Great progress has been made since the first description of the acute respiratory distress syndrome by the Denver group in 1967 (Lancet). Although we introduced the term 'adult respiratory distress syndrome' in our second and more detailed description of the syndrome (ehest, 1971), this was probably amistake for the simple reason that children also suffer the same syndrome fo11owing acute lung insults. Today, the syndrome of acute respiratory distress in adults (ARDS) is recognized as a worldwide problem, but the prevalence of disease varies in different parts of the world. A huge amount of research has focused on the mechanisms of acute lung injury and yet the exact sequence of events and media tors in inflammatory cascade, which result in acute respiratory failure from ARDS, is not known but many possibilities exist. The definition of ARDS has been gradua11y modified in recent years and investigators around the world are now co11aborating in order to establish more uniform concepts in identification, risk factors and mechanisms of lung injury, which someday will result in improved approaches to management. Already, at least some centers are showing improved outcomes in ARDS, achieving an approximate 60% survival rate. In the past, most large series documented only about a 40% survivability taking a11 causes of ARDS. This apparent progress is likely attributable to more meticulous and disciplined care than any specific pharmacologic attack on the basic mechanism resulting in ARDS.

If you need to maximize efficiency in wireless network planning, an understanding of radio propagation issues is vital, and this 2007 reference guide is for you. Using real-world case studies, practical problems and minimum mathematics, the author explains simply and clearly how to predict signal strengths in a variety of situations. Fundamentals are explained in the context of their practical significance. Applications, including point-to-point radio links, broadcasting and earth-space communications, are thoroughly treated, and more sophisticated methods, which form the basis of software tools for both network planning and spectrum management, are also described. For a rapid understanding and insight into radio propagation, sufficient to enable you to undertake real-world engineering tasks, this concise book is invaluable for network planners, hardware designers, spectrum managers, senior technical managers and policy makers who are either new to radio propagation or who need a quick reference guide.