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Optoelectronic technology is expected to be the cornerstone of sub-THz communication systems, enabling access to and use of the vast frequency resources found in this portion of the spectrum. In this work we demonstrate a photonics-enabled sub-THz wireless link operating in real-time settings, using a PIN-PD-based THz emitter, and a THz receiver based on an ultra-fast photoconductor. The real-time generation and detection of the information signal is performed by an intermediate frequency (IF) unit based on a commercially available mmWave platform, operating at 1.6 GBaud. The evaluation of our setup takes place on two phases. Firstly, a homodyne scenario is demonstrated, where the same pair of lasers is used at the transmitter and receiver side. Secondly, we demonstrate a heterodyne scheme, employing optical phase locking techniques at the receiver. Error-free operation was achieved in both scenarios at a bit rate of 3.2 Gb/s, over 1 m of free-space with ambient air. The broadband characteristics of our setup were validated, achieving error-free transmission over a 0.22 THz range, spanning from 90 up to 310 GHz. Finally, the stability of our real-time link was successfully demonstrated, showing stable SNR performance at the receiver with adaptive capabilities, over a time period of 5 min and 22 sec.

Background The pathogenesis of delayed-onset tissue nodules (DTNs) due to hyaluronic acid (HA) injections is uncertain. Objectives To formulate a rational theory for DTN development and their avoidance and treatment. Methods A multidisciplinary and multicountry DTN consensus panel was established, with 20 questions posed and consensus sought. Consensus was set at 75% agreement. Results Consensus was reached in 16 of 20 questions regarding the pathogenesis of DTNs, forming the basis for a classification and treatment guide. Conclusions The group believes that filler, pathogens, and inflammation are all involved in DTNs and that DTNs most likely are infection initiated with a variable immune response. Injected filler may incorporate surface bacteria, either a commensal or a true pathogen, if the skin barrier is altered. The initially high molecular weight HA filler is degraded to low molecular weight HA (LMWHA) at the edge of the filler. Commensals positioned within the filler bolus may be well tolerated until the filler is degraded and the commensal becomes visible to the immune system. LMWHA is particularly inflammatory in the presence of any local bacteria. Commensals may still be tolerated unless the immune system is generally heightened by viremia or vaccination. Systemic pathogenic bacteremia may also interact with the filler peripheral LMWHA, activating Toll-like receptors that induce DTN formation. Given this scenario, attention to practitioner and patient hygiene and early systemic infection treatment deserve attention. Classification and treatment systems were devised by considering each of the 3 factors—filler, inflammation, and infection—separately. Level of Evidence: 4

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are one of the key enablers for beyond 5G networks. A novel generation of fully integrated photonic-enabled transceivers operating seamlessly in W- D- and THz-bands is developed within the EU funded project TERAWAY. Photonic integration technology enables key photonic functionalities on a single PIC including photonic up/down conversion. For efficient down-conversion at the photonic integrated receiver, we develop the first waveguide-fed photoconductive antenna for THz communications. Finally, we report on the experimental implementation of a fully photonic-enabled link operating across W- D- and THz-bands.

In May 2019, regional elections were held in Greece, simultaneously with municipal and European elections. The regional elections were placed right at the end of the national electoral cycle and na...

This article aims to address the social and political role of political scientists in Greece, which has been at the centre of the Eurozone crisis, resulting in the most troubled period in the country’s recent political history, namely the campaign week of the July 2015 bailout referendum. To that end, the article relies, on the one hand, on the PROSEPS survey data to identify the extent to which Greek political scientists engage in public debate in general and how they view the social role of their discipline. On the other hand, we used a content analysis of the leading national TV media during the aforementioned week to examine how much Greek political scientists participated in the public debate in comparison with other social scientists, and what were their stances on specific issues and dimensions, such as the framing of the European Union. In addition, we also delve into the stance of Greek political scientists who participated in the public debate regarding the referendum itself. The study results revealed a potential bias; political scientists who pronounce themselves in favour of the status quo seem to receive more invitations to participate in televised debates.

This article explores changes in the relationship between attitudinal and participatory dimensions of politics, and age in Southern European countries. We look at how attitudes towards the politica...

Summary Subbrow blepharoplasty is widely used in Asian patient populations to preserve the natural upper lid crease while addressing dermatochalasis with lateral hooding. The authors describe the first use of this technique in Caucasians with dermatochalasis and lateral hooding. This is a retrospective case series of Caucasian patients who underwent subbrow blepharoplasty for moderate to severe dermatochalasis with lateral hooding. Patients were included when the skin excess of the upper lid was noted predominantly as a lateral hooding over the lateral half of the upper lid. A modified subbrow blepharoplasty technique was used and will be described in detail. Fifty patients underwent the procedure from January of 2017 to June of 2018, 18 female and 32 male patients. The average age of the patients was 71.4 years (range, 59 to 84 years). Minimum patient follow-up was 3 months. An internal browpexy and a periosteal fixation were combined with subbrow blepharoplasty for 22 patients (14 men and eight women). Patient satisfaction with the result of the procedure and incision line were assessed. All 50 patients were satisfied with the surgical results. No patients noted any issues with the incision. No patients complained of incision problems, but the surgeon noted two patients with redness in the scar at 3 months that improved over a 12-month follow-up. Subbrow blepharoplasty may be an alternative to the classic upper lid blepharoplasty in older Caucasian patients, as it can address moderate to severe dermatochalasis with lateral hooding. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, IV.

