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Characterizing the coseismic slip behaviors of earthquakes could offer a better understanding of regional crustal deformation and future seismic potential assessments. On 18 December 2023, an Mw 6.0 earthquake occurred on the Lajishan–Jishishan fault system (LJFS) in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, causing serious damage and casualties. The seismogenic fault hosting this earthquake is not well constrained, as no surface rupture was identified in the field. To address this issue, in this study, we use Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data to investigate the coseismic surface deformation of this earthquake and invert both ascending and descending line-of-sight observations to probe the seismogenic fault and its slip characteristics. The InSAR observations show up to ~6 cm surface uplift caused by the Jishishan earthquake, which is consistent with the thrust-dominated focal mechanism. A Bayesian-based dislocation modeling indicates that two fault models, with eastern and western dip orientations, could reasonably fit the InSAR observations. By calculating the coseismic Coulomb failure stress changes (∆CFS) induced by both fault models, we find that the east-dipping fault scenario could reasonably explain the aftershock distributions under the framework of stress triggering, while the west-dipping fault scenario produced a negative ∆CFS in the region of dense aftershocks. Integrating regional geological structures, we suggest that the seismogenic fault of the Jishishan earthquake, which strikes NNE with a dip of 56° to the east, may be either the Jishishan western margin fault or a secondary buried branch. The optimal finite-fault slip modeling shows that the coseismic slip was dominated by reverse slip and confined to a depth range between ~5 and 15 km. The released seismic moment is 1.61 × 1018 N·m, which is equivalent to an Mw 6.07 earthquake. While the Jishishan earthquake ruptured a fault segment of approximately 20 km, it only released a small part of the seismic moment that was accumulated along the 220 km long Lajishan–Jishishan fault system. The remaining segments of the Lajishan–Jishishan fault system still have the capability to generate moderate-to-large earthquakes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Southeastern (SE) Tibet is one of the most seismically active regions in mainland China, but the spatial distribution of interseismic coupling that quantifies seismic hazard is unknown along most major faults. In this study, we constructed an elastic block model to invert Global Positioning System data for slip rates and locking coefficients along 20 major faults in SE Tibet. Our results identify 27 strongly coupled fault segments with locking coefficients >0.5, defined as potential seismogenic asperities, extending laterally for 36–330 km. Quantitative calculations of seismic moment budgets on these seismogenic asperities indicate that they are capable of generating Mw 6.4–7.7 earthquakes in the next few decades, of which the Anninghe, Daliangshan and Red River faults have the potential for Mw ≥ 7.5 earthquakes. The interseismic coupling model provides a component for probabilistic analysis of future seismic hazards in densely populated Southwest China. Plain Language Summary: In the period between earthquakes, crustal faults are either partially to fully stuck or slipping freely. In the former case, plate movement can cause a buildup of energy on the fault plane and eventually be released through earthquakes. Using Global Positioning System (GPS) to measure the movement of the Earth's surface, we can use models of crustal deformation to identify where and how quickly faults are accumulating energy and then make reasonable predictions about the locations and magnitudes of future earthquakes. Based on the above principles, in this study, we use GPS measurements to suggest the locations and magnitudes of potential earthquakes on 20 major faults in southeast Tibet, which includes most of the Sichuan and Yunnan provinces in southwestern China. We find that 27 fault segments with lengths of 36–330 km are stuck to some degree and accumulating energy. Currently, the accumulated energy can produce earthquakes of Mw 6.4–7.7, highlighting the severity of earthquake hazards in Southwest China. Key Points: We obtained a unified interseismic coupling model for 20 major fault systems in southeastern TibetWe identify 27 seismogenic asperities with locking coefficients >0.5 that could host Mw 6.4–7.7 earthquakesThe interseismic coupling model provides a component for probabilistic analysis of future seismic hazards in Southwest China [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 5 September 2022 Mw 6.7 Luding earthquake occurred on the Moxi segment of the highly active Xianshuihe fault in eastern Tibet. Here, we constrain the coseismic slip by jointly inverting the coseismic displacements measured by Global Positioning System, seismometer and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar. Along the Moxi fault, concentrated left‐lateral strike slip extends ∼30 km along the strike above 10 km depth, producing 0.7–1.0 m shallow slip. Clustered aftershocks and slip inversions suggest that the secondary conjugate Mozigou fault may also involve the rupture. Southward rupture propagation is likely arrested by the barrier‐like fault segments of the Xianshuihe fault, characterized by high interseismic coupling (>0.6) and reduced shear stress rate (<1 kPa/yr) due to interactions with surrounding large locked asperities. The distribution of aftershocks is highly correlated with the positive coseismic Coulomb failure stress changes , which bring the adjacent asperities on the Anninghe and Daliangshan faults ∼0.2 MPa closer to failure. Plain Language Summary: The Mw 6.7 Luding earthquake occurred in eastern Tibet on 5 September 2022, causing 93 casualties and 25 people missing, and substantial damage in the epicentral regions. In this study, we derive the static coseismic displacements from Global Positioning System, seismometer and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar observations. We jointly invert these datasets for the coseismic slip distribution. Our results reveal that the coseismic slip is likely distributed on the conjugate Moxi and Mozigou faults, with the primary slip concentrated on the Moxi fault. We compare the coseismic slip with both the interseismic coupling distribution and shear stress rate on the Moxi fault. We find that the southward coseismic rupture termination is spatially coincident with the areas undergoing a low pre‐earthquake shear stress rate and a high interseismic coupling. The comparison suggests that the coseismic slip during the Luding earthquake is likely controlled by pre‐earthquake interactions with surrounding locked zones on the Anninghe and Daliangshan faults (DLS). We calculate the coseismic Coulomb failure stress changes and demonstrate that the aftershocks could be explained by the induced positive stress perturbations. We conclude that the Luding mainshock enhances earthquake hazards on the Anninghe and DLS. Key Points: Global Positioning System, seismometer, and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar measurements reveal concentrated coseismic slip extending 30 km on the Moxi fault at 0–10 km depthInteractions with large locked asperities lower the shear stress rate to the south of earthquake and lead to the arrest of coseismic ruptureThe Luding event brought the Anninghe and Daliangshan faults ∼0.2 MPa closer to failure, representing enhanced