Ecstasy/MDMA attributed problems reported by novice, moderate and heavy recreational users

The recreational use of MDMA/Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is associated with many psychobiological problems, but there is a paucity of data on how these relate to the level of past use. Objectives: to assess the incidence of Ecstasy-attributed problems as reported by novice, moderate and heavy users. Methods: 763 unpaid volunteers took part in a WWW study of recreational drug use. This report is based on the 282 Ecstasy users from that sample, who comprised 109 novice users (1–9 occasions), 136 moderate users (10–99 occasions), and 36 heavy users (+100 occasions). Yes/no responses were automatically recorded to a series of questions covering psychobiological problems experienced when drug-free, which were attributed by the respondents to their Ecstasy use. Results: Depression, memory problems, anxiety, mood fluctuation, poor concentration, infections, tremors/twitches and weight loss, were all significantly associated with the extent of Ecstasy use. Thus memory problems attributed to Ecstasy were reported by 19% of novice users, 52% of heavy users and 73% of heavy users (chi-square 42.74, df=2, p<0.001); many of the other variables showed similar trends

Comment on Phys. Rev. D 60 084017 "Classical self-force" by F. Rohrlich

F. Rohrlich has recently published two papers, including the paper under review, advocating a particular delay-differential equation as an approximate equation of motion for classical charged particles, which he characterizes as providing a "fully acceptable classical electrodynamics". This Comment notes some mathematical and physical problems with this equation. It points out that most of the claims of these papers are unproved, while some appear to be false as stated.Comment: Rejected by Phys. Rev. D. Summaries of the referees' reports are included. Also included is an analysis of recent work of H. Spohn (Europhysics Letters 50 (2000), 287-272, physics/9911027) necessitated by one of the referees' report

Fashioning an Industrial Strategy for Garment Workers

[Excerpt] Since 1984, the [ILGWU] has initiated a series of efforts to better secure the jobs, working conditions, and earnings opportunities of garment workers and to chart new directions for small union manufacturers and contractors. In the process, the union has evolved a multi-pronged industry strategy for the women\u27s apparel industry that holds important lessons for the labor movement and for communities that depend on industrial jobs