We develop an approach to utilize anisotropic metamaterials to solve one of the fundamental problems of modern plasmonics--parasitic scattering of surface waves into free-space modes, opening the road to truly two-dimensional plasmonic optics. We illustrate the developed formalism on the examples of plasmonic refractor and plasmonic crystal, and discuss limitations of the developed technique an...

Since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the rich archaeological heritage of Syria and northern Iraq has faced severe threats, including looting, combat-related damage, and intentional demolition of monuments. However, the inaccessibility of the conflict zone to archaeologists or cultural heritage specialists has made it difficult to produce accurate damage assessments, impeding efforts...

Arab countries face major challenges, including foreign occupations, deficient liberties, poor governance, squandering of resources, economic regression, inequities, and illiteracy. Arab reformists have advocated political, economic, and social change since the late 19th century. However, despite decades of local pressure for change, reforms remain elusive. We consider how action on health can ...

Mulibrey (MUscle-LIver-BRain-EYe) nanism is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by growth failure, dysmorphic features and a wide range of abnormalities affecting multiple organ systems. This report is the first to present two cases of Mulibrey nanism affecting two siblings from Syria. Mulibrey nanism can be suspected clinically due to the distinctive features of the patients. The ...

In the Middle East, the military dimension of the ArabIsraeli conflict remains prominent. Without an agreement by Israel to withdraw peacefully from the Golan Heights, which it has occupied since the 1967 war, or from the zone in southern Lebanon it has controlled since 1978, another war between Syria and Israel is possible. Syrian leaders regard the Israeli occupation of both areas as an affro...

BACKGROUND Despite advances made in treating coronary heart disease (CHD), mortality due to CHD in Syria has been increasing for the past two decades. This study aims to assess CHD mortality trends in Syria between 1996 and 2006 and to investigate the main factors associated with them. METHODS The IMPACT model was used to analyze CHD mortality trends in Syria based on numbers of CHD patients,...

Introduction Women and children account for a disproportionate morbidity burden among conflict-affected populations, and yet they are not included in global accountability frameworks for women's and children's health. We use Countdown to 2015 (Millennium Development Goals) health indicators to provide an up-to-date review and analysis of the best available data on Syrian refugees in Jordan, Leb...

The war in Syria has entered the seventh year, with no sign of resolution. It is often referred as "the greatest human tragedy" since World War 2. Because of limited health facilities, we propose telepsychiatric interventions for the provision of mental healthcare services in Syria and in refugee camps to treat post-trauma patients.

BACKGROUND Renal transplantation is the optimal treatment for the majority of patients with end-stage renal disease. OBJECTIVE To examine the donor characteristics of kidney transplants in Syria and the impact of national Syrian legislation on the evolution of kidney transplantation activities in the private and public sectors. METHODS Available data on all kidney transplants performed in S...

T his Perspective is the second in a series in which the authors argue for practical steps aimed at reducing the fighting in Syria to provide more time for a national transition process. The ultimate goal of that process is an inclusive, unified, democratic Syria. As the international community continues to search for ways to resolve Syria’s civil war, this Perspective argues that decentralizat...