Optimal superluminal systems.

We demonstrate that significant effects in the "superluminal propagation" of light pulses cannot be observed without involving systems whose gain explodes outside the pulse spectrum. We explicitly determine the minimum norm of the gain to attain given superluminal effects and the transfer function of the corresponding optimal system. The gain norms, which would be required with the most efficient systems considered up to now (dispersive media, photonic barriers) to attain the same effects, are shown to exceed the minimum by several orders of magnitude.

Predictors of time spent on partner notification in four US sites.

Objective: To identify determinants of time spent on partner notification clients in four STD programmes in the United States.

Methods: 11 disease intervention specialists (DIS) in each of three urban sites (n = 33) and seven DIS in one rural site recorded their activities and clients for 14 working days. The total amount of time for partner notification activities was computed for each client.

Partner notification in the United States: an evidence-based review.

Introduction: To conduct an evidence-based review of the literature on the effectiveness of partner notification strategies for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States.

Methods: Systematic literature searches of available databases yielded 212 English language articles on partner notification, 13 of which met the inclusion criteria. These 13 articles were systematically reviewed, abstracted, and rated for quality of study methods, analysis, and generalizability.

Partner notification in the real world: a four site time-allocation study.

Background And Objectives: Although partner notification has been a long-standing intervention and prevention strategy for sexually transmitted diseases (STD), variations in partner notification practices across sites have never been documented.

Goals Of The Study: To describe provider-assisted partner notification practices in four STD programs in the United States.

Study Design: Eleven disease intervention specialists (DIS) in each of three urban sites and seven DIS in one rural site documented their activities and clients for 14 working days using a personal digital assistant.