Discussions of Racial Difference and the Effect on Client Ratings of the Working Alliance and Counselor

Fifty-one clients were surveyed to examine the effect of counselor discussion of racial and ethnic differences in counseling. Analyses revealed that White counselors who discussed these differences with their clients of color were rated as more credible and as having stronger working alliances than those who did not discuss such differences. Se entrevistó a cincuenta y un clientes para examinar los efectos de la discusión por parte del consejero de las diferencias raciales y étnicas en consejería. L os análisis revelaron que los consejeros Blancos que discutieron estas diferencias con sus clientes de color fueron valorados como más fiables y con alianzas de trabajo más sólidas que aquellos que no discutieron tales diferencias

A mathematical model for the prediction of depth of cut in the course of AWJ machining

The objective of this study is to develop a practical mathematical model for prediction of the depth of cut in the course of Abrasive Water Jet (AWJ) machining. Semi-empirical method which is an integration of theoretical derivation and statistical analysis is used for process description. A theoretical model was constructed based on kinetic energy conservation equation, physical relationship among operating parameters, abrasive size, material properties and cutting results. Then, correlation between the depth of cut and operational parameters was analyzed in order to improve the theoretical model. Finally, a regression equation representing 1000 samples was constructed. Three statistical criteria were considered synthetically to determine the final form of the regression equation. These criteria include multiple correlation coefficient R2, the plot of a standard residual GI, and the number of GI \u3e±2. The multiple correlation coefficients for evaluation of the accuracy of the constructed equation range from 0.95 to 0.99. Prediction error in 92% of cases did not exceed ±2 mm for samples having thickness up to 30 mm. The constructed equation was also used for process examination. It was evaluated, for example, that water contribution to the material removal is roughly 10 times less than particles contribution

Part I: The Equations of Plasma Physics and the Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability in Magnetohydrodynamics. Part II: Evolution of Perturbed Planar Shockwaves.

Part I: Mitigating the Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) is critical for energy production in inertial confinement fusion. Suitable plasma models are required to study the hydrodynamic and electromagnetic interactions associated with the RMI in a conducting medium. First, a sequence of asymptotic expansions in several small parameters, as formal limits of the non-dissipative and non-resistive two-fluid plasma equations, leads to five simplified plasma/magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) systems. Each system is characterized by its own physical range of validity and dispersion relations, and includes the widely used magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and Hall-MHD equations. Next we focus on the RMI in MHD. Using ideal MHD, it has been shown that the RMI is suppressed by the presence of an external magnetic field. We utilize the incompressible, Hall-MHD model to investigate the stabilization mechanism when the plasma ion skin depth and Larmor radius are nonzero. The evolution of an impulsively accelerated, sinusoidally perturbed density interface between two conducting fluids is solved as a linearized initial-value problem. An initially uniform background magnetic field of arbitrary orientation is applied. The incipient RMI is found suppressed through oscillatory motions of the interface due to the ion cyclotron effect. This suppression is most effective for near tangential magnetic fields but becomes less effective with increasing plasma length scales. The vorticity dynamics that facilitates the stabilization is discussed. Part II: We consider the evolution of a planar gas-dynamic shock wave subject to smooth initial perturbations in both Mach number and shock shape profile. A complex variable formulation for the general shock motion is developed based on an expansion of the Euler equations proposed by Best [Shock Waves, {1}: 251-273, (1991)]. The zeroth-order truncation of Best's system is related to the well-known geometrical shock dynamics (GSD) equations while higher-order corrections provide a hierarchy of closed systems, as detailed initial flow conditions immediately behind the shock are prescribed. Solutions to Best's generalized GSD system for the evolution of two-dimensional perturbations are explored numerically up to second order in the weak and strong shock limits. Two specific problems are investigated: a shock generated by an impulsively accelerated piston with a corrugated surface, and a shock traversing a density gradient. For the piston-driven flow, it is shown that this approach allows full determination of derivative jump conditions across the shock required to specify initial conditions for the retained, higher-order correction equations. In both cases, spontaneous development of curvature singularity in the shock shape is detected. The critical time at which a singularity occurs follows a scaling inversely proportional to the initial perturbation size. This result agrees with the weakly nonlinear GSD analysis of Mostert et al. [J. Fluid Mech., {846}: 536-562, (2018)].</p