A plethora of applications are using machine learning, the operations of which are becoming more complex and require additional computing power. At the same time, typical commodity system setups (including desktops, servers, and embedded devices) are now offering different processing devices, the most often of which are multi-core CPUs, integrated GPUs, and discrete GPUs. In this paper, we follow a data-driven approach, where we first show the performance of different processing devices when executing a diversified set of inference engines; some processing devices perform better for different performance metrics (e.g., throughput, latency, and power consumption), while at the same time, these metrics may also deviate significantly among different applications. Based on these findings, we propose an adaptive scheduling approach, tailored for machine learning inference operations, that enables the use of the most efficient processing device available. Our scheduler is device-agnostic and can respond quickly to dynamic fluctuations that occur at real-time, such as data bursts, application overloads and system changes. The experimental results show that it is able to match the peak throughput, by predicting correctly the optimal processing device with an accuracy of 92.5%, with energy savings up to 10%.

Prior to the design of the feedback system for a boost converter, a suitable switching frequency for the transistor has to be determined. A non-linear method for determining this frequency via an experimental open-loop converter model is studied. Utilising the open-loop model as an investigative tool, two non-linear distinct resonant frequencies have been found to be a source of chaos. This condition for chaos holds when the boost diode's reverse-recovery time, its non-linear capacitance, as well as the inductance are the combined parameters within these frequencies. When the switching frequency is synchronised with these frequencies, ultra-harmonics, period-doublings and sudden transitions to chaos occur for various switching frequency ranges. The dependence equations of our theoretical model that incorporate these resonant frequencies predict the unstable frequency regions. The authors’ numerical method utilises a bifurcation peak-to-peak analysis that detects the waveform periodicity of certain voltage variables. Highly unstable behaviour of the converter is reported both in simulation and in the laboratory. The periodic and non-periodic regions are confirmed by the corresponding computations of the Lyapunov exponent, Poincare sections, frequency spectra and bifurcation diagrams.

This paper presents a simple yet efficient setup for the generation of arbitrary light waveforms. The aim is to mimic various light sources and to generate the light modulation that they produce as well as to validate light flicker measurement devices. After describing the experimental setup, some physical light flicker waveforms are generated and compared to their theoretical counterparts. The experimental results showed that the proposed setup can serve its purpose and produce modulated light with a typical deviation less than 1%, in the examined flicker metrics, compared to the corresponding theoretical calculations. The theoretical and the artificially produced light waveforms were compared both graphically and numerically while some disparities are discussed

The chapter delves into the historical evolution, the characteristics, and the dynamics of the Greek party system. It presents the transformations that it has undergone in its historical course, focusing on the period after the economic crisis, by employing key concepts, covering important electoral contests, and presenting the most relevant political parties. More specifically, the Greek party system has moved from largely a system of a predominant party before the 1967 dictatorship, to limited polarized pluralism after the restoration of democracy in 1974, and then to one of the most stable two-party systems in Europe from 1981 until the onset of the economic crisis, with PASOK and New Democracy monopolizing power between them. Nationally minded versus Left, Right versus anti-Right, social liberalism versus social conservatism and, lately, pro-European versus anti-European, have been the major dimensions of conflict of the Greek party system. After decades of high institutionalization and moderate volatility, the party system imploded in the 2012 twin earthquake elections, demonstrating massive dealignment and fragmentation, with PASOK almost vanishing and new actors, like SYRIZA, acquiring the status of relevant parties. Radical, anti-systemic parties, like Golden Dawn, also gained prominence and the party system transformed into a polarized multi-partyism. Almost a decade into the crisis, the Greek party system shows signs of a hesitant stabilization and, even, indications of a weak re-emerging bi-partyism between New Democracy and SYRIZA, posing the question as to whether it will reach a new equilibrium and what this equilibrium will be, in terms of format and internal dynamics.

The austerity measures and structural reforms that Greece had to undertake since 2010 in exchange for financial aid divided the Greek political system into pro-austerity and anti-austerity camps. These divisions reached a climax with the July 2015 referendum. The paper attempts to assess the extent that to which the geographic patterns that emerged in voting were due to the differentiated economic regional impact of economic crisis. Using economic voting theory as a benchmark, and employing spatial econometric methods, the study contributes to a largely ignored topic, known as geographies of economic voting, providing new and valuable insights for an under-researched time period.

