It is first shown that certain characteristics of resistance versus strain curves are representative for the fracture behavior of the SiN film and not for that of the thin conducting oxide film. Subsequently, it is shown that the hysteresis in curves of resistance as a function of strain offers a way to directly measure the intrinsic critical strain of the SiN film without the need to determine internal strains from independent (curvature) measurements that rely on knowledge of moduli and geometry. The method should be applicable, in general, to measure intrinsic critical strain and residual strains

of thin brittle films on polymers. Advantages and limitations of the method are discussed. (C) 2011 American selleck chemicals llc www.selleckchem.com/products/gdc-0994.html Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3624582]“
“Background

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has become a routine diagnostic method to assess lesions of the thyroid gland and is generally considered to be a relatively safe, reliable and cost effective means of examining thyroid nodules with a high risk for malignancy. However, FNAC of the thyroid

also has the potential to cause hemorrhage, infection or trauma to adjacent structures.

Case

We present a case of an anterior neck, hematoma with sufficient mass to cause tracheal compression.

Conclusion

Although FNAC is generally regarded as a safe procedure for diagnosis of thyroid nodules, there can he associated complications, including hemorrhage, trauma to adjacent structures,

injection, buy Staurosporine inflammatory reactions and histologic change. Clinicians should be aware of the complications associated with this technique and perform the procedure carefully and gently. (Acta Cytol 2009;53:86-88)”
“To determine the accuracy of multi-detector CT (MDCT) compared with the surgical findings, such as peritoneal seeding and metastatic lymph nodes, in ovarian cancer patients.

Fifty-seven FIGO stage IA-IV ovarian cancer patients, who underwent MDCT before primary surgery, were included in this study. Two radiologists evaluated the following imaging findings in consensus: the presence of nodular, plaque-like or infiltrative soft-tissue lesions in peritoneal fat or on the serosal surface; presence of ascites; parietal peritoneal thickening or enhancement; and small bowel wall thickening or distortion. We also evaluated the presence of lymph node metastases. To allow region-specific comparisons, the peritoneal cavity was divided into 13 regions and retroperitoneal lymph nodes were divided into 3 regions. Descriptive statistical data were thus obtained.

The MDCT sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values were 45, 72, 46, and 72%, respectively, for detecting peritoneal seeding and 21, 90, 52, and 69%, respectively, for detecting lymph node metastasis.