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Background and Aims Elucidating how plant species respond to variable light conditions is important to understand the ecological adaptation to heterogeneous natural habitats. Plant performance and its underlying gene regulatory network have been well documented in sun-grown plants. However, the phenotypic and molecular responses of shade-grown plants under variable light conditions have remained largely unclear. Methods We assessed the differences in phenotypic performance between Panax ginseng (shade-grown) and Arabidopsis thaliana (sun-grown) under sunlight, shade and deep-shade conditions. To further address the molecular bases underpinning the phenotypic responses, we compared time-course transcriptomic expression profiling and candidate gene structures between the two species. Key Results Our results show that, compared with arabidopsis, ginseng plants not only possess a lower degree of phenotypic plasticity among the three light conditions, but also exhibit higher photosynthetic efficiency under shade and deep-shade conditions. Further comparisons of the gene expression and structure reveal that differential transcriptional regulation together with increased copy number of photosynthesis-related genes (e.g. electron transfer and carbon fixation) may improve the photosynthetic efficiency of ginseng plants under the two shade conditions. In contrast, the inactivation of phytochrome-interacting factors (i.e. absent and no upregulation of the PIF genes) are potentially associated with the observed low degree of phenotypic plasticity of ginseng plants under variable light conditions. Conclusions Our study provides new insights into how shade-grown plants respond to variable light conditions. Candidate genes related to shade adaptation in ginseng provide valuable genetic resources for future molecular breeding of high-density planting crops.

Elucidating how the plant species respond to variable light conditions is essential to understand the ecological adaptation to heterogeneous environments. Plant performance and gene regulatory network underpinning the adaptation have been well-documented in sun-grown species. In this study, we surveyed phenotypic and transcriptomic features of four shade-grown and one sun-grown woody species of the family Araliaceae under distinct light conditions. Our phenotypic comparisons demonstrate that the four shade-grown species possess lower light saturation point and higher assimilation ability of the net photosynthetic rate compared to the sun-grown species. In particular, the four shade-grown species maintain similar photosynthesis efficiency in both highlight and lowlight conditions. However, a significantly decreased photosynthesis rate was observed under lowlight condition of the sun-grown species compared to highlight condition. In addition, our leaf anatomical analyses reveal that while all the five species show different anatomical structures under distinct light conditions, the shade-grown species possess lower degree of phenotypic plasticity relative the sun-grown species. Further comparisons of the transcriptome profiling show that all the five species exhibit gene expression divergence among different light conditions. The differentially expressed genes identified in the five species are functionally related to photosynthesis, secondary metabolites and other basic metabolisms. More importantly, differential regulation of the photosynthesis- and photomorphogenesis-related genes are potentially correlated with the phenotypic responses to distinct light conditions of the five species. Our study provides new insights on how the sun- and shade-grown woody species respond to shade and sunlight environments.

Elucidating how plant species respond to variable light conditions is important to understanding the ecological adaptation to heterogeneous natural habitats. However, the phenotypic responses and gene regulatory network of shade-loving plants under distinct light conditions have remained largely unclear. In this study, we assessed the differences in phenotypic and transcriptomic responses between Arabidopsis (sun-loving) and Panax ginseng (shade-loving) to sunlight and dim-light conditions. Our results showed that, compared to the Arabidopsis, ginseng plants not only exhibited a lower degree of phenotypic plasticity in response to distinct light conditions, but also showed higher photosynthetic efficiency under dim-light conditions. Further time-course transcriptome profiling and gene structural analyses revealed that differentially transcriptional regulation together with increased copy number of the photosynthesis-related genes (i.e., electron transfer and carbon fixation) may improve the photosynthetic efficiency of ginseng plants under dim-light conditions. In contrast, the loss-function and inactivation of phytochrome-interacting factors are potentially associated with the observed low degree of phenotypic plasticity of ginseng plants under the changing light conditions. Our study provides new insights on how shade-loving plants respond to variable light conditions. Candidate genes related to shade adaptation in ginseng provide valuable genetic resources for future molecular breeding of high-density planting crops.HighlightThe shade-loving species Panax ginseng possesses lower phenotypic plasticity under distinct light conditions and shows high photosynthesis efficiency under dim-light condition.

