bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of breast cancer during hormone replacement therapy: mechanisms
Authors: Mueck Alfred O. , Seeger Harald , Shapiro Samuel 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Regarding estrogen replacement therapy, two main mechanisms have to be considered for it to be discussed as a potential carcinogen in the breast, and also considering the World Health Organization definition of estrogens and estrogen/progestogen combinations as “carcinogenic”: (i) the proliferative/apoptotic effects on already pre-existing estrogen-sensitive cancer cells and (ii) the production of possible genotoxic estrogen metabolites. By addition of the progestogen component, as is usual in non-hysterectomized women, both mechanisms can lead to an increased risk compared to estrogenonly therapy. The detailed mechanisms underlying the development of the benign breast epithelial cell into clinically relevant breast cancer cells are very complicated. Based on these mechanisms, the following simplified summary of the main steps explains that: (i) an increased risk cannot be excluded, (ii) especially when estrogens are combined with progestogens, but (iii) there are differences between the preparations used in therapy; (iv) the risk seems to be very rare, needing very special cellular and extracellular conditions, (v) and could even be decreased in special situations of estrogen therapy. It is concluded that when critically reviewed, an increased risk of breast cancer during hormone replacement therapy cannot be excluded in very rare cases. Definitive mechanistic evidence for a possible causal relationship with carcinogenesis still remains open.
Generating diversity in glucocorticoid receptor signaling: mechanisms, receptor isoforms, and post-translational modifications
Authors: Duma Danielle , Cidlowski John A. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Glucocorticoids are necessary for life after birth and regulate numerous homeostatic functions in man, including glucose homeostasis, protein catabolism, skeletal growth, respiratory function, inflammation, development, behavior, and apoptosis. In a clinical setting, they are widely used as anti-inflammatory agents to control both acute and chronic inflammation. Unfortunately, owing to their broad range of physiological actions, patients treated with glucocorticoids for long periods of time experience a variety of serious side effects, including metabolic syndrome, bone loss, and psychiatric disorders including depression, mania, and psychosis. Our understanding of how one hormone or drug regulates all of these diverse processes is limited. Recent studies have shown that multiple glucocorticoid receptor isoforms are produced from one gene via combinations of alternative mRNA splicing and alternative translation initiation. These isoforms possess unique tissue distribution patterns and transcriptional regulatory profiles. Owing to variation in the N-terminal and C-terminal length of glucocorticoid receptor isoforms, different post-translational modifications including ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and sumoylation are predicted, contributing to the complexity of glucocorticoid signaling. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that unique glucocorticoid receptor isoform compositions within cells could determine the cell-specific response to glucocorticoids. In this review, we will outline the recent advances made in the characterization of the transcriptional activity and the selective regulation of apoptosis by the various glucocorticoid receptor isoforms.
Circulating steroid hormones in prostate carcinogenesis. Part 1 – Androgens
Authors: Fiet Jean , Giton Frank 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
The aim of this review is to identify circulating steroids associated with prostate cancer (PCa) in bibliographic reports. First, we summarize chronological reports comparing circulating steroid levels in men with a high risk of PCa, such as African-Americans (AAs), with men having a lower risk. Higher testosterone plasma levels in young AA men have been reported. However, the difference between AAs and Caucasians decreases with age. When measured, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was found to be higher in AAs; however, these results must be taken with caution, as immunological assay of this steroid is difficult. Second, we summarize chronological reports concerning circulating steroids assayed in blood samples drawn several years before a diagnosis of PCa was made, compared to controls. These nested case-control studies did not lead to straightforward conclusions regarding an increase in circulating testosterone. However, large collaborative studies showed a trend of a decrease in plasma sex hormone binding globulin, consequently an increase in bioavailable plasma testosterone in PCa. These nested case-control studies failed to associate plasma DHT levels with PCa risk. Third, we summarize numerous chronological publications relating plasma concentrations, measured at the time of PCa diagnosis. Numerous results showed a decrease in plasma testosterone levels in aggressive PCa (high Gleason score, advanced stage with positive surgical margins). Testosterone levels returned to normal several months after prostatectomy. All plasma hormone assay levels were always carried out using immunological methods. We recommend replacing this methodology by mass spectrometry coupled with gas chromatography or liquid chromatography in these epidemiologic studies.
