SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM & AGENDA JULY 22-25, 2012 ARIZONA BILTMORE RESORT - PHOENIX, ARIZONA WWW.NEUROTRAUMASYMPOSIUM.COM
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SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM & AGENDA
JULY 22-25, 2012
ARIZONA BILTMORE RESORT - PHOENIX, ARIZONA
WWW.NEUROTRAUMASYMPOSIUM.COM
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Invitation from the President
NNS 2012 Theme: The Spectrum of Neurotrauma From pediatric TBI, blast brain injury and spinal cord injury management
to translational medicine and neuro-rehabilitation
Dear Fellow Neurotrauma Researchers:
On behalf of the National Neurotrauma Society (NNS), I like to warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the 30th Annual Symposium of the
National Neurotrauma Society, set at the historic Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, Phoenix, Arizona. This year’s three and a half day conference from
July 22-25, 2012 has 22 exciting sessions, including six parallel sessions that cover a balance of preclinical and clinical research – so I promise that
there will be something for everyone, regardless of your discipline.
The theme of this year’s conference is “The Spectrum of Neurotrauma” - we will focus on several interlinked and topical issues in neurotrauma. In
the TBI subarea, one of the understudied areas is pediatric brain injury, which will be featured in this conference. On the other hand, during this
past year, we continue to see an explosion of interests and publications in blast brain injury – is it really different from classical TBI? How do you
best model it in animals? Do they mimic blast brain injury in humans? Regarding spinal cord injury (SCI), there will be a focused session on various
functional deficits and complications after SCI. In terms of neurotrauma management and treatment, we will provide state-of-the-art overviews of
the utility of biomarkers and new MRI imaging technology, promising preclinical drug treatment and update of on-going clinical trials in TBI and SCI,
including the two on-going progesterone trials. We will also cover the concept that neurotrauma is not only an acute medical problem, but can
evolve into a chronic medical condition for the patients. Thus more sophisticated research and clinical tools in neuro-rehabilitation will be the key,
as is the understanding of the molecular evolution from TBI to chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Chronic Traumatic
Encephalopathy (CTE). Lastly, we add a little global flavor by having several international speakers to talk about their TBI management experience
in their own countries.
As for our popular Public Education/Outreach Event, this year it will be held at Melvin Cohen Educational Conference Center at the Barrow
Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital. It will provide an overview of TBI/SCI, NNS research area across the nation and injury
prevention. Our target audience is physicians, nurses, allied health workers, athletic trainers, students, patients, families, and other interested
individuals.
The Conference venue is the magnificently built Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, known as the "Jewel of the Desert”. It provides a restful oasis of 39
acres covered with lush gardens, glistening swimming pools (8), including the famous Paradise Pool featuring private cabanas, a 92-foot waterslide
and swim-up bar. These features should keep you cool and refreshed throughout your stay. Exploration-wise, the resort provides guided hikes,
jeep tours and mountain bike rentals for excursions to the adjacent preserve and parks. For those who are even more adventurous, I highly
recommend visiting the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is only a few hours’ of drive away. The hotel also provides air tours
of Grand Canyon. Our Welcome Reception is Sunday, July 22 from 6 pm) please join your colleagues as the sun goes down for a Southwestern
reception in the shadow of the mountains. Our Awards Ceremony Dinner is set for Tuesday, July 24. Please join me in a relaxing dinner and then
celebrate with your colleagues into the night.
The members of the Program Committee, along with the members of the National Neurotrauma Society, look forward to welcoming you to
Phoenix.
We hope you to see you there!
Dr. Kevin Wang,
NNS 2012 President
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Program Committee
Kevin Wang, Ph.D., NNS President;
University of Florida
Helen Bramlett, Ph.D., NNS Vice
President, University of Miami
Coleen Atkins, Ph.D., NNS
Secretary/Treasurer, University of Miami
P. David Adelson, M.D., Ph.D. Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Ross Bullock, Ph.D. University of Miami
Dalton Dietrich, Ph.D. University of Miami
Jonathan Lifshitz, Ph.D. University of Kentucky
Geoff Manley, Ph.D.
University of California, San Francisco
Mayumi Prins, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles
Amy Wagner, Ph.D.
