A comparison of different cluster mass estimates: consistency or discrepancy ?

Rich and massive clusters of galaxies at intermediate redshift are capable of magnifying and distorting the images of background galaxies. A comparison of different mass estimators among these clusters can provide useful information about the distribution and composition of cluster matter and their dynamical evolution. Using a hitherto largest sample of lensing clusters drawn from literature, we compare the gravitating masses of clusters derived from the strong/weak gravitational lensing phenomena, from the X-ray measurements based on the assumption of hydrostatic equilibrium, and from the conventional isothermal sphere model for the dark matter profile characterized by the velocity dispersion and core radius of galaxy distributions in clusters. While there is an excellent agreement between the weak lensing, X-ray and isothermal sphere model determined cluster masses, these methods are likely to underestimate the gravitating masses enclosed within the central cores of clusters by a factor of 2--4 as compared with the strong lensing results. Such a mass discrepancy has probably arisen from the inappropriate applications of the weak lensing technique and the hydrostatic equilibrium hypothesis to the central regions of clusters as well as an unreasonably large core radius for both luminous and dark matter profiles. Nevertheless, it is pointed out that these cluster mass estimators may be safely applied on scales greater than the core sizes. Namely, the overall clusters of galaxies at intermediate redshift can still be regarded as the dynamically relaxed systems, in which the velocity dispersion of galaxies and the temperature of X-ray emitting gas are good indicators of the underlying gravitational potentials of clusters.Comment: 16 pages with 7 PS figures, MNRAS in pres

Mtmr8 is essential for vasculature development in zebrafish embryos

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Embryonic morphogenesis of vascular and muscular systems is tightly coordinated, and a functional cooperation of Mtmr8 with PI3K in actin filament modeling and muscle development has been revealed in zebrafish. Here, we attempt to explore the function of Mtmr8 in vasculature development parallel to its function in muscle development.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>During early stage of somitogenesis, <it>mtmr8 </it>expression was detected in both somitic mesodem and ventral mesoderm. Knockdown of <it>mtmr8 </it>by morpholino impairs arterial endothelial marker expression, and results in endothelial cell reduction and vasculogenesis defects, such as retardation in intersegmental vessel development and interruption of trunk dorsal aorta. Moreover, <it>mtmr8 </it>morphants show loss of arterial endothelial cell identity in dorsal aorta, which is effectively rescued by low concentration of PI3K inhibitor, and by over-expression of <it>dnPKA </it>mRNA or <it>vegf </it>mRNA. Interestingly, <it>mtmr8 </it>expression is up-regulated when zebrafish embryos are treated with specific inhibitor of Hedgehog pathway that abolishes arterial marker expression.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These data indicate that Mtmr8 is essential for vasculature development in zebrafish embryos, and may play a role in arterial specification through repressing PI3K activity. It is suggested that Mtmr8 should represent a novel element of the Hedgehog/PI3K/VEGF signaling cascade that controls arterial specification.</p

Microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA analysis of the genetic structure of Chinese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) in southeast China coast

Chinese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus) is a Xiphosura animal of significant commercial importance and in danger of extinction in China. To better estimate how genetic structure can be used to obtain a conservation perspective of the species, genetic variation was examined in nine locations covering its distributing range in the coast of Chinese mainland using ten nuclear microsatellite DNA loci and mitochondrial DNA control region (CR) sequences. Moderate levels of genetic diversity were detected (expected heterozygosity from microsatellites was 0.635, haplotype diversity from mitochondrial DNA was 0.800) as a whole. Significant genetic differentiation was detected only by mitochondrial DNA (FST = 0.0693, P &lt; 0.01), while microsatellite markers indicated nuclear genetic homogeneity of these locations. Probably, nuclear genetic homogeneity was caused by outbreeding among different groups due to artificial transporting. Very weak genetic differentiation indicates that reintroduction programs of the movement and mixing of horseshoe crab from different locations will result in minimal negative genetic effects. Upon four management units were inferred from the results of CR analysis, accordingly four or more nature reserves should be established to conserve this endangered animal along the Chinese coast. Haplotype network pattern indicated that T. tridentatus population in Chinese coast has undergone historic population expansion and very recent historic population recession. Mismatch distributions analysis also revealed existence of historic demographic expansion.Keywords: Tachypleus tridentatus, microsatellites, mitochondrial DNA, population structure, genetic diversityAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(16), pp. 2088-209

Quadrature algorithms to the luminosity distance with a time-dependent dark energy model

In our previous work, we have proposed two methods for computing the luminosity distance d_{L}^{\Lambda} in LCDM model. In this paper, two effective quadrature algorithms, known as Romberg Integration and composite Gaussian Quadrature, are presented to calculate the luminosity distance d_{L}^{CPL} in the Chevallier-Polarski-Linder parametrization(CPL) model. By comparing the efficiency and accuracy of the two algorithms, we find that the second is more promising. Moreover, we develop another strategy adapted for approximating d_{L}^{\Lambda} in flat LCDM universe. To some extent, our methods can make contributions to the recent numerical stimulation for the investigation of dark energy cosmology.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figures, 3 tables, version accepted for publication in JCAP (http://iopscience.iop.org/1475-7516/2011/11/047

Controlling atomic spin-mixing via multiphoton transitions in a cavity

We propose to control spin-mixing dynamics in a gas of spinor atoms, via the combination of two off-resonant Raman transition pathways, enabled by a common cavity mode and a bichromatic pump laser. The mixing rate, which is proportional to the synthesized spin-exchange interaction strength, and the effective atomic quadratic Zeeman shift (QZS), can both be tuned by changing the pump laser parameters. Quench and driving dynamics of the atomic collective spin are shown to be controllable on a faster time scale than in existing experiments based on inherent spin-exchange collision interactions. The results we present open a promising avenue for exploring spin-mixing physics of atomic ensembles accessible in current experiments.Comment: 4.5pages with appendices, 3 figure

A peripherally inserted central vein catheter fractured and slid into the right pulmonary artery: A case report

AbstractCatheter fracture is a rare but serious complication of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). An adolescent patient was sent to Tianjin Medical University General Hospital (Tianjin, China) because the PICC was fractured when removed by a nurse. Chest X-ray showed that the PICC fragment slid into the right pulmonary artery. Through emergency surgery, the remainder of the PICC was successfully retrieved by an interventional operation percutaneously via the right femoral vein. PICC fracture is less common and always without significant discomfort if not found timely, and it may lead to serious complications, such as pulmonary embolism, and even death. Thus, nurses, patients and their family members should pay enough attention to the daily maintenance of PICC and have a deep understanding of the reasons associated with PICC fracture as well as how to prevent it. Interventional operation is minimally invasive, which is a good choice for the removal of intravascular foreign bodies, leading to fewer complications and a good prognosis