1,101 research outputs found
Characterization of the Noise in Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry Depth Profiles
The noise in the depth profiles of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is
studied using different samples under various experimental conditions. Despite
the noise contributions from various parts of the dynamic SIMS process, its
overall character agrees very well with the Poissonian rather than the Gaussian
distribution in all circumstances. The Poissonian relation between the measured
mean-square error (MSE) and mean can be used to describe our data in the range
of four orders. The departure from this relation at high counts is analyzed and
found to be due to the saturation of the channeltron used. Once saturated, the
detector was found to exhibit hysteresis between rising and falling input flux
and output counts.Comment: 14 pages, 4 postscript figures, to appear on J. Appl. Phy
Updated recommendations for HER2 testing in the UK
This paper serves to update previously published guidance on rationale and methodology for HER2 laboratory testing following the recommendation for the use of HER2 targeted treatment in the management of advanced breast cancer in the UK. Emphasis is placed on the standardisation of methodology and assessment and strategies to achieve high quality performance. A two phase testing algorithm based on first line immunocytochemistry evaluation and second line fluorescence in situ hybridisation assessment of borderline cases is recommended. To ensure maintenance of expertise, an annual caseload volume of at least 250 cases is recommended for laboratories providing a testing service
Recommendations for HER2 testing in the UK
Determining the HER2 status of breast carcinomas is a prerequisite for the use of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin(R)), which has recently been licensed for the treatment of metastatic disease. This necessitates a test based on archival material. The preferred analyses are immunohistochemistry with fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) as a follow up test for ambiguous results. Guidelines have been developed for standardised, well controlled procedures for the provision of reliable results. A group of three reference laboratories has been established to provide advice, quality assurance, and materials, where needed
Dopant Spatial Distributions: Sample Independent Response Function And Maximum Entropy Reconstruction
We demonstrate the use of maximum entropy based deconvolution to reconstruct
boron spatial distribution from the secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)
depth profiles on a system of variously spaced boron -layers grown in
silicon. Sample independent response functions are obtained using a new method
which reduces the danger of incorporating real sample behaviour in the
response. Although the original profiles of different primary ion energies
appear quite differently, the reconstructed distributions agree well with each
other. The depth resolution in the reconstructed data is increased
significantly and segregation of boron at the near surface side of the
-layers is clearly shown.Comment: 5 two-columne pages, 3 postscript figures, to appear in Phys. Rev.
B1
Evaluation of applying IHC4 as a prognostic model in the translational study of Intergroup Exemestane Study (IES): PathIES
Background: Intergroup Exemestane Study (IES) was a randomised study that showed a survival benefit of switching adjuvant endocrine therapy after 2–3 years from tamoxifen to exemestane. This PathIES aimed to assess the role of immunohistochemical (IHC)4 score in determining the relative sensitivity to either tamoxifen or sequential treatment with tamoxifen and exemestane. Patients and methods: Primary tumour samples were available for 1274 patients (27% of IES population). Only patients for whom the IHC4 score could be calculated (based on oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER2 and Ki67) were included in this analysis (N = 430 patients). The clinical score (C) was based on age, grade, tumour size and nodal status. The association of clinicopathological parameters, IHC4(+C) scores and treatment effect with time to distant recurrence-free survival (TTDR) was assessed in univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses. A modified clinical score (PathIEscore) (N = 350) was also estimated. Results: Our results confirm the prognostic importance of the original IHC4, alone and in conjunction with clinical scores, but no significant difference with treatment effects was observed. The combined IHC4 + Clinical PathIES score was prognostic for TTDR (P < 0.001) with a hazard ratio (HR) of 5.54 (95% CI 1.29–23.70) for a change from 1st quartile (Q1) to Q1–Q3 and HR of 15.54 (95% CI 3.70–65.24) for a change from Q1 to Q4. Conclusion: In the PathIES population, the IHC4 score is useful in predicting long-term relapse in patients who remain disease-free after 2–3 years. This is a first trial to suggest the extending use of IHC4+C score for prognostic indication for patients who have switched endocrine therapies at 2–3 years and who remain disease-free after 2–3 years
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