University of Pittsburgh
Xiao Ming Xu, Ph.D. Indiana University
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About the National Neurotrauma Society
WHO are National Neurotrauma Society Members? Membership in the organization is open to all scientists who are interested in conducting neurotrauma research. WHAT is the mission of the National Neurotrauma Society? The National Neurotrauma Society is committed to the promotion of neurotrauma research by enhancing communications, providing a forum, and increasing support on the national and international level. WHERE is the National Neurotrauma Society headed? The central nervous system is unquestionably the most important organ of our body, and injury to the brain or spinal cord has devastating consequences. Research is beginning to unravel the complexities of the injured CNS and is opening new doors for scientists, clinicians, and patients. The National Neurotrauma Society seeks to accelerate research that will provide answers for clinicians and ultimately improve the treatments available to patients. The National Neurotrauma Society will continue to promote excellence in the field by providing opportunities for scientists, establishing standards in both basic and clinical research, encouraging and supporting research, and promoting liaisons with other organizations that influence the care and cure of neurotrauma victims. WHY should I join? As a member of the National Neurotrauma Society, you will receive:
The opportunity to attend the Annual National Neurotrauma Society meetings at a substantially reduced price. This meeting is organized by the Society's leaders and represents the best of neurotrauma research. Typical attendance is 500 at the National Meeting.
Subscription to the Journal of Neurotrauma at a discounted price. This publication is dedicated to the aims of the National Neurotrauma Society and provides a forum of rigorously peer-reviewed articles on the latest advances in the field.
Updates on the activities of the Society and important meetings in the field, including the annual National Neurotrauma Society meeting and the bi-annual International Neurotrauma Symposium.
Information and access to publications of the National Institutes of Health, funding sources, research and educational opportunities in the field.
Eligibility for travel and research awards developed by the Society for its membership.
HOW can I join? Annual dues (January - December) are $195.00 which includes online and hard copy subscription to the Journal of Neurotrauma. Student membership is $50.00, which includes online subscription to the Journal of Neurotrauma. Members receive substantially reduced registration rates to the annual symposium. To apply and pay for membership, visit the new member section of the Society's website at www.neurotrauma.org. Please contact the National Neurotrauma Society Office at (352) 213-8656 with questions.
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Scientific Sessions
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Public Event
DATE: July 24, 2012 TIME: 1:00 - 3:00 PM LOCATION: Melvin Cohen Educational Conference Center at the Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital The event will take place at the Melvin Cohen Educational Conference Center at Phoenix Children's Hospital and is focused on physicians, nurses, allied health workers, athletic trainers, students, patients, families, and other interested individuals. Speakers will include experts in brain and spinal cord injury and injury prevention. The program will provide to the audience an overview of our understanding of head injury and concussion, severe injury to the brain and spinal cord. In addition, the role of the NNS and injury prevention programs like Think First will be highlighted to help in our understanding of the work being done on improving outcomes. The event will be focused on physicians, nurses, allied health workers, athletic trainers, students, patients, families, and other interested individuals. Additional details will be available soon.
Social Events Welcome Reception - Sunday, July 22, 6:00 - 7:30 pm Welcome to Phoenix! Join your colleagues as the sun goes down for a Southwestern reception in the shadow of the mountains. Included with your registration fee. Dress is casual. WINTR Mentoring Program – Monday, July 23, 5:30 – 7:30 pm Join us for an evening of light dinner, laughter and discussion between protégé and mentor. A great opportunity to network with leading researchers across the field or lend advice to hungry, aspiring Neurotrauma researchers! Open to all attendees. Membership in WiNTR not required. Tickets are $40 and must be purchased in advance when you register for the conference (no onsite sales). Awards Ceremony & Dinner - Tuesday, July 24, Dinner 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Dancing 9:00 - 11:00pm Join us to honor the top student finalists, WINTR VISA awardee, and announce the winners of the Student Competition. Then mix it up after the ceremony and celebrate with your colleagues as we dance the night away! Included with your registration fee. Post-Conference Happy Hour, Wednesday, July 25, 6:00 – 8:00pm Informal post-conference gathering of attendees and guests in the main lobby of the hotel. Say farewell to friends and colleagues who are departing on Wednesday evening, and enjoy a cocktail with those who are staying the night at the Biltmore. Non-sponsored event - attendees may charge to their rooms.
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Registration Rates AND CATEGORIES Delegate Registrations include:
Free Conference Mobile App
Delegate Name Badge
Delegate Bag & Inclusions
Welcome Reception
Awards Ceremony Dinner & Dancing
Coffee Breaks
Continental Breakfast daily
Grab & Go Lunch Daily
Access to All Scientific Sessions
Access to All Exhibits
Access to Poster Sessions
Online access to the Abstract Gallery
Student Delegates The definition of a “Student” for the purpose of registration for Neurotrauma is any one of the following:
An undergraduate, graduate or medical student at an internationally recognized university or college.
A nurse who is practicing in an internationally recognized university affiliated hospital.
