Showing papers by "California State University, Long Beach published in 1993"

River Magic: Extraordinary Experience and the Extended Service Encounter

Abstract: This article explores the provision of extraordinary hedonic experiences on commercial, multiday river rafting trips in the Colorado River basin. White water river rafting provides a dramatic illustration of some of the complex features of delivering an extraordinary experience. Multiple methods were employed over two years of data collection to articulate the lived meaning of this experience from both the guides' and the consumers' perspectives. Robust quantitative measures were developed from rich qualitative data. Participant observation and interview data enriched the interpretation of quantitative results. Experiential themes of personal growth and self-renewal, “communitas,” and harmony with nature are evidenced across the data; they evolve and are woven together over the course of the trip. Together they are significant in explaining overall satisfaction. There is a complex relationship between client expectations and satisfaction. The narrative of the rafting experience rather than relationships between expectations and outcomes is shown to be central to its evaluation. Implications for other services and consumption activities are discussed.

An Exploration of High-Risk Leisure Consumption through Skydiving

Abstract: A sociocultural approach is used to explore voluntary high-risk consumption. Specifically, we examine the dynamics of individuals' motives, risk perceptions, and benefit/cost outcomes of participation in increasingly popular high-risk leisure activities such as skydiving, climbing, and BASE jumping (parachuting from fixed objects). An ethnography of a skydiving subculture provides the primary empirical data. We propose an extended dramatic model that explains both macroenviron-mental and inter- and intrapersonal influences and motives for high-risk consumption. Key findings indicate (1) an evolution of motives that explains initial and continuing participation in high-risk activities and (2) a coinciding evolution of risk acculturation that leads to the normalization of risk.

Stress Proteins in Aquatic Organisms: An Environmental Perspective

Abstract: The cellular stress response protects organisms from damage resulting from exposure to a wide variety of stressors, including elevated temperatures, ultraviolet (UV) light, trace metals, and xenobiotics. The stress response entails the rapid synthesis of a suite of proteins referred to as stress proteins, or heat-shock proteins, upon exposure to adverse environmental conditions. These proteins are highly conserved and have been found in organisms as diverse as bacteria, molluscs, and humans. In this review, we discuss the stress response in aquatic organisms from an environmental perspective. Our current understanding of the cellular functions of stress proteins is examined within the context of their role in repair and protection from environmentally induced damage, acquired tolerance, and environmental adaptation. The tissue specificity of the response and its significance relative to target organ toxicity also are addressed. In addition, the usefulness of using the stress response as a diagnostic in environmental toxicology is evaluated. From the studies discussed in this review, it is apparent that stress proteins are involved in organismal adaptation to both natural and anthropogenic environmental stress, and that further research using this focus will make important contributions to both environmental physiology and ecotoxicology.

Breast cancer risk associated with proliferative breast disease and atypical hyperplasia

Abstract: Background. Women with proliferative breast disease (PD) have been observed to have an increased risk of breast cancer. The authors evaluated the effect of PD on breast cancer risk in a case–control study among participants of the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project (BCDDP). Methods. More than 280,000 women were screened in the BCDDP at 29 centers. Study subjects were selected from BCDDP participants who underwent biopsy that revealed benign breast tissue. There were five BCDDP centers for which histologic slides were available on more than 85% of the benign biopsy specimens. Case patients for this study were the 95 women from these five centers who had breast cancer develop during follow-up. Two matched control patients who did not have breast cancer develop were selected for each case. The biopsy slides were reviewed by two pathologists who were blinded with regard to cancer outcome. Results. Women with atypical hyperplasia (AH) had 4.3 times the breast cancer risk of women without PD (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7–11). In women with PD lacking AH, the relative risk was 1.3 (95% CI, 0.77–2.2). A family history of breast cancer (FH) increased breast cancer risk 2.4 times (95% CI, 1.4–4.3). The joint occurrence of FH and AH had a strong synergistic effect on breast cancer risk. Conclusions. AH is a reliable marker of increased breast cancer risk among women undergoing breast biopsy.

Identification of Nonlinear Dynamic Systems Using Neural Networks

Abstract: This paper explores the potential of using parallel distributed processing methodologies (artificial neural networks) to identify the internal forces of structure unknown non linear dynamic systems

Flowfield measurements about a multi-element airfoil at high Reynolds numbers

Abstract: This paper describes experimental data obtained with a multi-element airfoil at flight Reynolds numbers and lift coefficients including Clmax. The wind tunnel test was conducted in the NASA Langley Low Turbulence Pressure Tunnel as part of a cooperative effort between McDonnell Douglas Aerospace and NASA Langley. The airfoil model is a supercritical design configured with a leading-edge slat and a single-segment trailing-edge flap. Data include surface static-pressure distributions (integrated to obtain lift), drag data obtained with wake-rake surveys, and fbwfield surveys obtained with a flat-tube and five-hole probe at nine stations on the configuration's upper surface. Effects of variations in Reynolds number and flap gap on airfoil performance and flowfield survey data are presented.

The structure of interpersonal trust in the workplace.

Abstract: The importance of each of five underlying interpersonal trust components (competence, consistency, integrity, loyalty, and openness) as they affect trust among supervisors, subordinates, and peers ...

Apparatus for making and breaking joints in drill pipe strings

Abstract: Apparatus for making and breaking joints in drill pipe strings has three jaws each of which is adjustable to an infinite number of settings. The jaw-adjustment means are symmetrical about a central plane, and incorporate a spherical section. Different portions of the spherical section operate relative to closing and self-energizing of each jaw, the particular operative portion depending upon the exact set or adjusted position of the jaw. Each jaw is constructed for stable clamping of a drill type portion, with only one side of each jaw having a die element that is rotatably mounted. The jaw-adjustment mechanism effects both opening and closing of the jaw, there being no necessity to manually pull on a jaw portion at any time.

Forbidden or Forgiven?: Rape in Cross-Cultural Perspective

Abstract: This article describes a conceptual framework with which to study rape cross-societally. The model considers the powerful effects of social norms in condoning certain types of rape. It also distinguishes clearly between rape and sex by making the absence of female choice the fundamental factor in defining rape. Using this conceptual model as a guide, rape is examined in a random sample of 35 world societies. Rape is not a forbidden behavior; this research demonstrates the masking effects of social norms that tend to institutionalize rape within various social customs or rituals. The concept of a rape-free culture was not supported; rape was found in all the sample societies once the definition of rape was broadened to include socially condoned rapes. The presence of both normative (condoned) and nonnormative (uncondoned) rapes in a majority of the societies studied illustrates that rape is regulated rather than prohibited. Implications for defining and studying rape in the United States are discussed.

Effect of acid etching on the flexural strength of a feldspathic porcelain and a castable glass ceramic

Abstract: This project studied the effect of altering surface topography by chemical etching on the strength of a feldspathic porcelain and castable glass ceramic. Fifty specimens of each ceramic material were subjected to five different etch times (in groups of 10). A silane coupling agent and composite resin cement were applied. Specimens were then subjected to a three-point flexural strength test. Representative specimens were examined under scanning electron microscope to elucidate more information on the effect and the depth of etch. There was no significant difference in the mean flexural strengths between the etched and nonetched groups and no significant difference between the different etching times for either material. Photomicrographs revealed dissimilar etch depths and selective dissolution of the phases. It appears that chemical etching can improve the retention of ceramic laminate veneers without significant loss of strength.

Pore-space correlations in capillary condensation in Vycor.

Abstract: We use ultrasonic attenuation and light scattering to study spatial correlations in the pores of Vycor on filling and draining with hexane. On filling, the hexane initially adsorbs uniformly, but when capillary condensation occurs, vapor microbubbles are formed and persist until the sample is completely full. However, no long-range correlations of the bubbles are observed. By contrast, on drainage, the empty pores exhibit long-range correlations with a fractal dimension of 2.6. This results from the pore connectivity, suggesting that this behavior can be modeled by invasion percolation.

A broadband, planar, doubly balanced monolithic Ka-band diode mixer

Abstract: A planar monolithic diode mixer that achieves 5-10-dB conversion loss and very low distortion and spurious responses over a 26-40-GHz RF and local oscillator (LO) bandwidth and DC-12-GHz IF is described. Two types of diodes have been used: the first used the gate-to-channel junctions of 0.2- mu m*80- mu m InGaAs HEMTs; and the second used Schottky diodes realized in HBT technology. The baluns are Marchand-like coplanar structures. >

The evolution of the rhetorical genre of apologia

Abstract: This essay traces the evolution of the enduring rhetorical genre of apologia from the Greek period to the present. I argue that apologia has undergone significant changes in form because its function has changed throughout history. Specifically, shifts in function produce five “subgenres” of apologia: self‐exoneration, self‐absolution, self‐sacrifice, self‐service, and self‐deception. The implications for the continued viability of apologia in current times, as well as the critical generic approach grounding the analysis, are examined.

Excretion of Bupropion in Breast Milk

Abstract: OBJECTIVE:To measure the excretion of bupropion and its metabolites in breast milk. A secondary objective was to determine whether the drug accumulated in the nursing infant.CASE SUMMARY:Milk and plasma samples were collected from a woman taking bupropion 300 mg/d in divided doses who was breastfeeding her 14-month-old son. A single plasma sample was collected from the infant.RESULTS:After a 100-mg dose, the peak bupropion breast milk concentration measured at two hours was 0.189 (μg/mL. Milk-to-plasma ratios ranged from 2.51 to 8.58 over a six-hour interval. Two of three metabolites also were measured in milk. Bupropion and its metabolites were not detected in the single plasma sample obtained from the infant.CONCLUSIONS:Bupropion accumulates in human breast milk in concentrations much higher than in maternal plasma. Two metabolites are also excreted into the milk. Neither bupropion nor its metabolites were detected in the infant's plasma, indicating that accumulation did not occur in this infant.

Wide area traffic surveillance using a multisensor tracking system

Abstract: A wide area surveillance system for application to large road networks is described. The system employs smart sensors to identify plural individual vehicles in the network. These vehicles are tracked on an individual basis, and the system derives the behavior of the vehicle. Furthermore, the system derives traffic behavior on a local basis, across roadway links, and in sections of the network. Processing in the system is divided into multiple processing layers, with geographical separation of tasks.

Effects of metals and organic compounds on survival and bioaccumulation in two species of marine gammaridean amphipod, together with a summary of toxicological research on this group

Abstract: The toxicity and bioaccumulation of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, zinc, DDT, PCB and the water-soluble fraction of diesel fuel to the gammaridean amphipods Corophium insidiosum and Elasmopus bampo were measured At 96 h exposure C insidiosum was more sensitive to arsenic, zinc, DDT, PCB and the water-soluble fraction of diesel fuel than E bampo, whereas E bampo was more sensitive to cadmium, chromium and copper than C insidiosum Over a 20-day period C insidiosum accumulated greater amounts of chromium, copper, lead and zinc than E bampo, whereas E bampo accumulated more cadmium, DDT and PCB than C insidiosum The toxicity and bioaccumulation of toxicants to other species of marine gammaridean amphipods are tabulated

Low air loss, pressure relieving mattress system

Abstract: A compact, fully self-contained low air loss, pressure relieving mattress system (1) for use in supporting individuals at home or in a hospital or health care environment. The system (1) includes a foam mattress (3) having a hollow interior (22) in which to receive an inflatable air plenum (28) and a blower housing (24). A blower (50) for exhausting air to the plenum (28) and a variable speed motor (52) for driving the blower (50) are located within the blower housing (24). A pressure control knob (44) is disposed on a manually accessible control panel (48) at the blower housing (24) to permit selective control of the speed of the motor (52) and the rate at which air is exhausted by the blower (50) for inflating the plenum (28) according to the needs of the individual.

The views of American Multinational CEOs on Internationalized Business Education for Prospective Employees

Abstract: For some time, a number of industry leaders have been exhorting American business schools to train their students in the aspects of international business. As late as 1987, a group of prominent leaders from business, labor, academia and government issued a report that stated that business schools must internationalize the entire course of study and should include comparative business practices, foreign languages and analyses of other countries and cultures. But do the CEOs of the major American multinationals recognize the importance of an international business education for all employees in management? Do they believe that the business graduates they hire should have some education in the international aspects of business? In this study, unlike most studies of this nature, the respondents were asked about the importance of international business education for all business graduates, not just for those destined to work in the international operations of the firm. Nearly 80% of the respondents agreed that the employees will learn the international aspects of business on the job. This contrasts markedly with the results of the 1977 Nehrt report (30 %), but is very close to the results of the 1984 Kobrin report (73 %). The respondents who believe that international courses are relevant to their businesses (80 % of all respondents) gave individual courses about the same importance as did those who participated in the 1984 Kohers study, which was also concerned with all business graduates hired by firms in the Southeast. Two other studies had similar results for business graduates destined for international operations only.

Processivity of uracil DNA glycosylase.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism by which uracil DNA glycosylase locates uracil residues within double-stranded DNA. Using reaction conditions that contained low salt concentrations, the addition of uracil DNA glycosylase to plasmid DNAs containing multiple, randomly incorporated uracils resulted in the accumulation of form III DNA while unreacted form I DNA was still present. These data suggested that the enzyme utilizes a one-dimensional DNA-scanning mechanism such that this linear DNA arose by the accumulation of many single-strand breaks within the plasmid prior to enzyme dissociation. Reactions containing higher concentrations of uracil DNA glycosylase revealed a further accumulation of form III DNA after all form I DNA had been lost. These results suggested a partial (1.5-2 kb) enzyme processivity since the enzyme does not incise at all uracil bases on the DNA molecule prior to dissociation from that DNA. Since DNA scanning is regulated by electrostatic interactions, the processivity of the enzyme was evaluated through kinetic analyses of incision at various salt concentrations. At NaCl concentrations (< 50 mM), a significant amount of form III DNA accumulated while there were still unreacted form I DNAs present. In contrast, the accumulation of form III DNA was delayed at higher salt concentrations and the overall accumulation of form III DNA was less than that monitored at lower salt concentrations. DNAs were also analyzed by denaturing agarose gel electrophoresis in order to measure the average distance between strand breaks. Southern hybridizations showed a greater accumulation of breaks in DNAs that were reacted with the uracil DNA glycosylase at the lower salt concentrations, confirming a partial processivity for the enzyme.

Carbonate cements indicate channeled fluid flow along a zone of vertical faults at the deformation front of the Cascadia accretionary wedge (northwest U.S. coast)

Abstract: To understand the relation between fluid seeps and structures, sedimentary rocks were collected with the DSRV Alvin from a vertical fault zone that transects the deformation front of the Cascadia accretionary wedge. The rocks contained diagenetic carbonate cement that was precipitated from fluids expelled during accretion. Carbon, oxygen, and strontium isotope data are consistent with a fluid source at >2 km depth. Most carbon isotopes range from -1‰ to -25‰ (PDB [Peedee belemnitel] standard) consistent with a thermogenic methane source. Oxygen isotopes show extreme 18 O depletions (-4‰ to -13‰ PDB) that are consistent with precipitation from fluids with temperatures as high as 100 °C. 87 Sr/ 86 Sr values of 0.70975 to 0.71279 may be due to strontium in fluids derived from clay-rich parts of the stratigraphic section. The ubiquity of carbonate precipitates and the isotope data indicate that the vertical fault zone is an efficient conduit for fluid dewatering from deep levels of the accretionary wedge.

Consensus guidelines for high dose rate remote brachytherapy in cervical, endometrial, and endobronchial tumors*

Abstract: Purpose: A large number of medical centers have recently instituted the use of High Dose-Rate Afterloading Brachytherapy (HDRAB). There is wide variation in treatment regimens, techniques, and dosimetry being used and there are no national standard protocols or guidelines for optimal therapy. Methods and Materials: The Clinical Research Committee (CRC) of the American Endocurietherapy Society (AES) met to formulate consensus guidelines for HDRAB in cervical, endometrial, and endobronchial tumors. Conclusion: Each center is encouraged to follow a consistent treatment policy in a controlled fashion with complete documentation of treatment parameters and outcome including efficacy and morbidity. Until further clinical data becomes available, the linear quadratic model can be used as a guideline to formulate a new HDR regimen exercising caution when changing from a Low Dose Rate (LDR) to a HDRAB regimen. The treatments should be fractionated as much as practical to minimize long term morbidity. As more clinical data becomes available, the guidelines will mature and be updated by the Clinical Research Committee of the AES.