Stable and flexible multiple spot pattern generation using LCOS spatial light modulator.

The LCOS spatial light modulator (LCOS-SLM) can generate desired multiple spot patterns (MSPs) via the application of suitable computer-generated-holograms (CGHs), but the MSP intensity distribution varies because ambient temperature affects the phase modulation characteristic and causes wavefront distortion. To generate high-optical-quality MSPs we use our hardware-compensated (with a Peltier system to even out phase modulation) and software-corrected (via multiplication of the CGH by temperature correction coefficients) LCOS-SLMs. Experimental results with a 14 × 14 MSP generation show that the hardware-compensated LCOS-SLM provides stable MSPs between 9 to 32 °C. The software-corrected LCOS-SLM provides uniform spots over twice the temperature range obtained with conventional SLM method. We confirm that our methods are highly efficient for use in two-photon excitation microscopy application such as multifocal mulitphoton microscopy.

Angiographic evaluation of radial artery injury after transradial approach for percutaneous coronary intervention.

The transradial approach for percutaneous coronary intervention (TRA-PCI) has been increasingly gaining popularity in clinical practice. However, its association with risk for long-term radial artery injury has not been yet thoroughly defined. We retrospectively examined the patients undergoing radial artery angiography (RAG) after TRA-PCI to determine the incidence and risk factors of radial artery injury. The study included 558 patients undergoing follow-up radial artery angiography at 12 month after TRA-PCI. Radial artery injury occurred in 140 patients (25%) with 3 distinct morphological patterns: focal radial artery stenosis (RAS) P.7,7: in 7 patients (1%), diffuse radial artery stenosis (RAS) in 78 patients (14%), and radial artery occlusion (RAO) in 55 patients (10%). Patients with RAS/RAO were more likely to be female, had smaller height and body weight, smaller body mass index and smaller body surface area (BSA) as compared with those without RAS/RAO. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified BSA (odds ratio, 1.34 per 0.1 m2 increase; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.71; p = 0.01) and a history of TRA-PCI (odds ratio, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-5.08; p = 0.017) as independent predisposing factors of radial artery injury. In a sub-analysis of 323 patients undergoing both pre-PCI RAG and follow-up RAG, pre-PCI radial diameter as well as BSA and a history of TRA-PCI were independently associated with radial artery injury. Long-term injury after TRA-PCI is considerably common and care should be paid for RAS/RAO, especially for those patients with lower BSA, history of TRA-PCI and small radial artery diameter.

Spherical aberration correction suitable for a wavefront controller.

We propose a simple method to correct a large amount of spherical aberration caused by a refractive index mismatch. The method is based on inverse ray tracing and can generate correction phase patterns whose peak-to-valley values are minimized. We also demonstrated spherical aberration correction in a transparent acrylic block using a liquid-crystal-on-silicon spatial light modulator (LCOS-SLM). A distorted focal volume without correction was substantially improved with correction. This method is useful in cases where a large phase modulation is needed, such as when employing a high-NA lens or focusing a beam deep inside a sample.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis involving the skin of an elderly woman: a satisfactory remission with oral prednisolone alone.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disorder characterized by neoplastic proliferation of Langerhans cells that rarely involves the skin in adults. A 74-year-old woman presented with a fourteen year history of eosinophilic granuloma and bone involvement caused by LCH. She had received three combination therapy courses of curettage and radiation since 1987 and had remained free of LCH signs for seven years, after which she started to notice brown nodules on her left leg. Biopsy specimens taken from the lesions showed massive proliferations of large histiocytic cells. Immunoperoxidase stainings for CD1a and S-100 protein were positive. Electron microscopy identified Birbeck granules in the cytoplasm of the atypical Langerhans cells. Treatment with oral prednisolone alone has resulted in the patient remaining in complete remission for 12 months.