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Les occurrences de la satire du système juridique dans l'œuvre de Rabelais ne s'appliquent pas seulement à la loi de l'époque de Rabelais mais elles s'en prennent à des caractéristiques humaines universelles, comme le démontre l'article en établissant des liens avec le système juridique actuel en Ontario au Canada. Le système judiciaire composé des tribunaux constitue l'aspect le plus visible du système juridique, mais non le seul. Dans ses livres, Rabelais satirise non seulement le système judiciaire, mais aussi l'interaction des personnes avec les lois et avec leurs avocats, indépendamment des tribunaux. De plus, il dénonce certaines insuffisances du système juridique. Enfin l'article examine les solutions proposées par Rabelais aux problèmes qu'il identifie dans le système juridique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contact angle goniometry is an important characterization technique that can determine crucial information, such as the wettability, interfacial tension, and adhesion properties of solid and liquid surfaces alike. However, while this technique is already widespread, the by-hand analysis process of elucidating the advancing and receding contact angles (ARCAs) from the actual data set has many pitfalls and is fraught with human error. In this article, we introduce a graphical user interface (GUI) called ARCA Finder that drastically simplifies the analysis process by displaying the contact angle data in a novel perspective and aiding the user to determine the most accurate measurement from the available data based on the full definition of the dynamic contact angles. The goal of this invention is to improve measurement accuracy by reducing human error in goniometry, while also improving the repeatability of measurements among different researchers. By testing this approach alongside by-hand analysis on both synthetic and real dynamic contact angle videos, our results demonstrate a noticeable difference in the measured values, which suggests that the ARCA Finder GUI improves the measurement accuracy compared to the standard approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Kv2.1 potassium channels, changes in external [[K.sup.+]] modulate current magnitude as a result of a [K.sup.+]-dependent interconversion between two outer vestibule conformations. Previous evidence indicated that outer vestibule conformation (and thus current magnitude) is regulated by the occupancy of a selectivity filter binding site by [K.sup.+]. In this paper, we used the change in current magnitude as an assay to study how the interconversion between outer vestibule conformations is controlled. With 100 mM internal [K.sup.+], rapid elevation of external [[K.sup.+]] from 0 to 10 mM while channels were activated produced no change in current magnitude (outer vestibule conformation did not change). When channels were subsequently closed and reopened in the presence of elevated [[K.sup.+]], current magnitude was increased (outer vestibule conformation had changed). When channels were activated in the presence of low internal [[K.sup.+]], or when [K.sup.+] flow into conducting channels was transiently interrupted by an internal channel blocker, increasing external [[K.sup.+]] during activation did increase current magnitude (channel conformation did change). These data indicate that, when channels are in the activated state under physiological conditions, the outer vestibule conformation remains fixed despite changes in external [[K.sup.+]]. In contrast, when channel occupancy is lowered, (by channel closing, an internal blocker or low internal [[K.sup.+]]), the outer vestibule can interconvert between the two conformations. We discuss evidence that the ability of the outer vestibule conformation to change is regulated by the occupancy of a nonselectivity filter site by [K.sup.+]. Independent of the outer vestibule-based potentiation mechanism, Kv2.1 was remarkably insensitive to [K.sup.+]-dependent processes that influence current magnitude (current magnitude changed by KEY WORDS: permeation * conductance * selectivity filter * structure

This report investigates how different splashing mechanisms affect the oblique splash threshold of drops impacting a dry solid surface. The splashing behaviors of water, ethanol, and a water/ethylene glycol solution are observed over a wide range of drop diameters (0.7 mm < D < 2.2 mm) and Weber numbers (10 < We < 1040), and several published models are tested in order to predict the thresholds between deposition, one-sided splashing, and two-sided splashing. We found that the splash threshold of liquids that exhibit the corona splashing mechanism can be readily predicted by existing models. However, for liquids such as water that exhibit prompt splashing, the oblique splash threshold is not successfully predicted by any presently established correlation. Hence, our findings identify a critical knowledge gap in the drop impact field, since the behavior of water is of fundamental importance to countless engineering problems. Finally, combining our own results with others reported in the literature, we address some contradictory reports about the influence of liquid viscosity on the splash threshold and demonstrate that the presence or lack of thin-sheet in different experiments could explain the contradictions present in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the characteristics of discussion of conspiracy theories about the Zika virus outbreak of 2015-16 on Twitter. Content and