43 research outputs found

    Microscopic processes during electron cyclotron resonance microwave nitrogen plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxial growth of GaN/GaAs heterostructures: Experiments and kinetic modeling

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    A set of delta-GaNyAs1–y/GaAs strained-layer superlattices grown on GaAs (001) substrates by electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) microwave plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) was characterized by ex situ high resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) to determine nitrogen content y in the nitrided GaAs monolayers as a function of growth temperature T. A first order kinetic model is introduced to quantitatively explain this y(T) dependence in terms of an energetically favorable N for As anion exchange and thermally activated N-surface desorption and surface segregation processes. The nitrogen surface segregation process, with an estimated activation energy Es ~ 0.9 eV appears to be significant during the GaAs overgrowth of GaNyAs1–y layers, and is shown to be responsible for strong y(T) dependence

    Intraoperative radiation therapy for early-stage breast cancer: a single-institution experience

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    Background: To assess outcomes and toxicity after low-energy intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) for early-stage breast cancer (ESBC).  Materials and methods: We reviewed patients with unilateral ESBC treated with breast-conserving surgery and 50-kV IORT at our institution. Patients were prescribed 20 Gy to the surface of the spherical applicator, fitted to the surgical cavity during surgery. Patients who did not meet institutional guidelines for IORT alone on final pathology were recommended adjuvant treatment, including additional surgery and/or external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT). We analyzed ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence, overall survival, recurrence-free survival and toxicity. Results: Among 201 patients (median follow-up, 5.1 years; median age, 67 years), 88% were Her2 negative and ER positive and/or PR positive, 98% had invasive ductal carcinoma, 87% had grade 1 or 2, and 95% had clinical T1 disease. Most had pathological stage T1 (93%) N0 (95%) disease. Mean IORT applicator dose at 1-cm depth was 6.3 Gy. Post-IORT treatment included additional surgery, 10%; EBRT, 11%; adjuvant chemotherapy, 9%; and adjuvant hormonal therapy, 74%. Median total EBRT dose was 42.4 (range, 40.05-63) Gy and median dose per fraction was 2.65 Gy. At 5 years, the cumulative incidence of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence was 2.7%, the overall survival rate was 95% with no breast cancer-related deaths, and the recurrence-free survival rate was 96%. For patients who were deemed unsuitable for postoperative IORT alone and did not receive recommended risk-adapted EBRT, the IBTR rate was 4.7% versus 1.7% (p = 0.23) for patients who were either suitable for IORT alone or unsuitable and received adjuvant EBRT. Cosmetic toxicity data was available for 83%, with 7% experiencing grade 3 breast toxicity and no grade 4–5 toxicity. Conclusions: IORT for select patients with ESBC results in acceptable outcomes in regard to ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence and toxicity
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