Objective To investigate the function of G-protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35) in aortic dissection (AD) and its mechanism. Methods Thirty wild-type (WT) male mice were randomly divided into the WT+Sham group and WT+AD group (15 each), and 15 GPR35 knockout mice (GPR35-/-) were set as GPR35-/-+AD group. Mice in WT+AD group and GPR35-/- +AD group were back-subcutaneously implanted with angiotensin Ⅱ [4.5 mg/(kg·24 h)] by miniosmotic pump, while in WT+Sham group received equivalent saline. Mice were sacrificed and the aortas were removed on the 14th postoperative day for further experiments. The mice aortic vascular smooth muscle cell lines (MOVAS) were divided into control group, aortic dissection group (AD group), GPR35 inhibitor group (CID group). The expressions of GPR35 in aorta and MOVAS were determined by q-PCR and Western blotting. The aortas were stained with HE and VVG to detect the formation of aortic dissection and elastic fiber structure. The infiltration of monocyte macrophage (CD68 positive cell) and expression of inflammatory factors (IL)-6 and (TNF)-α in aorta were detected with immunohistochemistry and q-PCR. The apoptosis of aortic smooth muscle was measured by TUNEL staining and flow cytometer. Results Compared with the WT+Sham group, the expression of GPR35 mRNA increased by (1.88±0.07) times and of GPR35 protein increased by (1.34±0.05) times in WT+AD group (P

Neuropathic pain (NP) involves metabolic processes that are regulated by metabolic genes and their non-coding regulator genes such as microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we aimed at exploring the key miRNA signatures regulating metabolic genes involved in NP pathogenesis. We downloaded NP-related data from public databases and identified differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs through differential gene expression analysis. The miRNA target prediction was performed, and integration with the differentially expressed metabolic genes (DEMGs) was used for constructing the miRNA-DEMG network. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed to explore the role of DEMGs in the regulatory network. The drug prediction was performed based on the DEMGs in the miRNA-DEMG network. A total of 8251 differentially expressed mRNAs (4193 upregulated and 4058 downregulated), and 959 differentially expressed miRNAs (455 upregulated and 504 downregulated) were identified. Moreover, after target gene prediction, a miRNA-DEMG network composed of 22 miRNAs and 113 mRNAs was constructed. The network was constituted of 135 nodes and 236 edges. We found that DEMGs in the network were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways and metabolic processes. A total of 1200 drugs were predicted as potential therapeutics for NP based on the differentially expressed genes, while 170 drugs were predicted for the DEMGs in the miRNA-DEMG network. Conclusively, our study predicted drugs that may be effective against the metabolic changes induced by miRNA dysregulation in NP. This information will help further reveal the pathological mechanism of NP and provide more treatment options for NP patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12031-021-01911-w.

Background: Neuropathic pain (NP) is the main form of chronic pain, caused by damage to the nervous system and dysfunction. Here, we aimed at exploring the key molecules involved in NP pathogenesis via the identification of its regulatory lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network.Methods: We downloaded NP-related data from public databases and identified differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs through differential gene expression analysis. The lncRNA and miRNA target predictions were performed and an integration of the three datasets was used for construction of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed to explore the role and the interactions of the mRNAs. The drug prediction was performed based on the mRNAs in the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Results: A total of 8,251 differentially expressed mRNAs (4,193 upregulated and 4,058 downregulated), 959 differentially expressed miRNAs (455 upregulated and 504 downregulated), 2,848 differentially expressed lncRNAs (1,324 upregulated and 1,524 downregulated) were identified by integrating the results of the three microarray datasets. We found that differentially expressed mRNAs were mainly enriched in blood circulation, metal ion transmembrane transporter activity, and synaptic membrane. The most significant pathway of mRNAs in lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network were GTPase, cell cycle, and platelet activation. A total of 1,200 drugs were predicted as potential therapeutics for NP based on the regulatory genes.Conclusion: Our study predicted drugs that may be effective for NP based on the NP regulatory network. This information will help further reveal the pathological mechanism of NP and provide more treatment options for NP patients.

Background: Neuropathic pain (NP) is the main form of chronic pain, caused by damage to the nervous system and dysfunction. Methods: Here, we explore the key molecules involved in the development of NP condition via identification of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA expression pattern of patients with NP. We identified differentially expressed miRNAs, lncRNA and mRNA through a comprehensive analysis strategy. Subsequently, we used bioinformatics approach to perform pathway enrichment analysis on DEGs and protein-protein interaction analysis. Combined with the three datasets, the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed. It will then be used as targets for drug prediction. Results: The results showed that a total of 8,251 DEGs (4,193 upregulated and 4,058 downregulated) were identified from the three microarray datasets, 959 DEmiRs (455 upregulated and 504 downregulated), 2,848 DElncs (1,324 upregulated and 1,524 downregulated). GO analysis showed that DEGs are mainly enriched in blood circulation, regulation of membrane potential and regulation of ion transmembrane transport. KEGG results showed that DEGs are enriched in neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. When the correlation is set to above 0.8, a total of 31 lncRNAs, 36 miRNAs and 24 mRNAs were screened in the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNAs network. The results of drug prediction indicated the targeted drugs mainly include INDOMETHACIN, GLUTAMIC ACID and PIRACETAM. Conclusion: The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network has been carried out a comprehensive biological information analysis and predicted the potential therapeutic application of drugs in patients with NP. The corresponding data has a certain reference for studying the pathological mechanism of NP.

