GPU accelerated toolbox for real-time beam-shaping in multimode fibres.

We present a GPU accelerated toolbox for shaping the light propagation through multimode fibre using a spatial light modulator (SLM). The light is modulated before being coupled to the proximal end of the fibre in order to achieve arbitrary light patterns at the distal end of the fibre. First, the toolbox optimises the acquisition time of the transformation matrix of the fibre by synchronous operation of CCD and SLM. Second, it uses the acquired transformation matrix retained within the GPU memory to design, in real-time, the desired holographic mask for on-the-fly modulation of the output light field. We demonstrate the functionality of the toolbox by acquiring the transformation matrix at the maximum refresh rate of the SLM - 204 Hz, and using it to display an on-demand oriented cube, at the distal end of the fibre. The user-controlled orientation of the cube and the corresponding holographic mask are obtained in 20 ms intervals. Deleterious interference effects between the neighbouring points are eliminated by incorporating an acousto-optic deflector (AOD) into the system. We remark that the usage of the toolbox is not limited to multimode fibres and can be readily used to acquire transformation matrix and implement beam-shaping in any other linear optical system.

Linear syringocystadenoma papilliferum of the thigh.

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum usually arises in the head and neck region. Linear lesions occurring in other locations are rare. We report such a case occurring on the thigh, documented by multiple biopsy specimens. The case is discussed in the context of other adnexal tumors that may form linear arrangements.

Congenital miliaria crystallina.

Miliaria crystallina is characterized by intracorneal or subcorneal, 1 to 2 mm, clear, noninflammatory vesicles that typically appear in crops after a severe sunburn or during a febrile illness. They frequently occur in neonates, most likely due to lack of maturation of the sweat duct during the first few days following birth, but are rarely present at delivery. We describe here a patient with extensive miliaria crystallina that was present at birth and review possible theories of the pathogenesis of these lesions.

Cutaneous Bipolaris spicifera infection.

Bipolaris spicifera is a dematiaceous fungus that has rarely been reported to cause cutaneous infection in humans. A patient with leukemia was examined for a non-healing ulcer on her leg that developed following minor trauma. Histopathologic study revealed groups of nonpigmented, septate fungal hyphae located predominantly in the necrotic ulcer base. Cultures of a biopsy specimen yielded colonies that were gray to black with a black reverse. Microscopic examination revealed dematiaceous, straight, oblong conidia consistent with B spicifera. The ulcer was successfully treated with surgical excision, skin graft, and amphotericin B.

Cutaneous manifestations of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in children.

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in children is now known to be a clinical entity separate and distinct from AIDS in adults. In this article we present a review of the recent literature describing the history, definitions, epidemiology, differential diagnosis, and immunologic and clinical features of pediatric AIDS. Special emphasis is placed on the cutaneous manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus infection in children, which, to date, have not been the subject of a comprehensive review.