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Collateral Damage (collateral + damage)
Selected AbstractsCollateral damage from alcohol: implications of ,second-hand effects of drinking' for populations and health prioritiesADDICTION, Issue 8 2010NORMAN GIESBRECHT No abstract is available for this article. [source] Differential effects of temporal pole resection with amygdalohippocampectomy versus selective amygdalohippocampectomy on material-specific memory in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsyEPILEPSIA, Issue 1 2008Christoph Helmstaedter Summary Purpose: In the surgical treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, there is converging evidence that individually tailored or selective approaches have a favorable cognitive outcome compared to standard resections. There is, however, also evidence that due to collateral damage, selective surgery can be less selective than suggested. As part of a prospective transregional research project the present study evaluated the outcome in memory and nonmemory functions, following two selective approaches: a combined temporal pole resection with amygdalohippocampectomy (TPR+) and transsylvian selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH). Methods: One year after surgery, cognitive outcomes of postoperatively seizure-free patients with mesial TLE and hippocampal sclerosis, who underwent either TPR+ (N = 35) or SAH (N = 62) in two German epilepsy centers (Bonn/Berlin), were compared. Results: Repeated measurement MANOVA and separate post hoc testing indicated a double dissociation of verbal/figural memory outcome as dependent on side and type of surgery. Verbal memory outcome was worse after left-sided operation, but especially for SAH, whereas figural memory outcome was worse after right-sided operation, preferentially for TPR+. Attention improved independent of side or type of surgery, and language functions showed some improvement after right-sided surgeries. Discussion: The results indicate a differential effect of left/right SAH versus TPR+ on material-specific memory insofar as transsylvian SAH appears to be favorable in right and TPR+ in left MTLE. The different outcomes are discussed in terms of a different surgical affection of the temporal pole and stem, and different roles of these structures for verbal and figural memory. [source] Sollbruchstelle: Deep Uncertainty and the Design of Monetary InstitutionsINTERNATIONAL FINANCE, Issue 3 2000Susanne LohmannArticle first published online: 16 DEC 200 Sollbruchstelle: this German engineering term translates as ,part that is supposed to break down'. It stands for that part of a machine that is deliberately designed to be weaker, and less costly, than other parts of the machine so that it, rather than the more expensive parts, takes the hit when the machine comes under stress. A breakdown thus comes with little collateral damage and is fixed quickly and at low cost. ?,?,This paper applies the idea of Sollbruchstelle to the design of fiat monetary institutions. Well-designed institutions are credibly committed to follow a sound monetary policy. But they are also flexible in the face of deep uncertainty. They respond to novel economic and social developments as well as shifting understandings of the way the macroeconomy works. When necessary, they accommodate political pressures, renege on promises, and change their institutional stripes. As they become obsolete, they go gently into that good night , and if they must break down, they do so forgivingly. [source] The threat of corporate groups and the insolvency connectionINTERNATIONAL INSOLVENCY REVIEW, Issue 3 2009Alexander Dähnert, Article first published online: 27 OCT 200 This paper attempts to shed some light on the issue referred to by the term ,group threat'. The factual appearance of corporate groups will be emphasized, as well as the question of what particular dangers arise from groups of legal entities. It will be argued that the source of group threats lies in the supremacy of group interest over the interests of affiliates, particularly in groups acting as a single unit. However, while efficiency gains inherent in group structures have attracted considerable attention in the debate about the insolvencies of corporate groups, the aspect of how the restriction of group threats can be reconciled with these efficiency-preservation concepts has been neglected. This appears of some concern given the fact that group threats and group synergy effects are part of the same coin. Both sides of the Janus-head ought to be considered in insolvency concepts and an attempt will be made to put the specific aspect of group threats into the wider context of group insolvencies. Existing approaches will be introduced, summarized and categorized, with a particular view taken of their common characteristics. It is argued that most insolvency concepts suffer from the same fundamental deficiencies: the focus on the structure of groups, which makes the very nature of integrated companies difficult to grasp. Consequently, this calls into question the application of these concepts and leads, furthermore, to significant collateral damage in the shape of principles central to company law. Resulting from these shortcomings and from the insight that the supremacy of the group interest constitutes the fundamental source of group characteristics, this paper suggests as an alternative that the focus be placed on wrongful conduct, the argument being that it is not the static structure, but the way the group is directed and ruled, which constitutes the decisive criterion for insolvency concepts. The understanding of group threats is therefore the key to a satisfactory approach to group specific challenges in insolvency. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The New Law of War: Legitimizing Hi,Tech and Infrastructural ViolenceINTERNATIONAL STUDIES QUARTERLY, Issue 3 2002Thomas W. Smith This article examines how humanitarian laws of war have been recast in light of a new generation of hi,tech weapons and innovations in strategic theory. Far from falling into disuse, humanitarian law is invoked more frequently than ever to confer legitimacy on military action. New legal interpretations, diminished ad bellum rules, and an expansive view of military necessity are coalescing in a regime of legal warfare that licenses hi,tech states to launch wars as long as their conduct is deemed just. The ascendance of technical legalism has undercut customary restraints on the use of armed force and has opened a legal chasm between technological haves and have,nots. Most striking is the use of legal language to justify the erosion of distinctions between soldiers and civilians and to legitimize collateral damage. Hi,tech warfare has dramatically curbed immediate civilian casualties, yet the law sanctions infrastructural campaigns that harm long,term public health and human rights in ways that are now clear. [source] Optical knock out of stem cells with extremely ultrashort femtosecond laser pulsesJOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS, Issue 6 2008Aisada Uchugonova Abstract Novel ultracompact multiphoton sub-20 femtosecond near infrared 85 MHz laser scanning microscopes and conventional 250 fs laser microscopes have been used to perform high spatial resolution two-photon imaging of stem cell clusters as well as selective intracellular nanoprocessing and knock out of living single stem cells within an 3D microenvironment without any collateral damage. Also lethal cell exposure of large parts of cell clusters was successfully probed while maintaining single cells of interest alive. The mean power could be kept in the milliwatt range for 3D nanoprocessing and even in the microwatt range for two-photon imaging. Ultracompact low power sub-20 fs laser systems may become interesting tools for optical nanobiotechnology such as optical cleaning of stem cell clusters as well as optical transfection. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Erythropoietin-mediated tissue protection: reducing collateral damage from the primary injury responseJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2008M. Brines Abstract. In its classic hormonal role, erythropoietin (EPO) is produced by the kidney and regulates the number of erythrocytes within the circulation to provide adequate tissue oxygenation. EPO also mediates other effects directed towards optimizing oxygen delivery to tissues, e.g. modulating regional blood flow and reducing blood loss by promoting thrombosis within damaged vessels. Over the past 15 years, many unexpected nonhaematopoietic functions of EPO have been identified. In these more recently appreciated nonhormonal roles, locally-produced EPO signals through a different receptor isoform and is a major molecular component of the injury response, in which it counteracts the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Acutely, EPO prevents programmed cell death and reduces the development of secondary, pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced injury. Within a longer time frame, EPO provides trophic support to enable regeneration and healing. As the region immediately surrounding damage is typically relatively deficient in endogenous EPO, administration of recombinant EPO can provide increased tissue protection. However, effective use of EPO as therapy for tissue injury requires higher doses than for haematopoiesis, potentially triggering serious adverse effects. The identification of a tissue-protective receptor isoform has facilitated the engineering of nonhaematopoietic, tissue-protective EPO derivatives, e.g. carbamyl EPO, that avoid these complications. Recently, regions within the EPO molecule mediating tissue protection have been identified and this has enabled the development of potent tissue-protective peptides, including some mimicking EPO's tertiary structure but unrelated in primary sequence. [source] Femtosecond laser spectrochemical analysis of plant samplesLASER PHYSICS LETTERS, Issue 1 2006O. Samek Abstract Using a femtosecond laser-based technique, spectrochemical analysis of leaf samples is demonstrated. The study is exemplified for Fe. Standard reference concentrations , internal standards , of Fe in the two leaf samples were measured using the method of Relaxation Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging. From the spectra obtained using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy technique, spatial distribution of Fe within the leaf was identified. Thus, this technique could potentially be used as a complementary technique for identification of storage and trafficking of iron ions within different plant compartments. In particular, individual plant cells can be investigated without collateral damage with high spatial distribution. (© 2006 by Astro, Ltd. Published exclusively by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA) [source] The host,parasite neuroimmunoendocrine network in schistosomiasis: consequences to the host and the parasitePARASITE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 12 2007J. MORALES-MONTOR SUMMARY The physiological interactions during the course of any immune response are complex. Infection induces antigen-specific recognition by the immune system, which is consequently charged with the responsibility