Background Although catheter ablation can effectively eliminate atrial fibrillation (AF), the progression of atrial remodeling increases the risk of recurrence. We, therefore, examined the possibility of determining the postablation prognosis of patients with AF using biomarkers of atrial structural remodeling and serum connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) level, and measured its changes after catheter ablation. Methods Subjects were 400 consecutive patients (308 with paroxysmal AF and 92 with nonparoxysmal AF [persistent and long-standing persistent AF]) who underwent catheter ablation for drug-resistant AF. Serum CTGF levels were measured before and 2 months after ablation. Results During the follow-up period of 20.5 ± 6.9 (8–30) months, 61 patients (66%) with nonparoxysmal AF and 95 patients (31%) with paroxysmal AF had recurrence after catheter ablation. Recurrence was associated with higher “baseline CTGF level” in patients with nonparoxysmal AF (936.5 ± 93.1 ng/mL vs 746.3 ± 56.9 ng/mL, P = 0.007) instead of patients with paroxysmal AF (851.6 ± 97.6 ng/mL vs 807.6 ± 99.1 ng/mL, P = 0.921). In nonparoxysmal AF, the recurrence subgroup also had larger left atrial diameter (LAD; 47.1 ± 5.2 mm vs 39.5 ± 4.3 mm, P = 0.035) compared with the nonrecurrence subgroup, and “baseline serum CTGF” and LAD were shown to be independent predictors for postablation recurrence by a Cox proportional hazards model. However, the 2-month postablation elevations of CTGF in patients with recurrence were not significantly different from that in patients without recurrence in nonparoxysmal AF. Conclusion Our finding indicates that “baseline serum CTGF level” is an independent predictor for recurrence in patients with nonparoxysmal AF following catheter ablation. Two-month postablation elevation in CTGF has no association with recurrence.

It has been demonstrated that atrial remodeling contributes toward atrial fibrillation (AF) maintenance and angiotensin II (AngII) is involved in the pathogenesis of atrial remodeling. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonists have been shown to inhibit atrial remodeling. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In the present study we investigated the regulating effects of PPAR-γ agonist on AngII-induced atrial structural and electrical remodeling in vitro cellular models. The effects of pioglitazone on AngII-induced connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression and cell proliferation were assessed in primary-cultured mouse atrial fibroblasts. The influences of pioglitazone on AngII-induced L-type calcium channel (ICa-L) α1c expression and current density were evaluated in atrial myocytes (HL-1). Pioglitazone attenuated AngII-induced CTGF expression and proliferation in atrial fibroblasts, and pioglitazone also inhibited the expression or phosphorylation of AngII-induced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), TGF-β-associated kinase 1 (TAK1) and Smad2/3. In HL-1 cells, pioglitazone suppressed AngII-induced ICa-L α1c expression and current density as well as CAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation. Besides, pioglitazone inhibited AngII-induced production of AngII type I receptor (AT1R) and downregulation of PPAR-γ in both atrial fibroblasts and HL-1 cells. In conclusion, Pioglitazone suppresses AngII-induced CTGF expression and proliferation in atrial fibroblasts, which might be at least in part related with its inhibitory effects on TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and TGF-β1/TRAF6/TAK1 signaling pathways. Moreover, pioglitazone also attenuates AngII-induced ICa-L remodeling in HL-1 cells, which might be at least in part associated with its inhibitory effect on CREB phosphorylation. It is suggested that PPAR-γ agonist may have potential applications in preventing atrial remodeling.

Objective Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) plays a pivotal role in the treatment of cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction. However, the usefulness of prophylactic IABP support in high-risk patients during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still controversial, and its influence on the inflammatory response following PCI has not been well evaluated. In this study we sought to assess the impact of prophylactic IABP support upon C-reactive protein (CRP) level and clinical prognosis in high-risk patients undergoing PCI. Methods and results A total of 106 high-risk patients diagnosed with acute ST-elevation or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (Cardiogenic shock was excluded) were enrolled and divided into two groups at random: 51 cases receiving PCI accompanied by prophylactic IABP support, and the remaining 55 cases undergoing PCI without IABP insertion served as the control group. CRP levels were determined on admission, day 3 and day 7, respectively. The troponin I (TNI) peak, left ventricular functions and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were compared during follow-up. We found that the IABP group had a lower TNI peak as well as CRP level after PCI. Left ventricular function was improved at 2-week instead of 3-month followup. Although the mortality did not reach a significant decline after 6-month follow-up, it had improved in-hospital and at 30-day follow-up. Conclusion The use of a prophylactic IABP in high-risk patients before PCI could reduce the CRP level and reduce mortality during the early phase following PCI.