social network analysis of a dataset of 25,162 original Tweets about Zika virus conspiracy theories showed that relative to debunking messages, conspiracy theories spread through a more decentralized network, are more likely to invoke supposedly knowledgeable authorities in making arguments, and ask more rhetorical questions. These trends can be understood in the context of previous work on conspiracy theories, including the "just asking questions" style of rhetoric, the importance of sourcing and authority, and the tendency to simultaneously consider many different potential conspiracies that might underlie an important topic or event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the psychology of conspiracy theories has shown recent steps towards a standardization of measures. The present article seeks to continue that trend by presenting the Flexible Inventory of Conspiracy Suspicions ( FICS), a questionnaire template that can be adapted to measure suspicions of a conspiracy around nearly any topic of public interest. Compared to conspiracy belief measures that ask about specific theories on a given topic, the FICS is worded in such a way as to provide relatively stable validity across time and cultural context. Using a hybrid approach incorporating classical test theory and Rasch scaling, three questionnaire studies on Mechanical Turk demonstrate the validity of the FICS in measuring conspiracy suspicions regarding 9/11, vaccine safety, and US elections, with good psychometric properties in most situations. However, the utility of the FICS is limited in the case of climate change due to the existence of two opposing conspiracy theories that share essentially no common assumptions ('climate change is a hoax' vs. 'there is a conspiracy to make people believe that climate change is a hoax'). The results indicate that the FICS is a reliable and valid measure of conspiracy suspicions within certain parameters, and suggest a three-level model that differentiates general conspiracist ideation, relatively vague conspiracy suspicions, and relatively specific conspiracy beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article compares the U.S Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) claims on validity of the underlying debt from claims arising out of debt collectors' conduct in relation to collection of a debt. Topics discussed include application of abstention doctrine in the FDCPA cases throughout the federal court system, court case Rail Road Commission of Texas v. Pullman Co. and Supreme Court case Burford v. Sun Oil Co. It suggests application of abstention doctrine in consumer FDCPA cases.

In this report we investigate the performance of various beam shutter technologies when applied to femtosecond laser micromachining. Three different shutter options are considered: a mechanical blade shutter, a bistable rotary solenoid shutter, and an electro-optic modulator (EOM) shutter. We analyzed the behavior of each shutter type during repeated open/close commands (period of 10 ≤ T ≤ 200 ms) using both high-speed videography and practical micromachining experiments. To quantify the performance at varying cycle periods, we introduce a new variable called the compliance that characterizes the average state of the shutter with respect to its intended position. We found that the solenoid shutter responds poorly to sequential commands. The mechanical shutter provides reliable performance for cycled commands as short as T = 40 ms, but begins to lag significantly behind the control signal for T ≤ 20 ms. The EOM shutter provides the most precise and reliable performance, with an opening time of only 0.6 ms and a high compliance with the signal commands, even when cycled very quickly (T = 10 ms). Overall, this study acts as an extensive practical guide for other laser users when considering different shutter options for their laser system and desired application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the use of daikenchuto (DKT), a traditional Japanese medicine, as a potential treatment for opiate-induced slowing of intestinal transit in an isolated guinea pig colon model of motility. Methods: Isolated segments of distal guinea pig colon were mounted in a perfusion chamber and imaged with a digital video camera interfaced with a computer. Fecal pellets were inserted into the oral end of the colonic segment and the rates of propulsive motility over a 3 to 4cm segment of colon were determined in the presence and absence of test compounds. In addition, intracellular recordings were obtained from intact circular muscle, and the responsiveness of inhibitory and excitatory junction potentials to DKT was evaluated. Results: The addition of D-Ala2, N-Me-Phe4, Gly-ol5 (DAMGO), a selective μ-receptor agonist, caused a concentration dependent decrease in colon motility. Naloxone did not affect basal activity, but partially restored motility in the DAMGO treated preparations. DKT (1×10−4–3×10−4g/mL) also reversed the inhibitory effect of DAMGO treated colon in a concentration dependent manner. At higher concentrations (1×10−3–3×10−3g/mL), however, this effect was lost. Motility slowed even further when naloxone and DKT were combined with noticeable disruptions in spatiotemporal patterns. Interestingly, when added alone, DKT resulted in reverse peristalsis of the pellet. In electrophysiologic studies DKT inhibited both excitatory and inhibitory junction potentials. Conclusions: DKT appears to be as effective as naloxone in restoring motility in DAMGO treated colon. These