We propose a new general-purpose computer architecture based on programmable logic. It consists of a dual-structured array of cells accommodating a fixed “built-in part” and a freely programmable “plastic part”. We call this composition the “Plastic Cell Architecture” (PCA). The built-in part with its fully connective two-dimensional mesh structure serves as a communication platform based on th...

The annual American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ “Plastic Surgery: The Meeting” is always filled with great educational events and endeavors, and the 2015 gathering in Boston was truly exceptional. Perhaps the most memorable and most rewarding panel that we had the honor and pleasure to be a part of was the Medical Student Session, moderated by one of the first Plastic and Reconstructive Surger...

Background A literature review did not reveal any study investigating the prevalence of depression among plastic surgery residents. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional mail survey and included all Saudi Plastic Surgery residents in our local program in Saudi Arabia. The Beck Depression Inventory II was used. Results The inventory showed that mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms...

Aesthetic plastic surgery is a branch of medicine using surgical techniques to alter the appearance of patients. In this paper it is considered whether aesthetic plastic surgery should be viewed as an art form. The question is answered by trying to see how aesthetic plastic surgery fits a number of classical concepts in philosophical aesthetics, concepts such as “artist” and “work of art”. Furt...

Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard of evidence-based medicine. In the field of plastic surgery, designing these studies is much more challenging than in pharmaceutical medicine. Randomized trials in plastic surgery encompass several road blocks including problems shared with other surgical trials: equipoise, high cost, placebo issues and learning curves following the establishme...

Introduction: Ensuring maximum patient safety as well as a complete surgical experience is of utmost importance in training for plastic surgery. As plastic surgical training relies on resident participation in various procedures, we must guarantee adequate hands-on operative time while maintaining the best possible outcomes for the patient. The effect of resident involvement on the outcomes of ...

Studies have shown a link between living on a farm, exposure to microbial components (e.g., endotoxins or beta-d-glucans), and a lower risk for allergic diseases and asthma. Due to the lack of validated sampling methods, studies of asthma and atopy have not relied on exposure assessment based on culture techniques. Our objective was therefore to compare several dust sampling methods for the det...

The binary mixture tablets of papain and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCP), carrageenan, tragacanth, and agar were prepared by direct compression. Carrageenan, tragacanth, and agar provided maximum protection to enzyme activity compared to MCC and DCP. However, stability studies indicated highest loss of enzyme activity with carrageenan, tragacanth, and agar....

3. Main sources and movement pathways for plastic in the marine environment. 6 4. Proportion of post-consumer waste in EU-27, Norway and Switzerland according to function, 2008. 7 5. Composition and numbers of marine litter items found on beaches within OSPAR network. 8 6. Changes in composition of marine items found on beaches within OSPAR network 9 7. Algalita Research Centre monitoring 10 8....

BACKGROUND Many international volunteer groups provide free reconstructive plastic surgery for the poor and underserved in developing countries. An essential issue in providing this care is that it meets consistent guidelines for both quality and safety-a topic that has been addressed previously. An equally important consideration is how to provide that care in an ethical manner. No literature ...