The soft X-ray monochromator at the SASE3 beamline of the European XFEL: from design to operation.

The SASE3 soft X-ray beamline at the European XFEL has been designed and built to provide experiments with a pink or monochromatic beam in the photon energy range 250-3000 eV. Here, the focus is monochromatic operation of the SASE3 beamline, and the design and performance of the SASE3 grating monochromator are reported. The unique capability of a free-electron laser source to produce short femtosecond pulses of a high degree of coherence challenges the monochromator design by demanding control of both photon energy and temporal resolution. The aim to transport close to transform-limited pulses poses very high demands on the optics quality, in particular on the grating. The current realization of the SASE3 monochromator is discussed in comparison with optimal design performance. At present, the monochromator operates with two gratings: the low-resolution grating is optimized for time-resolved experiments and allows for moderate resolving power of about 2000-5000 along with pulse stretching of a few to a few tens of femtoseconds RMS, and the high-resolution grating reaches a resolving power of 10 000 at the cost of larger pulse stretching.

Alcohol drinking patterns among Jewish and Arab men and women in Israel.

OBJECTIVE: Jews and Muslim Arabs comprise the bulk of modern Israeli society. Jewish tradition permits controlled alcohol drinking, whereas Muslim tradition prohibits the use of any alcohol. Increasing exposure of the traditionally conservative Arab sector to the Western culture of modern Israel might impact on and be reflected in the drinking patterns of these two populations. The influence of religiosity and other factors on drinking patterns of Jewish and Arab adults are examined using data from a 1995 national household survey. METHOD: Past month drinking is assessed in this nationally representative sample of nearly 5,000 Jews and 1,000 Arabs (N = 5,954, 60% women). Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) are presented to describe associations between any and heavy drinking and nationality group, religiosity, education and marital status among men and women. Modification of the nationality-drinking relationship by religiosity is also examined. RESULTS: Any past-month drinking was reported more often by Jewish respondents than Arab respondents (OR = 2.9, 95% Cl: 2.5-3.4), and this difference remained statistically significant after accounting for the effects of the other covariables. This cross-nationality difference was more pronounced among women (OR = 6.4, 95% Cl: 4.6-8.8) than men (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.8-2.9). The proportion of drinkers who reported heavy drinking in the past month, however, was lower among Jews (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2-0.4). Significantly higher rates of drinking were noted for secular men and women than for religious respondents in both nationality groups. Rates of drinking were more similar among secular Arabs and Jews than among religious respondents of these nationality groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results add support to the theory that adherence to religious traditions continues to serve as a barrier against drinking among both Arabs and Jews. Further work is required to determine if these patterns are stable over time and whether genetic factors are contributing to the sociocultural influences.

Genes for human general transcription initiation factors TFIIIB, TFIIIB-associated proteins, TFIIIC2 and PTF/SNAPC: functional and positional candidates for tumour predisposition or inherited genetic diseases?

TFIIIB, TFIIIC2, and PTF/SNAPC are heteromultimeric general transcription factors (GTFs) needed for expression of genes encoding small cytoplasmic (scRNAs) and small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs). Their activity is stimulated by viral oncogenes, such as SV40 large T antigen and Adenovirus E1A, and is repressed by specific transcription factors (STFs) acting as anti-oncogenes, such as p53 and pRb. GTFs role as final targets of critical signal transduction pathways, that control cell proliferation and differentiation, and their involvement in gene expression regulation suggest that the genes encoding them are potential proto-oncogenes or anti-oncogenes or may be otherwise involved in the pathogenesis of inherited genetic diseases. To test our hypothesis through the positional candidate gene approach, we have determined the physical localization in the human genome of the 11 genes, encoding the subunits of these GTFs, and of three genes for proteins associated with TFIIIB (GTF3BAPs). Our data, obtained by chromosomal in situ hybridization, radiation hybrids and somatic cell hybrids analysis, demonstrate that these genes are present in the human genome as single copy sequences and that some cluster to the same cytogenetic band, alone or in combination with class II GTFs. Intriguingly, some of them are localized within chromosomal regions where recurrent, cytogenetically detectable mutations are seen in specific neoplasias, such as neuroblastoma, uterine leyomioma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary glands and hemangiopericytoma, or where mutations causing inherited genetic diseases map, such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Their molecular function and genomic position make these GTF genes interesting candidates for causal involvement in oncogenesis or in the pathogenesis of inherited genetic diseases.