of marshalling the appropriate effector responses necessary to destroy the pathogen, or at the very least inhibit its progression. Obviously, the immune system should accomplish this while minimizing collateral damage to the host or it risks, winning a Pyrrhic victory. As our understanding of the neuroendocrine system grows, it has become increasingly clear that this complex network of neurotransmitters, hormones and cytokines plays an important role in mediating immunity. Schistosomes present an especially complex relationship between pathogen and these physiological systems, with hormonally dependent host factors such as sex and age correlated with parasite success. In this report, we review the current literature on sex and age associations between infection and progression of disease. We then follow with a discussion on interactions between the host neuroendocrine and immune systems. We also speculate on strategies to apply this knowledge to novel treatment strategies. Results argue for a complex network comprising the immune, endocrinological and nervous systems of both host and schistosome in the regulation of the plural outcomes of infection. [source] Species-specific communication systems in an introduced toad compared with native frogs in AustraliaAQUATIC CONSERVATION: MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS, Issue 6 2009Mattias Hagman Abstract 1.Lineage-specific communication systems may offer innovative ways of targeting control measures at invasive species. 2.Recent work has identified such a scenario in invasive cane toads (Bufo marinus) in Australia: toad tadpoles flee from chemical cues derived from crushed conspecifics, and this ,alarm pheromone' reduces tadpole survival rates and reduces body size at metamorphosis. 3.Before this method can be applied in the field, however, the signal's specificity needs to be tested against a wide range of Australian frog taxa, especially tropical species sympatric with cane toads. A signal that affected native frogs as well as toads clearly would be of little use for toad control. 4.Laboratory studies on cane toads and nine native frog taxa from the wet,dry tropics of the Northern Territory (Cyclorana australis, C. longipes, Limnodynastes convexiusculus, Litoria caerulea, L. dahlii, L. nasuta, L. rothii, L. rubella, Opisthodon ornatus) show that toad tadpoles rarely react to chemical cues from crushed frog tadpoles, and that frog tadpoles rarely react to chemical cues from crushed toad tadpoles. Crushed toad tadpoles occasionally elicited low-level attraction (to a potential food source) by frog tadpoles. 5.Overall, frog tadpoles were less responsive to chemical cues (either from crushed conspecifics or crushed toads) than were toad tadpoles. The low level of cross-lineage reactivity is encouraging for the feasibility of using cane toad alarm pheromones to control this invasive species in Australia; the risk of collateral damage to sympatric native frogs appears to be minimal. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Pulsed electrical stimulation for control of vasculature: Temporary vasoconstriction and permanent thrombosisBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 2 2008Daniel Palanker Abstract A variety of medical procedures is aimed to selectively compromise or destroy vascular function. Such procedures include cancer therapies, treatments of cutaneous vascular disorders, and temporary hemostasis during surgery. Currently, technologies such as lasers, cryosurgery and radio frequency coagulation, produce significant collateral damage due to the thermal nature of these interactions and corresponding heat exchange with surrounding tissues. We describe a non-thermal method of inducing temporary vasoconstriction and permanent thrombosis using short pulse (microseconds) electrical stimulation. The current density required for vasoconstriction increases with decreasing pulse duration approximately as t,0.25. The threshold of electroporation has a steeper dependence on pulse duration,exceeding t,0.5. At pulse durations shorter than 5,µs, damage threshold exceeds the vasoconstriction threshold, thus allowing for temporary hemostasis without direct damage to surrounding tissue. With a pulse repetition rate of 0.1,Hz, vasoconstriction is achieved approximately 1 min after the beginning of treatment in both arteries and veins. Thrombosis occurs at higher electric fields, and its threshold increases with vessel diameter. Histology demonstrated a lack of tissue damage during vasoconstriction, but vascular endothelium was damaged during thrombosis. The temperature increase does not exceed 0.1,°C during these treatments. Bioelectromagnetics 29:100,107, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Inflammation assessment after selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) treatmentACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2009M AYALA Purpose Glaucoma is a progressive neuropathy, reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) seems to be the only treatment to stop progression in glaucoma. There are several methods to reduce IOP: medical treatment, laser and surgery. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a new treatment alternative. SLT selectively targets the pigmented cells of the trabecular meshwork without causing thermal or collateral damage to the surroundings structures. The aim of the present study was to assess inflammation after SLT treatment. Methods 40 patients (80 eyes) were included in the study. Inclusion criteria: Glaucoma (POAG, pigmentary and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma)/ OHT patients that will be treated with SLT in just one eye, both with and without eye-drops. Exclusion criteria: patients suffering from ocular or systemic inflammatory diseases or treated with cortisone or immunosuppressive drugs. Inflammation was measured in 2 different ways: 1) clinically with a slit lamp and classified 0-4; 2) with a "Laser flare meter (Kowa FM 500)". Measurements were done before, 2 hours after, 1 week and 1 month after SLT treatement, both eyes were evaluated. IOP was also checked in the same way. SLT treatment was performed in 90° with the SLT Solo Ellex laser. Results inflammation before and after SLT showed no significant difference measured both clinically with slit lamp and objectively with the laser flare meter. No inflammation was found in the untreated eyes. No IOP peaks after SLT treatment were found. Conclusion SLT treatment seems not to induce inflammation in the anterior chamber when 90° were treated. SLT treatment might be considered as a first choice treatment against high intraocular pressure. [source] OZ OT EBP 21C: Australian occupational therapy, evidence-based practice and the 21st centuryAUSTRALIAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2001Anne Cusick Occupational therapy in Australia is entering the 21st century as a dynamic and growing profession. The adoption of evidence-based practice is an important feature to ensure the profession's continued success. There are also other issues evident in Australian occupational therapy today that need to be considered to ensure the profession's continued growth. These are: the terminology that is and could be used in occupational therapy; the possibility of ,collateral damage' to occupational therapy concepts and processes if deterministic elements of evidence-based practice predominate; and the importance of making explicit our national position on occupational therapy core concepts and processes. Regarding the latter, the author proposes that this position is best described as ,finding unity in diversity'. This position reflects the national heritage, character and social/health priorities facing Australian occupational therapy. The implications of these issues are explored. [source] Femtosecond laser ablation elemental mass spectrometryMASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS, Issue 4 2006Roland Hergenröder Abstract Laser ablation mass spectrometry (LA-MS) has always been an interesting method for the elemental analysis of solid samples. Chemical analysis with a laser requires small amounts of material. Depending on the analytical detection system, subpicogram quantities may be sufficient. In addition, a focused laser beam permits the spatial characterization of heterogeneity in solid samples typically with micrometer resolution in terms of lateral and depth dimensions. With the advent of high-energy, ultra-short pulse lasers, new possibilities arise. The task of this review is to discuss the principle differences between the ablation process of short (>1 ps) and ultra-short (<1 ps) pulses. Based on the timescales and the energy balance of the process that underlies an ablation event, it will be shown that ultra-short pulses are less thermal and cause less collateral damages than longer pulses. The confinement of the pulse energy to the focal region guarantees a better spatial resolution in all dimensions and improves the analytical figures of merit (e.g., fractionation). Applications that demonstrate these features and that will be presented are in-depth profiling of multi-layer samples and the elemental analysis of biological materials. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 25:551,572, 2006 [source] Is the historical war against wildlife over in southern Europe?ANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 3 2009A. Martķnez-Abraķn Abstract Most southern European regions have experienced a rapid economical change during the last decades, moving from a historical economy based on agriculture to a society based on industry and technology. We test here whether causes of admission of birds admitted to a large southern European rehabilitation centre, during a 14-year period (1994,2007), reflect these socio-economical changes. Specifically, we estimated the trends in the number of birds admitted to the centre by shooting (S) over the number of birds admitted due to impacts caused by infrastructures (I), for the 10 most commonly admitted species with complete time series available. Species were grouped in three groups following ecological traits: raptors (diurnal and nocturnal) and aquatic birds. Trends were estimated by means of the slope of a linear regression of the log-transformed S/I ratio over time, which provided the finite population growth rate (,) and its 95% confidence intervals. We used the ratio to prevent possible biases caused by changes in wild population densities over the years. We conclude that the overall trend in the S/I ratio, as well as the trends for all three bird groups considered, were negative, and indicated a c. 10% annual reduction in the number of birds admitted by shooting in relation to those admitted by infrastructure-related injuries. Causal relationships were analysed by means of Poisson regressions on absolute numbers. Importantly we show that despite the direct historical war against wildlife seems to be coming to an end in southern Europe, impact to wildlife continues in an indirect way, as collateral damages caused by our post-industrial way of life. So the overall scenario is most likely not one of improved conservation status in southern Europe, but rather one of shifting ways of impacting wildlife in parallel with socio-economic changes. [source] | ||||||||||||||||