A two-scalar model for a small but nonzero cosmological constant

We revisit a model of the two-scalar system proposed previously for understanding a small but nonzero cosmological constant. The model provides solutions of the scalar-fields energy $\rho_s$ which behaves truly constant for a limited time interval rather than in the way of tracker- or scaling-type variations. This causes a mini-inflation, as indicated by recent observations. As another novel feature, $\rho_s$ and the ordinary matter density $\rho_m$ fall off always side by side, but interlacing, also like (time)$^{-2}$ as an overall behavior in conformity with the scenario of a decaying cosmological constant. A mini-inflation occurs whenever $\rho_s$ overtakes $\rho_m$, which may happen more than once, shedding a new light on the coincidence problem. We present a new example of the solution, and offer an intuitive interpretation of the mechanism of the nonlinear dynamics. We also discuss a chaos-like nature of the solution.Comment: 9 pages plus 7 figure

Small Interfering RNA against Transcription Factor STAT6 Leads to Increased Cholesterol Synthesis in Lung Cancer Cell Lines

STAT6 transcription factor has become a potential molecule for therapeutic intervention because it regulates broad range of cellular processes in a large variety of cell types. Although some target genes and interacting partners of STAT6 have been identified, its exact mechanism of action needs to be elucidated. In this study, we sought to further characterize the molecular interactions, networks, and functions of STAT6 by profiling the mRNA expression of STAT6 silenced human lung cells (NCI-H460) using microarrays. Our analysis revealed 273 differentially expressed genes after STAT6 silencing. Analysis of the gene expression data with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software revealed Gene expression, Cell death, Lipid metabolism as the functions associated with highest rated network. Cholesterol biosynthesis was among the most enriched pathways in IPA as well as in PANTHER analysis. These results have been validated by real-time PCR and cholesterol assay using scrambled siRNA as a negative control. Similar findings were also observed with human type II pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells, A549. In the present study we have, for the first time, shown the inverse relationship of STAT6 with the cholesterol biosynthesis in lung cancer cells. The present findings are potentially significant to advance the understanding and design of therapeutics for the pathological conditions where both STAT6 and cholesterol biosynthesis are implicated viz. asthma, atherosclerosis etc

Zeta potential and rheological behaviour of aqueous kaolin suspensions dispersed with sodium hexametaphosphate

Deflocculants adsorb on particles' surfaces, increase the repulsive forces among them, reducing viscosity, while the soluble salts have an opposite effect on viscosity. This work studies the influence of deflocculant and salt concentration on zeta potential and correlates the results with rheological measurements

Perspectives of dairy farm employees on the COVID-19 pandemic

Our objective was to understand dairy employees’ perceptions and educational needs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A bilingual (English and Spanish), anonymous survey targeted at dairy employees was circulated nationwide via university and allied industry media outlets. Responses (n = 63) from 11 states were received (May to Sep 2020). Respondents worked in herds ranging from 50 to 35,000 ani- mals in size. Dairy managers (33%) responded mostly to the English survey (52%), whereas dairy workers (67%) chose the Spanish format (76%). Overall, 83% of the respondents were somewhat concerned or very concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Spanish respondents (93%) showed greater concern than English respondents (62%). Respondents (51%) indicated that their main concern was “to bring the virus from work to home and make my family sick.” Most dairy workers (83%) perceived that their employers were somewhat or very concerned about the pandemic. Respondents (66%) indicated that COVID-19 informative training was provided at the workplace; but training was more frequent among dairy managers (90%) than dairy workers (51%). Most trainings (75%) were limited to posters on walls. The preferred means of information delivery was through videos (64%). A good understanding of COVID-19 symptoms was reported among 85% of dairy workers trained at work vs. 71% for those not trained. English respondents (50%) indicated that television was their preferred source of information on COVID-19 (50%), whereas Spanish respon- dents favored social media (63%). Hand sanitizer use (60%), limiting agglomeration in break rooms (63%), frequent handwashing (76%), and limiting on-farm visits (66%) were the most common safety measures implemented at the workplace. Few respondents (38%) indicated that face-covering was required at work. Successful emergency plans on dairies should consider the outreach needs and preferences of dairy workers. These survey results highlighted different perspectives, edu- cational needs, and preferred sources of information between English and Spanish speaking dairy workers