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• This study identifies the first women neurosurgeons and leaders in the Middle East. • The first women neurosurgeons in the Middle East started training in the 1970s. • Currently, the percentage of women neurosurgeons ranges from 0% to 31% in the region. The Middle East is known for its complex history and rich environment and culture. The region is home to a wide variety of traditions, cultures and religions, which have made the area vulnerable to political conflicts. Despite these difficulties, science and medicine have always thrived in the region, with many medical practices and principles established by physicians and scholars living in the Middle East. The first academic neurosurgical activity in the region started in the 1950s. The first women neurosurgeons in the Middle East started training in the 1970s, and were from Iran, Palestine, followed by Saudi Arabia in the 1970s. These pioneers have encountered serious challenges, yet have become role models for the next generation. These women have paved the way and facilitated neurosurgical training and practice for more women surgeons. The gradual increase in the number of women neurosurgical residents in the region leads to the expectation that women will play a more prominent role in the future as leaders in neurosurgery in the Middle East. This collaborative study, which identifies the known women neurosurgeons in the Middle East for the first time, may serve to provide background and context for further contributions of women neurosurgeons for our profession and our patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Active users with PV systems and batteries are considered in a LV distribution grid. • A strategy for voltage regulation ancillary service provision is proposed. • The proposed scheduling algorithm exploits the grid nodal sensitivity coefficients. • A way for determining the most convenient tariffs is proposed. • Numerical results are presented and discusses for a LV radial distribution grid. Abstract In recent years, renewable energies and storage systems are bringing a significant contribution to power system. Due to the high penetration of non-predictable power sources, especially in the distribution networks, new challenges related to the integration and management of these new resources also combined with storage systems arose in power system research. Accordingly, the aim of this paper is to propose an innovative scheduling method for voltage regulation in low voltage networks. A simple type of contract for ancillary services that foresees the participation of active users endowed with a storage system coupled with a PV system is considered. The method allows to regulate the voltage in a distribution system by using a combined PV and storage system. The voltage regulation is achieved by setting the value of the inverter reactive power on the basis of sensitivity coefficients of the considered node, taking into account the capability curve constrains, as required by new grid codes. A possible tariff policy is also proposed for the ancillary service and for the operation of the realization of the scheduling algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for the scheduling of the power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee consumption is inversely related to the degree of liver injury in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Molecular mediators contributing to coffee’s beneficial effects in NAFLD remain to be elucidated. In this study, we administrated decaffeinated espresso coffee or vehicle to rats fed an high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks and examined the effects of coffee on liver injury by using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) proteomic analysis combined with mass spectrometry. Rats fed an HFD and water developed panacinar steatosis, lobular inflammation, and mild fibrosis, whereas rats fed an HFD and coffee exhibited only mild steatosis. Coffee consumption increased liver expression of the endoplasmic reticulum chaperones glucose-related protein 78 and protein disulfide-isomerase A3; similarly, coffee drinking enhanced the expression of the mitochondrial chaperones heat stress protein 70 and DJ-1. Furthermore, in agreement with reduced hepatic levels of 8-isoprostanes and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, proteomic analysis showed that coffee consumption induces the expression of master regulators of redox status (i.e., peroxiredoxin 1, glutathione S-transferase α2, and D-dopachrome tautomerase). Last, proteomics revealed an association of coffee intake with decreased expression of electron transfer flavoprotein subunit α, a component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, involved in de novo lipogenesis. In this study, we were able to identify by proteomic analysis the stress proteins mediating the antioxidant effects of coffee; moreover, we establish for the first time the contribution of specific coffee-induced endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial chaperones ensuring correct protein folding and degradation in the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since January 2011, Mt. Etna volcano has been affected by more than forty paroxysmal eruptions at the summit (New South East Crater; NSEC). On the basis of their very variable duration, seven eruptions have been selected among the twenty-five of 2011–2012 in order to decipher potential differences in their triggering mechanism. Paroxysms have been investigated through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates data from volcanic tremor and petrology (textures and micro-analysis on plagioclase crystals). Our results lead to the conclusion