The effects of perceived parental behaviors, attitudes, and substance-use on adolescent attitudes toward and intent to use psychoactive substances.

The effects of parental behaviors, attitudes, and drug-use as perceived by adolescents on the latter's attitudes toward and intent to use psychoactive substances were studied. Perceived parental rejection, acceptance, and attitudes significantly differentiated between adolescents who reported favorable attitudes toward and high intent to use substances and those who expressed less favorable attitudes. On most parameters, the father's influence was significant, whereas the effect of the mother did not reach significance. Positive and significant relationships were also found between perceived parental rejection, acceptance, and attitudes and adolescent attitudes and intent to use psychoactive substances. No relationships were found between controlling parental behavior and adolescent attitudes and intent to use psychoactive substances. The role of the parents, as well as implications of the findings for prevention are discussed.

Gender differences in alcohol consumption and adverse drinking consequences: cross-cultural patterns.

AIMS: To examine the consistency and/or variability of gender differences in drinking behavior cross-culturally. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: Women's and men's responses in 16 general population surveys from 10 countries, analyzed by members of the International Research Group on Gender and Alcohol. MEASUREMENTS: Comparable measures of drinking, versus abstention, typical drinking frequencies and quantities, heavy episodic drinking, intoxication, morning drinking, and alcohol-related family and occupational problems. FINDINGS: Women and men differed little in the probability of currently drinking versus abstaining, but men consistently exceeded women in typical drinking frequencies and quantities and in rates of heavy drinking episodes and adverse drinking consequences, while women were consistently more likely than men to be life-time abstainers. In older age groups, both men and women drank smaller quantities of alcohol and were more likely to stop drinking altogether, but drinking frequencies did not change consistently with age. CONCLUSIONS: A theoretical synthesis proposes that gender roles may amplify biological differences in reactions to alcohol, and that gender differences in drinking behavior may be modified by macrosocial factors that modify gender role contrasts.

Codependency and family cohesion and adaptability: changes during treatment in a therapeutic community.

Codependency is a significant factor in the understanding of addiction to psychoactive substances. The present study examined changes in the level of codependency and perceived family relationships of drug-using residents in the three therapeutic communities in Israel in the course of their treatment. The findings indicate significant changes in both the level of codependency and the residents' perceptions of their family relationships between the beginning and the reentry stages of their treatment. On the other hand, no significant associations were found between their level of codependency and their perceptions of their family relationships. The findings are discussed in relation to the nature of addiction, the family processes, the treatment in the therapeutic community, and the addicted person's perseverance in that community.

Substance use and abuse among deviant and non-deviant adolescents in Israel.

The study examined the hypothesis that the use of psychoactive substances is strongly associated with social deviance. Patterns of alcohol and drug use among two samples of deviant adolescents were investigated and compared to patterns of use among a sample of non-deviant youths. The participants were as follows: ninety-seven juvenile delinquents, inmates in institutions, aged twelve through eighteen; 184 detached youth, aged twelve through eighteen, who are in treatment programs of the Departments of Youth Advancement, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Welfare; and a nationwide representative sample of 8151 high school students, aged twelve through eighteen. Substance use was measured by three self-report indices: frequency of use during the last year, use during the last month, and use during the last week. The results clearly indicate that psychoactive substance use is concentrated among Israeli groups of deviant adolescents. These adolescents use all types of substances, licit as well as illicit, at rates considerably exceeding those found among high school students. However, a great similarity was found between the deviant groups of adolescents and the high school students in several personality correlates (sensation seeking, anxiety, depressive mood and learned resourcefulness) of substance use, and to a much lesser degree in its interpersonal correlates (perceived closeness to parents and to peers). The results' implications for prevention are discussed.