Το παρόν άρθρο αποσκοπεί στην εξήγηση των (υποκειμενικών) αναδιανεμητικών προτιμήσεων των νέων, μιας ομάδας της οποίας οι προτιμήσεις δεν έχουν τύχει μεγάλης προσοχής, παραδόξως. Διερευνώνται οι προτιμήσεις έναντι ευθέως αναδιανεμητικών πολιτικών και θεσμών της αγοράς εργασίας. Εφαρμόζεται μια ερευνητική στρατηγική δύο σταδίων, με σκοπό να εντοπιστεί η επίδραση της πληροφόρησης και των προσωπικών οικονομικών προοπτικών, της ιδεολογίας και των πολιτικών στάσεων, σε δείγμα 533 φοιτητών. Η πληροφόρηση, δηλαδή η άρση, εν προκειμένω, του διαφανούς πέπλου άγνοιας των φοιτητών, δεν επηρεάζει τις προτιμήσεις τους. Οι τελευταίες διαμορφώνονται μέσω δύο μηχανισμών: του ιδεολογικοπολιτικού και του πολιτικοοικονομικού. Ο δεύτερος επηρεάζει την ένταση και όχι το περιεχόμενο των προτιμήσεων, This paper adds to the literature on subjective redistributive preferences. Ιt aims at explaining the preferences of young people, a theme which has, paradoxically, been underresearched. The paper explores specific preferences over a range of redistributive policies and labour market institutions. A two-stage research strategy is employed to trace the impact of information, as well as the influence of self-interest, personal economic prospects, ideology, and political attitudes on redistributive preferences in a sample of 533 students. The provision of information – that is, lifting the porous veil of ignorance facing young persons – has virtually no effect on preferences. Two mechanisms are uncovered: an ideological-political and a political-economic one. The latter explains the intensity of redistributive preferences, but not their content and direction.

Traditionally, posterior eyelid surgical approaches such as Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) have been utilised with great success for mild cases of ptosis, with external levator approaches having been used for more severe cases of ptosis. We present a new technique which we label closed posterior levator advancement (CPLA) for the correction of all grades of ptosis. This article is a retrospective cohort study reviewing patients with mild, moderate, and severe ptosis over a 6-year period, treated by a single surgeon using CPLA. Minimum follow-up was 3 months. Patients with good levator function (levator palpebrae superioris (LPS) function10 mm) without concomitant procedures were subdivided based on margin-to-reflex-distance-1 (MRD1) into mild-to-moderate ptosis (MRD1 1.5 mm) and severe ptosis (MRD1 ≤ 1.5 mm) cohorts. The outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative MRD1, lid contour, intereye symmetry, complications, and revision rates. 393 eyes of 313 patients were identified. 91 eyes in the mild-to-moderate cohort had a preoperative MRD1 of 2.38 mm, and 302 eyes in the severe cohort had a preoperative MRD1 of 0.27 mm. Postoperatively, MRD1 was 3.86 mm and 3.49 mm, respectively. There were no significant complications in both cohorts, and revision rates were 3.3% (3 of 91 eyes) in the mild-to-moderate and 2% (6 of 302 eyes) in the severe cohorts. Upper-eyelid contour was satisfactory in 98.2% of eyes, and 97.5% intereye symmetry within 1 mm was observed. Our results show an effective correction of all ptosis grades with satisfactory cosmetic outcomes and low complication and revision rates.

In January 2015 an early parliamentary election was held in Greece, amidst harsh economic conditions and the saliency of the issue of Greece’s relations with the European Union. The election, won by the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), marked a popular will for a total change of the governing paradigm and economic policies and, at the same time, confirmed that in countries that face economic crisis and have signed bail-out agreements entailing harsh austerity measures, government parties are sooner or later punished by the electorate, albeit in different degrees. In terms of systemic trends, the January 2015 election confirmed for the Greek party system an unstable process of acquiring a new shape. © 2015 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

WOS:000347681500006 (Nº de Acesso Web of Science) Submitted by ciencia null (ciencia@iscte.pt) on 2015-08-03T10:25:22Z No. of bitstreams: 2 publisher_version_SESP.pdf: 404575 bytes, checksum: c587e6682466f61aeb82bdbb80aa08df (MD5) other_SESP_Suppl_material.pdf: 331827 bytes, checksum: 8f257c6cd27eeb91639227af80072f7a (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Susana Ferreira (susana.ferreira@iscte.pt) on 2015-08-03T10:26:12Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 3 "deposit.zip": 495672 bytes, checksum: 2225313a0e8a0845013abbea5942c9d8 (MD5) publisher_version_SESP.pdf: 404575 bytes, checksum: c587e6682466f61aeb82bdbb80aa08df (MD5) other_SESP_Suppl_material.pdf: 331827 bytes, checksum: 8f257c6cd27eeb91639227af80072f7a (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2015-08-03T10:26:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 3 "deposit.zip": 495672 bytes, checksum: 2225313a0e8a0845013abbea5942c9d8 (MD5) publisher_version_SESP.pdf: 404575 bytes, checksum: c587e6682466f61aeb82bdbb80aa08df (MD5) other_SESP_Suppl_material.pdf: 331827 bytes, checksum: 8f257c6cd27eeb91639227af80072f7a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014

Logarithmic sensitivity characteristics were widely employed by Ch. P. Steinmetz in his classical studies of magnetic systems. In the present case, the authors deal with power sensitivity, K(U) = (dP/P)/(dU/U), where U is the amplitude (scaling factor) of the applied voltage and P is the averaged power. That such characterisation can be suitable for non-linear power systems is demonstrated for lighting systems: incandescent lamp circuits (i.e. the hot filament), LEDs and fluorescent lamp (FL) circuits. For FL circuits, the problem of minimisation of K(U) is shown to be practically and methodologically very important. On the pedagogical regard, the opinion is expressed that the described use of K(U) should be taught in basic courses of circuit theory and power systems.

