Generation of both scalar and vector hollow beams was demonstrated by using a mirror with a low-reflectivity spot to suppress the oscillation of lower order transverse modes. As scalar beams, several hollow Laguerre–Gaussian beams have been observed from a side-pumped Nd:yttrium aluminum garnet laser cavity. The intensity profiles were in an excellent agreement with theoretical ones. The phase front variation around the optical axis was verified to be spiral. Furthermore, both Laguerre–Gaussian and Bessel–Gaussian vector beams have been also observed from the identical cavity. In addition to the verification of intensity profiles, polarization pattern measurement confirmed that the beams had revolving polarization distributions along the azimuthal direction as theoretically predicted.

Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) are the commonest curable cause of hypertension. Most have gain-of-function somatic mutations of ion channels or transporters. Herein we report the discovery, replication and phenotype of mutations in the neuronal cell adhesion gene CADM1. Independent whole exome sequencing of 40 and 81 APAs found intramembranous p.Val380Asp or p.Gly379Asp variants in two patients whose hypertension and periodic primary aldosteronism were cured by adrenalectomy. Replication identified two more APAs with each variant (total, n = 6). The most upregulated gene (10- to 25-fold) in human adrenocortical H295R cells transduced with the mutations (compared to wildtype) was CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase), and biological rhythms were the most differentially expressed process. CADM1 knockdown or mutation inhibited gap junction (GJ)-permeable dye transfer. GJ blockade by Gap27 increased CYP11B2 similarly to CADM1 mutation. Human adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) expression of GJA1 (the main GJ protein) was patchy, and annular GJs (sequelae of GJ communication) were less prominent in CYP11B2-positive micronodules than adjacent ZG. Somatic mutations of CADM1 cause reversible hypertension and reveal a role for GJ communication in suppressing physiological aldosterone production.