The characteristics of spatio-temporal seismicity evolution before the Wenchuan earthquake are studied. The results mainly involve in the trend abnormal features and its relation to the Wenchuan earthquake. The western Chinese mainland and its adjacent area has been in the seismically active period since 2001, while the seismic activity shows the obvious quiescence of M≥7.0, M≥6.0 and M≥5.0 earthquakes in Chinese mainland. A quiescence area with M≥7.0 has been formed in the middle of the North-South seismic zone since 1988, and the Wenchuan earthquake occurred just within this area. There are a background seismicity gap of M≥5.0 earthquakes and a seismogenic gap of ML≥4.0 earthquakes in the area of Longmenshan fault zone and its vicinity prior to the Wenchuan earthquake. The seismic activity obviously strengthened and a doughnut-shape pattern of M≥4.6 earthquakes is formed in the middle and southern part of the North-South seismic zone after the 2003 Dayao, Yunnan, earthquake. Sichuan and its vicinity in the middle of the doughnut-shape pattern show abnormal quiescence. At the same time, the seismicity of earthquake swarms is significant and shows heterogeneity in the temporal and spatial process. A swarm gap appears in the M4.6 seismically quiet area, and the Wenchuan earthquake occurred just on the margin of the gap. In addition, in the short term before the Wenchuan earthquake, the quiescence of earthquake with ML≥4.0 appears in Qinghai-Tibet block and a seismic belt of ML≥3.0 earthquakes, with NW striking and oblique with Longmenshan fault zone, is formed.

In this paper, we present a numerical simulation of the propagation of a tsunami in the East China Sea, which might be induced by a hypothetical M8.5 earthquake in Okinawa Trough. Our results show that the initial maximum wave height of tsunami could reach as high as 4.3 m for the hypothetical earthquake. It would take 3.5∼4 hours for the tsunami to propagate to the coast of Zhejiang Province, and 7∼8 hours to the near-shore of Shanghai. The peak tsunami height could be up to about 2 m in the coast of Zhejiang Province. Based on the numerical experiments, we plot the arrival time contours of tsunami in East China Sea and time history curves on the three observational stations, and discussed the significance of the pre-analysis.

Two great earthquakes of MS8.5 and MS8.3 determined by the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) occurred successively on September 12 and 13, 2007 in the sea area to the south of Sumatra, which is another group of large earthquakes after MS8.7 event on December 26, 2004 and MS8.5 event on March 29, 2005. The magnitudes of these earthquakes determined by the National Earthquake Information Center of USA (NEIC) are MW9.0 (26 December 2004), MW8.7 (29 March 2005), MW8.4 (12 September 2007) and MW8.1 (13 September 2007), respectively. Many researches about the two earthquakes of 2004 and 2005 have been developed (Chlieh et al, 2007; Ammon et al, 2005; ZHANG et al, 2005). XUE et al (2005a) studied the characteristics of seismic activity before the MW9.0 and make comparison between the two great earthquake sequences of 2004 and 2005 (XUE et al, 2005b). When analyzing spatial distribution of the two sequences, XUE et al (2005a) found a seismic gap with 400 km long and thought the seismic gap maybe a potential strong earthquake region taking historical earthquake activity there into account. It is interesting that the two earthquakes of 2007 just occurred in the seismic gap. Moreover the abnormal phenomena of the global and regional seismicity before the two earthquakes are similar to those before the large earthquake of 2004. In this paper, we will contrastively analyze the characteristics of seismic activity before the four large earthquakes and try to find the common features. The data used in this paper are from global earthquake catalog given by NEIC and the global earthquake catalog with MS≥7.0 obtained by CENC respectively. The earthquake catalog of NEIC can also cover earthquakes with M≥4.8 in Sumatra and its neighboring region (XUE et al, 2005a).

Resveratrol (RSV) has many biological effects, including antitumor and antiviral activities, and vascular protection. Recent studies have suggested that RSV exerts its antitumor effects through induction of autophagy by an unknown mechanism. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a wide spectrum antitumor drug, but its clinical application is limited by its cardiotoxicity. This study evaluated whether the manipulation of autophagy could attenuate the cardiotoxic effects of DOX in vitro as well as in a rat model of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. We found that DOX induced H9C2 cell apoptosis by inhibiting AMPK activation and promoting pro-apoptotic protein expression through p38MAPK/p53 signaling. RSV-treated H9C2 cells showed increased autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR/Ulk1 pathway. When DOX and RSV were combined, apoptosis was decreased, despite a slight increase in the autophagy ratio. The same result was observed in the rat model of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Injection with DOX or RSV alone, or in combination, for a week, resulted in a reduced apoptotic ratio in the combination group compared with the DOX alone group. Our results strongly indicate that this co-treatment strategy with RSV can attenuate the cardiotoxic effects of DOX. Our findings may have important clinical implications.

On the basis of the theory of viscoelastic displacement and strain field for the three-dimensional rheologic model of earthquake preparation, this paper mainly studies the theoretical solution of precursor field for the three-dimensional rheologic model of earthquake preparation. We derive the viscoelastic analytical expressions of the ground tilt, underground water level, earth resistivity at an arbitrary point (x, y, z) in the rheologic medium, and analyzed the earth resistivity preliminarily, providing a certain theoretical basis for the precursor analysis of seismogenic process.