Purpose: Thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TO) is an autoimmune-mediated orbital inflammation that can lead to disfigurement and blindness. Multiple genetic loci have been associated with Graves' disease, but the genetic basis for TO is largely unknown. This study aimed to identify loci associated with TO in individuals with Graves' disease, using a genome-wide association scan (GWAS) for the first time to our knowledge in TO. Methods: Genome-wide association scan was performed on pooled DNA from an Australian Caucasian discovery cohort of 265 participants with Graves' disease and TO (cases) and 147 patients with Graves' disease without TO (controls). Top-ranked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) then were genotyped in individual DNA samples from the discovery cohort, and two replication cohorts totaling 584 cases and 367 controls. Results: In the GWAS of pooled DNA samples, several SNPs showed suggestive association with TO at genome-wide P ≤ 10; rs953128 located on chr10q21.1, rs2867161 on chr7q11.22, rs13360861 on chr5q12.3, rs7636326 on chr3q26.2, rs10266576 on chr 7q11.22, rs60457622 on chr3q23, and rs6110809 on chr20p12.1. However, the only SNP consistently associated with TO on individual genotyping in the discovery and replication cohorts was rs6110809, located within MACROD2 on chromosome 20p12.1. On combined analysis of discovery and replication cohorts, the minor A allele of rs6110809 was more frequent in TO than in Graves' disease controls without TO (P = 4.35 × 10; odds ratio [OR] = 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35–2.32) after adjusting for age, sex, duration of Graves' disease, and smoking. Conclusions: In patients with Graves' disease, a common genetic variant inMACROD2 may increase susceptibility for thyroid-associated orbitopathy. This association now requires confirmation in additional independent cohorts.

This article presents new research on the Europeanness of Greek political elites under the economic crisis. It registers the views of a sample of 74 Greek Members of Parliament (MPs) on European integration and the handling of the economic crisis by the European Union (EU). The ENEC survey, which was conducted in 2014, shows that Greek MPs continue to be attached to Europe, but evaluate negatively the role of EU’s institutions during the economic crisis. They mostly view European integration positively, but are skeptical about the representativeness of EU organs. There is a discernible set of “core attitudes” which constitute the Europeanness of Greek MPs, but there is also a set of issues on which MPs are clearly divided. The dominant dimension of conflict within Greek political elites is the issue of economic austerity packages, i.e., the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), as since 2010 EU’s management of the crisis has become the epicenter of Greece’s domestic politics. The two party, SYRIZA-ANEL coalition government that was formed after the January 2015 elections was not a surprise given the close proximity of these two parties on their stance towards the MoUs and the EU.

To present our experience of early endonasal DCR (endoDCR) in the treatment of acute dacryocystitis (AD). Methods. International multicenter non-comparative retrospective study.Eighteen patients were identified. All were treated with antibiotics prior to surgery with a median of time from referral to endoDCR surgeon to surgery of 3 days (range 1-7). Surgery was performed using mechanical powered endoDCR (MENDCR) in 15/18 (83.3%) cases; mitomycin C was used in 5/18 (27.8%) and all cases underwent bicanalicular intubation. An increase in perioperative bleeding was noted in 5/18 (27.8%), causing interference in surgical technique in one (5.6%). Resolution of AD was seen in all cases, with no recurrences. 17/18 (94.4%) cases were free of epiphora at median follow-up of 12 months (range 2-36), with nasal endoscopy revealing free flow of fluorescein through the ostium in 17/18 (94.4%) of cases. The median total length of stay was 1 night (range 0-3).EndoDCR surgery performed early in AD led to rapid resolution of the condition in all cases and was associated with subsequent anatomical and functional success in 94.4% of cases. Early endoDCR surgery in the context of AD and the potential associated health economic benefits are worth further consideration and study.

Purpose: To report our preliminary experience using hyaluronic acid gel fillers as a nonsurgical alternative in the management of congenital eyelid malpositions. Methods: In this retrospective interventional case series, 5 patients (10 eyes) with congenital eyelid malpositions, including eyelid retraction, ectropion, euryblepharon, epiblepharon, and abnormalities associated with a shallow orbit, with resultant lagophthalmos and/or keratopathy and tearing were evaluated before and after injection with hyaluronic acid gel (Restylane) in the pretarsal and/or septal regions of the affected eyelid(s). Pretreatment, posttreatment, and follow-up photographs were analyzed for eyelid position and degree of eyelid closure and lagophthalmos, and slit-lamp evaluation of the degree of keratopathy. Results: All 5 patients demonstrated significant improvement of eyelid position and degree of keratopathy. The mean improvement in lagophthalmos was 4.5 mm (range, 2‐7 mm). The average volume of hyaluronic acid gel used was 0.5 ml per eyelid. Complications were minor, including transient edema and ecchymosis at the sites of injection. Of the 10 eyelids injected, only one had increased astigmatism after injection. Conclusions: Hyaluronic acid gel shows promise as a safe and effective nonsurgical treatment for the management of certain eyelid malpositions, disorders traditionally requiring surgical intervention if aggressive ocular lubrication fails. This treatment is particularly useful in such patients who are commonly premature with poor general health and serves as a temporizing measure by allowing the much needed tissue expansion to take effect over time.

