Automated source of squeezed vacuum states driven by finite state machine based software.

In the last few decades, much effort has been made for the production of squeezed vacuum states in order to reduce quantum noise in the audio-frequency band. This technique has been implemented in all running gravitational-wave interferometric detectors and helped to improve their sensitivity. While the detectors are acquiring data for astrophysical observations, they must be kept in the operating condition, also called "science mode," that is, a state that requires the highest possible duty-cycle for all the instrumental parts and controls. We report the development of a highly automated setup for the generation of optical squeezed states, where all the required control loops are supervised by a software based on finite state machines; we took special care to grant ease of use, stability of operation, and possibility of auto-recovery. Moreover, the setup has been designed to be compatible with the existing software and hardware infrastructure of the Virgo detector. In this paper, we discuss the optical properties of this squeezing setup, the locking techniques, and the automation algorithms.

El rol del lifting endoscópico fronto-témporo-orbitario en el nuevo concepto de rejuvenecimiento facial: Miniinvasivo,tensión moderada, restauración de volúmenes / The importance of brow-temporal-orbital endoscopic facelift in the new concept of facial rejuvenation: low invasiveness, moderate tension, volume restauration

En el concepto moderno de rejuvenecimiento facial, lo principales conseguir un resultado natural evitando las marcas quirúrgicas y limitando las cicatrices. El lifting endoscopio fronto-témporo-orbitarioes, en nuestra opinión, el mejor método para conseguir este objetivo. Entre sus peculiaridades están el ser una técnica mínimamente invasiva, que proporciona una tensión moderada natural a los tejidos blandos de la cara y redistribuye y restaura los volúmenes faciales con el mínimo de resección cutánea, logrando un resultado lo más natural posible. Al mismo tiempo, conseguimos la armonía entre las estructuras anatómicas faciales, mínimas incisiones y mínimas cicatrices. En nuestra práctica, cuando es necesario, asociamos lipofilling del área zigomático-malar, de la región perioral y de las mejillas y un rejuvenecimiento facial superficial con láser de Erbio. Para el tercio inferior de la cara empleamos estiramiento cervicofacial con cicatriz reducida. Entre Noviembre de 1998 y Diciembre de 2006 hemos realizado221 liftings endoscópicos fronto-témporo-orbitarios: 21 hombres y200 mujeres de edades comprendidas entre los 28 y los 55 años. Practicamos la disección en el plano infra o supragaleal según las zonas; continuamos seccionando el músculo procerus, el corrugador y la porción orbitaria del músculo orbicular a nivel del párpado inferior. Finalmente, practicamos una tracción sagital fijando puntos de acuerdo a un vector paramediano y a otro horario. Los resultados a largo plazo (6, 12 y 24 meses) revelan una notable satisfacción por parte de los pacientes con un resultado estético que permanece natural en el tiempo (AU)

Primary object in modern concept of facial rejuvenation is to give a natural result, reducing the surgical cuts and limiting the scars. The fronto-temporal-orbital endoscopic facelift is, in our opinion, the best way to satisfy this purpose. Its peculiarities, such as mini-invasive technique, moderate natural tension on face soft tissue and redistribution and restoration of the facial volumes with the lack of cutaneous resection, allow to achieve a result as much natural as possible. By the same time, we get harmony between the anatomic face structures, shorter cuts and minimal scars. In our practice, when necessary, we associate the (..) (AU)

Multidetector CT and virtual endoscopy in the evaluation of the esophagus.

In this prospective study, we assessed the diagnostic capabilities of multidetector computed tomography (CT) in various esophageal pathologic conditions. Thirty-three patients underwent a multidetector CT study after esophageal distention by means of effervescent powder administered after induction of pharmacologic esophageal hypotonia. All acquired images were post-processed with two- and three-dimensional software tools. The CT data were compared with the results of conventional radiology (33), endoscopy (28), endoscopy ultrasonography (14), or surgery (14). Follow-up ranged between 4 and 15 months. Esophageal distention in the upper and middle thirds was classified as "good" in 32 of 33 cases (97%); in the lower third, esophageal distention was "good" in 21 of 33 cases (64%). Final diagnoses were leiomyoma (six cases), squamous cell carcinoma (six), adenocarcinoma (four), esophageal infiltration by thyroid cancer (two), benign polyposis (two), chronic esophagitis (five), post-sclerotherapy stenosis (one), no abnormalities (seven). When good distention was achieved, the thickness of unaffected esophageal wall was less than 3 mm (range, 1.5-2.4 mm; mean, 1.9 mm). Pathologic wall thickening was observed in 25 of 33 cases (76%), with values ranging between 3.6 and 36 mm (mean, 9.6 mm). Spiral CT demonstrated 21 true positive cases, and seven true negative cases. There were four false negative cases and one false positive case. Sensitivity was 84%, specificity was 87%, diagnostic accuracy was 85%, positive predictive value was 95%, and negative predictive value was 64%. Evaluation of the esophagus with multidetector CT is a promising technique and easy to use, allowing panoramic exploration, virtual endoluminal visualization, accurate longitudinal and axial evaluations, and simultaneous evaluation of T and N parameters.

[Composites for anterior restoration. Clinical report]. / Composito per restauri di anteriori. Contributo clinico.

The Authors, after a short description of the characteristics of composite materials used for restoration of anterior teeth, present clinical cases to demonstrate the improvement of such filling materials. The use of composite is increased even if the dentists should proceed with caution in order to obtain good and lasting results.

[Clinical cases of keratinized fibromucous free autografts]. / Casi clinici di autoinnesti liberi di fibromucosa cheratinizzata.

In this work the problems due to shortage of proper or adherent gum have been analyzed, further has been referred the clinical cases corresponding to the periodontal indications, which foresee the reconstruction of an insufficient superficial periodontium. Moreover have been described the surgical techniques of the free graft.

[Odontoma. A clinical case. Principles of diagnosis and therapy]. / Odontoma. Un caso clinico. Principi di diagnosi e terapia.

Odontoma is a typical tumor without eclatant symptoms and the case described from the Authors do not exception. This case is particular because the first time it is found in an adult age and in an unusual sit.

[Case of cleft palate]. / Considerazioni su un caso di palatoschisi.

The present paper briefly outlines the pathogenesis of cleft palate and proposes a classification system for cleft palate since both are considered essential for the understanding and assessment of its sequelae. The Authors describe one case of cleft palate. Cleft palate patients present functional and aesthetic alterations in the maxillomandibular area that often require prosthetic correction. Given the features of these malformations therapy and rehabilitation should be programmed as soon as possible after birth and the plastic surgeon should be informed of the factors that cause the malformations and influence the growth of such patients.

[Gingival changes in pregnancy]. / Alterazioni gengivali in gravidanza.

Pregnancy represent a particular sistemic condition able to induce, because the tissutal metabolism is upset, an increase replay of the gingival tissues, caused by local factors as plaque and tartar. In this study are described effects determined from the increment ormone on the periodontal tissues, the alterations of the salivar components in pregnancy and the therapy to follow to reach as soon as possible the recovery.