Earthquake events occurred in Nantong, Jiangsu Province on Nov. 3, and Dec. 25, 2001 in which the biggest magnitudes were M L=3.8 and M L=4.1, respectively. This paper firstly explains the principle of the eliminating noise method by the multi-dipole observation system of geoelectric field. Then based on the observation data of the multi-dipole observation system obtained by ZD9A telluric current monitors installed in Chongming and Nanjing stations, we study the abnormal variation of the geoelectric field preceding the earthquakes. The study shows that: a) Eliminating noise method of multi-dipole observation is an excellent method by which many kinds of geoelectric field noises can be eliminated successfully and the geoelectric precursor information can be recognized; b) The geoelectric precursor signals for the events were recorded on the NS and NE dipoles in Chongming station 42 days, 20 days and 2 days before the earthquakes respectively, in which the station is near the epicenter, and the longest time of persisting period was 9 days. The abnormal variation signals of geoelectric field observed in Nanjing station are all the noises but not the seismic electric signals, in which the station is not near the epicenter; c) Dipole distribution method of common electrode is not good in the multi-dipole observation system of the geoelectric field.

On the basis of quadrant features of the precursors in geo-electricity and deformation in the case of Tangshan earthquake and Datong earthquake in North China, the same feature of geo-electricity and deformation precursors before the Zhangbei earthquake has also been found. It seems that the existence of the quadrant behavior is not accidental, which might be related to existence of the earthquake generations. It is known in terms of rock experiment and theoretical analysis that there exists actually quadrant feature in earthquake-generating process with the range of quadrant spatial distribution unfixed, showing features of “gradual increasing → maximum → lessening slightly”, showing that the increasing zone and the decreasing one (or compressing zone and expanding one) of the quadrant in the near-source region could be different from that in the far-source region. Based on the knowledge of quadrant characters of earthquake precursors, we analyze space distributions of different types of precursor anomalies which may be a useful reference for one to predict the location of a strong earthquake occurrence.

In this paper, the tempo-spatial evolution characteristics of the load/unload response ratio (namely) LURR or Y value) before strong earthquakes with magnitude over 6 during 1976–1994 in California of America are studied in detail. The results show that there appear some high-Y regions cohering with the regional tectonic trend in a great area 3–4 years before strong earthquakes and these high-Y regions migrate from the periphery to the epicenter region at a speed of tens of kilometers per year. The load/unload response ratio (LURR) anomalies near the epicenter region characterizes a type of "ascend → descend" and appear and increase steeply until one year or less before most earthquakes. "Positive" earthquakes form usually a concentration area; in and near which the main shock occurs. We have analyzed the different and same characters of earthquakes between California of American and the Chinese mainland. Basing on these results, we discuss the approach and method how to predict and estimate the three parameters (place, time and magnitude) of a strong earthquake in California of American by applying the characteristics of the LURR.

Based on the theoretical expression of the three-dimension rheologic inclusion model, we analyze in detail the spatio-temporal changes on the ground of the bulk-strain produced by a spherical rheologic inclusion in a semi-infinite rheologic medium. The results show that the spatio-temporal change of bulk-strain produced by the hard inclusion has three stages of different characteristics, which are similar to most of those geodetic deformation curves, but those by a soft inclusion do not. The α-stage is a long stage in which the precursors in both the near source region and the far field develop from the focal region to the periphery. The β-stage indicates a very rapid propagation of the precursors, so that they almost appear everywhere. During the γ-stage, the precursors in the far-field converge from the periphery, and the precursors in the near source region develop outwards. The theoretical results have been used to explain tentatively the stage characteristics of the spatio-temporal change of earthquake precursors.

This paper provides an analysis of heating from the point of view of the total energy system from the very input of primary energy until it reaches the end-users. In order to minimize the personal judgment in cost allocation between heat and power, the methodology of exergy-based Specific Consumption Analysis proposed by the author is used to evaluate the real consumption of the unity end product in respect to both fuel and monetary cost. Following this methodology the key factors affecting the emission level of a heating system are revealed. It is found that in some applications a total energy system of heating with a specific primary energy consumption as low as 5–15 kg c.e./GJ may be attained. The concept of the ‘reversible mode of heating’ is introduced and is seen as the basis of ultra-low emission heating systems.

C v is used in this paper to describe the variation in inhomogeneity of spatial and temporal distribution of precursors. The inhomogeneous variation in the spatial and temporal distribution of the anomalies in water radon and electromagnetic waves before M s≈6 earthquakes in northern North China is analyzed in detail. Results show that before a moderate to strong earthquake, the distribution of anomalies in water radon and electromagnetic waves changes inhomogeneously, i.e., C v increases significantly. The inhomogeneity in spatial distribution of short-to-imminent precursors increases before a strong earthquake, which may relates to the enhancement of crustal strain field. The research will not only help us to know more about the process of seismogeny and to improve practical earthquake prediction, but also blaze a new way to do earthquake prediction with present precursor data.