Upregulation of AIB1, aromatase and ERα provides long-term estrogen-deprived human breast cancer cells with a mechanistic growth advantage for survival
Authors: Tilghman Syreeta L. , Sabnis Gauri , Brodie Angela M.H. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
To investigate the mechanisms by which breast cancer cells adapt and are able to grow during estrogen deprivation, human estrogen receptor-α (ERα)-positive breast cancer cells stably transfected with the aromatase gene (MCF-7Ca) were cultured in steroid-depleted medium for 6–8 months until they started proliferating. Compared with the parental MCF-7Ca cells, long-term estrogen-deprived UMB-1Ca cells exhibited increased aromatase activity (2000%), AIB1 expression (3500%) and ERα expression (100%). When MCF-7Ca cells were isolated from tumors of mice treated for 12 months with an aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, ERα was reduced (50%) whereas AIB1 levels were increased (>1000%), suggesting that the mechanism of estrogen deprivation might predetermine the signaling pathway utilized. To a lesser extent long-term estrogen-deprived MCF-7 cells (LTED) displayed an increase in AIB1, ERα and aromatase activity. Consistent with other findings, the growth of the LTED cells was inhibited by estradiol and antiestrogens, whereas the UMB-1Ca cells were slightly stimulated by estradiol and inhibited by antiestrogens and letrozole. In LTED cells treated with estradiol, levels of AIB1 and ERα (95%) were reduced. Interestingly, estradiol treatment caused no change in AIB1 and ERα expression in the UMB-1Ca cells which might explain the differential growth effect of the cells to estradiol. Together, these results demonstrate that estrogen deprivation results in the upregulation of the estrogen signaling pathway at the level of AIB1, ERα and aromatase, which might attenuate ER-mediated transcription representing one mechanism by which tumors adapt to proliferation in a low estrogenic environment.
CdTe Solar Cells at CEA / LETI
Authors: Bernardi Sergio , Renet Sébastien , Million Alain 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe present communication will present the results obtained at CEA/LETI in Grenoble, France, in the frame of an experimental work finalized to directly test the criticalities and chances of this technology row. By means of Closed Space Sublimation (CSS) and Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) processes, appropriate annealing treatments and specific CdTe-contacting procedures, we reached the state-of-art of this technology with about 15% conversion efficiency under standard illumination conditions in “superstrate” cells configuration both for structures deposited on 3 mm thick low-iron containing sodalime glass (SLG) and Borosilicate glass (BSG).
Tunneling MOSFETs Based on III-V Staggered Heterojunctions
Authors: Asbeck Peter , Wang Lingquan , Gu Siyuan , Taur Yuan , Yu Edward 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA critical problem for the progression of CMOS electronics to the nanoscale is the reduction of power density, while at the same time preserving high speed performance. One of the most promising approaches is to aggressively reduce the power supply voltage by using a novel device, the tunneling MOSFET (TMOSFET), which is a MOSFET that operates by tunnel-injection of carriers from source to channel, rather than by conventional thermionic emission. TMOSFETs benefit from steep (sub-60mV/dec) gate turn-on characteristics. In this paper we show that TMOSFET designs based on staggered heterojunctions are particularly promising, since the choice of materials for the injector (source) and channel allows optimization of the tunneling probability at the heterojunction. Analysis and simulation of MOSFETs based on the GaAlSb / InGaAs material system are presented. The energy offset between the valence band of the injector and the conduction band of the channel at the heterojunction can be tailored over a wide range, from negative values (“offset” band lineup) to values in excess of 1eV. We find by simulation that for optimal values of effective heterojunction bandgap near 0.2eV, the resulting MOSFETs are capable of delivering >0.5mA/mm while maintaining on-off ratio greater than four orders of magnitude over voltage swing of 0.3V. We also discuss a variety of materials-related challenges that must be overcome to realize the predicted performance. Among these are the need to provide near ideal heterojunctions between the materials, employ high K dielectrics with very low interface state density, and achieve good alignment between the gate and the heterojunction. Different configurations for the tunneling MOSFETs are presented.
