Photonic crystal resonators for inverse-designed multi-dimensional optical interconnects.

We experimentally demonstrate a 400 Gbit/s optical communication link utilizing wavelength-division multiplexing and mode-division multiplexing for a total of 40 channels. This link utilizes a novel, to the best of our knowledge, 400 GHz frequency comb source based on a chip-scale photonic crystal resonator. Silicon-on-insulator photonic inverse-designed 4 × 4 mode-division multiplexer structures enable a fourfold increase in data capacity. We show less than -10 dBm of optical receiver power for error-free data transmission in 34 out of a total of 40 channels using a PRBS31 pattern.

The androgenic anabolic steroid nandrolone decanoate prevents osteopenia and inhibits bone turnover in ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys.

We examined the effects of nandrolone decanoate (25 mg im every 3 weeks) on bone mass, serum biomarkers, and bone histomorphometric endpoints in 52 female cynomolgus macaques randomized into four treatment groups: (1) sham-ovariectomized (sham); (2) ovariectomized + placebo for 2 years (ovx); (3) ovx + nandrolone decanoate for 2 years (Nan); and (4) ovx + nandrolone decanoate beginning 1 year after ovx (dNan). Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were assayed every 3 months, and X-ray densitometry of the lumbar spine was done every 6 months. Fluorochrome-labeled iliac biopsies collected at baseline and 1 year, and lumbar vertebrae and midshaft femur collected at 2 years, were evaluated histomorphometrically. Body weight increased over 50% with administration of nandrolone. After 2 years, ovx animals had lower spinal BMC and BMD than all other groups. Ovx animals also had higher bone turnover rates than all other groups, as indicated by higher levels of the serum and urine biomarkers, and by at least twofold higher label-based bone formation rates in the femur diaphysis and in both cancellous and cortical bone of the ilium and vertebral bodies. Nandrolone-treated animals had similar serum estradiol levels as the sham animals, presumably due to conversion of endogenous or exogenous androgens. The effects of nandrolone on bone in this experiment are consistent with estradiol action and may be attributable to the increased serum estradiol. Despite >50% higher body weight, nandrolone-treated, ovariectomized animals did not have higher bone mass than sham animals.

The inhibitory effect of hydrolytic products of starch on in vitro colonization by Streptococcus mutans.

Synthetic culture medium containing potato starch and 1 gm% sucrose, with and without human parotid saliva, were pre-incubated. Filtrates from these mixtures were then incubated with Streptococcus mutans. S. mutans colonization on glass rods was suppressed in the cultures using filtrates from saliva and starch interaction. No inhibition was noted in filtrates pre-treated with parotid saliva in the absence of starch. The results suggest that the hydrolysis of starch by saliva yields by-products which inhibit in vitro S. mutans colonization.

The effect of disaccharides on the plaque-forming potential of Streptoccoccus mutans.

The comparative and combined effects of sucrose, maltose, and lactose as factors on the plaque-forming potential of Streptococcus mutans were assessed. With increasing additions of maltose to sucrose-supplemented medium there was decreasing plaque formation. Lactose additions slightly increased plaque formation, but when combined with maltose they significantly enhanced the maltose inhibition of plaque formation.

Health promoting behaviors of African-American registered nurses.

The purposes of this study were: (1) to describe the health promoting behaviors of African-American nurses, (2) to add to the health promotion data base for African-American women, and (3) to pilot test a self-administered questionnaire developed by the investigators for use in a larger study of the health-promoting behaviors of middle class African-American women. The sample consisted of 49 African-American registered nurses recruited from members of a nursing sorority. Selected criteria for the subjects were female, college graduate, and a middle class standard of living. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the likelihood of engaging in health-promoting behaviors. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the findings in terms of frequency and percentage distribution. The results indicated that the African-American nurses had high percentages of adherence to the following health-promoting behaviors: minimal alcohol consumption, avoidance of smoking, cholesterol screening, assessment of blood sugar levels, monthly breast self-examination, pap smears, mammogram screening and regular measurement of blood pressure. Lower percentages of adherence were reported for two health-promoting behaviors: diet and exercise. Results of this study support the need for the incorporation of diet and exercise into all health promotion intervention programs for African-American women. Implications include additional research to validate the findings of this study.