The technique described for endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) allows complete exposure of the lacrimal sac after creation of a large bony ostium. In addition, preservation of the lacrimal mucosa allows apposition of the nasal mucosa to the lacrimal mucosa, allowing healing by first intention and thereby avoiding granulation tissue formation with subsequent scarring. These principles have been espoused as the corner stones for success for the traditional external DCR, but can now be achieved without an external incision or disruption of the lacrimal pump seen with the external approach. This technique has a 95% anatomical patency, which is as good as the best results obtained by the external DCR.

To test the feasibility of retinal manipulations using a new micromanipulator (Microhand) for ocular robotic microsurgery. Pneumatically actuated four-finger microhands were developed at UCLA with micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to mimic a human hand for small object manipulation. Microhands with four 4 mm finger lengths were used for this study to lift caliper weights and fresh retinal tissue of porcine cadaver eyes to find the maximum force at a given pressure and feasibility of the microhands for retinal manipulation in real surgery. A full closure of the microhand used for caliper weight lifting was achieved under 65 psi (448 kPa) of air pressure. The four-fingered microhand was able to develop about 20 mN of total lifting force and 5 mN per finger at 80 psi (551 kPa), and was strong enough to displace and lift the retina of pig eyes. The microhand is able to apply calibrated forces to ocular tissues and is suitable for ocular microsurgical procedures. This new tool would be useful in the development of robotic microsurgery.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of injecting hyaluronic acid gel in the upper eyelid as a nonsurgical alternative in the treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 9 patients (10 eyelids) with paralytic lagophthalmos treated with hyaluronic acid gel in the prelevator aponeurosis region and/or pretarsal region of the paralytic upper eyelid. Pretreatment, posttreatment, and follow-up photographs were digitized, and overall outcomes assessed. Measurements of lagophthalmos were standardized and compared. Slit-lamp examination was used to evaluate the degree of exposure keratopathy. ImageJ was used for photographic analysis. Results: Ten eyelids (9 patients, 7 men; mean age 69.2 years; range, 31‐90 years) with paralytic lagophthalmos were treated with hyaluronic acid gel. The average amount of injected hyaluronic acid gel was 0.9 ml (range, 0.2‐1.2 ml). All patients demonstrated significant improvement in lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy. The mean improvement in lagophthalmos was 4.8 mm (range, 0.9‐11.9 mm; p 0.001). Of the 5 patients with follow-up, the mean follow-up period was 3.6 months (range, 2‐5 months). Of these, 2 had no change in lagophthalmos (both maintained 0 mm at 5 months), one had a slight decrease in lagophthalmos (4.8‐4.6 mm at 2 months), one had a slight increase in lagophthalmos (0.3‐0.5 mm at 2 months), and one had a more significant increase in lagophthalmos (1.9‐4.3 mm at 4 months). The latter patient underwent a second treatment with further reduction of lagophthalmos to 0.4 mm. Overall, there was a decrease in margin reflex distance from the upper eyelid margin to the corneal light reflex (MRD1) but it was not statistically significant. Complications were minor and included transient ecchymosis, edema, and tenderness at the injection sites. Conclusions: On the basis of these preliminary results, hyaluronic acid gel shows promise as a safe and effective nonsurgical treatment for the management of paralytic lagophthalmos. This treatment may be particularly useful in patients who are poor surgical candidates and/or as a temporizing measure in patients in whom return of facial nerve function is anticipated, given the hyaluronic acid gel’s properties of slow resorption and reversibility with hyaluronidase.

Graves' disease (GD) is a systemic autoimmune disease which targets the thyroid, orbit, and skin. Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) refers specifically to the orbital and periorbital manifestations of GD. Several important concepts have emerged from our enhanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the disease. Considerable debate remains concerning the specific identity and roles of inflammatory T-cell subsets, soluble and contact-mediated signalling, and autoantigens driving TAO. However B and T lymphocytes appear central in the process through production of disease mediators including activating autoantibodies to the thyrotropin receptor and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor; cytokines including IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-16; and chemokines including RANTES. Many of these molecules appear central to the inflammation, accumulation of extracellular matrix macromolecules, and fibrosis in the disease. Novel therapeutics targeting other autoimmune diseases may provide an opportunity for disrupting disease pathogenesis. It is imperative that agents targeting B-and T-cell functions be further evaluated in the treatment of aggressive forms of TAO utilizing multicenter clinical trials that allow adequate statistical power and sample size.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of endoscopic surgery in the disciplines of otolaryngology, ophthalmology, and neurosurgery. The orbit is in a unique anatomic position in which a multidisciplinary approach is often the best solution to complex surgical pathologies.