earthquake hazard [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy combined with gemcitabine chemotherapy in multiline treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 32 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer treated with sintilimab regimen from January 2019 to December 2021 in our hospital. All patients were followed up until death or April 2022, in the form of outpatient, in-hospital review, or telephone follow-up. Follow-up content included routine blood, liver and kidney functions, tumor markers, plain or enhanced abdominal CT, and abdominal MRI examinations. Clinical efficacy was evaluated according to mRECIST criteria, and the severity of adverse effects was evaluated according to American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) Standard Term for Adverse Events, Version 5.0. Results. During treatment, the dosage of sintilimab was halved in 2 patients due to adverse reactions. All patients were treated with sintilimab for 1~10 times, with an average of 6 ± 4 times. The total response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 6.25% and 12.50% and 25.00% and 37.50%, respectively, after 1 and 3 months of treatment. The mean follow-up time of 32 patients was 1-12 months, and the median follow-up time was 4 ± 3 months. By the end point of follow-up, a total of 25 patients died, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.8 (95% CI (1.85-5.63)) months. The median overall survival (OS) was 5.1 months (95% CI (3.63~7.68). After treatment, the levels of tumor markers CA125, CEA and CA199 were partly decreased compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.001). After treatment, the blood routine indexes d-dimer, CRP (C-reactive protein), NLR (neutral granulocyte to lymphocyte ratio), and MLR (monocyte to lymphocyte ratio) decreased compared with those before treatment. In 32 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, the adverse reactions with an incidence more than 10% included fatigue, rash, hypothyroidism, hyperuricemia, and renal insufficiency. Only 2 patients showed grade 3 fatigue symptom, and all the others showed no adverse reactions of grades 3~5. In this study, all patients' adverse reactions were relieved after symptomatic treatment. Conclusion. Gemcitabine chemotherapy in multiline treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer with sintilimab can achieve certain clinical benefits without serious adverse reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We combine Global Positioning System (GPS) velocity field with Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) results to study the interseismic deformation across the western Altyn Tagh fault (ATF) at longitude 86° E. GPS and InSAR data are consistent after correcting for the contribution from vertical deformation in the InSAR line-of-sight map. InSAR and GPS data identify an area of ∼2 mm a−1 sinistral shear and ∼6 mm a−1 of NS shortening located ∼150 km south of the ATF near the Manyi fault system. Excluding the data located in that area, Bayesian inversion of a 2-D profile across the ATF indicate a locking depth of 14.8 ± 3.5 km and a slip rate of 8.0 ± 0.4 mm a−1, lying at the lower range of previously published estimates. In addition, we find no significant offset between the fault at depth and the surface fault trace and no asymmetry of the interseismic profile that implicitly reveal lateral variations of the elastic strength across the ATF. Detailed analysis of InSAR profile across the fault show no distinguishable surface creep along the western ATF. Our study highlights how different data sets, data selection and model assumption might impact results on the ATF slip rate, locking depth and rheological contrast across the fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use Global Positioning System (GPS) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data to quantify the interseismic coupling along the Xianshuihe‐Xiaojiang fault system (XXFS). Our results confirm 7–11 mm/a of left‐lateral strike‐slip motion along the XXFS. South of the Shimian County, high interseismic coupling is found down to 20 km‐depth along the Anninghe‐Zemuhe fault. A second 130 km‐long section, highly coupled down to 10–15 km‐depth, is identified along the northern Xiaojiang fault. North of the Kangding County, the Xianshuihe fault appears to be predominantly creeping at depth. Previously identified long‐lasting surface creep following the 1973 M 7.6 Luhuo earthquake has now ended, possibly marking the initiation of a new period of stress accumulation and progressive relocking of the fault. Farther south along the fault, we identify a ∼30 km‐long section (∼30.2°–30.4°N) creeping at ∼7 mm/yr. Furthermore, creep accelerated by ∼2 mm/yr during the 2008–2014 period, possibly as a result of the static Coulomb failure stress increment induced by the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, that occurred ∼200 km northeast of it. The 2014 Mw 5.9 Kangding earthquake occurred along the creeping section at the end of the period of accelerated creep. Finally, taking advantage of the long historical records of past large earthquakes available since 1327, we quantitatively compare the moment budget along the XXFS. Results highlight that along the Anninghe, Zemuhe, and Xiaojiang faults, moment deficit for Mw > 7 earthquakes has now accumulated. Plain Language Summary: More probable location and size of future large earthquakes can be anticipated if we accurately know the present‐day distribution of interseismic fault coupling. Knowing date of the latest large earthquake, one can infer slip deficit and estimate the energy available for forthcoming seismic ruptures. Here, we focus on the Xianshuihe‐Anninghe‐Zemuhe‐Xiaojiang fault system in Tibet, which is the largest strike‐slip fault crossing southwestern China. Historical records attest numerous earthquakes during the last few centuries, but the fault has remained relatively silent in the past few decades. We use GPS data spanning nearly 20 years to investigate the present‐day interseismic fault coupling along the fault system. We find the Anninghe, Zemuhe, and Xiaojiang faults have accumulated enough energy for several Mw > 7 earthquakes. However, our results show that the northern segment called the Xianshuihe fault is not locked, suggesting a relatively low energy accumulation rate and seismic potential, despite a long history of frequent earthquakes. Finally, we identify a new ∼30 km‐long creeping section on the Xianshuihe fault, whose creep rate show a transient behavior, possibly induced by the effect a ∼200 km remote earthquake that occurred in 2008. Key Points: Highly heterogeneous interseismic coupling along the Xianshuihe‐Xiaojiang fault system, with the northern Xianshuihe fault predominantly creeping at depthSurface creep observed during 4 decades after the 1973 M 7.6 Luhuo earthquake has endedA new ∼30 km‐long transient creeping segment on the Xianshuihe fault, with creep rate increasing after the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the spatial distribution of aseismic creep on the Laohushan‐Haiyuan fault using Global Positioning System (GPS) data (1999–2017) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data (2003–2010). Comparisons among GPS, InSAR line‐of‐sight (LOS) rates, and leveling show that neither leveling nor GPS vertical velocities can fit the vertical signal mapped into the LOS, implying either complicated vertical crustal deformation in northeastern Tibet and/or complex error structures in the InSAR data. Thus, we combined horizontal GPS with high‐pass filtered InSAR