The development and application of high-speed digital switching trees for regular arithmetic arrays.

This work represents the author\u27s contributions to a joint effort into the development of switching tree architectures. The work concentrates on concepts of CMOS design and lay-out stressing the optimization of parasitic and interconnect capacitance to increase circuit performance. Practical design techniques are discussed with regards to constructing pad frames and power distribution networks. These concepts are then applied to a set of three cells which trace the development of the switching tree cell. The clocking schemes, ROM architectures and general structure of each cell are discussed in detail. Finally, a set of standard cells is constructed using the switching tree structure, in 3$\mu$ CMOS technology. SPICE simulations indicate that cells performing 3-bit binary addition in one clock cycle are capable of functioning at clock speeds of up to 50 Mhz. Test results confirm the functionality of the cells up to the maximum speed of the Input/Output (I/O)pads, which is approximately 40 Mhz. Due to current I/O pad speed limitations, a set of ECL Compatible I/O pads is developed for use as part of the standard cell library. Simulation results indicate that the pads are capable of operating at speeds above 100 Mhz. Test results confirm the pads operation up to 65 Mhz, which is the maximum speed available from the test equipment. Based on the test results, it is estimated that the maximum speed of the 3$\mu$ ECL Compatible I/O pads is approximately 80 Mhz.Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1991 .D456. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 31-01, page: 0388. Thesis (M.A.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1991

Biology, staging, and treatment of breast cancer during pregnancy: reassessing the evidences

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies during pregnancy. Here, we review the management of women with breast cancer during pregnancy (BCP), focusing on biology, diagnosis and staging, local and systemic treatments, obstetric care and long-term follow-up of children with prenatal exposure to anticancer treatments

Breast cancer risk of hormonal contraception. Counselling considering new evidence

The possibility that the use of hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of breast cancer has been raised since many years. In the past this hypothesis has been dismissed on the basis that available data were generally derived from “old” studies in which relatively high hormone doses had been used. The recent publication of two studies that analysed data from women receiving low-dose hormonal contraception and showed a statistically significant increase in breast cancer contradicts this reassuring belief. The topic however is not settled, since different results were obtained in other studies and since hormonal contraception (HC) also has unquestionable positive effects such as a decrease in ovarian and in endometrial cancer. The aim of the present paper is to provide evidence that may help gynaecologists and oncologists in discussing with their patients the use of HC. Even if cancer phobia is a strong reason for not using or limiting HC, patients must be informed that notwithstanding the slightly increased breast cancer risk, the overall cancer risk may still be lower than non-users. Proper counselling may help the woman choose the most suitable contraception in the different phases of her life and on the basis of other conditions that may increase cancer risk such as overweight, smoking or family history

Mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced ovarian damage in breast cancer patients

Fertility preservation in breast cancer patients is an increasingly relevant topic. In the present paper we review available data on the mechanism of ovarian damage caused by anticancer agents currently used for the treatment of breast cancer. We also describe current methods to preserve fertility including oocytes or ovarian tissue freezing and administration of LH-RHa during chemotherapy. The aim of the paper is to provide clinical oncologists with an adequate knowledge of the subject to enable them to give a correct counselling to young women that must receive chemotherapy and want to increase their possibilities of maintaining fertility

Breast cancer during pregnancy

Viene descritta la gestione della paziente a cui viene diagnosticato un carcinoma della mammella in gravidanza, spiegando quali accertamenti diagnostici sono possibili, senza danno per la madre o per il feto e la terapia che può essere effettuata nelle diverse fasi della gravidanza

Coffee Decreases the Risk of Endometrial Cancer: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

Aim: The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis of the association between coffee consumption and risk of endometrial cancer. Methods: Eligible studies were identified by searching the PubMed and EMBASE databases. The dose–response relationship as well as the risk of endometrial cancer for the highest versus the lowest categories of coffee consumption were assessed. Subgroup analyses considering the menopausal and receptor statuses, the smoking status, and the BMI (Body Mass Index) were performed in order to identify potential confounders. Results: We identified a total of 12 studies eligible for meta-analysis. A dose–response meta-analysis showed a decreased risk of endometrial cancer. Moreover, a subgroup analysis indicated that coffee consumption is significantly associated with a decreased risk of postmenopausal cancer. Increasing coffee consumption by four cups per day was associated with a 20% reduction in endometrial cancer risk (relative risk (RR) 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 0.89) and with a 24% reduction in postmenopausal cancer risk (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.69 to 0.83). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that increased coffee consumption is associated with decreased risk of endometrial cancer, and this association is observed also for postmenopausal cancer

Uterine irradiation as a determinant of infertility and pregnancy losses in young cancer survivors

Several concerns exist regarding the impact of anticancer treatments on fertility and pregnancy outcome. The detrimental effects of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy on the ovaries are well reported in the available literature. Fewer data are focused on the importance of a functioning uterus to conceive and carry on a healthy pregnancy. The aim of this paper is to provide a narrative review of the current literature to assess the role of uterine irradiation as a potential determinant of infertility and poor obstetrical outcomes. This review addresses the need for multidisciplinary counselling in order to face the poor reproductive and obstetrical outcomes of women who had uterine radiation, according to the different backgrounds (radiotherapy during adulthood versus childhood; total body irradiation versus pituitary, spinal and/or abdominal-pelvic irradiation)

Special issues in fertility preservation for gynecologic malignancies

Gynecologic malignancies account for 1,09 million new cancer cases worldwide consisting of about 12% of tumors affecting female population. About 10% of all female cancer survivors are younger than 40 years of age. Since cancers affecting female genital organs are usually treated by radical surgery, chemotherapy or chemoradiation approaches that induce permanent damage of reproductive functions, the development of strategies for fertility preservation represent one of the most important goals for gynecologic oncology. In this scenario, the newly defined oncofertility discipline acquires increasing interest, offering patients maximal chances to make an adequate decision about future fertility, based on their oncologic diagnosis and prognosis. However, the majority of physicians do not pay particular attention to these issues, even if impressive progresses have been made in this field in the last decades. Possibly, it is due to the lack of strong evidences from clinical trials without an adequate number of cases to establish safety and efficacy of these procedures. In this review we will discuss the most recently debated options for fertility preservation in gynecologic oncology, highlighting issues and controversies related to oncofertility. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved