Narrow-band optical filter through phase conjugation by nondegenerate four-wave mixing in sodium vapor

An ultrahigh-Q tunable optical filter with a FWHM bandwidth of 41 MHz is demonstrated. The filtering is produced by nondegenerate phase conjugation through four-wave mixing in atomic-sodium vapor. The filter is observed to have a maximum quantum efficiency of 4 x 10^-3. However, degenerate phase-conjugation experiments in sodium suggest that a quantum efficiency of greater than unity can be attained on a cw basis

A Method Paper for Earplug-Fitting Augmentative Procedures Tested in Groups of More Experienced and Less Experienced Users of Hearing Protection

Although a long history of research has led to extensive knowledge about hearing protection devices (HPDs), there has been limited research about procedures that provide aid and verification during HPD insertion, although several studies have reported about HPD training. No standard methods have been established for training of earplug use (Takahashi, 2011). A review of the literature revealed a need for tools that might be used to improve user ability to properly insert HPDs consistently, even in the absence of training, because training is rarely provided in the workplace. The prevailing research question was Does the use of simple fitting procedures improve attenuation performance? The research methodology for such an investigation was described, including standardized measurement procedures, attenuation benchmarks, and considerations for study design. In order to assess whether various intervention strategies might effectively improve worker ability to use HPDs, methods used to measure attenuation, including fit-test instruments, normal-hearing subjects, ANSI standards, and analytical procedures should be aligned. For example, attenuation data may be collected binaurally using HPD Well-Fit™ (a Center for Disease Control [CDC]/National Institutes for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH] fit-testing system) prior to and following an intervention. Alternatively, monaural fit-test measurements might be collected for comparison and analysis. Binaural fit-test measurements may be compared to monaural measurements. The data collected may be analyzed to examine which intervention ascertains improvement of attenuation or some other desired outcome. Use of a control group (e.g., subjects that receive no intervention) should reflect the outcome expected in the typical workforce, because, besides a lack of hearing protection training, workers generally do not use earplug fit improvement procedures. Likewise, controls should allow investigators to describe the expected degree of variability in the measurement. Exploration of simple methods that might be implemented in the noise-exposed workforce is critical for reversal of occupational noise-induced hearing loss. It is important to consider noise-induced hearing loss a public health problem. Further, providers should encourage all patients to practice healthy hearing through the avoidance of hazardous noise despite the lack of evidence-based guidelines (Rabinowitz, 2010)

Predictors of Readiness to Quit Among a Diverse Sample of Sexual Minority Male Smokers

ABSTRACT Introduction: Readiness to quit smoking - a pattern of attitudes, intentions, and behaviors that reflect a likelihood of engaging in cessation activities—is a useful heuristic for understanding smoking disparities based on sexual orientation. This study examined demographic, tobacco-use patterns, psychosocial and cognitive factors associated with readiness to quit among gay and bisexual male smokers. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted as part of a larger Tobacco Elimination and Control Collaboration (Q-TECC) initiative in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Readiness to quit was measured by a composite score created from four variables (motivation to quit, importance of quitting, plan to quit, and confidence in quitting) (alpha=.87, M=3.42, SD=.96, range 1-5). Results: The sexual minority smokers in the sample (N=208; M=33 years) were racially/ethnically diverse. Latino men had significantly lower levels of readiness to quit compared to African American and White men. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to explore the relative contributions of sociodemographic, tobacco-use patterns, psychosocial and cognitive factors on Readiness to Quit. In the final model, the following variables were associated with readiness to quit scores: Latino ethnicity, fewer quit attempts, positive expectancies for the beneficial effects of smoking, and lower perceived importance of smoking as an important LGBT health issue. None of the psychosocial factors were associated with readiness to quit. Discussion: Readiness to quit scores were largely predicted by modifiable attitudes, behaviors, and expectancies. Study findings have implications for improving outreach and awareness and for the development of effective treatment approaches

Assessing the Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program Using Both County Coordinator and Extension Volunteer Perspectives

The Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program is a vital contributor to Tennessee Extension residential and consumer horticulture education and outreach. In 2014, 2,480 volunteers statewide completed service and education requirements to achieve or maintain certified EMG status. These volunteers, led by Tennessee Extension agent county coordinators, contributed over 178,800 hours of service while recording over 30,300 hours of continuing education. These totals illustrate both the contributions of EMG volunteers to horticulture outreach and their desire for education to enhance their own knowledge and skill. Understanding the most needed areas of training for EMG volunteers to support their education and outreach to residents is critical to the growth and impact of the program. Therefore, a study was undertaken in 2015 to survey both EMG volunteers and coordinators to determine educational needs for volunteers as well as the preferred training delivery methods. Respondents consistently rated horticultural training in edible and ornamental crops as well as pest and disease management as high priorities. Similarly, hands-on and in-person presentations and printed materials were rated as highly important training methods. Results indicate potential training priorities for the future but also suggest a need to explore differences between coordinator and volunteer perspectives in some areas

Permanent Neonatal Diabetes in a Patient with a KCNJ11/Q52R Mutation Accompanied by Intermittent Hypoglycemia and Liver Failure

The most common monogenic cause of neonatal diabetes is mutation in KCNJ11, which encodes a potassium channel in pancreatic beta cells. Some mutations in this gene, including Q52R, have been described in association with neurological deficits, but never with hepatic involvement. We report the second case of neonatal diabetes in a patient with a KCNJ11/Q52R mutation. This patient's clinical course did not include obvious neurological deficits despite the presence of prematurity, but did include transient hyperbilirubinemia, and recurrent hypoglycemia. The phenotypic spectrum of KCNJ11 mutations is variable and is likely influenced by additional genetic and environmental factors