data to produce a continuous LOS rate map crossing the fault. Our geodetic data reveal three creep sections along the fault. Both the restored LOS data and decomposed ascending and descending InSAR data highlight the fact that vertical motion can cause an overestimation of creep rate; we obtained a refined creep rate of 2.5 ± 0.4 mm/a on the Laohushan fault. We further identified a 10 km‐long, ∼3–5 mm/a creep section (∼104.2°E−104.3°E) and a 43 km‐long, ∼1–3 mm/a creep section (∼105.3°E−105.7°E) on the western and eastern Haiyuan fault respectively. Both are located on fault sections that ruptured during the 1920 M∼8 earthquake, suggesting that the 1920 earthquake was able to cross pre‐existing creep sections or that the fault shows heterogeneous relocking after large earthquakes, with creep lasting decades on some parts of the rupture. Fault coupling shows a highly variable rate of slip deficit accumulation along strike, suggesting that coupling might significantly evolve during the period between two large earthquakes. Plain Language Summary: Ample observations document slip on a fault plane is seismic and/or aseismic; the former situation refers to a fault slips suddenly and produce earthquakes, the latter means a fault slips gradually without generating seismic energy. Studying the fault‐creep activity contributes to better understand the seismic behavior of crustal faults. We focus on the Haiyuan fault system, which is located on the northeastern margin of Tibet. Several large earthquakes occurred along the fault system in the past, including the 1920 M∼8.0 Haiyuan and the 1927 M ∼8–8.3 Gulang earthquakes. Using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and Global Positioning System (GPS) data, we identified three creep sections along the fault. Our results show vertical deformation that has mapped into the InSAR line‐of‐sight (LOS) could leads to overestimation of the creep rate. Besides, our findings imply either large earthquakes can rupture creep regions or they can generate long‐lasting afterslip/creep. Key Points: Of three creep segments on the Laohushan‐Haiyuan fault, two are located along fault sections that ruptured during the 1920 M∼8 earthquakeVertical motion leads to overestimation of the creep rate on the Laohushan fault; our refined creep rate is 2.5 ± 0.4 mm/aOur findings support that large earthquakes can rupture pre‐existing creep regions or that they can generate long‐lasting afterslip or creep [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the atomization characteristics of fan air-assisted nozzles, which is important in the emerging process of dust removal via air-assisted nozzles in underground coal mines. An experimental study on atomization characteristics of a fan air-assisted nozzle was conducted using a custom-built air-assisted spray system. The results reveal that the volume flow rate of the medium, i.e., either water or air, showed a negative exponentially increasing trend as itself pressure increasing and showed a linearly decreasing trend as the other pressure increasing. The drop size distribution met the Rosin-Rammler function. When the air pressure was 0.5 MPa, the drop distribution moved right, and the uniformity coefficient of the distribution fell as the water pressure increased from 0.1 MPa to 0.9 MPa; the drop distribution moved left and the uniformity coefficient raised as the water pressure increased from 0.9 MPa to 1.0 MPa. When water pressure was 0.5 MPa, the drop distribution moved left, and the uniformity coefficient fell as the air pressure increased. The drop size grew downstream; the growth speed was proportional to droplet density and water volume fraction and inversely proportional to drop size. The drop size first tended to increase then showed a decreasing trend as the water pressure increased; the value of the cutoff point increased as the water pressure increased. The drop size decreased as the air pressure increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine pneumonia is a great threat for pig industry around the world, which is usually accompanied with neutrophils infiltration in the airway. Although interleukin-8 (CXCL8) and its receptors, CXC chemokine receptor 1 and 2 (CXCR1/2) in human have been well documented, the expression and function of CXCR1/2 is still unknown in swine. To explore the feasibility to develop new veterinary anti-inflammatory drugs targeting porcine CXCR1/2, we detected CXCR1/2 expression in swine pneumonia through Real-Time PCR and immunohistochemistry for the first time. Two porcine CXCR1/2 antagonists, CXCL8(3–72)N11R/G31P (pN11R) and CXCL8(3–72)G31P (pG31P) were prepared and their anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using cell chemotaxis assays and animal experiments. Our data showed that CXCR1/2 expression, which was closely related to neutrophil infiltration in the lung, was significantly up-regulated in swine pneumonia. The pN11R and pG31P could effectively inhibit the directional migration of neutrophils in vitro. In vivo data also indicated that both pN11R and pG31P significantly relieved LPS-induced pneumonia in mice through decreasing the expression of TNF-α, CXCL8, and IL-1β, and inhibiting neutrophil influx into the lung. pG31P was more efficient. Our study suggested that it is possible to develop new veterinary anti-inflammatory drugs targeting porcine CXCR1/2, and pG31P is a promising candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the slip behavior of the Altyn Tagh fault (ATF) has significant implications for our understanding of the tectonic deformation of the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, we process Global Positioning System (GPS) data spanning 2009–2017 across the western ATF, merge the solution with recently published GPS velocities, and obtain a dense GPS velocity field for northern Tibet. We introduce an elastic block model and estimate the fault slip rate, interseismic fault coupling (ISC), and seismic moment accumulation rate along the ATF. The estimated left‐lateral strike‐slip rate of the ATF decreases eastward from 12.8 ± 0.4 mm/a to 0.1 ± 0.2 mm/a. Results show a heterogeneous distribution of ISC along the fault, with the fault locking depth varying from 5 to 20 km. The seismic moment accumulation rate is 2.16–2.37 × 1018 N m/km along three segments between Sulamu Tagh and Aksay bends, where the accumulated seismic moment over the last five centuries could be balanced by earthquakes with magnitudes of Mw 7.7, Mw 7.6, and Mw 7.8, respectively. We calculate the ratio of the Indo‐Eurasia convergence accommodated by the ATF and find that 10.3% of the convergence is accommodated along the fault by lateral extrusion; quantitative analysis of the strain rate, however, shows that a large part of the northern Tibet is not well described by elastic block rotation. Consequently, we suggest that a hybrid kinematic model that includes both block‐like and continuous deformation is needed to better delineate the crustal deformation of the Tibetan Plateau. Key Points: Altyn Tagh fault slip rate and coupling inverted using new, dense interseismic GPS velocitiesThe three fault segments between Sulamu Tagh and Aksay bends have the potential to rupture in Mw 7.7, Mw 7.6, and Mw 7.8 earthquakesA hybrid kinematic model is needed to delineate the crustal deformation of the Tibetan Plateau [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the dense GPS velocity field in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau from 1999 to 2016, we have produced the deformation and strain characteristics of the Haiyuan fault and the Liupanshan fault. Estimated