two agents, however, do not appear to have an additive effect. When used on untreated colon segments, DKT appears to cause disruptions in the intrinsic reflex circuit of the gut resulting in a disruption of neuromuscular communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES:Changes in mucosal serotonin (5-HT) signaling have been detected in a number of functional and inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This study was undertaken to determine whether chronic constipation (CC) is associated with disordered 5-HT signaling and to evaluate whether constipation caused by opiate use causes such changes.METHODS:Human rectal biopsy samples were obtained from healthy volunteers, individuals with idiopathic CC, and individuals taking opiate medication with or without occurrence of constipation. EC cells were identified by 5-HT immunohistochemistry. 5-HT content and release levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay, and mRNA levels for the synthetic enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TpH-1) and serotonin-selective reuptake transporter (SERT) were assessed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR.RESULTS:CC was associated with increases in TpH-1 transcript, 5-HT content, and 5-HT release under basal and stimulated conditions, whereas EC cell numbers and SERT transcript levels were not altered. No changes in these elements of 5-HT signaling were detected in opiate-induced constipation (OIC).CONCLUSIONS:These findings demonstrate that CC is associated with a pattern of altered 5-HT signaling that leads to increased 5-HT availability but does not involve a decrease in SERT expression. It is possible that increased 5-HT availability due to increased synthesis and release contributes to constipation due to receptor desensitization. Furthermore, the finding that elements of 5-HT signaling were not altered in the mucosa of individuals with OIC indicates that constipation as a condition does not lead to compensatory changes in 5-HT synthesis, release, or signal termination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frictional interaction with a surface will depend on the features and topography within the contact zone. Describing this interaction is particularly complex when considering ice friction, which needs to look at both the macroscopic and microscopic levels. Since Leonardo da Vinci shared his findings that roughness increases friction, emphasis has been placed on measuring surface coarseness, neglecting the contact area. Here, a profilometer was used to measure the contact area at different slicing depths and identify contact points. Metal blocks were polished to a curved surface to reduce the contact area; further reduced by milling 400 µm grooves or laser-micromachining grooves with widths of 50 µm, 100 µm, and 150 µm. Sliding speed was measured on an inclined ice track. Asperities from pileup reduced sliding speed, but a smaller contact area from grooves and a curved sliding surface increased sliding speed. An analysis of sliding speed versus contact area from incremental slicing depths showed that a larger asperity contact surface pointed to faster sliding, but an increase in the polished surface area reduced sliding. As such, analysis of the surface at different length scales has revealed different design elements—asperities, grooves, curved zones—to alter the sliding speed on ice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we investigate the fabrication of stainless-steel substrates decorated with laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic wettability through different post-processing manipulation. In carrying out these experiments, we have found that while a CO2-rich atmosphere during irradiation does not affect final wettability, residence in such an atmosphere after irradiation does indeed increase hydrophobicity. Contrarily, residence in a boiling water bath will instead lead to a hydrophilic surface. Further, our experiments show the importance of removing non-sintered nanoparticles and agglomerates after laser micromachining. If they are not removed, we demonstrate that the nanoparticle agglomerates themselves become hydrophobic, creating a Cassie air-trapping layer on the surface which presents with water contact angles of 180°. However, such a surface lacks robustness; the particles are removed with the contacting water. What is left behind are LIPSS which are integral to the surface and have largely been blocked from reacting with the surrounding atmosphere. The actual surface presents with a water contact angle of approximately 80°. Finally, we show that chemical reactions on these metallic surfaces decorated with only LIPSS are comparatively slower than the reactions on metals irradiated to have hierarchical roughness. This is shown to be an important consideration to achieve the highest degree of hydro-philicity/phobicity possible. For example, repeated contact with water from goniometric measurements over the first 30 days following laser micromachining is shown to reduce the ultimate wettability of the surface to approximately 65°, compared to 135° when the surface is left undisturbed for 30 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses bilingual legislation drafting in Canada. It states that bilingual legislation in the country is written in both English and French, and the requirement to pass bilingual legislation in Ontario is self-imposed under subsection 3(2) of the French Language Services Act. Process of drafting bilingual legislation has been offered.

