A decelerator is presented where polar neutral molecules are guided and decelerated using the principle of traveling electric potential wells, such that molecules are confined in stable three-dimensional traps throughout. We compare this decelerator with that of Scharfenberg et al. [Phys. Rev. A 79, 023410 (2009)] and we show that the current decelerator provides a substantially larger phase-space acceptance, even at higher acceleration. The mode of operation is described and experimentally demonstrated by guiding and decelerating CO molecules.

Xenon light sources have the greatest illumination potential; however, at only 33% power level, potentially harmful temperatures can be reached at the tips of the endoscopes. Power LED and halogen have the highest safety; however, only LED has very good illumination. In narrow corridors, direct contact to tissues or vital structures should be avoided, or endoscopes should be cooled during surgical procedures.

Due to varying descriptions and terminology of fascias of the neck, medical advice relying on this basic knowledge is insufficient. Our goal was to provide a precise anatomical description of cervical fascias and spaces with special focus on the intercarotid fascia, or the alar fascia. One hundred bodies donated to science embalmed with Thiel's method were investigated, cervical fascias were dissected layer by layer, and the results were documented by photography, with a focus on the intercarotid fascia. In addition, we performed a review of recent literature concerning cervical surgical interventions, radiological diagnostic pathways, and basic anatomical works focusing on core information on anatomical relations of cervical fascias and spaces. In another 10 bodies donated to science, the spaces of the neck were injected with coloured latex under ultrasound guidance, dissected, and documented by photography. The intercarotid fascia was a constantly developed connective tissue interconnecting the carotid sheath of both sides. In 52 of 100 specimens (52%) it crossed to the opposite side without any fusion to the ventrally situated visceral fascia. Fusion with the visceral fascia was found in 48%, either at the lateral border of the pharynx or on its dorsal side. The results of our dissections strengthen the precise description of the cervical fascias provided by Grodinsky and Holyoke in 1938. Spaces can be confirmed as described by Hafferl in 1969. The international anatomical and ENT societies should codify a unified anatomical terminology of the cervical spaces and fascias to prevent varying interpretations in the future.

According to literature, BSP can be a useful adjunct technique to standard FESS. In our experience, however, a failure rate of 65% for "Balloon-Only" and of 66% for "Hybrid" procedures occurred, which was regarded as unacceptable by the study group. Therefore, the study initially scheduled for 200 consecutive patients, was abandoned.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a viral induced disease, associated with exophytic epithelial lesions affecting the upper airways. Problem of treatment is the high recurrence of papilloma growth after surgical removal; therefore adjuvant therapy schemes have been established. Cidofovir was one of the agents used off-label in adjuvant therapy in the last years. However, there is ongoing discussion about the effectiveness and possible side effects. Aim of our study was to share our experience in treatment of RRP with cidofovir during the last 11 years. We analyzed all the data of patients treated for RRP at the Department for Phoniatrics of the Medical University of Graz between 1999 and 2011. 25 out of the 34 treated patients are at the moment under complete remission, in six patients partial remission could be achieved and two patients showed poor response to therapy, therefore the treatment with cidofovir was stopped. 21 patients received one cycle of monthly cidofovir, 11 patients received two and one patient three cycles of therapy. Number of procedures reached from one to six during each cycle. Average cumulative dose of one cycle was 79.7 mg (15-277.5 mg), in one patient 435 mg were used. One patient developed temporary, borderline neutropenia without symptoms. Despite the retrospective approach of this study with the limitation of several incomplete records, our results show promising long-term effects of adjuvant use of cidofovir. During this period, we did not observe any relevant side effects.