Multimode-based polarization independent WDM devices using different order modes for TE and TM polarizations.

Multimode based polarization independent (PI) wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) devices are proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The key concept is to utilize two different order modes for the orthogonal polarizations, ith-order mode for TE and jth-order mode for TM (i ≠ j) polarization respectively to extend the flexibility for designing devices. PI coupler composed of a multimode directional coupler and mode converters is introduced as a basic device.

Deep learning prediction of falls among nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease.

Aim: This study aimed to use a convolutional neural network (CNN) to investigate the associations between the time of falling and multiple complicating factors, including age, dementia severity, lower extremity strength and physical function, among nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease.

Methods: A total of 42 people with Alzheimer's disease were enrolled. We evaluated falling events from nursing home admission (baseline) to 300 days later.

WDM photon pair source stabilized in a wide temperature range with cascaded optical nonlinearities and DFG monitoring.

In this paper, we report a multi-channel wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) photon pair source operating in a wide temperature range. The photon pair generation rates in multiple WDM channels were stabilized against changes in the operation temperature by combining the spectral flatness of cascaded optical nonlinearities (cascaded sum frequency generation/spontaneous parametric downconversion) with a differential frequency generation monitoring feedback system. The proposed method was experimentally validated using a type-I periodically poled LiNbO ridge waveguide device as the photon pair source.

45-degree curved micro-mirror for vertical optical I/O of silicon photonics chip.

The broadband vertical optical inputs/outputs (I/Os) of silicon (Si) photonics pose significant challenges in terms of practical applications. Herein, we worked on a vertical optical I/O using a 45° curved micro-mirror. To verify the optical coupling characteristics, a simulation was conducted.

Silicon wire waveguide TE/TE mode conversion Bragg grating with resonant cavity section.

Silicon wire waveguide TE/TE mode conversion Bragg grating can be used in wavelength add/drop and polarization rotation Bragg diffraction. The device can implement many filtering functionalities required in wavelength division multiplexing optical communications. In this paper we describe TE/TE mode conversion Bragg grating device incorporating resonant cavity section to obtain narrow transmission wavelength peak.

Silicon waveguide polarization rotator sampled Bragg grating.

In this Letter, we demonstrate, to the best of our knowledge, the first experimental results of sampled Bragg grating with polarization rotator function. Silicon waveguide is used. Multiple polarization-independent reflection wavelength peaks were obtained.

Generation of highly stable WDM time-bin entanglement by cascaded sum-frequency generation and spontaneous parametric downconversion in a PPLN waveguide device.

In this paper we report the generation of wavelength-division-multiplexed, time-bin entangled photon pairs by using cascaded optical second nonlinearities (sum-frequency generation and subsequent spontaneous parametric downconversion) in a periodically poled LiNbO device. Visibilities of approximately 94% were clearly observed in two-photon interference experiments for all the wavelength-multiplexed channels under investigation (five pairs), with insensitivity to the polarization states of the photon pairs. We also evaluated the performances in terms of quantum-key-distribution (QKD) applications by using four single-photon detectors, which enables to evaluate the QKD performance properly.

Highly efficient phase-sensitive parametric gain in periodically poled LiNbO ridge waveguide.

We have developed a periodically poled LiNbO (PPLN) ridge waveguide device and experimentally demonstrated a phase-sensitive optical parametric amplification. The highly efficient net phase-sensitive parametric gain of +18.6  dB is obtained in a cascaded second harmonic generation and difference frequency generation configuration.

Polarization rotation Bragg diffraction using Si wire waveguide grating and polarization rotator.

We report polarization independent Bragg grating wavelength filter with high diffraction efficiency. A rib waveguide polarization rotator and antisymmetric grating structure for fundamental to first order diffraction are used to generate the polarization rotation Bragg diffraction. The diffraction efficiencies and peak wavelengths become the same for two orthogonal input polarizations.

Polarization rotation Bragg grating using Si wire waveguide with non-vertical sidewall.

We report polarization independent Bragg grating wavelength filter using polarization rotation. A non-vertical waveguide sidewall and antisymmetric grating structure can be used to generate the polarization rotation of the fundamental modes. The diffraction efficiencies and peaks becomes the same for two orthogonal input polarizations.

Neurotropin(®) ameliorates chronic pain via induction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Neurotropin (NTP)(®), a non-protein extract isolated from the inflamed skin of rabbits inoculated with vaccinia virus, is used clinically for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Moreover, NTP may activate the descending pain inhibitory system. Depression-like behavior is often complicated by chronic pain.

P150glued-associated disorders are caused by activation of intrinsic apoptotic pathway.

Mutations in p150glued cause hereditary motor neuropathy with vocal cord paralysis (HMN7B) and Perry syndrome (PS). Here we show that both overexpression of p150glued mutants and knockdown of endogenous p150glued induce apoptosis. Overexpression of a p150glued plasmid containing either a HMN7B or PS mutation resulted in cytoplasmic p150glued-positive aggregates and was associated with cell death.

Distribution of Spinal Sensitization Evoked by Inflammatory Pain Using Local Spinal Cord Glucose Utilization Combined with (3) H-Phorbol 12,13-Dibutyrate Binding in Rats.

Aims. Hyperalgesia following tissue injury is induced by plasticity in neurotransmission. Few investigators have considered the ascending input which activates the superficial of spinal cord.

Cutaneous magnetic stimulation reduces rat chronic pain via activation of the supra-spinal descending pathway.

Recent studies have demonstrated that magnetic stimulation (MS) can induce cellular responses such as Ca(2+) influx into the cultured neurons and glia, leading to increased intracellular phosphorylation. We have demonstrated previously that MS reduces rat neuropathic pain associated with the prevention of neuronal degeneration. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the actions of MS in relation to modulation of spinal neuron-glia and the descending inhibitory system in chronic pain.