The production of millimetric liquid droplets has importance in a wide range of applications both in the laboratory and industrially. As such, much effort has been put forth to devise methods to generate these droplets on command in a manner which results in high diameter accuracy and precision, well-defined trajectories followed by successive droplets and low oscillations in droplet shape throughout their descents. None of the currently employed methods of millimetric droplet generation described in the literature adequately addresses all of these desired droplet characteristics. The reported methods invariably involve the cohesive separation of the desired volume of liquid from the bulk supply in the same step that separates the single droplet from the solid generator. We have devised a droplet generation device which separates the desired volume of liquid within a tee-apparatus in a step prior to the generation of the droplet which has yielded both high accuracy and precision of the diameters of the final droplets produced. Further, we have engineered a generating tip with extreme antiwetting properties which has resulted in reduced adhesion forces between the liquid droplet and the solid tip. This has yielded the ability to produce droplets of low mass without necessitating different diameter generating tips or the addition of surfactants to the liquid, well-defined droplet trajectories, and low oscillations in droplet volume. The trajectories and oscillations of the droplets produced have been assessed and presented quantitatively in a manner that has been lacking in the current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In spite of the social stigma surrounding them, conspiracy theories are a common topic of public debate on the Internet. The content and tone of these discussions provide a useful insight into the structure of conspiracist belief systems and the psychological characteristics of those who believe and disbelieve in conspiracy theories. In this focused review, we relate patterns of behavior found in online comments to the broader research literature on the psychology of conspiracy theories. Most notably, as conspiracism has its basis in disbelieving a mainstream or received narrative rather than in believing a specific alternative, most conspiracist arguments tend to fall along those same lines. Finally, we examine the implications of this methodology for future research into online discussion, particularly among hard-to-research populations.

Recent research into the psychology of conspiracy belief has highlighted the importance of belief systems in the acceptance or rejection of conspiracy theories. We examined a large sample of conspiracist (pro-conspiracy-theory) and conventionalist (anti-conspiracy-theory) comments on news websites in order to investigate the relative importance of promoting alternative explanations vs. rejecting conventional explanations for events. In accordance with our hypotheses, we found that conspiracist commenters were more likely to argue against the opposing interpretation and less likely to argue in favor of their own interpretation, while the opposite was true of conventionalist commenters. However, conspiracist comments were more likely to explicitly put forward an account than conventionalist comments were. In addition, conspiracists were more likely to express mistrust and made more positive and fewer negative references to other conspiracy theories. The data also indicate that conspiracists were largely unwilling to apply the "conspiracy theory" label to their own beliefs and objected when others did so, lending support to the long-held suggestion that conspiracy belief carries a social stigma. Finally, conventionalist arguments tended to have a more hostile tone. These tendencies in persuasive communication can be understood as a reflection of an underlying conspiracist worldview in which the details of individual conspiracy theories are less important than a generalized rejection of official explanations.