Design optimization of a flexure spring used in small-sized ultra-precise optical instrument.

Small-sized ultra-precise optical devices require compact compliant ortho-planar springs (COPS) aka. flexure springs, for precise, frictionless linear motion which depends highly on the design. A self-developed arm-hinge-linked design, named "Panto-style" flexure spring was optimized by selecting 5 design parameters (thickness: t, hinge width: W, arm length 1 and 2: L and L, arm angle: Ө) and constructing sets of design of experiments (DOEs).

Development of two-dimensional piezoelectric laser scanner with large steering angle and fast response characteristics.

We describe a two-dimensional piezoelectric laser scanner designed and tested to obtain a large steering angle of 1° and fast response characteristics of 200 Hz. To overcome the relatively small expansion capability of piezoelectric actuators, the displacement amplification mechanisms with two levers in series are employed to magnify the end tip of the lever which is connected to a 0.5-in.

Adult Patients with Congenital Muscular Torticollis Treated with Bipolar Release: Report of 31 Cases.

Objective: We assessed the surgical results of bipolar release in 31 adult patients with uncorrected congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) and more than 12 months of follow-up.

Methods: Thirty-one patients underwent a bipolar release of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and were retrospectively analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 14.

Pneumocephalus and Pneumorrhachis due to a Subarachnoid Pleural Fistula That Developed after Thoracic Spine Surgery.

Development of a communication between the spinal subarachnoid space and the pleural space after thoracic spine surgery is uncommon. Subarachnoid pleural fistula (SAPF), a distressing condition, involves cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Here we report an unusual case of SAPF, occurring after thoracic spine surgery, that was further complicated by pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis postthoracentesis, which was performed for unilateral pleural effusion.

A groove technique for securing an electrode connector on the cranial bone: case analysis of efficacy.

Objective: A groove technique for securing an electrode connector was described as an alternative surgical technique in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery to avoid electrode connector-related complications, such as skin erosion, infection, and migration.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 109 patients undergoing one of two techniques; the standard technique (52 patients using 104 electrodes) and the groove technique (57 patients using 109 electrodes) for securing the electrode connector in DBS surgery, regardless of patient disease. In the standard percutaneous tunneling technique, the connector was placed on the vertex of the cranial surface.

Comparative study of clinical and radiological outcomes of a zero-profile device concerning reduced postoperative Dysphagia after single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Objective: This study analyzed clinical and radiological outcomes of a zero-profile anchored spacer (Zero-P) and conventional cage-plate (CCP) for single level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) to compare the incidence and difference of postoperative dysphagia with both devices.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our experiences of single level ACDF with the CCP and Zero-P. From January 2011 to December 2013, 48 patients who had single level herniated intervertebral disc were operated on using ACDF, with CCP in 27 patients and Zero-P in 21 patients.

Hemangiopericytoma of the posterior fossa: a case report and review of the literature.

Intracranial hemangiopericytoma is unusual, and those occurring in the posterior fossa is extremely rare; we report such a rare case of hemangiopericytoma of the posterior fossa. The radiologic findings and gross characteristics of hemangiopericytomas are sometimes quite similar to those of meningiomas. Although extremely rare, the operator should be aware of the existence of this disorder to dexterously manage the aggressive nature and high vascular tendency of hemangiopericytomas.

Terson syndrome caused by intraventricular hemorrhage associated with moyamoya disease.

Terson syndrome was originally used to describe a vitreous hemorrhage arising from aneurysmal subrarachnoid hemorrhage. Terson syndrome can be caused by intracranial hemorrhage, subdural or epidural hematoma and severe brain injury but is extremely rare in intraventricular hemorrhage associated with moyamoya disease. A 41-year-old man presented with left visual disturbance.

Fusiform aneurysm presenting with cervical radiculopathy in ehlers-danlos syndrome.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) type IV is characterized by its clinical manifestations, which are easy bruising, thin skin with visible veins, and rupture of arteries, uterus, or intestines. Arterial complications are the leading cause of death in vascular EDS because they are unpredictable and surgical repair is difficult due to tissue fragility. The authors report a case presented with cervical radiculopathy due to a segmental fusiform aneurysm of the cervical vertebral artery.

Identification of hepatitis C virus core domain inducing suppression of allostimulatory capacity of dendritic cells.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is remarkably efficient at establishing chronic infection. One of the reasons for this appears to be the suppression of the accessory cell function of professional antigen presenting cells. In the present study, the immunosuppressive activity of HCV protein was examined on dendritic cells (DCs) generated from mouse bone marrow progenitor cells in vitro.