long-term slip rate along the Haiyuan-Liupanshan fault zones show a gradual decrease from 6.4 ± 1.6 mm/yr at the Tuolaishan fault to 2.9 ± 1.2 mm/yr at the Southern Liupanshan fault. Left-lateral thrusting movement was inverted for the Xiangshan-Tianjingshan fault (XS-TJS), which has an average slip rate of 2.1 ± 3.4 mm/yr during the study period. We also calculated the heterogeneous distribution of interseismic coupling along the fault zones. Our result also shows the locking depth of the Tianzhu seismic gap is ∼22 km. The slip rate deficit, the seismic moment accumulation rate, and the Coulomb stress accumulation rate are high on the fault planes, whereas the second invariant of the strain rate is low at the surface. The Liupanshan fault is locked to a depth of ∼23 km, and the corresponding seismic moment accumulation rate on the fault plane is high, while the strain rate at the surface is low. The accumulated strain along the Tianzhu seismic gap and the Liupanshan fault could be balanced by earthquakes with magnitudes of Mw7.9 and Mw7.4, considering the absence of large earthquakes over the last 1000 years and 1400 years respectively. The Haiyuan segments had ruptured during 1920 Haiyuan earthquake, and the estimated locking depth for period 1999–2016 is 5–10 km. Its seismic moment accumulation rate at depth is low and the strain rate at the surface is high. Our result indicates that 70% of the strike-slip along the Haiyuan segments transforms into thrusting along the Liupanshan fault, while the remaining 30% is related to the orogeny of the Liupanshan. For slip between the Haiyuan fault and the XS-TJS, about 27–34% of the slip is partitioned on the XS-TJS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GPS-derived horizontal velocities, geologic fault slip rates and earthquake-derived fault slip vector azimuths are inverted simultaneously for fault coupling and slip rate deficit on the Haiyuan-Liupanshan fault in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Along the Haiyuan fault, the results show 3.2–6.2 mm/yr of left-lateral strike-slip, and the strike-slip transformed into thrusting deformation (2.8–3.5 mm/yr) along the Liupanshan fault. The results suggest full coupling down to ∼10 km along the Haiyuan fault. Significant portions from the Jinqianghe fault to the Maomaoshan fault, however, are locked to ∼23 km depth. The abrupt change in fault coupling coincides with the Tianzhu seismic gap. High slip rate deficit (3.0–4.5 mm/yr) and seismic moment accumulation rate are also interpreted along the seismic gap. The Liupanshan fault is locked to 15–20 km depth. A high seismic moment accumulation rate, low slip rate deficit (2.0–3.2 mm/yr) and scarcity of large seismic event over the last 1400 years may imply high strain accumulation on the fault. The results demonstrate that crustal deformation in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau is dominated by elastic block rotation. We also conclude that deformation due to fault coupling is limited along the near-field (less than 50 km with velocities less than 2 mm/yr) of the Haiyuan-Liupanshan fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial pattern and rate of strain accumulation on a fault during the pre- and inter-seismic phases are very important for interpreting the mechanism of earthquakes and evaluating seismic potentials. Here we use global positioning system (GPS) data and the block-dislocation model to invert for the locking degree and slip rate deficit of the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) fault in the southern margin of Tibet before the 2015 M w 7.9 Nepal earthquake. Results show that the locking depth and slip rate deficit increase from the west to the east. Along the western segment of the MHT fault (80°E–84°E), the locking depth is estimated to be 12–17 km with a slip rate deficit of 0–5 mm/a; along the central Nepal segment (84°E–87°E), the locking depth is 16–21 km with a slip rate deficit of 6–10 mm/a, whilst along the eastern segment (87°E–90°E), the locking depth increases to 23–26 km with a slip rate deficit of 8–13 mm/a. The 2015 Nepal earthquake initiated at the boundary between the western and central segments, an area with as where the slip rate deficit varies dramatically from 0 to 9 mm/a within 50 km resulting in high energy gradients. High strain concentration along the central and eastern segments leads to unilateral propagation of the rupture to the east. Given the paucity of large seismic events over the previous decades and the current high slip rate deficit, seismic hazard on the eastern Nepal segment remains high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Visceral adipose tissue-derived serpin (vaspin) was identified as a new adipocytokine. Many studies reported vaspin concentrations in obese subjects and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. However, large variation in levels of vaspin seen in different studies may be attributable to differences of sample size. The aim of this study is to establish an accurate confidence interval of vaspin levels in obese subjects and T2DM patients using a large-scale meta-analysis. Methods Publications of the association between vaspin and obesity and T2DM in the databases of Medline, PubMed and EMBase were collected. The keywords included “vaspin” and “visceral adipose tissue-derived serpin”. Review manager 5.0 was used to process the data. Results For the analysis of obesity, 6 studies with 1826 participants were included in our meta-analysis; the level of vaspin was 0.52 ng/ml [95% confidence interval (CI)](0.10–0.93, P = 0.02) higher in obese subjects than that in non-obese healthy controls. Eleven studies with 1570 patients were included for the analysis of T2DM; the level of vaspin was 0.36 ng/ml [95%CI] (0.23–0.49, P < 0.00001) higher compared with that in healthy controls. Conclusions Significantly higher levels of serum vaspin were observed in obese subjects and T2DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peak ground displacement (PGD) and peak ground velocity (PGV) are critical parameters during earthquake early warning, as they can provide rapid magnitude estimation before rupture end. In this study, we used the high-rate Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data from 55 continuous stations to estimate the magnitude of the 2021 Maduo earthquake in western China. We used the relative positioning method and variometric approach to acquire real-time GNSS displacement and velocity waveforms, respectively. The results showed the amplitude of displacement and velocity waveforms gradually decreased with increasing hypocentral distance. Our results showed that the fluctuation of PGD magnitudes over time is smaller than that of PGV magnitudes. Nonetheless, the earthquake magnitudes estimated from both methods were consistent with their counterparts (Mw 7.3) reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The final magnitude estimated from the PGD and PGV methods were Mw 7.25 and Mw 7.31, respectively. In addition, our results highlighted how the number of high-rate GNSS stations could influence the stability and convergence time of magnitude estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating newly‐processed Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and available Global Positioning System (GPS) data, we obtained a dense interseismic velocity field across the Tuosuo Lake segment of the Kunlun fault. Using a Bayesian approach, we obtained the spatial distribution of fault slip and coupling. The slip rate below the locking depth, which represents contemporary