along strike of the Kashi anticline is nonlinear and has a peaked, asymmetric, bell shape, with a maximum value of 5.9 ± 0.2 km. After comparing the 3‐D structural model of the Kashi anticline and our trishear models, we propose that lateral propagation‐to‐maximum shortening ratio, initiation fault length, and lateral propagation rate control the lateral fault propagation process and the fold terminations. Moreover, the 3‐D fault morphology and the ages of the growth strata suggest that the Kashi anticline experienced two stages of lateral growth with propagation rates of 60 km/Ma between 1.4 ± 0.2 Myr and 0.9 ± 0.3 Ma, and ~67 km/Myr from 0.9 ± 0.3 Ma to present. These observations highlight the relation between the evolution of lateral fault growth and the along‐strike shortening distribution, allowing us to use the latter (which we can measure) to infer the former (which we cannot). These novel insights from the Kashi anticline can be used to understand lateral growth of thrust and normal faults worldwide. Key Points: Structural interpretations reveal that the western segment of Kashi anticline is a trishear fault propagation fold, whereas the eastern segment is a detachment foldVariations of lateral fault growth produced along‐strike shortening distribution with a peaked, nonlinear bell shapeKashi anticline experienced two stages of lateral growth with propagation rates of 60 km/Myr between 1.4 ± 0.2 and 0.9 ± 0.3 Ma, and ~67 km/Myr from 0.9 ± 0.3 Ma to present [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropomyosin (Tpm) binds along actin filaments and regulates myosin binding to control muscle contraction. Tropomodulin binds to the pointed end of a filament and regulates actin dynamics, which maintains the length of a thin filament. To define the structural determinants of these Tpm functions, we examined the effects of two congenital myopathy mutations, A4V and R91C, in the Tpm gene, TPM3, which encodes the Tpm3.12 isoform, specific for slow‐twitch muscle fibers. Mutation A4V is located in the tropomodulin‐binding, N‐terminal region of Tpm3.12. R91C is located in the actin‐binding period 3 and directly interacts with actin. The A4V and R91C mutations resulted in a 2.5‐fold reduced affinity of Tpm3.12 homodimers for F‐actin in the absence and presence of troponin, and a two‐fold decrease in actomyosin ATPase activation in the presence of Ca2+. Actomyosin ATPase inhibition in the absence of Ca2+ was not affected. The Ca2+ sensitivity of ATPase activity was decreased by R91C, but not by A4V. In vitro, R91C altered the ability of tropomodulin 1 (Tmod1) to inhibit actin polymerization at the pointed end of the filaments, which correlated with the reduced affinity of Tpm3.12‐R91C for Tmod1. Molecular dynamics simulations of Tpm3.12 in complex with F‐actin suggested that both mutations reduce the affinity of Tpm3.12 for F‐actin binding by perturbing the van der Waals energy, which may be attributable to two different molecular mechanisms—a reduced flexibility of Tpm3.12‐R91C and an increased flexibility of Tpm3.12‐A4V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We reveal transient surface deformation following the 2017 Mw7.3 Sarpol Zahab (Iran) earthquake using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) measurements. Based on the coseismic interferograms derived from the Advanced Land Observing Satellite‐2 (ALOS‐2) data, the preferred slip model of the earthquake has a centroid depth of 14.5 ± 4 km and suggests that a basement fault is most likely responsible for the 2017 earthquake in the northwest Zagros fold‐thrust belt zone. Two slip asperities with a maximum slip of 6 m separated by 16 km are observed in the best fitting slip model. The accumulated afterslip in the first month after the mainshock determined from the Sentinel‐1 postseismic interferograms reveals a slip distribution that lies immediately updip of the coseismic slip, implying that frictional properties of the fault vary along the rupture patch. The Bamo Mount in the earthquake area was uplifted by approximately 1 m during the earthquake. We suggest that local topographic growth from both seismic and aseismic faulting behaviors is common within the Zagros fold‐thrust belt zone based on our findings regarding the 2017 earthquake and other significant events in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids (ILs) possess effective functions in controlling the phase and morphology of nanomaterials. However, it is still unclear how ILs affect the morphology control and what the origin of adsorption selectivity of ILs is on different crystal facets. It is a challenge to develop a simple method to select the suitable kinds of ILs for achieving the controllable synthesis of nanomaterials with designable shape. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were combined with experiment to study the interaction mechanism between ILs and crystal facets. An important relationship is proposed, named as the geometric matching principle, in which the adsorption site of substrate should not only need to meet the space requirement for interionic stacking of ILs, but also needs to maximize the interaction between adsorbed ILs and substrate. This new finding is meaningful for prediction of the adsorption selectivity of ILs and clarification of their shape-controlled chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncovering the reason for structure-dependent thermoelectric performance still remains a big challenge. A low-temperature and easily scalable strategy for synthesizing Bi2Te3 nanostring hierarchical structures through solution-phase reactions, during which there is the conversion of 'homo-hetero-homo' in Bi2Te3 heteroepitaxial growth, is reported. Bi2Te3 nanostrings are obtained through the transformation from pure Bi2Te3 hexagonal nanosheets followed by TeBi2Te3 'nanotop' heterostructures to Bi2Te3 nanostrings. The growth of Bi2Te3 nanostrings appears to be a self-assembly process through a wavy competition process generated from Te and Bi3+. The conversion of homo-hetero-homo opens up new platforms to investigate the wet chemistry of Bi2Te3 nanomaterials. Furthermore, to study the effect of morphologies and hetero/homo structures, especially with the same origin and uniform conditions on their thermoelectric properties, the thermoelectric properties of Bi2Te3 nanostrings and TeBi2Te3 heterostructured pellets fabricated by spark plasma sintering have been investigated separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the work presented here, well-dispersed ferric giniite microcrystals with controlled sizes and shapes are solvothermally synthesized from ionic-liquid precursors by using 1- n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dihydrogenphosphate ([Bmim][H2PO4]) as phosphate source. The success of this synthesis relies on the concentration and composition of the ionic-liquid precursors. By adjusting the molar ratios of Fe(NO3)3 ⋅9H2O to [Bmim][H2PO4] as well as the composition of ionic-liquid precursors, we obtained uniform microstructures such as bipyramids exposing {111} facets, plates exposing {001} facets, hollow spheres, tetragonal hexadecahedron exposing {441} and {111} facets, and truncated bipyamids with carved {001} facets. The crystalline structure of the ferric giniite microcrystals is disclosed by various characterization techniques. It was revealed that [Bmim][H2PO4] played an important role in stabilizing the {111} facets of ferric giniite crystals, leading to the different morphologies in the presence of ionic-liquid precursors with different compositions. Furthermore, since these ferric giniite crystals were characterized by different facets, they could serve as model Fenton-like catalysts to uncover the correlation between the surface and the catalytic performance for the photodegradation of organic dyes under visible-light irradiation. Our measurements indicate that the photocatalytic activity of as-prepared Fenton-like catalysts is highly dependent on the exposed facets, and the surface area has essentially no obvious effect on the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in the present study. It is highly expected that these findings are useful in understanding the photocatalytic activity of Fenton-like catalysts with different morphologies, and suggest a promising new strategy for crystal-facet engineering of photocatalysts for wastewater treatment based on heterogeneous Fenton-like process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-dispersed ammonium aluminum carbonate hydroxide (NH4-Dw) and γ-AlOOH nanostructures with controlled morphologies have been synthesized by employing an ionic-liquid-assisted hydrothermal process. The basic strategies that were used in this work were: 1) A controllable phase transition from NH4-Dw to γ-AlOOH could be realized by increasing the reaction temperature and 2) the morphological evolution of NH4-Dw and γ-AlOOH nanostructures could be influenced by the concentration of the ionic liquid. Based on these experimental results, the main objective of this work was to clarify the effect models of the ionic liquids on the synthesis of NH4-Dw and γ-AlOOH nanostructures, which could be divided into cationic- or anionic-dominant effect models, as determined by the different surface structures of the targets. Specifically, under the cationic-dominant regime, the ionic liquids mainly showed dispersion effects for the NH4-Dw nanostructures, whereas the anionic-dominant model could induce the self-assembly of the γ-AlOOH particles to form hierarchical structures. Under the guidance of the proposed models, the effect of the ionic liquids would be optimized by an appropriate choice of cations or anions, as well as by considering the different effect models with the substrate surface. We expect that such effect models between ionic liquids and the target products will be helpful for understanding and designing rational ionic liquids that contain specific functional groups, thus open up new opportunities for the synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials with new morphologies and improved properties. In addition, these as-prepared NH4-Dw and γ-AlOOH nanostructures were converted into porous γ-Al2O3 nanostructures by thermal decomposition, whilst preserving the same morphology. By using HRTEM and nitrogen-adsorption analysis, the obtained γ-Al2O3 samples were found to have excellent porous properties and, hence, may have applications in catalysis and adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we have synthesized CoCO3 microaggregation, microcubes and nanoplates by an ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal method. The morphologies of the CoCO3 crystals depend on the concentration of the ionic liquid and the reaction temperature. Moreover, the as-prepared CoCO3 crystals can serve as a useful precursor to obtain porous Co3O4 particles with similar morphology by means of calcinations. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 85 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]