A resident who is in training at an accredited or internationally recognized university/hospital training program.
A postdoctoral student who has completed an MD and/or PhD who is currently under the supervision of mentor (or advisor) for the purpose of acquiring additional training in the field of neuroscience as it relates to neurotrauma.
A postdoctoral fellow, who has completed a basic neurosurgery, neurology (or equivalent) residency and who now is gaining additional training in the field of neurotrauma.
Delegates registering as students will be required to provide proof of student status.
Accompanying Guests A guest is a non-scientist family member or guest of a scientist. A guest is only allowed to register once during the annual meeting. A maximum of two guests per registrant are allowed. NOTE: Guests are not admitted to Scientific Sessions Guest Registrations include:
Free Conference Mobile App
Guest Name Badge
Welcome Reception
Awards Ceremony Dinner & Dancing
Coffee Breaks
Continental Breakfast daily
Grab & Go Lunch Daily
Access to All Exhibits
Access to Poster Sessions
Registration Cancellation Policy Registration fee refunds will be issued only with written notice to the conference organizers before June 1, 2012. A $75.00 cancellation fee will apply on all registration categories. There are no refunds for cancellations or no-shows after June 1.
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Call for Abstracts The deadline for Neurotrauma 2012 abstract submissions is April 1, 2012. The NNS Abstract Committee will determine the qualified abstracts to be presented as posters during the Abstract Poster and Open Communications sessions. All accepted abstracts will be published online in the Journal of Neurotrauma July issue immediately prior to the conference and included on the online abstract proceedings gallery and the official conference mobile app. Notifications of acceptance for poster presentations, oral presentations and travel grants will be emailed in late April. Poster presentation requirements will also be posted in April 2012.
New for 2012 This year, we will be implementing a new abstract system that will make the submission process much more user friendly. We strongly encourage all authors to familiarize themselves with the system when it launches in early February. The system will allow authors to upload a PDF or PPT file (single slide) of their abstract for viewing in an online gallery. It will also allow attendees to "like" posters online for others to see, as well as build a customized, printable list of all posters they wish to see onsite. We are excited about the new system and look forward to a seamless transition towards the technological future of Neurotrauma!
Student Competition The Abstract Committee reviews and grades each abstract submission for quality, ethical guidelines and scientific merit. A blind grading process is used to ensure anonymity and equality. Notifications of acceptance will be emailed to submitting authors in late April. The top twenty highest-scoring student abstracts will be selected as Student Competition Finalists. The Finalists' posters will be displayed in a featured location for the entire symposium. They will also present their posters to the Abstract Judges for final scoring during Poster Session A on Monday, July 23rd. All poster finalists will receive a certificate and be recognized onstage at the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, July 24th. The top five (5) highest scoring poster finalists will also be recognized during the Awards Ceremony and will receive a crystal trophy, scientific textbooks and a monetary prize of $500.00 each from the National Neurotrauma Symposium. In addition, the top three winners will receive a one year subscription to the Journal of Developmental Neuroscience by Karger. After the Student Competition Finalists are determined, the oral presentations are selected from the remaining abstract pool (Students and Non-Students) for the Open Communications Sessions. Please note if you are selected for an oral presentation, you will be assigned to an Open Communications Session and NOT a Poster Session. Once the Student Finalists and Open Communications presenters have been selected, the remaining accepted abstracts will be assigned a final poster number and time slot to present during one of the four Poster Sessions during the symposium.
Open Communications Sessions The Abstract Committee will select fifteen abstracts to be presented orally during the Open Communication Sessions on Tuesday, July 24, 2011. Notifications for Open Communications selections will be emailed in late April. There will be three concurrent sessions: Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, and Clinical. Each oral presented will have a total of 15 minutes for their presentation, including Q&A. If you wish to be considered for oral presentation, please be sure to select this option on your abstract submission form. Please note that authors whose abstracts are selected for oral presentation will NOT be a part of the Student Competition, nor will they present a poster.
Student Travel Grants NNS is pleased to offer a limited number of travel grants for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students presenting their exciting results. Grant awards are given based on financial need and merit. Funding provided by the National Neurotrauma Symposium and an NIH grant allows for up to $10,000 in travel grants. To apply for a Travel Grant, be sure to complete the task section regarding grant applications when you submit an abstract online.