steady‐state faulting, demonstrates an overall decrease, and decreases non‐monotonically toward the eastern fault tip in the range of ∼5–11 mm/a. Two strongly locked zones are identified, extending 100–120 km along‐strike and being separated by narrow sections of moderate coupling. These locked zones were likely ruptured during the 1937 M 7.5 Huashixia earthquake. The estimated moment accumulation rate provides a recurrence time of 428 ± 57 years for an earthquake similar to the 1937 event. The Maduo Mw 7.3 earthquake on 21 May 2021 imposed stress loading on the locked zones, equivalent to tectonic loading of ∼10 years, implying increased seismic hazard along the Kunlun fault. Plain Language Summary: Strike‐slip faults in Tibet are central to our understanding of the ways in which continental lithosphere deforms in response to the ongoing India‐Eurasia collision. As a key parameter of faulting, fault slip rates have been well investigated for some major strike‐slip faults in Tibet (e.g., the Altyn Tagh, Xianshuihe‐Xiaojiang, and Haiyuan faults). However, the slip rate along the Kunlun fault, one of the main faults in central Tibet, remains controversial, especially along its eastern segment. In this study, from one track of descending Sentinel‐1A Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) images, we obtained a dense velocity field across the Tuosuo Lake segment of the Kunlun fault. We applied a Bayesian dislocation model jointly to the InSAR and Global Positioning System data to obtain the spatial distribution of fault slip and coupling. Our detailed investigation demonstrates that slip rates vary, but overall decrease toward the eastern fault tip. Our results provide new insight into slip rate variation along the eastern Kunlun fault and suggest a ∼430 year recurrence interval for large earthquakes along this segment (i.e., Mw 7.5, similar to the 1937 M 7.5 Huashixia earthquake). Key Points: We obtained a new Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) interseismic deformation map across the Tuosuo Lake segment of the Kunlun faultBayesian inference of fault slip rate shows a non‐monotonic decrease toward the eastern tip of the Kunlun faultWe estimate a recurrence time of 428 ± 57 years for large earthquakes (i.e., similar size to the 1937 M 7.5 Huashixia earthquake) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the crustal deformation and interseismic fault coupling along the strike-slip Kunlun fault, northern Tibet, whose western segment ruptured in the 2001 Mw 7.8 Kokoxili earthquake. We first integrated published Global Positioning System (GPS) velocity solutions and calculated strain rate fields covering the Kunlun fault. Our results show abnormally high post-earthquake strain rate values across the ruptures; furthermore, these exceed those in pre-earthquake data. Together with two tracks of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) observations (2003–2010) and position time-series data from two continuous GPS sites, we show that the postseismic deformation of the Kokoxili earthquake may continue up to 2014; and that the postseismic transients of the earthquake affect the 2001–2014 GPS velocity solutions. We then processed the GPS data observed in 2014–2017 and obtained a dense interseismic velocity field for the northern Tibet. Using a fault dislocation model in a Bayesian framework, we estimated the slip rates and fault coupling on the Kunlun fault in 1991–2001 and 2014–2017. Results show an increase of slip rates and eastward migration of high fault coupling on the Kunlun fault after 2001. We propose the temporal variations are a result of the eastward accelerating movement, as a whole, of the Bayanhar block, whose boundaries were decoupled by several large earthquakes since 1997. Moreover, our results show the accumulated elastic strains along the Alake Lake-Tuosuo Lake segments could be balanced by an Mw 7.4–7.7 earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, The ENVISAT advanced synthetic aperture radar observations from 2003 to 2010 of a descending track covering an area of 100 km × 300 km were used to map the surface velocity field in northwestern Tibet. The derived line-of-sight (LOS) velocity map revealed that interseismic deformation was mainly located on the Altyn Tagh Fault (ATF) and other four immature subsidiary faults (i.e., Tashikule Fault, Muzitage-jingyuhe Fault, Heishibeihu Fault, and Woniuhu Fault). A 2D elastic screw dislocation model was used to interpret the interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) velocity profiles, which revealed the following results. (a) The oblique movement is partitioned between left-lateral slip at a rate of 6.3 ± 1.4 mm/y on the ATF and 5.9 ± 2.8 mm/y on the subsidiary faults. The low slip rate of the ATF indicates that the ATF does not drive the northeastward extrusion of material, with most of the extrusion occurring in the eastern interior of the plateau and the four subsidiary faults localizing the oblique convergence partitioned in the west. This can reasonably explain why catastrophic earthquakes and rapid slip do not occur all over along the ATF. (b) Based on the four subsidiary faults accommodating the oblique movement and the traces amalgamation with the EKLF (delineated Bayan Har plate boundary to the northeast), we concluded guardedly that the four subsidiary faults are the evoluting plate boundary of the Bayan Har block to the northwest. (c) The Tanan top-up structure had an uplift rate of ~0.6 mm/y at the south of the Tarim Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating relationships between temporally- and spatially-related continental earthquakes is important for a better understanding of the crustal deformation, the mechanism of earthquake nucleation and occurrence, and the triggering effect between earthquakes. Here we utilize Global Positioning System (GPS) velocities before and after the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake to invert the fault coupling of the Longmenshan Fault (LMSF) and investigate the impact of the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake on the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake. The results indicate that, before the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, fault segments were strongly coupled and locked at a depth of ~18 km along the central and northern LMSF. The seismic gap between the two earthquake rupture zones was only locked at a depth < 5 km. The southern LMSF was coupled at a depth of ~10 km. However, regions around the hypocenter of the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake were not coupled, with an average coupling coefficient ~0.3. After the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, the central and northern LMSF, including part of the seismic gap, were decoupled, with an average coupling coefficient smaller than 0.2. The southern LMSF, however, was coupled to ~20 km depth. Regions around the hypocenter of the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake were also coupled. Moreover, by interpreting changes of the GPS velocities before and after the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, we find that the upper crust of the eastern Tibet (i.e., the Bayan Har block), which was driven by the postseismic relaxation of the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, thrust at an accelerating pace to the Sichuan block and result in enhanced compression and shear stress on the LMSF. Consequently, downdip coupling of the fault, together with the rapid accumulation of the elastic strain, lead to the occurrence of the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake. Finally, the quantity analysis on the seismic moment accumulated and released along the southern LMSF show that the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake should be defined as a “delayed” aftershock of the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake. The seismic risk is low along the seismic gap, but high on the unruptured southwesternmost area of the 2013 Mw 6.6 Lushan earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as novel modulators in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). Multiple miRNAs have been shown to regulate the proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells, which play a critical role in successful pregnancies. miR‐652‐3p has been identified as a novel disease‐associated miRNA that is dysregulated in various pathological processes. However, whether miR‐652‐3p is dysregulated in PE and regulates the cellular function of trophoblast cells remains unknown. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern of miR‐652‐3p in PE and explore its potential function in trophoblast cells. Herein, we found that miR‐652‐3p expression was significantly decreased in the placental tissues of pregnant women with PE. Cellular function experiments showed that overexpression of miR‐652‐3p promoted the viability, proliferation, and invasion of trophoblast cells in vitro. By contrast, inhibition of miR‐652‐3p had the opposite effect. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that homeobox A9 (HOXA9), a crucial regulator of trophoblast cell function, was a potential target gene of miR‐652‐3p. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR‐652‐3p directly interacted with the 3′‐untranslated region of HOXA9. Moreover, miR‐652‐3p was shown to negatively regulate the expression of HOXA9 and ephrin receptor B4 (EphB4) in trophoblast cells. Notably, overexpression of HOXA9 or EphB4 significantly reversed the regulatory effect of miR‐652‐3p on proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that miR‐652‐3p regulates the proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells, possibly through targeting HOXA9 and modulating EphB4 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstracts Objective Vitamin D may have protective effects against type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the results of current cross-sectional studies have been inconsistent. We aimed to examine the association of serum vitamin D and T1D by conducting a meta-analysis. Methods Multiple databases were searched until April 2014 to identify relevant studies. The search term was “serum vitamin D” and “type 1 diabetes”. Random effects model was used to calculate the pooled risk estimate. The data were accessed by software Review manager 5.2. Results We included a total of 23 studies (11 studies with 1900 participants of children or adolescents and 13 studies with 3494 participants of adults) in our meta-analysis. In children or adolescents, serum 25(OH) D in T1D was 5.69 ng/ml [95% confidence interval (CI) (2.82–8.55, P < 0.0001) lower than in healthy controls. In adults, serum 25(OH) D in T1D was 2.61 ng/ml [95% confidence interval (CI) (1.13–4.09, P = 0.0005) lower than in healthy controls. We did not find evidence of publication bias. Conclusion Serum 25OHD is significantly lower in patients with T1D than in healthy controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ground multi parameters were tested to detect coal-fire in underground space. • AHP was used to quantify the effect of factors on delineation of coal-fire zone. • The zoning index of coal-fire area was gained by fusion of the dimensionless data. • The threshold value was calculated by content total method based on fractal theory. • The location range and development trend of coal-fire areas were analyzed. Underground mining has been plagued by gob fires triggered via self-igniting coal, the emission of toxic fumes, particulate matter, and possibly induced explosions from the gob fires make mining extremely dangerous. The spontaneous combustion of underground coal seriously affects the mining of adjacent coal seams and the overall safety production. The key to control the shallow coal seam fire is to accurately locate its the location and scope by surface detection method. Based on the non-dimensional normalization processing of different types of data and the weight analysis of analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a multi index data fusion method of temperature, gas and radon concentration was proposed by using the practical radon measurement, borehole temperature measurement and gas measurement methods, and the index of fire zone delineation (IFZD) based on multi-dimensional data fusion was obtained. According to the content total method based on fractal theory, the anomalous threshold of IFZD was determined by piecewise linear fitting in double logarithmic coordinates. Eventually, the multi-dimensional data fusion underground fire detection method was established completely, and the method was applied to the fire detection of shallow coal seam in typical integrated mine. The results showed that the weight coefficients of the detection indexes (CO, CO 2 , SO 2 , temperature and radon) in the fire area were 0.12, 0.03, 0.05, 0.12, 0.68, and the lower bound of the anomaly of IFZD was 0.29. According to the comprehensive isoline map, abnormal area plan and stereogram drawn through IFZD and its outlier threshold, there were eight areas with the total area of 27061 m2, which developed from the abandoned well, main well location to the southwest and northeast. The isolines of abandoned air shaft and main shaft were densest and the value was the largest, indicating that coal oxidation in this area is severest, so it is necessary to strengthen the ground fracture investigation and sealing. This method solved the problems such as poor accuracy of single index circle fire zones, and difficulty in direct fusion of multi-index data with different dimension and range, and difficulty in determining the abnormal lower boundary of the fusion index after dimensionless normalization, which provided a new technical method support for the detection of underground shallow coal seam fire area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pu-erh tea has become a focus of research due to its reported biological activities, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-immunosenescence. The present study was performed to evaluate the potential gastroprotective function of Pu-erh tea extracts against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups: A normal control, a model control, a cimetidine (0.08 g/kg) group, three Pu-erh tea extracts groups (low, moderate and high-dose; 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50 g/kg, respectively, and a green tea powder (1.00 g/kg) group. The normal and model groups were pre-treated with distilled water while the other groups were respectively administered cimetidine, Pu-erh tea extracts and green tea powder for 14 days. Then, absolute ethanol was orally administered to the rats of all groups excluding the normal controls. The effects of the pretreatments on gastric mucosal injury were evaluated by gross assessment of gastric lesions, examination of histopathology and determination of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and asymmetric arginine (ADMA) concentration in gastric mucosal homogenate. Pre-treatment with cimetidine or Pu-erh tea extracts markedly suppressed the formation of ethanol-induced gastric lesions. Furthermore, clear decreases