Profiling Different Kinds of Generated Defects at Elevated Temperature in Both SiO2 and High-k Dielectrics
Authors: Sahhaf Sahar , Degraeve Robin , Zahid Mohammed , Groeseneken Guido 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn this work, the effect of elevated temperature on the generated defects with constant voltage stress (CVS) in SiO2 and SiO2/HfSiO stacks is investigated. Applying Trap Spectroscopy by Charge Injection and Sensing (TSCIS) to 6.5 nm SiO2 layers, different kinds of generated traps are profiled at low and high temperature. Also the Stress-Induced Leakage Current (SILC) spectrum of high-k dielectric stack is different at elevated temperature indicating that degradation and breakdown at high temperature is not equivalent to that at low temperature and therefore, extrapolation of data from high to low T or vice versa is challenging.
Interface Study of SiO2/ HfO2/SiO2 Stacks Used as InterPoly Dielectric for Future Generations of Embedded Flash Memories
Authors: Guiraud Alexandre , Breil Nicolas , Gros-Jean Mickaël , Deleruyelle Damien , Micolau Gilles , Muller Christophe , Cherault Nathalie , Morin Pierre 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe have investigated the integration of Hf-based material as Inter Poly Dielectric in flash memories devices. Electrical measurements showed the good properties of SiO2/HfO2/SiO2 stacks. We then interested to the impact of the thermal budget on this specific stack which induces changes in the electrical properties. XPS measurements suggests those changes are due to the presence of an Hf-silicate layer at the SiO2/HfO2 interface.
Gas Transport and Response in Porous Silicon Sensors
Authors: Ozdemir Serdar , Gole James L 
Published: September 2010

AbstractNanopore covered microporous silicon conductometric gas sensors have been produced via electrochemical etching and standard microfabrication techniques. Reversible and sensitive gas sensors working at room temperature have been fabricated. Sensing of NH3, NOx and PH3 at or below the ppm level have been achieved. The porous silicon (PS) surface has been modified using selective coatings including electroless tin, gold, nickel and copper solutions to increase the response to NOx, NH3, and PH3 respectively. The diffusion of the analyte species has been investigated in the nanopore and micropore regimes by numerical analysis. Comparing the response time of the hybrid porous sensor surface with numerical diffusion calculations on the pores, it has been observed that Knudsen diffusion time scales dominate the sensor response. A transduction model is proposed based on nanopore limited gas diffusion and the experimental response and recovery data.
Multispectral Refractive Index Sensing Using Surface Plasmon Resonance on Gold Nanoslits
Authors: Chung Pei-Yu , Lee Kuang-Li , Schultz Gregory , Wei Pei-Kuen , Batich Christopher 
Published: September 2010

AbstractSurface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors are widely used in sensitive chemical, biological and environmental sensing. Recently, the studies of nano-plasmonics in metallic structures have shown that surface plasmons can also be excited by the metallic nanostructures films which can be used for high-throughput and chip-based SPR type sensing. We developed a class of plasmonic crystal-like structures consisting of a film with arrays of periodic nanoslit geometry. Because the engineered array ensures multiple resonance modes, we use the multispectral analysis to evaluate the refractive index sensing capability. Different from the common method monitoring a single peak shift, the multispectral analysis, observing all the peak shifts and intensity changes in the multiple plasmonic resonances in the spectra, can improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the system and enhance the sensing capabilities. In this investigation, we studied the best condition for the gold nanoslit arrays by testing their ability for refractive index sensing, and a high sensitivity of up to 28586 %T nm/RIU was obtained by multispectral analysis (RIU = refreactive index unit, and T= transmission).