that close relationships exist between the duration of the eruptions and the temporal evolution of the volcanic tremor amplitude, especially during the Strombolian phase preceding the paroxysmal activity. In this regard, we distinguished: 1) paroxysms preceded by long-lasting initial Strombolian phases, characterized by low rate of volcanic tremor amplitude increase; and 2) eruptions preceded by short initial Strombolian phases, showing high rate of volcanic tremor amplitude increase. Based on the pattern of volcanic tremor amplitude increase, the former mainly showed a ramp-shaped morphology, while the latter a bell-shaped trend. Location of the volcanic tremor centroid during the quiescent intervals between the paroxysmal eruptions has highlighted the presence of a magmatic volume at 1–2kma.s.l. beneath the North East Crater (NEC). During the syn-eruptive Strombolian and lava fountaining phases, the centroid of volcanic tremor migrates below the NSEC. This leads to the consideration that the magma batch residing beneath NEC played an important role in the volcanic activity at NSEC during the considered period. Also the textures and compositional zoning (anorthite and iron variations) in selected plagioclase crystals of the analyzed lavas suggest relations between duration of the paroxysms and dynamics of pre-eruptive magmatic processes at depth. Particularly, two mechanisms have been accounted for triggering of eruptions at the NSEC on the basis of the concordant or discordant behavior of anorthite and iron in plagioclase coupled with disequilibrium textures at the rim. Concordant anorthite and iron increases in plagioclase crystals with sieve-textured rims indicate recharge by more mafic, gas-rich magma. This textural-compositional behavior has been related to long-lasting eruptions, whose volcanic tremor amplitude evolution produced ramp-shaped increase of the volcanic tremor amplitude before the paroxysmal phase. On the contrary, crystals with sieve-textures at the rim, characterized by increasing iron at rather constant or decreasing anorthite, suggest the prominent role of gas injections into the residing system. In this instance, the compositional behavior has been linked with short-lasting eruptions, whose volcanic tremor amplitude evolution led to a sudden increase of the seismic amplitude before the climax of the eruption. Thus, our work put forward the idea that the evolution and duration of the Strombolian phase preceding the paroxysmal eruptions of 2011–2012 at Mt. Etna are strongly controlled by the eruption triggering mechanism, which can be either gas burst or gas-rich magma recharge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We characterized SnO2:F/p-type a-Si:H heterojunctions by current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements at room temperature to determine the junction parameters. Samples with circular geometry and different diameters were characterized. The current scales with the junction area, and the current density J as a function of the voltage V is a slightly asymmetric curve with a super-linear behaviour (cubic law) for high voltages. Using a transmission line model valid for devices with circular geometry, we studied the effects of the SnO2:F resistivity on the measured capacitance when the SnO2:F layer works as an electrical contact. The measured C-V curve allows us to determine junction parameters as doping of p-type a-Si:H, built-in potential and depletion width for the heterojunction with the smallest diameters, demonstrating that for these samples the TCO effects can be neglected. We compared theoretical and measured data to explain qualitatively the transport mechanism in this heterojunction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate whether the use of miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass translates into decreased morbidity and mortality in patients having cardiac surgery. Methods: We independently conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of data pooled from existing trials listed in PubMed and conference proceedings. Sixteen studies were identified, including 1619 patients having cardiac surgery. Inclusion criteria were random allocation to treatment and comparison of a miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass system versus conventional cardiac surgery. Exclusion criteria were duplicate publications, nonhuman experimental studies, and no outcome data. The end points were the rate of neurologic and myocardial damage and the number of patients transfused. Results: Miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass was associated with significant reductions of neurologic damage (4/548 [0.7%] vs 19/555 [3.4%], odds ratio = 0.30 [0.12–0.73], P = .008), reduction in peak cardiac troponin (weighted mean difference = –0.15 ng/dL [−0.18, −0.11], P < .001), and in the number of transfused patients (55/552 [9.9%] vs 101/563 [17.9%], odds ratio = 0.42 [0.28–0.63], P < .001). No difference in mortality was noted (8/758 [1.0%] vs 14/771 [1.8%], odds ratio = 0.60 [0.26–1.39]). Conclusions: Miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass has beneficial effects resulting in decreased transfusion rate and cardiac and neurologic damage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Voice is the result of the coordination of the whole pneumophonoarticulatory apparatus. The analysis of the voice allows the identification of the diseases of the vocal apparatus and currently is carried out from an expert doctor through methods based on the auditory analysis. The paper presents a web-based system for the acquisition and automatic analysis of vocal signals. Vocal signals are submitted by the users through a simple web-interface and are analyzed in real-time by