Impulse-driven Richtmyer-Meshkov instability in Hall-magnetohydrodynamics

We utilize the incompressible, Hall-magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model for conducting fluids to investigate the effect of Hall current on the stability of an impulsively accelerated, perturbed density interface, or contact discontinuity (CD) separating two fluids in the presence of a background magnetic field. This is used as a simple model, in a conducting fluid, of a Richtmyer-Meshkov type flow that is characterized in a neutral fluid by a shock-wave-density-interface interaction. Two versions of the Hall-MHD equations are explored. In the first, the ions are treated as an incompressible fluid but the electron gas retains its compressibility, while for the second version the incompressible limit for both species is invoked. The linearized equations of motion are first formulated for a sinusoidal interface perturbation and then solved as an initial-value problem using a Laplace transform method with general numerical inversion but with analytical inversion for some limiting-parameter cases. While the field equations are identical for both Hall-MHD models, the CD-jump conditions differ leading to qualitatively similar but quantitatively different CD dynamics. For both models, the presence of the magnetic field is found to suppress the incipient interfacial growth associated with neutral-gas, Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI). When the ion skin depth is finite, the vorticity dynamics that drive the suppression of the RMI differ markedly from the ideal MHD, RMI flow. On the interface, the Hall-MHD description allows the presence of a tangential slip velocity which leads to finite circulation deposition. Away from the interface, vorticity is produced by the perturbed magnetic fields and transported to infinity by a dispersive wave system. This leads to decay of the velocity slip at the interface with the effect that interface growth remains bounded but distorted by damped oscillations associated with the ion cyclotron effect. The flow behavior for several limits of the ion skin depth and the Larmor radius is explored. Specific comparisons with the results from both models against ideal MHD are presented

A comparative study of prenatal development in Miniopterus schreibersii fuliginosus, Hipposideros armiger and H. pratti

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Bats comprise the second largest order of mammals. However, there are far fewer morphological studies of post-implantation embryonic development than early embryonic development in bats.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We studied three species of bats (<it>Miniopterus schreibersii fuliginosus, Hipposideros armiger </it>and <it>H. pratti</it>), representing the two suborders Yangochiroptera and Yinpterochiroptera. Using an established embryonic staging system, we identified the embryonic stages for <it>M. schreibersii fuliginosus, H. armiger </it>and <it>H. pratti </it>and described the morphological changes in each species, including the development of the complex and distinctive nose-leaves in <it>H. armiger </it>and <it>H. pratti</it>. Finally, we compared embryonic and fetal morphology of the three species in the present study with five other species for which information is available.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>As a whole, the organogenetic sequence of bat embryos is uniform and the embryos appear homoplastic before Stage 16. Morphological differentiation between species occurs mainly after embryonic Stage 16. Our study provides three new bat species for interspecific comparison of post-implantation embryonic development within the order Chiroptera and detailed data on the development of nose-leaves for bats in the superfamily Rhinolophoidea.</p

A Novel Fuzzy Clustering Method Based on Chaos Small-World Algorithm for Image Edge Detection

Abstract-To solve the fuzzy edge detection problems in image processing, a novel fuzzy clustering method based on chaos smallworld algorithm (CSWFCM) is presented. The traditional fuzzy clustering method (FCM) is good at local searching capability, but it is sensitive to the initial value and easy to trap into local minimum value. The small-world algorithm (SWA), inspired by the mechanism of small-world phenomenon, is a novel global searching algorithm, which enables to enhance the diversity of the population and avoid trapping into local minimum value. However, the further capability of solving complicated problems is limited for its low efficiency of local short-range searching operator. In this paper, the chaos disturbance is utilized to improve the searching efficiency of SWA after local short-range search, and the chaos small-world algorithm (CSWA) is used to optimize the FCM in image edge detection. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can correctly detect the fuzzy and exiguous edges with higher convergence speed

On the magnetohydrodynamic limits of the ideal two-fluid plasma equations

The two-fluid plasma equations describing a magnetized plasma, originating from truncating moments of the Vlasov-Boltzmann equation, are increasingly used to describe an ion-electron plasma whose transport phenomena occur on a time scale slower and a length scale longer than those of particle collisions. A similar treatment under more stringent constraints gives the single-fluid magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations for low-frequency macroscopic processes. Since both stem from kinetic theory, the two-fluid plasma and MHD equations are necessarily related to each other. Such a connection is often established via ad hoc physical reasoning without a firm analytical foundation. Here, we perform a sequence of formal expansions for the dimensionless ideal two-fluid plasma equations with respect to limiting values of the speed-of-light c, the ion-to-electron mass ratio M, and the plasma skin depth d(S). Several different closed systems of equations result, including separate systems for each limit applied in isolation and those resulting from limits applied in combination, which correspond to the well-known Hall-MHD and single-fluid ideal MHD equations. In particular, it is shown that while the zeroth-order description corresponding to the c -> infinity limit, with M and d(S) fixed, is strictly charge neutral, it nonetheless uniquely determines the perturbation charge non-neutrality at the first order. Furthermore, the additional M -> infinity limit is found to be not required to obtain the single-fluid MHD equations despite being essential for the Hall-MHD system. The hierarchy of systems presented demonstrates how plasmas can be appropriately modeled in situations where only one of the limits applies, which lie in the parameter space in between where the two-fluid plasma and Hall-MHD models are appropriate. Published by AIP Publishing

Ferroptosis and the ubiquitin-proteasome system: exploring treatment targets in cancer