Interpersonal needs of drug addicts: are they similar across cultures?

Needs for interpersonal resources were compared in groups of Israeli and USA drug abusers and in matched groups of normal subjects. Across cultures, drug addicts displayed a similar pattern of needs, while the patterns displayed by normal subjects were dissimilar. The results suggest that drug addicts display patterns of need that deviate from the cultural norm and approach the patterns displayed by addicts in other cultures.

Alcohol consumption among Israeli youth--1989: epidemiology and demographics.

Epidemiological and sociodemographic findings on alcohol (wine, beer, hard liquor) consumption among the Israeli youth are presented. Three samples of adolescents, aged 12-18, were studied by means of an anonymous self-report questionnaire: a nationwide representative sample of high school students; a sample of detached youth; and a sample of inmates in institutions for juvenile delinquents. Alcohol consumption was assessed by three indices: frequency of use during the last year, use during the last month and use during the last week. Since alcohol is imbibed ceremonially in the Jewish tradition, only non-ritualistic consumption of alcoholic beverages was considered. Prevalence of drinking during the last year was 58%, during the last month 42% and during the last week 25%. Thus, it appears that Israeli youth are approaching the drinking prevalence of European adolescents. The results clearly indicate that alcohol consumption is concentrated among groups of deviant adolescents. These adolescents consume all types of alcoholic beverages at rates considerably exceeding those found among high school students. As for the effect of sociodemographic variables, the results strongly support previous findings showing that the patterns and contexts of alcohol use among Israeli youth are similar to those found among youth in other cultures.

Personality, cognitive, and interpersonal factors in adolescent substance use: A longitudinal test of an integrative model.

This study tests a multidimensional model of adolescent drug use. The model incorporates sociodemographic variables, personality variables (state and trait anxiety, depressive mood, and sensation seeking), cognitive variables (knowledge, attitudes, and intentions), interpersonal factors (relationships with peers and parents), and the availability of drugs. The model was tested in a longitudinal study, comprising two phases. A total of 1446 high school students served as subjects. The role of cognitive (attitudinal) and interpersonal factors (relationships with parents and peers) was confirmed. In addition, sensation seeking proved to have significant predictive power. Anxiety, depression, and sociodemographic factors, by contrast, had virtually no influence. Availability had a minor effect. The multidimensional explanation was validated longitudinally. The factors related to drug use at the first phase predicted use at the second. This multidimensional explanation accounted for the use of various substances, suggesting that different substances-whether legal or illegal-share a common multidimensional explanation.

Perceived need for interpersonal resources by Israeli drug abusers.

Following Foa's classification of interpersonal resources and Peele's theoretical proposition which describes addiction as an alternative but unappropriate experience, it was hypothesized that drug abusers would express greater need for interpersonal resources than their controls, especially on general wish level, and that they would prefer universalistic--"socially valued" resources like status and money rather than affection and love. Although not conclusively, on the general wish level, drug abusers tended to express higher expectations for interpersonal resources than their controls, but in realistic relationships (e.g., marital relationships and employment) they showed smaller need for resources.

Personality and substance use among adolescents: a longitudinal study.

