Method of determining cosmological parameter ranges with samples of candles with an intrinsic distribution

In this paper, the effect of the intrinsic distribution of cosmological candles is investigated. We find that, in the case of a narrow distribution, the deviation of the observed modulus of sources from the expected central value could be estimated within a ceratin range. We thus introduce a lower and upper limits of $\chi ^{2}$, $\chi_{\min}^{2}$ and $\chi_{\max}^{2}$, to estimate cosmological parameters by applying the conventional minimizing $\chi ^{2}$ method. We apply this method to a gamma-ray burst (GRB) sample as well as to a combined sample including this GRB sample and an SN Ia sample. Our analysis shows that: a) in the case of assuming an intrinsic distribution of candles of the GRB sample, the effect of the distribution is obvious and should not be neglected; b) taking into account this effect would lead to a poorer constraint of the cosmological parameter ranges. The analysis suggests that in the attempt of constraining the cosmological model with current GRB samples, the results tend to be worse than what previously thought if the mentioned intrinsic distribution does exist.Comment: 6 pages,4 figures,1 tables.Data updated. Main conclusion unchange

Functional analysis of Flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase from Tea plant (Camellia sinensis): critical role in the accumulation of catechins

BACKGROUND: Flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H), an important branch point enzyme in tea plant flavan-3-ol synthesis, belongs to the CYP75A subfamily and catalyzes the conversion of flavones, flavanones, dihydroflavonols and flavonols into 3′,4′,5′-hydroxylated derivatives. However, whether B-ring hydroxylation occurs at the level of flavanones and/or dihydroflavonols, in vivo remains unknown. RESULTS: The Camellia sinensis F3′5′H (CsF3′5′H) gene was isolated from tea cDNA library. Expression pattern analysis revealed that CsF3′5′H expression was tissue specific, very high in the buds and extremely low in the roots. CsF3′5′H expression was enhanced by light and sucrose. Over-expression of CsF3′5′H produced new-delphinidin derivatives, and increased the cyanidin derivative content of corollas of transgenic tobacco plants, resulting in the deeper transgenic plant flower color. Heterologous expressions of CsF3′5′H in yeast were carried out to demonstrate the function of CsF3′5′H enzyme in vitro. Heterologous expression of the modified CsF3′5′H (CsF3′5′H gene fused with Vitis vinifera signal peptide, FSI) revealed that 4′-hydroxylated flavanone (naringenin, N) is the optimum substrate for CsF3′5′H, and was efficiently converted into both 3′4′- and 3′4′5′-forms. The ratio of 3′4′5′- to 3′4′-hydroxylated products in FSI transgenic cells was significantly higher than VvF3′5′H cells. CONCLUSIONS: CsF3′5′H is a key controller of tri-hydroxyl flavan-3-ol synthesis in tea plants, which can effectively convert 4′-hydroxylated flavanone into 3′4′5′- and/or 3′4′-hydroxylated products. These findings provide animportant basis for further studies of flavonoid biosynthesis in tea plants. Such studies would help accelerate flavonoid metabolic engineering in order to increase B-ring tri-hydroxyl product yields. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12870-014-0347-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

The CDEX-1 1 kg Point-Contact Germanium Detector for Low Mass Dark Matter Searches

The CDEX Collaboration has been established for direct detection of light dark matter particles, using ultra-low energy threshold p-type point-contact germanium detectors, in China JinPing underground Laboratory (CJPL). The first 1 kg point-contact germanium detector with a sub-keV energy threshold has been tested in a passive shielding system located in CJPL. The outputs from both the point-contact p+ electrode and the outside n+ electrode make it possible to scan the lower energy range of less than 1 keV and at the same time to detect the higher energy range up to 3 MeV. The outputs from both p+ and n+ electrode may also provide a more powerful method for signal discrimination for dark matter experiment. Some key parameters, including energy resolution, dead time, decay times of internal X-rays, and system stability, have been tested and measured. The results show that the 1 kg point-contact germanium detector, together with its shielding system and electronics, can run smoothly with good performances. This detector system will be deployed for dark matter search experiments.Comment: 6 pages, 8 figure

Oral breast milk combined with sensory interventions relieve preterm infant pain during short painful procedures

Oral presentation using PPTs to introduce my significant studies. Show some photos and video recordings to emphasize the benefit of natural breast milk in relieving pain in preterm infants

