Numerical analysis of the effect of bubble distribution on multiple-bubble behavior.

Understanding multiple-bubble behavior in a megasonic field is essential for efficient megasonic nanodevice cleaning without pattern damage. In this study, we numerically studied the effects of equilibrium radius and initial void fraction on multiple-bubble behavior and induced pressure. We analyzed the nonspherical collapse, coalescence, and breakup of bubbles in a megasonic field using a compressible, locally homogeneous model of a gas-liquid two-phase medium.

Computational study of the dynamics of two interacting bubbles in a megasonic field.

Clarification of the mechanism of particle removal by megasonic cleaning and control of cavitation bubbles in the megasonic field are essential for cleaning of nanodevices without pattern damage. Multiple bubble interactions complicate the mechanism of particle removal. Therefore, it is important to understand multiple bubble dynamics to clarify the mechanism of particle removal by megasonic cleaning.

Comparison of the aPTT with alternative tests for monitoring direct thrombin inhibitors in patient samples.

Objectives: The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test has been used for years to monitor parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) and unfractionated heparin. Because the aPTT correlates poorly with unfractionated heparin levels, we hypothesized that the aPTT may not be the best test for monitoring parenteral DTIs.

Methods: Using 235 excess plasma specimens from 82 adult patients receiving treatment with DTIs (argatroban, bivalirudin, or dabigatran), we compared the aPTT with the ecarin chromogenic assay (ECA), the dilute thrombin time (dTT) test, and the prothrombinase-induced clotting time (PiCT) test.

Clonality of the parathyroid nodules with uremic parathyroid hyperplasia.

Clonal assessment suggests that most parathyroid adenomas and a subset of uremic parathyroid hyperplasia are monoclonal. A weakness that remains in the prior clonal studies is assessing the clonal status of the tissue fragments containing multiple nodules rather than a single nodule emerging in the uremic parathyroid hyperplasia. We applied the X chromosome-linked phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) gene inactivation assay method for clonality to study individual nodules.

Unusual thyroid scintigrams in Plummer's disease during methimazole therapy. Conversion of hot to hypofunctional nodules.

Thyroid scintigrams of two women (aged 48 and 58) with Plummer's disease showed unusual radioiodine accumulation during treatment with methimazole (MMI). Before MMI therapy, the scintigrams revealed most of the radioiodine uptake only in the nodules of the patients and very little uptake in the non-nodular portions of the thyroid. After initiation of MMI therapy, scintigrams performed at three and eight months revealed that the hot nodules had become hypofunctional and that the surrounding tissues had normal radioiodine accumulation.