in MPO activity and ADMA concentration in the gastric mucosal homogenate were observed following pretreatment with cimetidine or Pu-erh tea extracts. The anti-gastric ulcer activity of green tea was less than that of Pu-erh tea. Overall, these effects of Pu-erh tea extracts may be due to potential functions in protecting the gastric mucus layer and suppressing inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate circulating amino acids (AA) profiles in obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome (MetS).Methods: Serum AA were profiled among 200; healthy, obese, T2D and MetS subjects matched by sex, age and BMI using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadruple mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-MS). A meta-analysis, including 47 case-control studies (including the current study) on serum AA in obesity, T2D and MetS searched through October 2016 was conducted to explore the AA differences in obesity, T2D and MetS.Results: In comparison with healthy controls, 14 AA (10 increased and 4 decreased) were significantly altered (P<0.05) in all non-healthy subjects. Also, mean differences of valine (obese: 34.13 [27.70, 40.56]µmol/L, P<0.001, T2D: 19.49 [3.31, 35.68]µmol/L, P<0.05, MetS: 29.18 [16.04, 42.33]µmol/L, P<0.001), glutamic acid (obese: 18.62 [11.64, 25.61]µmol/L, P<0.001, T2D: 19.94 [0.28, 39.61]µmol/L, P<0.05, MetS: 12.45 [3.98, 20.91]µmol/L, P<0.001), proline (obese: 16.72 [6.20, 27.24]µmol/L, P<0.001, T2D: 20.72 [15.82, 25.61]µmol/L, P<0.001, MetS: 29.95 [25.18, 34.71]µmol/L, P<0.001) and isoleucine (obese: 11.39 [8.54, 14.24]µmol/L, P<0.001, T2D: 7.37 [1.52, 13.22]µmol/L, P<0.05, MetS: 10.40 [4.90, 15.89]µmol/L, P<0.001) were significantly higher compared to healthy controls. Similarly, mean differences of glycine (obese: -30.99 [-39.69, -22.29]µmol/L, P<0.001, T2D: -30.37 [-41.80, -18.94]µmol/L, P<0.001 and MetS: -35.24 [-39.28, -31.21]µmol/L, P<0.001) were significantly lower compared to healthy controls.Conclusion: In both the case-control study and meta-analysis, obesity was related to the most circulating AA changes, followed by MetS and T2D. Valine, isoleucine, glutamic acid and proline increased, while Glycine decreased in all metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Body weight gain adds risk for metabolic disorders and there are different metabolic changes in earlier and later adulthood. However, its impact on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was indeterminate. The aim of current study was to evaluate the impact of body weight gain on NAFLD and metabolic syndrome (MetS) during overall, earlier (25-40y) and later (over 40y) adulthood.Methods: 1119 subjects were selected to calculate changes in body weight (ΔBW), body mass index (BMI) (ΔBMI) and bodyweight per year (ΔBW/y) to analysis their impact on NAFLD and MetS in multi-variable regression models, and explored the potential mediators that associated ΔBMI with NAFLD by mediation analysis.Results: ΔBMI, ΔBW and ΔBW/y in whole adulthood were all positively associated with NAFLD and MetS. Body weight gain during earlier adulthood was more strongly associated with NAFLD than those during later adulthood. In NAFLD, the ORs of ΔBMI (third trisection), ΔBW and ΔBW/y were 3.86 (2.25, 6.57), 1.05 (1.02, 1.09) and 2.05 (1.29, 3.24) during earlier adulthood, and 1.47 (1.09, 2.02), 1.02 (1.00, 1.06), and 1.04 (.99, 1.13) over 40y. Insulin and HOMA-IR were important intermediates that associated ΔBMI with NAFLD. ΔBMI in earlier adulthood increased higher insulin and insulin resistance (IR) than later adulthood.Conclusions: Body weight gain in adulthood was positively associated with NAFLD and MetS, and the association was stronger in earlier than later adulthood. Insulin and IR were important mediators that contributed to the association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From October to December 2019, a sequence of four earthquakes of Mw > 6.0 occurred in southern Mindanao, the Philippines, and revealed complex tectonics in this region. We used Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS)-2 and Sentinel-1A/B Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to map the coseismic deformation and to constrain both the fault geometry and kinematics of coseismic slip distributions during the four earthquakes. Our observed coseismic deformation field shows that these four earthquakes ruptured two intersected conjugate faults with NE and NW strikes. Based on ascending and descending Interferometric SAR (InSAR) data, we constructed elastic half-space models to search for the optimal fault dip angle and inverted the slip distributions of the four earthquakes. The results show that these four earthquakes were all dominated by left- and right-lateral strike-slip motion. The two conjugate faults clearly had significant differences in terms of slip behaviour and fault kinematics. The static Coulomb stress change indicates that earlier earthquakes had a significant triggering effect on subsequent earthquakes. The static Coulomb stress change induced by the four earthquakes suggests a significant stress loading effect on NW-trending faults. The results of this study show that the potential for future earthquakes on NW-trending faults cannot be ignored; however the magnitudes of future earthquakes should be limited by complex fault geometry and segmentation. • We used ALOS-2 and Sentinel-1A/B SAR data to constrain coseismic slip distributions during the 2019 Mindanao earthquake sequence. • Four strong earthquakes ruptured two intersected conjugate faults and earlier earthquake triggered subsequent earthquake. • Future earthquake potential on unruptured NW-trending faults is revealed from significant coseismic stress loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2015 Mw 7.8 Gorkha, Nepal, earthquake occurred in the central Himalayan collisional orogenic belt, which demonstrated complex fault kinematics and significant surface deformation. The coseismic deformation has been well documented by previous studies using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data. However, due to some limitations of spatially sparse GPS stations and InSAR only-one-dimensional observation in the line-of-sight (LOS) direction, the complete distribution and detailed spatial variation of the three-dimensional surface deformation field are still not fully understood. In this study, we reconstructed the three-dimensional coseismic deformation fields using multi-view InSAR observations and investigated the refined surface deformation characteristics during this event. We firstly obtained four ascending and descending InSAR coseismic deformation maps from both Sentinel-1A/B and ALOS-2 data. Secondly, we obtained the synthetic north-south deformation field from our best-fitting slip distribution inversions. Finally, we calculated three-dimensional deformation fields, which were consistent with coseismic GPS displacements but with higher resolution. We found that the surface deformation is dominated by horizontal southward motion and vertical uplift and subsidence, with minor east-west deformation. In the north-south direction, the whole deformation area reaches at least 150 × 150 km with a maximum displacement of ~1.5 m. In the vertical direction, two areas, including uplift in the south and subsidence in the north, are mapped with a peak displacement of 1.5 and −1.0 m, respectively. East-west deformation presented a four-quadrant distribution with a maximum displacement of ~0.6 m. Complex thrusting movement occurred on the seismogenic fault; overall, there was southward push