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Hotel and Travel Information
Conference Hotel The official host hotel for the conference is the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. All education sessions and social events will take place onsite at the hotel. Known throughout the world as the "Jewel of the Desert," the Arizona Biltmore provides a restful oasis of 39 acres covered with lush gardens, glistening swimming pools, and Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture. Set in the heart of Phoenix, the Arizona Biltmore has been a favorite of celebrities and U.S. presidents throughout its colorful history. Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa 2400 E Missouri Ave Phoenix, AZ 85016-3197 Phone: (602) 955-6600 www.ArizonaBiltmore.com
Reservations A special discounted room rate of $119.00 plus tax per night is available to all Neurotrauma 2012 attendees. Rooms must be reserved by June 1, 2012 in order to qualify for this special rate. A deposit of one nights' room & tax will be charged to your credit card one week prior to arrival. The Arizona Biltmore has also agreed to waive the resort fee (normally $28/night) for Neurotrauma attendees. The resort fee amenities include:
High speed internet access in your guestroom
Access to the Biltmore Spa & Fitness center
Unlimited local phone calls
Long distance access fees waived
Use of the putting course
Biltmore Fashion Park shuttle service To reserve a room, visit the Reservations page at www.arizonabiltmore.com and enter NNS as the group code, or call 1-800-950-0086 and mention that you are a Neurotrauma 2012 attendee.
Weather The Arizona Biltmore is a resort for all seasons. Phoenix / Scottsdale holds the title of the nation's sunniest cities with more than 300 days of sunshine annually. Although situated in the desert, the Arizona Biltmore enjoys relatively mild weather. Low humidity and refreshing desert breezes punctuate the summer season. The average annual temperature is 76.3 degrees.
Roommate Matching Assistance NNS does not provide roommate matching services, however you may wish to post on our Facebook page or tweet to see if there are any other
attendees looking for roommates.
DRIVING directions to the resort From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (approx. 20 minutes): Exit airport using the 24th street exit and Turn right on 24th street heading North. Follow
24th street for about 20 minutes then make a right on Thunderbird Trail (2 streets North of Camelback Road). Follow driveway to the hotel.
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Airport Transportation
Taxis, limousines, shuttles, buses and vans can be arranged to transport you and your group from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Please contact the Resort Services desk at 602-955-6600 extension 7000 for rates and information.
Local Area Attractions and Activities Phoenix's perpetual sunshine might tempt you to find a secluded resort and spend all your days sipping margaritas next to the swimming pool.
Don't give in. Exploring the city's desert horizons will broaden yours!
Go Mobile
Click here for more information about Mobile Phoenix - the city's free app to help you plan your visit!
Experience the Culture
Our museums and attractions are not to be missed. For a uniquely Southwestern experience, stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden to see
desert plants, or visit the Heard Museum for Native American art and culture. If it's contemporary art you seek, the Phoenix Art Museum and
SMOCA are for you. If you have kids, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, the Arizona Science Center and the Phoenix Zoo are must-dos.
Get Outdoors
Phoenix is located in one of the most lush and colorful deserts in the world, and rugged mountains define the city's horizon. In winter, sunshine
warms hiking and biking trails. In spring, blooming cactuses and wildflowers carpet hillsides and valleys. Enveloped by such breathtaking scenery,
outdoor enthusiasts who visit Phoenix usually come to the same conclusion as coyote pups and jackrabbits: The Sonoran Desert is a great place to
play.
Relaxing Lifestyle
Phoenix is famous for palm-tree-shrouded resorts, desert golf courses and elegant fashion centers, So relax your way, whether it's on a golf course,
in a spa or by shopping.
Outdoor Activities
Phoenix is known for great weather, and people can’t wait to get outdoors to hike, bike, swim and play, yes even in the summer. There are many
opportunities in Phoenix and the surrounding area. Visit www.VisitPhoenix.com to find out which activities interest YOU!
Northern Arizona
You have probably seen pictures of the awe inspiring Grand Canyon or the beauty of the red rock in Sedona. If you have time to spend an extra day
or two exploring Arizona you may want to take a drive to Northern Arizona. Each town is unique and charming and offers an array of activities
dining and shopping opportunities. Sedona is approximately a 2 ½-- hour drive north of Phoenix, and the Grand Canyon is approximately a 4 hour
drive north of the city. The official website for the Grand Canyon is http://www.nps.gov/grca
Attire Dress for all sessions is business casual. Temperatures in July average from the mid 90’s during the day to 80 degrees at night. Please keep in mind that meeting room temperatures vary. So, wear light clothing to ensure your comfort.