Functional Hybrid Glass that Generates Huge Acoustic Wave; Novel Nanostructure Patterns
Authors: Choi Kyung 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAlkylene-bridged hybrid glass doped with Cr/CrOx was developed by sol-gel polymerization. When laser beam goes through a solid media, density wave is linear since heat doesn't decay through the media effectively in solid media. Interestingly, we observed a strong ‘acoustic response' from alkylene-bridged hybrid glass doped with Cr/CrOx due to high grating effect, high photo acoustic diffraction efficiency. The acoustic response generated from the doped hybrid glass was as compressive as liquid thus the acoustic refractive intensity generated from the hybrid glass was as strong as liquid. In our laser experiment, the diffraction efficiency (45%) of the glass is higher than that of methanol (25%). The hybrid glass can be used to develop diffraction beam modulators.
Imaging and Characterization of Self-Assembled Soft Nanostructures
Authors: de Souza Elizabeth Fátima , Teschke Omar 
Published: September 2010

AbstractLong-ranged double layer interactions and specific tip penetration through the scanned layers should be considered when atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to probe soft samples such as surfactants or biological material within liquid media. Therefore, AFM imaging of soft nanostructures requires a careful adjust of the applied force and the scanning velocity. A paramount advantage of this technique is that cells immersed in liquids can be imaged under physiological conditions. On the other hand, confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) allows the real-time monitoring and chemical characterization of compounds also in a noncontact manner. The three-dimensional distribution of substances can be recorded by CRM with high spatial resolution by scanning a tightly focused laser beam over the sample. By combining of these two techniques (AFM and CRM), it is possible to obtain relevant information on formation processes, characteristics and behavior of soft self-assembled nanostructures and of cells on hydrophilic or hydrophobic surfaces under physiological conditions.
Surface Spin-glass Freezing and Blocking in NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Nadeem Kashif , Krenn Heinz 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe prepared single-phase nickel ferrite nanoparticles separated by silicon dioxide using sol-gel method with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as a precursor for SiO2. The magnetic properties are investigated by using SQUID-magnetometry over a broad temperature range (4.2 – 350 K), magnetic field (2–70,000 Oe) and frequency (0.1 – 1000 Hz) range. The particle size is in the range 8 – 12 nm. Exchange bias and spin disorder appear at the core-shell interface due to broken bonds on the surface. Disorder and core-shell interaction induces spin-glass freezing which is manifested by a low temperature peak in the AC susceptibility well separated from magnetic blocking peak. This low temperature peak is assigned to spin-glass freezing. The proof of spin-glass freezing is managed by zero field cooled/field cooled (ZFC/FC), frequency and DC field dependence of AC susceptibility, low temperature hysteresis loop and time dependent thermoremanent magnetization at different temperatures. All the measurements stated above signify blocking/unblocking at higher temperatures and surface spin-glass freezing at low temperatures. The aim of our work is to contribute to a better understanding of “spin-frozen” magnetic ferrite nanoparticles at diameters 8 – 12 nm which could be important in future for stabilizing the magnetic state of “core-shell”-structured nanomagnets.
Effect of Substrate Type on the Electrical and Optical Properties of Cold-sputtered Indium Tin Oxide Films as a function of Post-deposition Heat Treatment
Authors: Joshi Salil , Book Gregory W. , Gerhardt Rosario A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIndium Tin Oxide (ITO) films were deposited by RF sputtering onto glass and quartz substrates with no external heating. An ITO target containing 10 wt% SnO2 was used for the deposition in a Kurt Lesker PVD75 system, in an atmosphere of 50% O2 + 50% Ar. Post-deposition heat treatments were done on these coatings at 150°C, 300°C and 450°C in an atmosphere of commercial air or argon. The effects of these heat treatments on the microstructure and the properties of the films were evaluated using atomic force microscopy, resistivity measurements, and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The heat treatments were observed to significantly affect the properties such as transmittance in the visible region, optical band gap and the electrical resistivity of the films. The main differences are caused by the differences in thermal expansion coefficient of the substrates as compared to the sputtered ITO films.