Ferroptosis is an emerging mode of programmed cell death fueled by iron buildup and lipid peroxidation. Recent evidence points to the function of ferroptosis in the aetiology and development of cancer and other disorders. Consequently, harnessing iron death for disease treatment has diverted the interest of the researchers in the field of basic and clinical research. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) represents a primary protein degradation pathway in eukaryotes. It involves labelling proteins to be degraded by ubiquitin (Ub), followed by recognition and degradation by the proteasome. Dysfunction of the UPS can contribute to diverse pathological processes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining organismal homeostasis. The regulation of protein stability is a critical component of the intricate molecular mechanism underlying iron death. Moreover, the intricate involvement of the UPS in regulating iron death-related molecules and signaling pathways, providing valuable insights for targeted treatment strategies. Besides, it highlights the potential of ferroptosis as a promising target for cancer therapy, emphasizing the combination between ferroptosis and the UPS. The molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis, including key regulators such as glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), cysteine/glutamate transporter (system XC-), and iron metabolism, are thoroughly examined, alongside the role of the UPS in modulating the abundance and activity of crucial proteins for ferroptotic cell death, such as GPX4, and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2). As a pivotal regulatory system for macromolecular homeostasis, the UPS substantially impacts ferroptosis by directly or indirectly modulating iron death-related molecules or associated signaling pathways. This review explores the involvement of the UPS in regulating iron death-related molecules and signaling pathways, providing valuable insights for the targeted treatment of diseases associated with ferroptosis

Effect of controlled and uncontrolled cooling rate on motility parameters of cryopreserved ram spermatozoa

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Ram spermatozoa are sensitive to extreme changes in temperature during the freeze-thaw process. The degree of damage depends on a combined effect of various factors including freezing temperature. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of two cooling method (controlled-rate and uncontrolled-rate) on pre-freezing and post-thaw sperm motility parameters.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Ejaculates were collected using the artificial vagina from four Chal rams and three replicates of the ejaculates were diluted with a Tris-based extender and packed in 0.25 ml straws. Then, sample processed according to the two methods. Method 1: straws cooled from 37 to 5°C, at a liner rate of -0.3°C/min in a controlled-rate cooling machine (custom-built) and equilibrated at 5°C for 80 min, then the straws were frozen at rate of -0.3°C/min from 5°C to -10°C and -25°C/min from -10°C to -150°C and plunged into liquid nitrogen for storage. Method 2: straws were transferred to refrigerator and maintained at 5°C for 3 h, then the straws were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor, 4 cm above the liquid nitrogen for 15 min and plunged into liquid nitrogen. Computer-assisted sperm motility analysis was used to analyze sperm motion characteristics.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Controlled rate of freezing (Method 1) significantly improve the pre-freezing and post-thaw total and progressive motility compared to uncontrolled rate (Method 2). In specific kinetic parameters, Method 1 gives significantly higher value for VSL and VCL in comparison with Method 2. There are no significant differences between the two methods for VAP and LIN. In conclusion, controlled rate of cooling conferred better cryopreserving ability to ram spermatozoa compared to uncontrolled rate of cooling prior to programmable freezing.</p

Irradiation-induced telomerase activity and gastric cancer risk: a case-control analysis in a Chinese Han population

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Telomerase expression is one of the characteristics of gastric cancer (GC) cells and telomerase activity is frequently up-regulated by a variety of mechanisms during GC development. Therefore, we hypothesized that elevated levels of activated telomerase might enhance GC risk due to increased propagation of cells with DNA damage, such as induced by γ-radiation.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To explore this hypothesis, 246 GC cases and 246 matched controls were recruited in our case-control study. TRAP-ELISA was used to assess the levels of telomerase activity at baseline and after γ-radiation and the γ-radiation-induced telomerase activity (defined as after γ-irradiation/baseline) in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Our data showed that there was no significant difference for the baseline telomerase activity between GC cases and controls (10.17 ± 7.21 <it>vs. </it>11.02 ± 8.03, <it>p </it>= 0.168). However, after γ-radiation treatment, γ-radiation-induced telomerase activity was significantly higher in the cases than in the controls (1.51 ± 0.93 <it>vs</it>. 1.22 ± 0.66, <it>p </it>< 0.001). Using the median value of γ-radiation-induced telomerase activity in the controls as a cutoff point, we observed that high γ-radiation-induced telomerase activity was associated with a significantly increased GC risk (adjusted odds ratio, 2.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.83-3.18). Moreover, a dose response association was noted between γ-radiation-induced telomerase activity and GC risk. Age, but not sex, smoking and drinking status seem to have a modulating effect on the γ-radiation-induced telomerase activities in both cases and controls.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Overall, our findings for the first time suggest that the increased γ-radiation-induced telomerase activity in PBLs might be associated with elevated GC risk. Further confirmation of this association using a prospective study design is warranted.</p