Periodic spectral characteristics of earthquake activity in the seismic strengthening areas of 24 earthquakes with M≥6.0 are studied by the maximum entropy spectral method whose superiority is tested. Then the follow results have been obtained: (1) The periodic spectra of seismic activity in seismic strengthening areas are different in different stage in earthquake-generating processes. Long periodic spectra and short ones coexist in normal stage, while only short ones (on average, 43% of long ones) exist and long ones disappear prior to earthquakes. (2) The appearing time of short period before earthquakes has some relations with magnitude. The result shows that decades or even one hundred years is the common value for a great earthquake of M=8.0, 30 years for one with magnitude about 7 and 20–30 years for a strong quake of M=6.0. For the same magnitude earthquakes in different regions the appearing time is also different. For example, it is longer in North China than that in the western part of China. Then the characteristics are preliminarily explained applying the strong body earthquake-generating model. Applying the maximum entropy spectral method, the idea of tendency prediction for strong and great earthquakes is suggested and used into practice, for example, the tendency predictions of the Wuding earthquake with M=6.5 and the Lijiang earthquake of M=7.0 in Yunnan Province got some positive effects. So a new method of tendency prediction of M>-6.0 earthquakes is offered.

By systematically studying seismic strengthening areas before 85 earthquakes with M≥6.0 in China, some results have been extracted. (1) Earthquake active strengthening area exists universally before strong shock or great earthquake; (2) The size of the strengthening area and its appearing time will increase when the earthquake magnitude increases; (3) The rate between the size of seismic strengthening area and the size of the source region decreases when earthquake magnitude increases; (4) The appearing time of the earthquake active strengthening region in the eastern part of China is longer than that in the western part of China. The above characteristics have been preliminarily explained qualitatively and half-quantitatively by applying the strong body earthquake generating model and the hard inclusion theory. Then applying the seismic strengthening area, we have obtained long-term predictions of 2 earthquakes, so the seismic strengthening area before strong earthquake or great earthquakes is a universal phenomenon, which has some mechanical base.

This paper studies the evolution characteristics of positive and negative quakes before Hyugo earthquake ofM=7.2 and several strong quakes in Kanto area in Japan. The results show that the earthquakes over a certain magnitude are mainly positive ones a certain time before the main shock in or near the focal regions of most strong quakes, and form a concentrating intervals of positive quakes. The main quakes generally locate in or near the areas of positive quake distribution. Negative quakes often occur several months before the main shocks (not excluding positive ones), with the decrease of LURR (Loading / Unloading Response Ratio) values. It possibly shows that earthquake-generating process has come to a short-term stage. These characteristics may help to predict the time and location of the future earthquakes, and have been applied to the preliminary prediction of the time and the location of the earthquake ofM=6.6 on Sep. 11, 1996 in Kanto area.

HERG K(+) channel, the genetic counterpart of rapid delayed rectifier K(+) current in cardiac cells, is responsible for many cases of inherited and drug-induced long QT syndromes. HERG has unusual biophysical properties distinct from those of other K(+) channels. While the conventional pulse protocols in patch-clamp studies have helped us elucidate these properties, their limitations in assessing HERG function have also been progressively noticed. We employed AP-clamp techniques using physiological action potential waveforms recorded from various regions of canine heart to study HERG function in HEK293 cells and identified several novel aspects of HERG function. We showed that under AP-clamp IHERG increased gradually with membrane repolarization, peaked at potentials around 20-30 mV more negative than revealed by pulse protocols and at action potential duration (APD) to 60%-70% full repolarization, and fell rapidly at the terminal phase of repolarization. We found that the rising phase of IHERG was conferred by removal of inactivation and the decaying phase resulted from a fall in driving force, which were all determined by the rate of membrane repolarization. We identified regional heterogeneity and transmural gradient of IHERG when quantified with the area covered by IHERG trace. In addition, we observed regional and transmural differences of IHERG in response to dofetilide blockade. Finally, we characterized the influence of HERG function by selective inhibition of other ion currents. Based on our results, we conclude that the distinct biophysical properties of HERG reported by AP-clamp confer its unique function in cardiac repolarization thereby in antiarrhythmia and arrhythmogenesis.

The maximum entropy spectral characteristics of seismicity in the seismic enhanced region of 11 great earthquakes is analysed in this paper to seek the difference of seismic period spectral structure between the normal and the abnormal stage of seismic activity in this paper. The results show that, during decades or even one hundred years before great earthquakes, only short periods with 6.5–24.3 years appear, and long ones disappear. Otherwise, long periods with 18.5–38.5 years exist chiefly within the normal stages. Decades years after great earthquakes, the period spectra of seismicity are generally about several or ten years. Then the characteristics of great earthquakes is explained physically by applying the strong body seismogenic model, so a method of studying and predicting great earthquakes is offered.

