Michael D. Carter

Association of the ammonium ion with α,ω-alkanediols

Abstract The association of the ammonium ion with several α,ω-alkanediols has been studied by high pressure mass spectrometry. Standard enthalpy (kJ mol −1 ) and entropy (J K −1 mol −1 , in parentheses) values determined for the reaction diol + NH 4 + ⇄ diol · NH 4 + are 1,2-ethanediol, 121 ± 4 (125 ± 2); 1,3-propanediol, 139 ± 5 (151 ± 3); 1,4-butanediol, 138 ± 4 (142 ± 2); 2,3-butanediol, 146 ± 6 (161 ± 3), and 2-butene-1,4-diol, 135 ± 6 (148 ± 4). Comparison with the thermodynamic values for the association of NH 4 + with monohydric alcohols shows that the association of NH 4 + with diols leads to the formation of cyclic structures with two intermolecular hydrogen bonds and that, unlike protonation, there is little effect of carbon number on the values of Δ H 0 and Δ S 0 for the association.

Mass Surveillance in Cyberspace and the Lost Art of Keeping a Secret

Global security concerns, acts of terrorism and organised crime activity have motivated nation states to delve into implementing measures of mass surveillance in cyberspace, the breadth of which was partly revealed by the whistleblower Edward Snowden. But are modern nation states fighting a battle in the wrong space? Is mass surveillance of cyberspace effective and are the conventional metaphors of technology control appropriate for it? Can algorithms detect, classify and decide effectively on what constitutes suspicious activity? We argue that as cyberspace is a construct that has only recently been viewed strategically, let alone indoctrinated (the UKs cyber-security strategy is only four years old), the societal impact of such bulk measures is yet much unclear – as are the assumptions about the fitness of state organisations that are charged with their oversight and the potential for unintended consequences. Recent experiences highlight the role of multiple forms of intelligence inputs, especially human- and community-based, and the need for application of such intrusive measures in a targeted manner. We believe that intrusive measures, where necessary, must be used decoupled from the seductive promises of advanced technology and ought to go hand-in-hand with means that strengthen the affected communities to identify, report and battle extremism and organised crime, in ways that safeguard the fundamental principles of our contemporary democratic Western states.

DOES NSAID USE MODIFY COGNITIVE TRAJECTORIES IN THE ELDERLY? THE CACHE COUNTY STUDY

We read the article by Hayden et al.1 with interest. The authors found that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use may help to prevent cognitive decline in older adults. The effect was more pronounced in people having one or more APOE e4 alleles, with this group experiencing a difference of 0.40 points per year on the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) relative to controls ( p = 0.0005). Surprisingly, those individuals without an e4 allele who …