MBE Growth of IV-VI Nanowires on a Self-organized Template
Authors: Elizondo Lee Andrew , McCann Patrick , Keay Joel , Johnson Matthew 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe present the experimental results for the first known molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth of quasi-one-dimensional PbSe wires on technologically relevant silicon.In this work, we describe the growth and characterization of low-dimensional IV-VI semiconductors as they evolve from one-dimensional dot/dot-chains to one-dimensional structures on a self-organized template epitaxially grown on Si(110). In situ and ex situ characterization were performed at various stages throughout growth by reflection high energy electron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and non-contact atomic force microscopy. Initial growths resulted in some preferential alignment of the PbSe dot-chains parallel to the self-organized template in the [-110] direction. By reducing the substrate temperature and increasing the supplemental Se flux, the morphology of dot-chains extend into lengthened one-dimensional structures. This is an important milestone in the fabrication of PbSe quantum wires on technologically relevant silicon.
New Conducting and Semiconducting Polymers for Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Sapp Shawn , Luebben Silvia 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn the emerging field of low-cost printed electronics there is a lack of solvent processable conducting and semiconducting materials with highly tuned and known electronic properties. Currently the best performing conductors and semiconductors are not sufficient to produce truly printable, cost competitive organic photovoltaics (OPVs). TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) has been investigating a new class of solvent processable intrinsically conducting polymers for use as charge transport and transparent conducting layers in organic electronic devices. We have also begun the manufacture of electron-deficient semiconducting polymers that may prove to be excellent acceptors in bulk hetero-junction OPVs. This paper presents a summary of the materials characterization conducted on TDA's new electronic materials and how these may address several of the pressing issues preventing the realization of low-cost, printed solar cells and flexible electronics devices.
Le réseau de services intégrés aux aînés des Bois-Francs : un changement des pratiques cliniques et de gestion
Authors: Tourigny André , Bonin Lucie , Paradis Michèle , Lemay Anne , Bussière Any , Durand Pierre Jacob 
Published: September 2010

Plusieurs lacunes reliées entre autres à la coordination des services aux aînés ont été identifiées au Québec. Pour tenter de les corriger, un réseau de services intégrés aux aînés des Bois-Francs, région située à environ cent kilomètres au sud-ouest de la ville de Québec, a été mis en place en 1997. Il a nécessité l’introduction de nouveaux modes de fonctionnement et de gestion dont trois niveaux de concertation, la présence d’une nouvelle catégorie d’intervenants, des gestionnaires de cas et le recours à de nouveaux outils cliniques pour évaluer et suivre la situation de l’aîné. Il combine une porte d’entrée unique, la gestion de cas et le plan de services individualisé. Il a aussi entraîné le développement d’un dossier clinique informatisé partageable. Ce réseau couvre tout le
continuum de soins et de services, soit de la prévention jusqu’aux soins en fin de vie. Il a été mis en place sans l’apport initial de ressources humaines ou financières supplémentaires et sans changement majeur aux structures actuelles. Les résultats des évaluations révèlent que cette expérience de fonctionnement en réseau de services intégrés s’est avérée un succès.
Les variations intra-européennes d’organisation des soins obstétricaux et néonatals
Authors: Papiernik Émile , Zeitlin Jennifer , Di Renzo Gian-Carlo ,   Groupe Europet
Published: September 2010

En Europe, l’expérience de la grossesse et de l’accouchement varie fortement d’un pays à l’autre quant au nombre de consultations prénatales, au personnel médical responsable pour le suivi de la grossesse et de l’accouchement, aux caractéristiques des maternités et à la prise en charge du postpartum.
À partir d’études européennes, nous décrivons les politiques de prise en charge prénatale, l’offre du personnel médical et les caractéristiques structurelles des maternités et unités néonatales. Nous engageons une réflexion sur les enjeux, pour la santé des femmes et des nouveau-nés, des différentes approches organisationnelles. Si les études existantes suggèrent que différents modèles d’organisation peuvent aboutir à des résultats comparables, tous les systèmes pourraient bénéficier d’une meilleure connaissance de l’impact des facteurs organisationnels sur la santé en période périnatale.