The following hypotheses have been tested: (a) sensation seeking, A-State and Trait and Depressive Mood should positively affect the initiation and continuation of adolescent substance use: and (b) Following Zuckerman's conclusion with regard to the relationships between sensation seeking and drug use, and Khantzian's 'self medication hypothesis', different patterns of relationships between personality variables and substance use should be found: Whereas sensation seeking will be associated with substance use regardless of the specific psychopharmacological properties of a given substance, anxiety and depressive mood will be primarily associated with the use of depressants. One thousand nine hundred adolescents, 14-19 years old, were tested twice, 12 months apart, for alcohol and drug use. The major findings were as follows: (a) Sensation seeking was found to affect substance use among adolescents more than State and Trait Anxiety, and Depressive Mood; (b) Sensation seeking differentiated among abstainers, beginners, and users of all substances. A different pattern of relationship between State-Trait Anxiety, and Depressive Moods and substance use was found. These personality variables appeared to differentiate only among those subjects who used depressants; (c) It is also evident that previous experimentation with drugs significantly affect current-use. The implications of these findings for interventions among adolescents are discussed.

Sensation seeking, state and trait anxiety, and depressive mood in adolescent substance users.

The following hypothesis has been tested: sensation seeking, A-state and A-trait, and depressive mood should positively affect adolescent substance use. The personality variables and alcohol and drug use were assessed among 1,900 Israel adolescents, 14 to 19 years old. The major findings were as follows: (a) Sensation seeking and availability significantly affected the "ever" and "current" substance use among adolescents. On the other hand, contrary to our hypothesis, neither A-trait nor depressive mood significantly affected substance use. (b) A-State affected the use of alcoholic beverages and nonprescribed medications. (c) The data emphasized the significant role of availability of drugs in the understanding of adolescents' substance use. The implications of these findings for interventions among adolescents are discussed.

The efficacy of progesterone in achieving successful pregnancy: I. Prophylactic use during luteal phase in anovulatory women.

We have previously shown that prophylactic supplementation of progesterone beginning in the luteal phase of patients treated with human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG) could reduce the risk of spontaneous abortions. The present study was initiated with 100 patients to evaluate the efficacy of a new progesterone therapeutic regime in patients requiring either hMG or clomiphene citrate. A significantly decreased risk of spontaneous abortion (6% vs. 28%) was seen in 50 patients prophylactically treated with progesterone as compared with 50 control patients. The progesterone regimen was then tried on 566 consecutive patients who were treated and conceived with hMG or clomiphene citrate, and approximately the same risk (6.2% by 20 weeks) was found. This incidence of spontaneous abortion is even less than the accepted risk for the general population.

Alcohol and psychoactive drug use among Israeli adolescents: an epidemiological and demographic investigation.

One thousand nine hundred Israeli adolescents--51.8% males and 48.2% females--aged 15 to 18, were questioned twice about their current and "ever" substance use. The first study was undertaken during September-October 1982 and the second about a year later. The findings clearly indicated a slight rise in the incidence and a moderate growth of the prevalence of substance use among Israeli adolescents. The relationships between substance use and several background sociodemographic variables that were studied are discussed.

"Dose/duration effect" relationship between alcohol consumption and cerebral atrophy: a psychological and neuroradiological evaluation.

The purpose of this study was to assess the occurrence of brain atrophy in alcoholic patients as measured by two methods--psychological testing and CAT scanning. The study focused upon the relationships between gross cerebral atrophy and two variables which are considered to be major determinants in the development of brain damage. The variables are (1) the quantity-frequency of alcohol intake, and (2) the duration of problematic drinking. The results show that the degree of brain damage is related to the intensity of exposure to alcohol and clearly indicate that psychological testing is a reliable method for, at least, an initial diagnosis of or screening for alcohol-related cerebral atrophy.

The risk of fetal anomalies as a result of progesterone therapy during pregnancy.

The incidence of congenital anomalies in infants born to 382 women treated with P was noted. Only five anomalies occurred in the infants born to women who had taken P. This study supports the data of Rock et al. by demonstrating a similar low incidence of birth defects in a much larger series of patients who also took a much higher dosage of P. Similarly, because only 1 of 189 patients treated with both P and 17-OHP developed anomalies, the data supports the study by Katz et al., suggesting no increase in anomalies related to 17-OHP therapy.