To assess the feasibility of performing intraocular robotic surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA).Using modified robotic instruments, 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, intraocular foreign body removal, and anterior capsulorhexis were performed with the da Vinci system on porcine eyes. We assessed the surgical system's ability to provide the control, dexterity, maneuverability, and visualization necessary for intraocular surgery.Control of the robotic wristlike instruments allowed for full range of movement. The dexterity of the robotic arms was excellent, with steady instrument motion. Controlling the robotic arms was not as intuitive as moving the wrist. A high stable point of rotation induced motion-related stress at the site of instrument insertion. Visualization of the external operative field during intraocular procedures required camera realignment, and absent retroillumination made anterior segment surgery hard to perform.The da Vinci Surgical System provided adequate dexterity for performing delicate intraocular manipulations. In the current design, the kinematics of the robotic arms was found to be insufficient for standard intraocular surgery. The system's endoscope did not did not yield the same detail acquired by an ophthalmic microscope.

The independence and the maintenance of the autonomy of the elderly promotes the self-care and the quality of living of the long-lived population. With the aid of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), KINOPTIM project develops a tele-monitoring solution to be used by the elderly in their home environment in order to reduce the risk of falls by remotely monitoring the mobility of the persons through a series of interactive virtual reality games defined by clinicians. Data acquired by optical and motion sensors are fused to evaluate the mobility status of the senior and are processed by the Medical Business Intelligence (MBI) module of KINOPTIM platform, to assist the identification of symptomatic functional features, that decrease person's mobility status over time, and help to decide for proactive or active interventions. This paper focuses on the progress of the development of MBI module and the integration with the KINOPTIM platform.

In this paper the views of a sample of 74 Greek Members of Parliament (MPs) on European integration and the handling of the economic crisis by the EU are discussed and interpreted. The survey of MPs, which was conducted in 2014, is a replication of a comparable study conducted in 2007. Greek MPs continue to be attached to Europe, but evaluate negatively EU’s institutions’ role during the economic crisis. Overall, three groups of parliamentarians, namely pro-government MPs, parliamentarians self-placed at the centre of the left-right spectrum and more experienced MPs, tended to have more pro-European views and attitudes than MPs of the opposition, left-wing MPs and less experienced MPs. The dominant dimension of conflict for Greek political elites is the issue of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The SYRIZA-ANEL government that was formed after the January 2015 elections was not a surprise given the close proximity of these two parties on their stance towards the MoUs and the EU.

Background: Bimanual, three-dimensional robotic surgery has proved valuable for a variety of surgical procedures. Aims: To examine the use of a commercially available surgical robot for ocular microsurgery. Methods: Using a da Vinci surgical robot, ocular microsurgery was performed with repair of a corneal laceration in a porcine model. The experiments were performed on harvested porcine eyes placed in an anatomical position using a foam head on a standard operating room table. A video scope and two, 360°-rotating, 8-mm, wrested-end effector instruments were placed over the eye with three robotic arms. The surgeon performed the actual procedures while positioned at a robotic system console that was located across the operating room suite. Each surgeon placed three 10-0 sutures, and this was documented with still and video photography. Results: Ocular microsurgery was successfully performed using the da Vinci surgical robot. The robotic system provided excellent visualisation, as well as controlled and delicate placement of the sutures at the corneal level. Conclusions: Robotic ocular microsurgery is technically feasible in the porcine model and warrants consideration for evaluation in controlled human trials to deploy functioning remote surgical centres in areas without access to state-of-the-art surgical skill and technology.

Purpose To determine whether existing Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED) terminology adequately describes aesthetic concepts commonly encountered in the oculoplastic and facial plastic surgery setting. Methods This was a noncomparative case series. A panel of three oculoplastic surgeons compiled a list of unique concepts describing specialized aesthetic terminology commonly encountered in the oculoplastic and facial plastic surgery setting, with a specific focus on anatomic structures and descriptive findings. A standard electronic browser was used to manually search for the existence of equivalent matching concepts in SNOMED. A quality of match score from 1 to 3 was used with values of (1) no match, (2) partial match, and (3) equivalent match. Results An assessment of the existing aesthetic terminology revealed that a majority of concepts were not represented. Of 62 total concepts, 68% had no match, 13% had a partial match, and 19% had a complete match. Conclusions SNOMED coverage of aesthetic terminology was less than in previous studies examining content representation for other medical topics. Such findings underscore a need for further development and refinement of aesthetic content.

In this paper an analytical approach to the laser cladding process has been developed and discussed. This approach has taken into account the process speed and feed rate of the powder being supplied for the estimation of clad geometry. The surface tension between the added material and the substrate is used primarily for the calculation of the clad characteristics. The theoretical results are discussed and compared with experimental data. The model is capable of predicting the clad width and depth with reasonable accuracy at low and medium process speeds.

