Kinetic Alfvén mode and kinetic magnetosonic mode from a fluid description

The dispersion relations for the classical electromagnetic modes in a uniform, magnetized, monoenergetic plasma, are reconstructed from a fluid approach. Under study are the Alfvén waves (parallel propagation) and the magnetosonic waves (perpendicular propagation). This fluid theory accounts for finite Larmor radius effects to all order, and is shown to yield identical results from the Vlasov formulation. © 1995 American Institute of Physics.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/70334/2/PHPAEN-2-5-1367-1.pd

Solving the cosmic lithium problems with primordial late-decaying particles

We investigate the modifications to predictions for the abundances of light elements from standard Big-Bang nucleosynthesis when exotic late-decaying particles with lifetimes exceeding ~1 sec are prominent in the early Universe. Utilising a model-independent analysis of the properties of these long-lived particles, we identify the parameter space associated with models that are consistent with all observational data and hence resolve the much discussed discrepancies between observations and theoretical predictions for the abundances of Li^7 and Li^6.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, submitted to Physical Review D; minor changes to reference

An examination of multiple predictors of orthographic functioning.

The purpose of this study was to compare three variables in terms of how well they predict orthographic functioning. To this end, the authors examined the relative contributions of rapid automatic naming, exposure to print, and visual processing to a composite measure of orthographic functioning in a heterogeneous group of 8- to 12-year-old children. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that rapid naming, exposure to print, and visual processing were each predictive of orthographic functioning when controlling for the other variables as well as vocabulary knowledge and phonological awareness. Thus, it appears that both linguistic and visual abilities are related to orthographic functioning

Types and correlates of school non-attendance in students with autism spectrum disorders

School non-attendance in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has received very little attention to date. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive description of school non-attendance in students with ASD. Through an online survey, parents of 486 children (mean age 11 years) reported on school attendance over one month, and reasons for instances of non-attendance. On average, students missed five days of school of a possible 23 days. Persistent non-attendance (absent on 10%+ of available sessions) occurred among 43% of students. School non-attendance was associated with child older age, not living in a two-parent household, parental unemployment and, especially, attending a mainstream school. School refusal accounted for 43% of non-attendance. School exclusion and school withdrawal each accounted for 9% of absences. Truancy was almost non-existent. Non-problematic absenteeism (mostly related to medical appointments and illness) accounted for 32% of absences. Non-problematic absenteeism was more likely among those with intellectual disability, school refusal was more likely among older students, and school exclusion was more likely among students from single-parent, unemployed, and well educated households. Findings suggest school non-attendance in ASD is a significant issue, and that it is important to capture detail about attendance patterns and reasons for school non-attendance

I think it\u27s biblically wrong, but temptation gets the better of me : A survey on out-of-control sexual behavior in a Christian cohort of men in the UK

The current study aims to better understand influences on men within the UK Christian community on their engagement with pornography and prostitution. The authors utilized the Carnes (2012) survey to examine the landscape of sexual knowledge and behaviours, and to identify symptoms, and the propensity towards, “out-of-control sexual behavior” among participants. Data from a survey sent to the Christian community through church networks and word of mouth was used for this study. Of the 491 men who participated, the majority (94%, 460) described their personal Christian faith as “strong.” Despite the Christian faith community\u27s moral code of conduct, the survey results showed a gap in self-awareness and understanding of members’ thoughts, beliefs, and conduct. Although almost three-quarters (74%, 361) of participants viewed pornography negatively, nearly half (45%, 220) admitted to using pornography at least occasionally. Many participants (31%, 152) indicated that they learned about sex through watching pornography. The survey also revealed that 10% (51) of participants had engaged with a prostitute for sex. Additionally, 21% (105) of participants believed that erotic massage was not prostitution. Using the Carnes (2012) framework, the survey found that over half of the survey participants (53%, 258) had a propensity towards “out-of-control sexual behavior”. In relation to the church, more than half (55%, 268) of participants knew other Christian men who used pornography, and 25% (125) feared church discipline if they shared their use of pornography and prostitution. These results suggest that more programs and information are needed within the Christian community to build a culture of trust and accountability among members regarding sexual issues

Far-infrared all sky diffuse mapping with AKARI

We discuss the capability of AKARI in recovering diffuse far-infrared emission, and examine the achieved reliability. Critical issues in making images of diffuse emission are the transient response and long-term stability of the far-infrared detectors. Quantitative evaluation of these characteristics are the key to achieving sensitivity comparable to or better than that for point sources (< 20 -- 95 MJy sr-1). We describe current activity and progress toward the production of high quality images of the diffuse far-infrared emission using the AKARI all-sky survey data.Comment: 4 pages, 8 figures, to appear in the Proceedings of the Conference "AKARI, a light to illuminate the misty Universe", Fukutake Hall, The University of Tokyo, Japan, 16-19 February 200

Personhood Seeking New Life with Republican Control

Just three days prior to the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as President of the United States, Representative Jody B. Hice (R-GA) introduced the Sanctity of Human Life Act (H R. 586), which, if enacted, would provide that the rights associated with legal personhood begin at fertilization. Then, in October 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services released its draft strategic plan, which identifies a core policy of protecting Americans at every stage of life, beginning at conception. While often touted as a means to outlaw abortion, protecting the lives of single-celled zygotes may also have implications for the practice of reproductive medicine and research. Indeed, such personhood efforts stand apart and distinct from more incremental attempts to restrict abortion that target the abortion procedure and those who would perform it. While personhood efforts have not been successful to date at either the state or federal levels, abortion opponents may find a friend in President Trump and his Supreme Court nominees. What is more, because the recent decision by the Court in Whole Woman\u27s Health v. Hellerstedt makes it more difficult for states to impose incremental restrictions on the abortion procedure, restrictions focused on the status of the unborn may assume increasing importance. Personhood rhetoric is often seen in proceedings involving the disposition of unused embryos and in laws that restrict access to abortion on the basis of gender, race, or disability. Laws outlawing abortion on the basis of fetal pain are also on the rise. With so much uncertainty surrounding the political landscape, this Article places the personhood movement in historical context with other antiabortion strategies. This Article further explores the theoretical underpinnings of the personhood movement and considers its future prospects with regard to abortion and other reproductive services