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Dining Phoenix is home to some of the world's finest chefs and the best restaurants offering your taste buds the opportunity to try everything from Thai to Mexican to traditional American cuisine. Many options are available within close proximity to the resort (http://www.shopbiltmore.com) or explore outside of the area, visit www.azcentral.com/ent/dining. Golf The Biltmore has 2 golf courses for year round golf (http://arizonabiltmore.com/golf). In Greater Phoenix, more than 200 championship golf courses are available to visitors year round. Bring your clubs and soak up the sun. For a listing of golf courses, visit www.visitphoenix.com Shopping There are many venues to shop and dine in Phoenix, including the Biltmore Fashion Park, Scottsdale Fashion Square, The Borgata of Scottsdale and endless smaller boutiques throughout the state.
Activities and Amenities at the Resort With over 300 days of sunshine annually, the Valley of the Sun provides endless outdoor opportunities to enjoy our glorious weather and wide open spaces. Explore historical landmarks, local culture and popular recreation spots during your stay. Hike Camelback Mountain and take in a panoramic view of the city, discover the local Scottsdale and Phoenix art scene, or simply stay on the grounds and marvel in the array of activities and opportunities available at Arizona Biltmore. Enjoy eight sparkling pools, salsa demo and tasting, life-size lawn chess, croquet or bocce ball on the lush lawns. The Arizona Biltmore Resort features 740 guest accommodations, 78 one-and two-bedroom villas, eight swimming pools, seven tennis courts, a full-service resort spa, salon and fitness center and five dining options. The adjacent Arizona Biltmore Country Club boasts two 18-hole PGA golf courses: The Links and The Adobe. To plan a unique Arizona Biltmore experience or adventure, please call 602.955.6600 and ask for the Biltmore Concierge.
Business Travel Visa Information Obtaining a Visa If it is necessary for you to obtain a visa to attend this conference, you can find relevant information about the application process by visiting www.Travel.State.Gov and reading about Business Visitor Visas. Apply for your Visa several months in advance of your travel! Important steps to remember:
1. Review your visa status, and find out if you need a U.S. visa or a renewal. 2. Review the visa wait times information for interview appointments and visa processing at each embassy and consular section worldwide
available on the U.S. Department of State website at Visa Wait Times. 3. Visit the embassy or consular section website where you will apply for your visa to find out how to schedule an interview appointment,
pay fees and any other instructions. 4. Plan on an interview at the embassy or consulate, which is required for most visa applicants. As part of the visa interview, quick inkless
fingerprint scans should be expected. Some visa applications require additional administrative processing, which requires some additional time. Applicants are advised when they apply.
Letter of Invitation If you require a letter of invitation from NNS for your visa application, please Submit your Request online. If you have a question, or would like additional information, please contact the Conference Organizers at [email protected]. Visa Waiver Program The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. These countries include: Andora, Austrailia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Portugal, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The Patriot Act legislated that all Visa Waiver Program travelers must have a machine-readable passport. For more information, please visit the Visa Waiver Program page.
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Exhibit, Marketing and Support Opportunities Neurotrauma 2012, the 30th Annual Symposium of the National Neurotrauma Society including the AANS/CNS Section on Neurotrauma and Critical Care will be held at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona on July 22-25, 2012. The Symposium is the premier scientific event for clinicians and researchers in the field of neurotrauma, presenting state of the art approaches and breaking research. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the number one cause of death in young adults and together with spinal cord injury is a major determinant of disability; both diseases incur high socio economic costs both in the acute treatment phase and in the long term due to loss of productive life years. As a Supporter or Exhibitor, you will be highly visible and an integral part of the event as each sponsor and exhibitor will be given considerable exposure during the Symposium. The Symposium will provide an unsurpassed opportunity for companies to network and interact with global decision makers, critical care and rehab physicians, neurosurgeons and researchers. Important new scientific developments will be presented in plenary and breakout sessions, oral and poster presentations. Controversial issues will be addressed in round table discussions and pro-con debates. The Symposium will bring together an estimated 700+ scientists and clinicians from all over the world. Support enables organizations like yours to contribute to the success of Neurotrauma 2012, while benefiting from a high degree of exposure of your product and services to your worldwide target audience. Sponsorship of this premier event offers your organization lasting recognition and exposure and will serve to promote the quality of care for patients with brain and spinal cord injury. In this invitation we offer a large number of opportunities for sponsorship and present details on the exhibits. All exhibitors will have access to a good location and we will ensure maximum delegate exposure by providing food functions at the exhibition and integrating exhibits with the poster viewing sessions. For more information, please visit our website and download the Exhibit, Marketing & Support Opportunities Prospectus.
Conference Organizers
6524 SW 61 Terrace South Miami, FL 33143
305.661.5581 Office
305.661.5567 305.661.0709 Fax
Email Us
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