Purpose To report the clinical and pathophysiologic features of two patients with Mikulicz's disease and to further characterize recommendations for diagnosis and management with a review of the literature. Methods Retrospective nonrandomized consecutive case series, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Results Mikulicz's disease is characterized by symmetric lacrimal, parotid, and submandibular gland enlargement with associated lymphocytic infiltrations. The authors noted two cases of Mikulicz's disease. The diagnosis of Mikulicz's disease was based on the following criteria: 1) symmetric and persistent swelling of the lacrimal glands and either or both of the major salivary glands (parotid and submandibular); and 2) the exclusion of other diseases that may mimic this presentation, such as sarcoidosis, viral infection, or lymphoproliferative disorders. Conclusions Mikulicz's disease is a condition in which there is bilateral lacrimal and salivary gland swelling that is not associated with other systemic conditions. The condition is self-limiting and most often, the diagnosis is a clinical one. Previously, Mikulicz's disease was often considered as a subtype of Sjogren's syndrome (SS). Clinical and immunologic differences between Mikulicz's disease and SS may warrant further consideration of Mikulicz's disease as a specific autoimmune phenomenon separate from SS, and Mikulicz's disease may be amenable to different treatment modalities than those employed in patients with SS.

BackgroundSuccess rates for revision dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) are lower than primary DCR. Scarring of the sac may limit the ability of the surgeon to achieve good nasal and lacrimal mucosa apposition. This study evaluates the comparative success rates of the external and endoscopic techniques for revision DCR.MethodsSeventeen consecutive revision endoscopic DCRs (average age, 60.9 years) and 13 revision external DCRs (average age, 65.1years) performed from January 1999 to December 2000 performed by separate surgeons were entered into the study. Patients with functional nasolacrimal and canalicular obstruction were excluded. The average follow-up was 11.1 months for the endoscopic DCR group and 10 months for the external DCR group.ResultsA successful DCR required complete relief of symptoms and an endoscopically determined anatomic patency of the nasolacrimal system. Revision endoscopic DCR surgery was successful in 76.5% of cases (13 of 17 cases) and external DCR surgery was successful in 84.6% (11 of 13 cases). This difference was not statistically significant. (p = 0.64, Fisher exact test with a two-tailed probability).ConclusionRevision endoscopic DCR has a success rate of 76.5%, which compares favorably with that of the revision external DCR (84.6%).

The purpose of this study was to assess the results of endonasal DCR in patients with a functional obstruction of the nasolacrimal system. The study design was a prospective non-randomized interventional case series. A prospective series of 102 consecutive endoscopic DCRs were evaluated with preoperative dacrycytography (DCG) and lacrimal scintillography. Evaluation of the DCG and scintillography allowed the patients to be classified as either having an anatomical or functional obstruction of the nasolacrimal system. The powered endoscopic DCR was performed between January 1999 and December 2001. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months after surgery. In the 70 powered endoscopic DCRs for anatomical obstruction, 68 (97%) have remained asymptomatic with a free flow of fluorescein from the conjunctiva to the nose. In the patients who were classified as having a functional obstruction, 27 of 32 were asymptomatic (84%) with a free flow of fluorescein into the nose. To conclude, powered endoscopic DCR produces excellent results in patients with anatomical obstruction and good results in patients with functional obstruction of the nasolacrimal system.

PURPOSE To compare the success rates of a new mechanical endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (MENDCR) technique and the conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy technique (Ext-DCR). METHODS A prospective, nonrandomized interventional comparative case series of 31 consecutive MENDCRs and 24 Ext-DCRs performed from January 1999 to December 2000. Patients with anatomic nasolacrimal duct obstruction were included in the study; previous lacrimal surgery and functional nasolacrimal and canalicular obstruction were exclusion criteria. Two surgeons performed the MENDCRs, using a standardized operative technique, which involved creation of a large bony ostium and mucosal flaps between the lacrimal sac mucosa and nasal mucosa. One surgeon performed all Ext-DCRs. RESULTS Twenty-seven patients (8 men, 19 women) underwent 31 MENDCRs. The average age of the patients was 62.9 years (range, 15 to 86 years; SD, 19.1 years). In 11 cases (35.4%), a septoplasty was required at the time of surgery, and in 6 cases (19%), further endoscopic sinus surgery was performed. In the Ext-DCR group, 23 patients (7 men, 16 women) underwent 24 DCRs. The average age was 59.6 years (range, 22 to 86 years; SD, 18.5 years). No other nasal procedures were performed at the time of surgery in this group. The average follow-up time was 13 months for the MENDCR group and 12.4 months for the Ext-DCR group. Success was defined as relief of symptoms and by anatomic patency, which was assessed by history, fluorescein flow on nasal endoscopy, and lacrimal syringing. In the MENDCR group, surgery was successful in 29 of 31 DCRs (93.5%); 1 of 2 failed cases was anatomically patent but symptomatic, yielding an anatomic patency rate of 96.8%. In the Ext-DCR group, the success rate was 95.8% (23/24 DCRs); the failed case was anatomically patent but symptomatic, giving an anatomic patency rate of 100%. The differences in overall success and anatomic patency were not statistically significant (P = 0.6 and P = 0.56, 1-tailed Fisher exact test). CONCLUSIONS The success rate of MENDCR (93.5%) compares favorably with that of standard external DCR (95.8% in this study). MENDCR relies on the creation of a large ostium and mucosal flap apposition. A larger, randomized prospective trial is needed to fully assess the efficacy of this new technique.