Although catheter ablation can effectively eliminate atrial fibrillation (AF), the progression of atrial remodeling increases the risk of recurrence. We, therefore, examined the possibility of determining the postablation prognosis of patients with AF using biomarkers of atrial structural remodeling and serum connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) level, and measured its changes after catheter ablation.Subjects were 400 consecutive patients (308 with paroxysmal AF and 92 with nonparoxysmal AF [persistent and long-standing persistent AF]) who underwent catheter ablation for drug-resistant AF. Serum CTGF levels were measured before and 2 months after ablation.During the follow-up period of 20.5 ± 6.9 (8-30) months, 61 patients (66%) with nonparoxysmal AF and 95 patients (31%) with paroxysmal AF had recurrence after catheter ablation. Recurrence was associated with higher "baseline CTGF level" in patients with nonparoxysmal AF (936.5 ± 93.1 ng/mL vs 746.3 ± 56.9 ng/mL, P = 0.007) instead of patients with paroxysmal AF (851.6 ± 97.6 ng/mL vs 807.6 ± 99.1 ng/mL, P = 0.921). In nonparoxysmal AF, the recurrence subgroup also had larger left atrial diameter (LAD; 47.1 ± 5.2 mm vs 39.5 ± 4.3 mm, P = 0.035) compared with the nonrecurrence subgroup, and "baseline serum CTGF" and LAD were shown to be independent predictors for postablation recurrence by a Cox proportional hazards model. However, the 2-month postablation elevations of CTGF in patients with recurrence were not significantly different from that in patients without recurrence in nonparoxysmal AF.Our finding indicates that "baseline serum CTGF level" is an independent predictor for recurrence in patients with nonparoxysmal AF following catheter ablation. Two-month postablation elevation in CTGF has no association with recurrence.

A systematic study on “ring phenomena” frequently occurring before great earthquakes has made in this paper, which has analyzed the features of ring distributions before 16 great earthquakes and part of large earthquakes in China and its boundary areas, and discussed their features of generality, regularity and predictive meaning. The results have showed that moderate earthquakes or larger earthquakes distribute around the epicenter like a ring from decades to hundred years before the great earthquakes of magnitude more than 7, which is a general phenomenon of great earthquakes without an exception. The active ring generally occurs in the areas from hundreds to thousands of kilometers from the epicenter (according to the magnitude). The seismicity in the ring has three basic stages with different features. in the first stage, seismicity remains at low level and the earthquakes distribute scatteredly, while the source area of the future great earthquake remains quiet; in the second stage, the seismicity strengthens, whose frequency, intensity, concentrated degree, released rate of strain and ratio of distributed area etc. increase, while the quiet area decreases or disappears; in the third stage, the seismicity is weaker than in the former stage, and the quiet area appears again. The source area surrounded by the active ring might have three periods of activity (called as early-term, medium-term and late-term foreshocks activity). The length of the quiet area undergoes the process from large to small, then to large. Therefore, we can estimate the occurring place, magnitude and seismogenic stage of great earthquake according to the area, length and the seismicity in the active ring, which is valuable to make a long-term prediction of great earthquakes. At last, we had a preliminary discussion on the mechanism of active ring formation.

The spatial temporal evolution characteristics of the load/unload response ratio (Y) before strong earthquakes is studied in this paper. The results show that the regions of high value ofY migrate and converge to the impending earthquake epicenter from different directions before the occurrence of the event. Basing on this discovery, it is proposed that the method can be used to predict the three elements of an earthquake. It was applied to predict that an earthquake would occur in the western part of Yunnan Province, southwestern China. The three elements (time, space and magnitude) of the Menglian earthquake withMs7.3 which occurred on July 12, 1995 in Yunnan Province tallied with our prediction.

Doxorubicin (DOX) has been used in a variety of human malignancies for decades, in particular of lymphoma. But increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis has been implicated in its cardiotoxicity. Resveratrol (RES) generates cardiovascular protective effects by heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)-mediated mechanism. The present study was designed to determine whether RES protected cardiomyocyte against apoptosis through induction of HO-1 in lymphoma nude mouse in vivo. After being developed into lymphoma model, 40 male Balb/c nude mice were randomized to one of the following four treatments (10 mice per group): control, DOX, DOX + RES and DOX + RES + HO-1 inhibitor (zinc protoporphyrin IX, ZnPP). The results showed that DOX injection markedly decreased the body weight, the heart weight and the ratio of heart weight to body weight, but inversely increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the level of serum lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase. Moreover, DOX injection attenuated HO-1 expression and enzymatic activity as well as increased P53 expression, modulated Bcl-2/Bax expression and enhanced caspase 3 activity. These cardiotoxic effects of DOX were ameliorated by its combination with RES. However, the protective effects of RES were reversed by the addition of ZnPP. Taken together, it is concluded that HO-1 plays a core role for protective action of RES in DOX-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in lymphoma nude mice.