motion and wave-shaped fold motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2019 Ridgecrest, California earthquake sequence ruptured along a complex fault system and triggered seismic and aseismic slips on intersecting faults. To characterize the surface rupture kinematics and fault slip distribution, we used optical images and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) observations to reconstruct the displacement caused by the earthquake sequence. We further calculated curl and divergence from the north-south and east-west components, to effectively identify the surface rupture traces. The results show that the major seismogenic fault had a length of ~55 km and strike of 320 ° and consisted of five secondary faults. On the basis of the determined multiple-fault geometries, we inverted the coseismic slip distributions by InSAR measurements, which indicates that the Mw7.1 mainshock was dominated by the right-lateral strike-slip (maximum strike-slip of ~5.8 m at the depth of ~7.5 km), with a small dip-slip component (peaking at ~1.8 m) on an east-dipping fault. The Mw6.4 foreshock was dominated by the left-lateral strike-slip on a north-dipping fault. These earthquakes triggered obvious aseismic creep along the Garlock fault (117.3° W–117.5° W). These results are consistent with the rupture process of the earthquake sequence, which featured a complicated cascading rupture rather than a single continuous rupture front propagating along multiple faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Solid methane (CH4) was compressed up to 202GPa at 300K in a diamond-anvil cell. The crystal structure and equation of state over this entire range were determined from angle dispersive X-ray diffraction results. CH4 undergoes phase transitions from rhombohedral to a simple cubic phase at 19GPa and from simple cubic to a higher pressure cubic phase at approximately 94GPa. This higher pressure cubic phase was stable to the maximum pressure investigated. Combined with previous optical measurements, it was found that at room temperature compressed CH4 remains an insulator with cubic structure to 202GPa. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

On 17 November 2017, a Mw 6.5 earthquake occurred in Mainling County, Nyingchi City, China. The epicenter was located in the Namche Barwa region of the eastern Himalayan syntaxis. Here, we have derived coseismic deformation from Global Positioning System (GPS) data and ascending Sentinel-1A Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. Based on a joint inversion of the two datasets, we obtained the coseismic slip distribution along a curved, northeast trending, and high-angle (dip angle of 75°) thrust fault. Our results show that the seismic moment release was 7.49 × 1018 N∙m, corresponding to a moment magnitude of Mw 6.55. The maximum slip was 1.03 m and the main rupture zone extended to a 12 km depth. The earthquake may have been related to the release of strain accumulated during the subduction of the Indian plate beneath the Eurasian continent. We identified a high strain rate and low b-values around the epicentral area before the earthquake, indicating that the earthquake was nucleated under a high strain/stress state. The data indicate two regions, southwest and southeast to the epicenter (the eastern Main Himalaya Thrust and northern end of the Sagaing fault), which remain under high stress/strain conditions and pose a significant seismic hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 12 November 2017 Darbandikhan earthquake (Mw 7.3) occurred along the converence zone. Despite the extensive research on this earthquake, none of this work explained whether this earthquake rupture was limited to the thick sedimentary cover or it extends to the underlying crystalline basement rock (or both). Besides, whether this region will generate devastating earthquakes again and whether there is a one-to-one correlation between these anticlines and blind-reverse faults need further investigation. In this study, we derived the co-seismic interferograms from the Sentinel-1A/B data and successfully described the surface deformation of the main seismic zone. The fringe patterns of both the ascending and descending interferograms show that the co-seismic deformation is dominated by horizontal movements. Then, using the along- and across-track deformation fields of different orbits, we retrieved the three-dimensional deformation field, which suggests that the Darbandikhan earthquake may be a blind thrust fault close to the north–south direction. Finally, we inverted the geometrical parameters of the seismogenic fault and the slip distribution of the fault plane. The results show that the source fault has an average strike of 355.5° and a northeast dip angle of −17.5°. In addition, the Darbandikhan earthquake has an average rake of 135.5°, with the maximum slip of 4.5 m at 14.5 km depth. On the basis of the derived depth and the aftershock information provided by the Iranian Seismological Center, we inferred that this event primarily ruptured within the crystalline basement and the seismogenic fault is the Zagros Mountain Front Fault (MFF). The seismogenic region has both relatively low historical seismicity and convergent strain rate, which suggests that the vicinity of the epicenter may have absorbed the majority of the energy released by the convergence between the Arabian and the Eurasian plates and may generate Mw > 7 earthquakes again. Moreover, the Zagros front fold between the Lurestan Arc and the Kirkuk Embayment may be generated by the long-distance slippage of the uppermost sedimentary cover in response to the sudden shortening of the MFF basement. We thus conclude that the master blind thrust may control the generation of the Zagros front folding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During an earthquake, crustal deformation, fluid flow, and temperature variation are coupled; however, earthquake-related land surface temperature (LST) variations remain unclear. To determine whether post-seismic fluid migration can cause changes in LST, and taking the Mw 7.3 2017 Iran earthquake as an example, we modeled surface cooling (CA) and warming (WA) areas induced by co-seismic slip and fluid migration using a thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) coupled numerical simulation. Moreover, using nighttime LST data with 15-min resolution, the daily attenuation coefficient k of nighttime LST was extracted by attenuation function fitting, and the trend of the k time series was analyzed using the Mann–Kendall and Sen's methods. Based on the comparison of k trends between the post-seismic and 2010–2016 periods, we obtained cooling and warming trends for the modeled CA and WA. The numerical simulation and observational data show good consistency, and both indicate that fluid migration caused by crustal deformation can lead to changes in LST. The numerical simulations show that after the Iran earthquake, the surface projection area of co-seismic slip correlated with a cooling area (CA), while the surrounding area correlated with a warming area (WA). For the LST observational data, the post-seismic k trends of the calculated CA and WA are positive and negative, indicating sustained cooling and warming processes, respectively. This study provides evidence that LST variation is caused by co-seismic crustal deformation and fluid migration and reveals the coupled evolution of deformation, fluid, and temperature fields. The results provide new insights into the mechanisms of seismic thermal anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]