A mucosal autograft composed of agger nasi cell mucosa was used to reconstruct the lacrimal sac mucosa in a young woman with a cicatrised lacrimal sac and obstructed nasolacrimal system. The patient had undergone a previous external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), dacryocystectomy and revision mechanical endonasal DCR. There was persistent epiphora and at further mechanical endonasal (MEN) DCR it was noted that only a small cuff of lacrimal sac mucosa around the common canaliculus was present. To achieve a mucosal anastomosis, the agger nasi cell mucosa was removed from the cell and placed as a free mucosal graft around the common canalicular opening. Apposition with the nasal mucosa was completed with flaps from the lateral nasal wall mucosa. Postoperatively, the patient is asymptomatic with a freely draining ostium at 18 months of follow-up.

Purpose To describe a new endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) technique and assess its efficacy. Design Prospective nonrandomized interventional case series. Methods A prospective series of 44 consecutive endonasal DCRs performed from January 1999 to December 2000 was entered into the study. The new technique involved creation of a large bony ostium and mucosal flaps to create an anastamosis between the lacrimal sac mucosa and nasal mucosa. Patients presenting with naso-lacrimal duct obstruction based on symptomatic, clinical, and radiologic grounds were included in the study. Patients who had undergone previous lacrimal surgery were excluded. Surgery was performed by two surgeons (A.T., P.J.W.) using a standardized operative technique. Patient demographics, presentation, examination findings, surgical and anesthetic data, postoperative success, complications, and follow-up were evaluated. Success was defined as anatomic patency as well as relief of symptoms as assessed by fluorescein flow on nasendoscopy, lacrimal syringing, and patient examination. Intubation of the lacrimal apparatus was performed in all operations and the tubes usually removed at 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively. After removal of the tubes follow-up was 13 months (mean, 12.9 months; range, 9–28 months; standard deviation [SD], 6.1 months). Results There were 36 patients (12 male/24 female) who underwent 44 endonasal DCRs. The average age of the patients was 62.9 years old (range, 15–86 years old; SD, 19.1 years) and the main presentation was with epiphora (93%) and/or mucocoele (33%). In 13 operations (30%) a septoplasty was required at the time of surgery, and in 10 operations (23%) further endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in conjunction with the DCR. Anatomic success with a patent nasolacrimal system was achieved in 40 of 44 operations (91%). Symptomatic and anatomic success was seen in 39 of 44 operations (89%). Five of the DCRs were classified as failures. In one DCR the patient was symptomatic despite a patent nasolacrimal system and well-healed ostium. In two DCRs preoperative medial canalicular problems were noted. In two DCRs scarring and fibrosis of ostium were noted. Conclusions This new technique of endonasal DCR involves creation of a large ostium and construction of nasal and lacrimal sac mucosal flaps. Its anatomic success rate (91% or 40 of 44 DCRs) compares favorably with the success rate of other techniques for endonasal DCR and is also similar to the success of external DCR. Experience in endoscopic nasal surgery is important in endonasal DCR surgery, as other ancillary procedures may be required within the nose at the time of surgery.

Aims: To describe and assess the efficacy of mechanical endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (MENDCR). This is a new technique that involves creation of a large rhinostomy and mucosal flaps. The study involved a prospective non-randomised interventional case series with short perioperative follow up. Method: A prospective series of 104 consecutive endonasal DCRs performed from January 1999 to December 2001 were entered into the study. Patients included in the study had nasolacrimal duct obstruction and had not had previous lacrimal surgery. The technique involved anastomosis of nasal mucosal and lacrimal sac flaps and a large bony ostium. Surgery was performed by two surgeons (AT/PJW). Follow up assessment included nasoendoscopy as well as symptom evaluation. Success was defined as anatomical patency with fluorescein flow on nasoendoscopy and patency to lacrimal syringing. The average follow up time was 9.7 months (range 2–28, SD 6.7 months). Results: There were 104 DCRs performed on 86 patients (30 male, 56 female). The average age of the patients was 59 years (range 3–89, SD 24.1 years). Common presentations were epiphora (77%) and/or mucocele (19%). Septoplasty (SMR) was required in 48 DCRs (46%) and 13 DCRs (12.5%) needed other endoscopic surgery in conjunction with the lacrimal surgery. The surgery was successful in 93 cases (89%). Of the 11 cases that were classified as a failure six patients was anatomically patent but still symptomatic and another two had preoperative canalicular problems. The anatomical patency with this new technique was thus 95% (99 of 104 DCRs). Conclusion: MENDCR involves creation of a large ostium and mucosal preservation for the construction of flaps. The anatomical success is 95% and is similar to external DCR and better then other endonasal approaches. The authors suggest that creation of a large ostium as well as mucosal flaps improves the efficacy of this endonasal technique.

Laser cladding uses a laser beam to fuse materials with enhanced metallurgical properties on a substrate. A thin layer of the substrate is molten achieving good metallurgical bonding with the added material. In this paper experimental data from an industrial application of laser cladding are presented and discussed. The material of the substrate was an aluminum alloy and the cladding material was copper based powder. Under constant laser power and beam diameter, experiments were performed using various powder feed rates, process speeds and gas supply. The dimensions of the clad as well as the alloying and dilution depth were measured. The experimental data were analyzed in order to obtain a working range for the process parameters.