Translocation of a polymer chain through a narrow pore is explored using 3D explicit solvent dissipative particle dynamics simulation. We study the dependence of the translocation dynamics and translocation time τ on the chain length N, driving force magnitude E, and solvent quality. Two types of driving forces are considered: uniform hydrostatic force, which is applied equally to the chain and...

Four new species of the genus Thoracophorus Motschulsky, 1857 of the Neotropical region are described: T. verhaaghi n. sp., T. zicsii n. sp., T. struyvei n. sp., and T. perplexus n. sp. The new species originate from French Guiana, Peru, and Ecuador. Similar species T. filum Sharp, 1887, T. proximus Irmler, 1985, T. exilis (Erichson, 1840) and T. aequalis Sharp, 1887 are compared to discuss dif...

Recently, BMI screening in public schools has stirred sharp controversy with the emergence of letters sent home to parents indicating their child’s BMI percentile and weight category. In Massachusetts, these letters have been deemed, “fat letters,” and have appeared on late night comedy shows, newspapers, and televised news reports. Not only has screening come under harsh criticism, but the inc...