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Background Accurate classification of lung cancer subtypes has become critical in tailoring lung cancer treatment. Our study aimed to evaluate changes in diagnostic testing and pathologic subtyping of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc) over time at a major cancer centre. Methods In a review of patients diagnosed with advanced nsclc at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre between 2007-2009 and 2013-2015, diagnostic method, sample type and site, pathologic subtype, and use of immunohistochemistry (ihc) staining and molecular testing were abstracted. Results The review identified 238 patients in 2007-2009 and 283 patients in 2013-2015. Over time, the proportion of patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma increased to 73.1% from 60.9%, and diagnoses of nsclc not otherwise specified (nos) decreased to 6.4% from 18.9%, p < 0.0001. Use of diagnostic bronchoscopy decreased (26.9% vs. 18.4%), and mediastinal sampling procedures, including endobronchial ultrasonography, increased (9.2% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.0001). Use of ihc increased over time to 76.3% from 41.6% (p < 0.0001). Larger surgical or core biopsy samples and those for which ihc was performed were more likely to undergo biomarker testing (both p < 0.01). Conclusions Customizing treatment based on pathologic subtype and molecular genotype has become key in treating patients with advanced lung cancer. Greater accuracy of pathology diagnosis is being achieved, including through the routine use of ihc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes epitaxial relations between in situ superconducting YBa[sub2]Cu[sub3]O[sub7-x] thin films and BaTiO[sub3]/MgAl[sub2]O[sub4]/Sl substrates. Application of transmission electron microscopy in investigating the layers; Observations on the behavior of the substrates; Evaluation of the microstructure of the films and their superconducting properties.

Presents a study which examined the microstructure of yttrium barium[sub2]copper[sub3]oxygen[sub7-x] thin films grown on single-crystals strontium titanium trioxide. Methods; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Transmission electron microscopy and optical absorption were used to examine small clusters of the layered semiconductors, PbI2 and BiI3. In both systems, a layer of metal is sandwiched between two hexagonally closed-packed layers of iodine. We describe a simple solution preparation which gives rise to clusters corresponding to single layer sandwiches, roughly 7 Å thick, whose lateral dimensions vary from 12 to 90 Å depending on the solvent and the nature of the growing cluster interface. The cluster size distributions are markedly different for PbI2 and BiI3 reflecting the different structure in the metal planes of these systems. PbI2 cluster sizes are determined by hexagonal symmetry, with cluster growth achieved by placement of lead atoms symmetrically about a smaller cluster. In BiI3, whose metal plane has a honeycombed structure like graphite, clusters grow to be much larger with their sizes determined by the closure of six-membered rings. The optical absorption spectra of PbI2 and BiI3 can be quantitatively understood in terms of the measured cluster size distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that investigated the magnetic and magneto-optic properties of ultrathin epitaxial magnetic multilayers and the effect of incorporating nonmagnetic NiAl into the structure. Comparison with other epitaxial magnetic structures; Analysis of perpendicular magnetization, remnant magnetization and coercivity; Effect of systematically changing the thickness of the NiAl layer on magnetic properties.

Investigates the factors determining the interface quality in II-VI and III-V compound semiconductors such as zinc selenide and gallium arsenide (GaAs). Issue on polar heteroepitaxy between compound semiconductors; Polar heteroepitaxial configuration of GaAs surface; GaAs growth on zinc selenide.

Presents a study which examined high-quality molecular-beam epitaxial (MBE) regrowth of (Al[sub5]Ga)As on gallium arsenide (GaAs). Method used in high-quality MBE regrowth; Experiment on the regrowth of gallium arsenide surface; Summary of the surface reconstruction observed by reflection high-energy electron diffraction during the regrowth of GaAs.

Presents a study which examined the filamentary structure and transport in corrugated InGaAs/InP superlattices grown by vapor levitation epitaxy. Sample growth and morphology; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Discusses the preparation of superconducting thin films of y[sub1]-Ba[sub2]-Cu[sub3]-O[subx] with superconducting temperature and prepared by a laser deposition technique. Method used in film preparation; Effects of thermal stresses in the films; Composition of the film; Result of the x-ray powder diffraction of the films.

Presents information on a study which examined the structure of aluminum films deposited on niobium which are used to make Josephson junction devices. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion; Conclusions.

Presents a study which developed an Ohmic, superconducting contact to gallium arsenide based on AuGe covered with niobium annealed in reducing atmosphere. Results of the electrical measurements; Morphology of the contact; Use of the contacts.

Background Although molecular testing has become standard in managing advanced nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), most patients undergo minimally invasive procedures, and the diagnostic tumour specimens available for testing are usually limited. A knowledge translation initiative to educate diagnostic specialists about sampling techniques and laboratory processes was undertaken to improve the uptake and application of molecular testing in advanced lung cancer. Methods A multidisciplinary panel of physician experts including pathologists, respirologists, interventional thoracic radiologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists developed a specialty-specific education program, adapting international clinical guidelines to the local Ontario context. Expert recommendations from the program are reported here. Results Panel experts agreed that specialists procuring samples for lung cancer diagnosis should choose biopsy techniques that maximize tumour cellularity, and that conservation strategies to maximize tissue for molecular testing should be used in tissue processing. The timeliness of molecular reporting can be improved by pathologist-initiated reflex testing upon confirmation of nonsquamous NSCLC and by prompt transportation of specimens to designated molecular diagnostic centres. To coordinate timely molecular testing and optimal treatment, collaboration and communication between all clinicians involved in diagnosing patients with advanced lung cancer are mandatory. Conclusions Knowledge transfer to diagnostic lung cancer specialists could potentially improve molecular testing and treatment for advanced lung cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have used Raman scattering to explore finite size effects in the phase transition of 300 Å colloidal microcrystallites of CdS. By measuring the shifts in LO phonon frequencies as a function of pressure we conclude that these small microcrystallites undergo a well-defined first order phase transition similar to the one occurring in bulk CdS. However, the phase transformation in the colloids exhibits a smaller hysteresis, which we attribute to efficient annealing of defects in the high surface area colloidal material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]