A single- or multi-protocol buffering proxy accepts communication option negotiation commands from a client before establishing a connection between the client and a host. The apparatus includes a first optical unit which effects distributed Raman amplification and has a characteristic that compensates for dispersion of a transmission path to which the optical communication apparatus is connected, with respect to at least one of the signal transmission bands. A light source is placed at one end of the light guide. Also provided are compositions and methods for modulating glucocorticoid-responsive gene expression and for treating a variety of diseases and conditions. Half of the flow portions are directed to a recombination region on one side of the distribution ring, and half are directed to a recombination region on the other side of the ring.