using state-of-the art signal processing techniques, providing first-level information on possible voice alterations. The system offers different analysis functions to the doctors that may analyze suspected cases in detail. The system is currently being tested in the otorhinolaryngologist setting to carry out mass prevention via screening at a regional scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present experimental results in order to understand the physico-chemical effects induced by fast ions irradiating sulfur bearing molecules. The experiments are relevant both to Solar System objects (icy satellites, comets, TNOs) and icy mantles on grains in the interstellar medium. Here we concentrate on the application to the Galilean moons that are exposed to high energetic particle fluxes in the jovian magnetosphere. In particular we show that: [–] Implantation of sulfur ions into water ice produces hydrated sulfuric acid with high efficiency providing an important contribution to the sulfur cycle on the surfaces of Europa and other jovian satellites. [–] Implantation of protons into sulfur dioxide produces mainly SO3, polymers, and O3 but not H–S bonds. The suggested hypothesis that H implantation could result in the formation of H2SO3 on Io is not confirmed by our experiments. [–] Irradiation of sulfur dioxide mainly produces SO3 and sulfur polymers. [–] Irradiation and subsequent warming of H2S induces the formation of a sulfurous residue that exhibits S–H bonds. [–] Water ice has been deposited on refractory sulfurous materials originating from SO2 or H2S irradiation. We looked to the formation of new species at the interface (ion mixing). We have not found evidence for the efficient synthesis of SO2. In the case of residues rich in species containing S–H bonds, H2S is re-formed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: We analysed the relationship between baseline haemoglobin levels and the need for post-operative blood transfusion in our patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate and optimize the pre-operative autologous blood donation (PABD) program at our hospital through a constant audit. Materials and methods: Between January 1997 and December 2006 we evaluated 1198 consecutive patients who underwent elective, unilateral, primary total hip or knee arthroplasty and who met our inclusion criteria. We determined the baseline haemoglobin level to establish the relationship to the need for post-operative transfusion. Results: The results of our study show that the baseline haemoglobin level is a strong predictor of blood transfusion after unilateral, primary total hip or knee arthroplasty. Conclusions: The baseline haemoglobin level is a strong predictor of blood transfusion after elective, unilateral, primary total hip or knee arthroplasty. On the basis of these findings, we do not recommend autologous predonation for patients with a baseline haemoglobin level of >14g/dl moreover we always recommend the use of a blood cell salvage system and a constant audit of pre-operative autologous blood donation (PABD) to avoid unnecessary expense and waste. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ices in the solar system are observed on the surface of planets, satellites, comets and asteroids where they are continuously subordinate at particle fluxes (cosmic ions, solar wind and charged particles caught in the magnetosphere of the planets) that deeply modify their physical and structural properties. Each incoming ion destroys molecular bonds producing fragments that, by recombination, form new molecules also different from the original ones. Moreover, if the incoming ion is reactive (H+, O n+, S n+, etc.), it can concur to the formation of new molecules. Those effects can be studied by laboratory experiments where, with some limitation, it is possible to reproduce the astrophysical environments of planetary ices. In this work, we describe some experiments of 15–100keV H+ and He+ implantation in pure sulfur dioxide (SO2) at 16 and 80K and carbon dioxide (CO2) at 16K ices aimed to search for the formation of new molecules. Among other results we confirm that carbonic acid (H2CO3) is formed after H-implantation in CO2, vice versa H-implantation in SO2 at both temperatures does not produce measurable quantity of sulfurous acid (H2SO3). The results are discussed in the light of their relevance to the chemistry of some solar system objects, particularly of Io, the innermost of Jupiter''s Galilean satellites, that exhibits a surface very rich in frost SO2 and it is continuously bombarded with H+ ions caught in Jupiter''s magnetosphere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We describe an infant girl with psychomotor retardation, growth retardation, mild facial dysmorphy, evidence of liver involvement and a type 2 pattern of serum sialotransferrins. Serum transferrin glycan analysis with MALDI-TOF showed an extremely altered N-glycan pattern with a large number of truncated asialoglycans pointing to a severely defective N-glycan processing. The basic defect in this patient with CDG-IIx has not yet been identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cyclic poly-1,4-diketones 2, obtained by the oxidation of the furan units present in calix[4]furan 1a and calix[6]furan 1c have been converted into the novel heterocyclophanes 4a and 4c containing four and six isopyrazole units, respectively. Solution studies have demonstrated the ability of 4a and 4c to act as ligands for transition metals. The crystal structures of 4a and the coordination compound formed by 4c with 2 equiv. of cis-PtCl2(DMSO)2 have been determined. In the solid state 4c is shown to bind aromatic substrates within its cavity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]