In this paper, the mathematical model was founded taking the heating index ξ and the equivalent thermodynamic coefficient ξ s as the thermo-economic evaluation index for the dual source heating/air conditioning (AC) system. Each parameter that has effect on these thermo-economic evaluation indices is analyzed as well. According to energy flow of the system and relating to specific equipments, five schemes of dual source heating/AC systems are proposed, on ground of which, live schemes and diversified heating indices^of traditional heating and cooling schemes, as well as the equivalent thermodynamic coefficient ξ s are calculated and analyzed with comparison. A mathematical model is set up which is for evaluating the system's environmental performance indicated by the reduction of emission of SO 2 , NO x , CO 2 , and dust. In the form of case study, the environmental performance index of this dual source heating/AC system is analysed and calculated.

On how to use natural gas in a highly efficient and rational way in heating, this dissertation proposed a dual-source heating system with gas internal-combustion engine as thermal power equipment and set up a mathematics model of economic evaluation criterion for this system. Applying to concrete cases, the authors analyze the environment temperature t, the COP (coefficient of performance) of heat pump, the power generation efficiency ξw of gas internal-combustion generating set, which are the main factors that influence the economic evaluation criteria of the system. Under certain conditions, the operational economy of this system is higher than that of heating by natural-gas-fired central-heating boiler.

On the basis of the "unit consumption analysis" theory, this paper sets up a multi-heat-source and multi-cold-source unit fuel consumption model and a unit cost consumption model for natural gas distributed combined cooling, heat and power system (CCHP) running under two common operation modes. The unit consumption models are utilized in case calculation, the results of which are analyzed and are capable of demonstrating clearly the distribution of the unit fuel consumption accrual of each subsystem (equipment) of the system. The models lay foundations for future energy savings and operation optimization of system equipments.

Global climate change mitigation requires the fossil fuel consumption substantially reduced. Space heating is an energy-consuming sector. Despite the fact that the thermal efficiency of current space heating systems has achieved a value higher than 85%, corresponding to lower than 40kg c.e./GJ, there is still a big potential for energy conservation. In order to realize the full potential, investigations of heating systems should appeal to reversibility/exergy analysis made on total energy concept basis. This paper starts with an introduction of the concept “reversible mode of heating,” leading the readers think of space heating in terms of reversibility. Right after, a systematic reversibility analysis on a “mine to home” basis is conducted to reveal the impact of any irreversibility of all subsystems or devices involved in the total energy system of heating on the fuel/monetary specific consumption of unit end-use heat. The paper points out that although combined heat and power (CHP) and electrically driven heat pump are both of “reversible mode,” the former is far more favorable in terms of energy conservation. The recently ascent decentralized energy system provides the best circumstances for CHP implementation. The demand-side improvement is a topic of most importance but frequently neglected. This study reveals that, if properly engineered, this improvement together with adopting a direct type of heat grid might lower the fuel specific consumption of end-use heat of CHP to a level as low as 13–9kg c.e./GJ.

Due to the complexity of thermodynamic system and variability of boundary condition, the striking non-linear relationship exits between the operating parameters and the energy consumption. At present, the research of quantitatively analyzing the problem under systematic variable work conditions is lack of effective method. Based on deep research on the problem, the concept of sensitive factors of the energy consumption of operating parameters was put forward. Furthermore, by the application of analytic models to the whole thermal system under variable work conditions and adoption of the state space theory, the topological relation between the parameters of the measuring points and the energy consumption was established. Then the non-liner analysis problem on the complex thermodynamic system under multi-boundary conditions can be availably solved. With analysis to the possible work conditions of different units, curves of the sensitive factors of energy consumption of all parameters are obtained. Through utilizing the probability density functions of load distribution, the total sensitive factor of energy consumption was defined. And the sequences of all operating parameterspsila sensitive factors of different units are obtained through calculation.

As a high level application module of SIS system, the on-line monitor and analysis system for energy-saving is widely applied to power plants. But the corresponding guide system which applied effectual guidance to realize optimal operation is still lack of sufficient research. The main purpose of the guide system is to confirm the certain reason which leads to energy loss among various reasons. Then the effective operating adjustment or timely maintenance could be implemented to reduce losses. As the symptoms, the operating parameters always depart from their target values. And the symptoms have determinated logical relations with certain reason which leads to energy loss. With detail description of the function and structure of the guide system, the concepts of operating target value and parameterspsila offset degree are put forward in this paper for the first time. And the curves of some important parameterspsila operating target values are obtained by off-design condition analytic method with analysis of historical data. Furthermore, the logical matrixes which quantitatively describe the logical relations between symptoms and reasons are established by the method of symbolic logic. The research of the paper provides the important theory foundation to the exploitation of the guide system for energy-saving in power plant.