Hypermethylation of the GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) promoter in Chinese pediatric acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the second-most common form of leukemia in children. Aberrant DNA methylation patterns are a characteristic feature of AML. GATA4 has been suggested to be a tumor suppressor gene regulated by promoter hypermethylation in various types of human cancers although the expression and promoter methylation of GATA4 in pediatric AML is still unclear. METHODS: Transcriptional expression levels of GATA4 were evaluated by semi-quantitative and real-time PCR. Methylation status was investigated by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and bisulfate genomic sequencing (BGS). The prognostic significance of GATA4 expression and promoter methylation was assessed in 105 cases of Chinese pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients with clinical follow-up records. RESULTS: MSP and BGS analysis showed that the GATA4 gene promoter is hypermethylated in AML cells, such as the HL-60 and MV4-11 human myeloid leukemia cell lines. 5-Aza treatment significantly upregulated GATA4 expression in HL-60 and MV4-11 cells. Aberrant methylation of GATA4 was observed in 15.0 % (3/20) of the normal bone marrow control samples compared to 56.2 % (59/105) of the pediatric AML samples. GATA4 transcript levels were significantly decreased in AML patients (33.06 ± 70.94; P = 0.011) compared to normal bone marrow/idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura controls (116.76 ± 105.39). GATA4 promoter methylation was correlated with patient leukocyte counts (WBC, white blood cells) (P = 0.035) and minimal residual disease MRD (P = 0.031). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed significantly shorter overall survival time in patients with GATA4 promoter methylation (P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Epigenetic inactivation of GATA4 by promoter hypermethylation was observed in both AML cell lines and pediatric AML samples; our study implicates GATA4 as a putative tumor suppressor gene in pediatric AML. In addition, our findings imply that GATA4 promoter methylation is correlated with WBC and MRD. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed significantly shorter overall survival in pediatric AML with GATA4 promoter methylation but multivariate analysis shows that it is not an independent factor. However, further research focusing on the mechanism of GATA4 in pediatric leukemia is required. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1760-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

First encountering with nursing practice: Undergraduate students\u27 fundamental nursing practicum in ICU

Session presented on Thursday, July 21, 2016 and Friday, July 22, 2016: Background: Fundamental nursing practicum is nursing students\u27 first class in clinical setting. It helps students to recognize the value and culture of professionalism and build up self-confidence. Positive practicum experiences and successful adaptation is crucial to enhance students\u27 willing to engage in nursing profession (Levett-Jones, Lathlean, Mcmillan & Higgins, 2007; Pedersen & Sivonen, 2012). Furthermore, Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses are often nimble, quickly adaptive with proficient nursing skills while facing multiple stressors. Having fundamental nursing practicum in ICU may help students to early encounter and early adapt clinical reality. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore nursing students\u27 fundamental nursing practicum experiences in ICU. Methods: A qualitative research was conducted to explore nursing students\u27 ICU practicum experiences. According to the inclusion criteria, 17 second-year undergraduate nursing students in southern Taiwan who took fundamental nursing practicum class were recruited. Students\u27 reflection notes about their fundamental nursing practicum experiences in ICU were collected and analyzed using content analysis (Hsieh & Shannon, 2005; Weber, 1990). First, we read the reflection notes for several times until a whole understanding of nursing students\u27 practicum experience in ICU were obtained. Second, we summarized a keyword or phrase in the reflection notes by reading again, moving back-and-forth, and underlining the significant words, terms, and paragraphs. Third, we identified each experience within its specific context as an analytic unit. These experience of the reflection notes were classified into several major content areas. Forth, we condensed and sorted those content areas into different meaning units and interpreted the underlying meanings within the whole context. Fifth, we labeled the meaning units and compared the difference and similarities among each students. Finally, we sorted them into categories and formulated four themes. Results: Four themes were identified, including encountering psychological stressors, adapting and engaging themselves in clinical settings using multiple strategies, shaping professionalism, and gaining self-growth. In the first theme, encountering psychological stressors, nursing students\u27 psychological stresses were derived from three aspects, including the interaction with patients and medical team, the lack of confidence and overwhelming challenges caused by insufficient clinical knowledge and skills, and the ethical dilemma between medical treatments and patients\u27 concerns. After encountering those reality shocks, students were trying to adapt themselves to the conditions. In the second theme, adapting and engaging themselves in clinical settings using multiple strategies, students sought for peers\u27 supports, embraced imperfection by self-acceptance, and strengthened clinical knowledge and skills. The experience in adaptation helped students shape their professionalism and gain self-growth. In the third theme, shaping professionalism, students identified commitments of nursing professionalism and established confidence to practice clinical skills and performed nursing ethics discreetly. Finally, in the fourth theme, gaining self-growth, students encompassed contemplating life meanings as being with dying patients and valuing personal relations. Conclusion: The results indicated that most students experienced psychological stressors in their first practicum in ICU; however, after adaptation, their professional identity and self-growth were found. This study provided a comprehensive picture of nursing students\u27 practicum experiences in ICU which may help clinical mentors and preceptors to understand the causes of nursing students\u27 reality shock, recognize the gap between classes and clinical settings, and realize nursing students\u27 progressive process